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Collimator

(2,091 posts)
12. Please accept my sympathies.
Thu Jan 22, 2026, 02:11 AM
19 hrs ago

With your indulgence, I am going to pass along a suggestion that is given to people with cutting disorders, of all things. Consider holding an ice cube firmly in your hand. Naturally, it will be uncomfortable, and that is the point.

Feel the sharp, mildly painful sting of the cold object in your hand and focus on the sensation. Let the pain in your hand displace your awareness of all the pain in the world, which, unfortunately, you are carrying in your soul.

Live in the moment of pain and let your hand carry the burden for as long as you can stand it. It may help to divert your mind from inducing worse symptoms throughout your body. As an additional benefit, the cold may calm your heart rate somewhat.

Beyond this small, practical action, I have no answers or advice for you. But, as many here have pointed out, you are not alone in your struggle. I hope that this knowledge offers you some small comfort.

Recommendations

0 members have recommended this reply (displayed in chronological order):

Taking antihistamines? mr715 20 hrs ago #1
No, I take a lot of pills for health reasons...but it's been the same medication for years. LuckyCharms 20 hrs ago #4
Luckily I have and old TV w/a built in VCR CountAllVotes 20 hrs ago #2
Are you taking any medications or supplements? Melon 20 hrs ago #3
No antidepressants, no brain drugs, no change in medications. LuckyCharms 20 hrs ago #5
Oh, my dear LuckyCharms, I am so very sorry to hear about your night terrors. CaliforniaPeggy 20 hrs ago #6
That's awful! redwitch 20 hrs ago #7
Don't give up SuzyandPuffpuff 20 hrs ago #8
Take a break Laurelin 19 hrs ago #9
Some suggestions Bread and Circuses 19 hrs ago #10
Have you heard of lucid dreaming? cer7711 19 hrs ago #11
100%... ultralite001 17 hrs ago #17
Please accept my sympathies. Collimator 19 hrs ago #12
I have a sort of double whammy crimycarny 19 hrs ago #13
So sorry that is tough,,,, peacebuzzard 17 hrs ago #16
... sheshe2 19 hrs ago #14
So sorry.... peacebuzzard 18 hrs ago #15
/Are you taking any new meds or dosage changes mahina 17 hrs ago #18
IMO, Most of those gifs you posted yesterday are the stuff of nightmares Donkees 16 hrs ago #19
Do whatever you need to stay well malaise 15 hrs ago #20
Overload, you're both on overload Tesha 12 hrs ago #21
I'm so sorry. You're not alone though. I've been waking up with a pounding heart Alice B. 12 hrs ago #22
I've been having some weirdly vivid dreams lately. Tommy Carcetti 12 hrs ago #23
I have never remembered my dreams Nittersing 12 hrs ago #24
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