Quote:
Originally Posted by ChickenNoodleSoup
If it was a particularly tough session, I tend to grab something I like. Usually either something sweet (with lots of chocolate), a coffee (my T smells like coffee a lot and it reminds me of him) or if I'm not doing well a beer, which is probably never a good idea.
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I've been thinking about behavioral reactions to emotional events and wondering how far the concept of self harm stretches. We tend to think of it as specific and deliberate pain/injuries caused to the body, but I also think emotional eating or drinking can be self harm if it is overused for putting a lid on uncomfortable feelings. Sometimes this is necessary and useful and helpful "containment," where there is a difference between a temporary boxing up and a permanent ignoring of difficult feelings and thoughts. Sometimes it is comforting, and certainly a cup of coffee won't ruin a lifetime of good sleeping, nor will a box of cookies give you diabetes , nor will a beer ruin your good health. I also think things that do not directly impact the body can also be self harm, like drunk texting your ex and leaving a VM that you want them back, or reaching out to a friend who freaks out when you are struggling, and you always end up feeling worse afterwards. For me, I can't imagine living a life where every minute is spent doing things that are only good for me and my body, mind, spirit. I sometimes enjoy things that are harmful to me, and I sometimes think the key is to avoid having a big sense of guilt about it, and just accept it.