Listen to music,I like all sorts of music classical jazz punk goth ska blues metal rock n roll.Watch birds and wild animals or if it's too cold or wet a favourite Tv show

I allow the negative energy to flow from my finger tips into the ivory keys of my piano where it is sublimated into beautiful sounding creative energy. My piano is my safety valve. It's more efficacious than any drug out there.

Anyone else turn to playing an instrument or anything else creative?

Quote from: Tesla on November 01, 2012, 05:48:28 AM
I allow the negative energy to flow from my finger tips into the ivory keys of my piano where it is sublimated into beautiful sounding creative energy. My piano is my safety valve. It's more efficacious than any drug out there.

Anyone else turn to playing an instrument or anything else creative?

I used to play guitar alot. I have a set of drums too, and I used to love singing but I can't really do that any longer. I write lyrics still when inspiration hits, it's frustrating usually, as I don't often seem to be able to write happy songs. Musically I've not been inspired for many years now. The last son I wrote with music is what got me where I am today - eventually. Schools almost out for the year and I'm taking next year off due to the surgey. They wouldn't let me jut take a few months off because too much practical time would be lost, which makes sense. Maybe then I'll have more time to play my instruments.

Quote from: Jaime on November 01, 2012, 02:56:54 AM
lol, you have got a dirty mind.

Moi?

When life gets me down, I like to fall back on my friends and just talk.  We can talk about whatever the issues are, or be much less serious and just joke around.

I like to think I have thousands of friends here, who can understand the types of things that get to me, because we share a similar life experience.  It is comforting to have someone who will listen.  That is why I try to be a good listener as well.

Quote from: Laura Emily on November 01, 2012, 07:54:11 AM
I used to play guitar alot. I have a set of drums too, and I used to love singing but I can't really do that any longer. I write lyrics still when inspiration hits, it's frustrating usually, as I don't often seem to be able to write happy songs. Musically I've not been inspired for many years now. The last son I wrote with music is what got me where I am today - eventually. Schools almost out for the year and I'm taking next year off due to the surgey. They wouldn't let me jut take a few months off because too much practical time would be lost, which makes sense. Maybe then I'll have more time to play my instruments.

Can second the guitar playing, I need to get back in form, but something about playing/singing is a huge stress reliever.

I can barely manage to play and sing simultaneously and I don't often sing anymore because I'm not fond of my singing voice. When I used to be inspired enough to write, it really helped alot. Music for me (in the past anyways) has definitely been a good source of venting.

Making music is fantastic therapy. What better way to invest all those energies that can give pleasure to others. It allows a connection to be made in an abstract and emotional way between the player and listener that would be difficult otherwise. My greatest joy is if the listener can tell me that they feel emotionally touched, even exhausted, after playing a piece. Struggle is responsible for some of the most beautiful music in this world. Don't let the talent go to waste, go and touch some folk with music of your soul!

I've never been good at giving advice or even being sympathetic. But I do know heartbreak and depression. In my opinion the best way to cheer yourself up is:

1.) Play with the cat
2.) Eat some cheesecake (or whatever you want to eat)
3.) Buy some new pretty shoes.

Don't worry, I'll never be a therapist, these are just things that get me through the day.

Quote from: Lady Autumn on November 01, 2012, 10:29:31 AM
I've never been good at giving advice or even being sympathetic. But I do know heartbreak and depression. In my opinion the best way to cheer yourself up is:

1.) Play with the cat
2.) Eat some cheesecake (or whatever you want to eat)
3.) Buy some new pretty shoes.

Don't worry, I'll never be a therapist, these are just things that get me through the day.

My cat never leaves me alone when I'm home - I adore him to pieces.
Eating is something I'm trying to lessen these days...i just keep getting fatter. I've gained 10 lbs in the last couple weeks.
You can never have enough shoes! but until I'm working again...I haz no moonies lol

Quote from: Laura Emily on November 01, 2012, 10:53:01 AM
You can never have enough shoes! but until I'm working again...I haz no moonies lol

You can still dream of shoes. Plus they are so loyal! When you have money again you can buy more shoes!

Quote from: Laura91 on November 01, 2012, 11:09:33 AM
Music is cool but I would rather play experimental noise instead. Noise can be just as beautiful as music.

Yep. One person's experimental noise is often another person's avant garde music. 

Noise, noise, noise!

First Day:
#1 Find somebody to have a pity party
#2 Have a few drinks

Second day:
#3 take a few aspirin to dispel the hangover
#4 Get into a sexy outfit and go to a disco place (nothing beats the lascivious looks of the boys to uplift your spirit) 

Hanging out with positive friends always works for me.  Not totally, but being appreciated for who I am makes me realise I am not a failure, or a bad person.  Anti-depressants help as a crutch until other methods can take over, so don't dismiss the drugs outright. 

Do you have access to a psychologist?  Learning new coping strategies is always good. Dreams of losing loved ones sounds like fear of that post-op, but if they love you they will be happy for you.  Have you talked to the people involved lately?  Might be good to catch up.

Just do go popping off the twig so close to your surgery okay?

Karen.

Exercise! Our body and mind is so connected...when one does not feel right the other does not either. I started alot of hiking/walking and now feel super good! I think its about time to throw the med in the trash.

music... lots and lots of music...and animals. but when I can't  do either, when I'm really stressed out or just feeling down, I have a habit of reading text books...mostly science...It distracts me from whatever is on my mind, plus, I get to learn something new.