How can I deal with stress and emotional problems without escapism?

Question

I frequently find myself so 'down' that I have to spend lots of hours listening to music, writing, eating, feeling hungry, etc to get better.

How can I deal with my problems in a more productive way? This is really killing me :(

Answer 1

A more productive way that I can think of is therapy. Talking to someone and getting tools from that person can help a lot in dealing with what you are feeling.

Answer 2

Hi Trippy. Be more positive, you was surprised by the previous results you got which you wasn't expecting and maybe the same will happen again, even though you haven't done the preparation you should have. It is all about studying rather than lack of concentration. Video games require just as much attention but they are fun and revision is all a bit of a chore. What you should have considered doing, is revising for a period say, two hours and then taking a break - but not with video games more relaxation, for 45 minutes and then back to revision for another two hours. Constant breaks really do work, even if you just walk around or just relax but nothing that particularly demanding. Also studying with a friend, even if you are doing different subjects, it's just the discipline of having someone else around you doing the same thing. It is really unfortunate that good grades in A levels which are desperately important if you are to stand out from the crowd, to require a lot of effort. But you will know that the effort required is probably one of the best investments you will ever make. Take care.

Answer 3

Sounds like you are explaining things that make a day more fun. People "escape" work by going on vacation, but I really wouldn't call this escapism, just a break. I would view "escapism" more as a way to avoid things that impose a negative outcome on your psyche, or personal well- being-and this "escapism" might be considered a good thing-unless you are a glutton for abuse. There are many ways to alleviate stress, and it seems you have found some that you like. If you feel that you have some emotional problems that are not related to situational issues in your life, it may be a chemical thing, and find a good doctor who may help you with such.

Answer 4

When I find myself in this same situation I get a piece of paper and write down "why" I am down. I try to link it to a certain instance or a major event in my life. I always figure that there has to be a reason why I am so down. When I medicate with "escapism," as you call it, it is only a temporary solution. You can deal with your problems in a more productive way if you can identify WHY you are having those problems in the first place. Maybe you will realize you need to re-evaluate your outlook on life. This may sound easier than it really is... if so, sorry!

Answer 5

It sounds like you are dealing with your problems in a better way than many. You did not list drugs, heavy drinking and violent behavior among your escapist enjoyments. There are many who do. I would say that, in order to make these escapist entertainments more productive, you should perhaps cultivate one or two of them seriously, and become an amateur in them. If you listen to a lot of music, go online and start submitting reviews; if you write a lot, start organizing your writing and submit stories or poems to journals and magazines. Eating must, of course mean you either have to cook or buy your food. Cultivate a gourmet habit, and learn to make exquisite examples of your favorites. I think Escapism has gotten a bad rap, and I find nothing wrong with it unless it interferes with your necessary life duties. Hope this helps! Cheers!

P.S. I noticed a lot of people giving the suggestion to write down why you are down, in order to purge the depression or understand it. While that may work for some, I find it just makes me focus on negative things. There is more wisdom in the saying, "Just do it," than anyone gives it credit for. Do things, get out and shape your life as you would have it shaped; incorporate your hobbies instead of purging them and just be sure to balance them with your life's requirements. Some people end up chucking their so-called "day jobs" if they manage to cultivate a hobby into a lucrative way of life. Don't chase that dream to distraction, but don't let the necessities of life and frustrations crowd out your enjoyments, either.

Answer 6

There are lots of ways to deal with them.

but theres probably one or two thats more appropriate for your personality or type of problem.

if youre in early adulthood years: you might try working on writing your feelings down and reflecting on situations, talking to a really good friend about what else you could do to make things better, or simply make a decision on what to do rather than being afraid of doing things.

Any attempt at trying to solve problems is better than stalling around waiting for them to go away or worse..trying to escape.

Feel free to message me so I might be able to give some insight and share some of my own experiences as a person.

Answer 7

Do you have someone that you trust speaking to that wont judge you nor minimize your feelings or thoughts? You have to take root of the 'problem' itself and begin analyzing it for what it is and begin seeking the proper help for "IT". For instance, if your problem is loneliness, why are you lonely? If you were with people, would that stop you from being lonely? What happens when you are around other people, do you feel comfortable? There are so many elements to your "problem" itself, we need to find out what it is first before you can throw out help for it. Please, if you want to talk, you can definitely email me, I'm a good listener, or in this case, reader. smile

Answer 8

Find something creative and productive to fill in your time, you will not find time to feel down.
Meditate. Consider what are things that you can do or make. Plan your actions in order to achieve it. Stick to your goals, set deadlines. But don't bee too strict and don't set yourself goals which are beyond your possibilities.
Enjoy a walk, meet people who do things, seek help.
BREATH.

Answer 9

I'm a motorcycle rider and hard ***. if u saw me u would not want to approach. but i did something that someone of my calaber would never do. i started golf. im not saying play golf but do something that you have never done and try to apply yourself to it. try something new that u would never do. maby ull like it.