<b>Did I identify what feelings were leading me to want to SI?</b>
Yes.
<b>If Yes - What were they, and how did I figure them out?</b>
Anxiety, stress, loneliness, tiredness. I just looked at the situation and made a mental note. I'm pretty self-aware, which is a really useful skill.
<b>What coping skills did I use to deal with these feelings?</b>
I talked to a friend. I gave up my unrealistic goals that were making me stressed. I read the <a href="viewtopic.php?t=34500">Scarily VAST list of coping strategies</a>. I wrote in my journal lots of nasty negative words in big red marker, then lines like cuts filing all the spaces. I played games to distract myself. I just filled the time until I knew A would be home and I'd be safe.
<b>Were these coping skills the most effective I could have used?</b>
I think so.
<b>Why do I think they worked?</b>
They took up my brain. The drawing and writing in my journal really helped me get the negative thoughts out of my head. Yeah, mostly they occupied me until the cavalry arrived
<b>How can I deal with these feelings more effectively next time, before the urge to SI sets in?</b>
I really really really need to work on my motivation, focus and self discipline so that I don't get into a state where the essay is due in twelve hours and I can't stop panicking. I'm not sure how to do that though. And I can't deal with it yet, because I do still need to get the essay in sometime soon and then I still have some catching up to do. I've only given up for tonight.
