Some years ago I wrote a post - When all is lost....what can you do? Be radical?
https://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/online-forums/staying-well/when-all-is-lost-what-can-you-do-be-radical-
When I reflect on the content of that post, a post designed to give you options when all else has failed, its intent was to avert suicidal actions brought about due to not being able to find solutions. By taking radical steps you could just be saving yourself.
What are "radical steps"?
- Change of career/workplace
- Change/addition of social interests
- Addition of therapy groups
- Change of environment
- Change of living location
- Change of relationship status
- Identifying/acceptance with ones own sexuality
All these changes have different impacts on us. There is a balance however as to the extreme of the changes. Any kneejerk reaction can have a negative effect and plunge us deeper into the abyss. Like any change we need a carefully thought out plan but that is not always possible when desperate. So what do we do? How radical do we act to avoid a more serious situation?
My suggestion is to make subtle changes that become more radical if those subtle changes aren't effective enough. Eg A city dweller might identify that city living is having a negative effect...better to try living in a regional area rather than a true outback environment. After all in a small regional town one can be just as isolated if one chooses but a outback residence can impose extreme isolation when people contact is still a good thing.
The message is clear- radical steps to save yourself should be measured. The steps above are radical indeed when implemented even when measured. We should avoid extreme actions that could pose more adverse results on our well being.
Discussion welcome
TonyWK