Mental health and camming

[LucyDurden]

Hello all. Recently I've been dealing with some ups and downs mentally as a result of a bunch of life stuff and bipolar disorder. When I feel super down I try not to go online, but after a couple days it feels like I'm just putting off something I really should be doing, since the only way to get my camscore back up and earn is to be online.

Any suggestions to motivate yourself and get out of an emotional slump? I want to be positive and energetic on cam but I'm just not there yet.

 

[RahqZee]

I'm in the same boat. It's a vicious cycle...you feel bad so you don't cam because you don't want the negativity to affect your performance, but then you feel worse because you aren't working...and so it goes. It's awful! Especially on mother******* Streamate lately, where lately the glitches are plentiful, the traffic is slow, and the freeloaders roam free. Logged off in tears for what feels like the millionth time today. This isn't that helpful of a post, but just know that you're not alone. Hope things turn around for you soon!

 

[justjoinedtopost]

Hello all. Recently I've been dealing with some ups and downs mentally as a result of a bunch of life stuff and bipolar disorder. When I feel super down I try not to go online, but after a couple days it feels like I'm just putting off something I really should be doing, since the only way to get my camscore back up and earn is to be online.

Any suggestions to motivate yourself and get out of an emotional slump? I want to be positive and energetic on cam but I'm just not there yet.

Do you go to groups?

 

[NudeTherapy]

I hear you. A few years ago, when I started on MFC, I was going through a very long and dark depression. Most days I couldn't even get out of bed and it made camming really hard but at the same time it was a great option for work. Whenever I got online and had fun performing and interacting with others I completely forgot about my depression. The getting online was the hardest part though. I suggest putting on some happy and energetic music, dancing around or singing along, just to relax and get you in the mood. The worst thing for me was and still is getting too comfortable when things get tough and then losing my momentum - I'm not in my "flow" anymore, which is always harder to overcome the longer you stay there. So try not to take too many consecutive days off and try to stay occupied and active during your days off (go outside, move your body, do whatever brings you joy).

Apart from that, I also suggest a good support system where you can share safely whatever you're feeling. Eating healthy, exercising regularly, regular sleep and enough of it (can't stress this enough), plenty of fresh air and sunshine as well as working on balancing your emotional and spiritual life as well. Good relationships are also essential. And try not to be so hard on yourself, especially on a bad day or even a bad week/month...sometimes the change of attitude/state of mind works wonders. So, in a nutshell: try to find joy and fun in life and activities and just go for it. The more you practice this, the better you get at it and it becomes a new normal. Sure, it's not always as easy, especially if you have chronic conditions...but only until you start to have fun and get in the zone.

It might help having a cam girl buddy you can be accountable to and you can share challenges with as well.

Good luck!

 

[Admiralfoot]

I think we all get the life shits from time to time. It is real and can suck the energy from you. I agree with the advice Jelena gave you. I find staying active and getting outside and breathing fresh air really helps. Take care of yourself and hoping you find peace soon.

 

[Osmia]

I hear you. A few years ago, when I started on MFC, I was going through a very long and dark depression. Most days I couldn't even get out of bed and it made camming really hard but at the same time it was a great option for work. Whenever I got online and had fun performing and interacting with others I completely forgot about my depression. The getting online was the hardest part though. I suggest putting on some happy and energetic music, dancing around or singing along, just to relax and get you in the mood. The worst thing for me was and still is getting too comfortable when things get tough and then losing my momentum - I'm not in my "flow" anymore, which is always harder to overcome the longer you stay there. So try not to take too many consecutive days off and try to stay occupied and active during your days off (go outside, move your body, do whatever brings you joy).

Apart from that, I also suggest a good support system where you can share safely whatever you're feeling. Eating healthy, exercising regularly, regular sleep and enough of it (can't stress this enough), plenty of fresh air and sunshine as well as working on balancing your emotional and spiritual life as well. Good relationships are also essential. And try not to be so hard on yourself, especially on a bad day or even a bad week/month...sometimes the change of attitude/state of mind works wonders. So, in a nutshell: try to find joy and fun in life and activities and just go for it. The more you practice this, the better you get at it and it becomes a new normal. Sure, it's not always as easy, especially if you have chronic conditions...but only until you start to have fun and get in the zone.

It might help having a cam girl buddy you can be accountable to and you can share challenges with as well.

Good luck!

I agree, especially about the need for adequate and regular sleep. Sleep problems and depression are closely intertwined. Just about everyone who has depression also has one or more sleep disorders (e.g., common ones are insomnia, sleep apnea, restless legs syndrome, periodic limb movement disorder (PLMD)). Sleep disorders or inadequate sleep can lead to depression, or make it worse. Getting a good night's sleep may be the easiest and most effective single thing one can do to fight depression or bipolar. @LucyDurden , try to improve your sleep, and if that can't be done, go to the doctor to get checked out for sleep disorders.

 

[AudriTwo]

First post, after lurking here and there for a year. And it's this thread.. lol


Okay so right now my depression/anxiety have been in full swing. It's really fucking hard to cam when I feel like I can't do anything right and I feel heavy with emotion. Then I start freaking out because if I'm not working that means no income is coming into my household. Also didn't help hubby's tuition bill happened the same week too. So then I got stuck in pit of anxiety shakes. This weelk has been so hard. cause I know I'm off my game, and it's showing. I'm havng little anxiety panic attacks when people just sit there and not talk. I'll have the traffic, but silence. Normal me wouldn't be bothered. Not me, is different. A fucking troll made me cry when they called me ugly, today. Normal me would shoot back a witty comeback and make them leave between the tail between their legs.

I fake it until I make it most of the time when I get like this. I make myself smile, cause I'll start feeling better. It's weird but it works. I also read my comments, cause they cheer me up and reminds myself I am a kick ass camgirl. I CAN DO THIS! I read somewhere lavendar can be calming. I'm using lavender soap, shampoo, perfume, fabric softener, and candle. A little excessive but I feel less anxious..ish. Which is a step in the right direction!

In this period I start becoming overwhelmingly optimistic. If I think negative, I stay negative. I celebrate the little high points, cause it makes my brain feel something other then numbness and failure.


Also weed. A shit ton of weed.

 

[LucyDurden]

Thanks for all the support everyone!

Some helpful reminders in there @Jelena, thankyou for the kind words. I've been trying to use my time off to get outside and enjoy the sun.

It would definately be great to have a few more active camgirls to chat with. I have a few friends but it's hard to keep in touch consistently. I feel like I get enough sleep, I try to get about 7 solid hours every night. I've been trying to eat more fruits and veggies (yay smoothies!) and have been making use of my medical pot prescription.

All in, it's nice to know I'm not alone, so thanks.

 

[Ambers Troll]

My user name has always been maniac, or some derivative of it. I first joined as a member from what I thought was a case of Cyclothymia ... I was wrong, but the name stuck so I kept it in part as a reminder of misdiagnosing myself.

If you are bipolar, definitely don't go off your medication to feel that spark. Do push yourself at times to a more heightened state though, everyone feels highs and lows, don't deny yourself the pleasure of the highs when they occur normally, and don't fear the lows. Never apologize for your mood or over analyse it, just keep working for what feels good, this is what most of us actually do.
You do have more control over your emotions than you may think, when it comes to mental troubles, fake it and you may feel it... that is my advice. [If that doesn't work then shelter, relax and forgive yourself over that day, try again another day.]

 

[LucyDurden]

I think we all get the life shits from time to time. It is real and can suck the energy from you. I agree with the advice Jelena gave you. I find staying active and getting outside and breathing fresh air really helps. Take care of yourself and hoping you find peace soon.

Haha life shits might be my new term for this feeling.

 

[AerynShade]

You're definitely not alone. A lot of models suffer from anxiety, depression, and a whole host of other mental issues. It's just not something we generally like to talk about so publicly. (Although some are very open about it.)

I got into clip making partially because some days I can make 10 clips, and other days I couldn't get out of bed. Maybe something to consider for others having a rough time.

 

[Yavin4MFC]

I learned a lot about mental health and camming from my friend Princess Zoe when she went through a lot a while back. Perhaps this'll help...it helped me learn a lot too.

http://zoerambles.blogspot.com/2015/06/anxiety-depression-change.html

 

[justjoinedtopost]

Also weed. A shit ton of weed.

The right strain of weed. I had weed that helped a lot with depression/anxiety (it actually eliminated it completely for a while). Also had weed that contributed to a complete psychotic break.

 

[Max__Love__]

A really good psychiatrist with a very comprehensive understanding of psychotropic medications
and their interactions and you, clearly and thoroughly explaining to them, the effects that the
meds are having on your illness. They have to monitor you and fine tune the meds specifically
to your needs. They have to care about you. YOU have to care about you. If you don't have
this, keep looking until you do. It's a physical condition affecting your mood and it requires
a physical (Medication) solution. Invest in yourself, if your suffering the effects of mental
illness you're probably not getting sufficient medical care. Once your internal problems
are corrected, you will be able to deal with external problems much easier and get over
things much quicker.

 

[NudeTherapy]

The right strain of weed. I had weed that helped a lot with depression/anxiety (it actually eliminated it completely for a while). Also had weed that contributed to a complete psychotic break.

I actually stopped smoking cigarettes, weed and drinking alcohol, etc...and it helped with my depression tremendously. If anyone is up for that, I recommend changing their lifestyle this way. But yeah, I agree...some strains of weed can make it much worse...as can alcohol. Not just in the moment or the next day, but overall. I actually felt "clean" after 6+ months of soberness. It really put some things into perspective for me

 

[NudeTherapy]

My user name has always been maniac, or some derivative of it. I first joined as a member from what I thought was a case of Cyclothymia ... I was wrong, but the name stuck so I kept it in part as a reminder of misdiagnosing myself.

If you are bipolar, definitely don't go off your medication to feel that spark. Do push yourself at times to a more heightened state though, everyone feels highs and lows, don't deny yourself the pleasure of the highs when they occur normally, and don't fear the lows. Never apologize for your mood or over analyse it, just keep working for what feels good, this is what most of us actually do.
You do have more control over your emotions than you may think, when it comes to mental troubles, fake it and you may feel it... that is my advice. [If that doesn't work then shelter, relax and forgive yourself over that day, try again another day.]

Most definitely! Over analyzing my mood/emotions just encourages the spiraling of feeling like shit...it's like when you injure yourself and start poking the wound, instead of leaving it alone to heal itself. Practicing mindfulness is a very useful tool for learning to stay in the present and acknowledge how you're feeling without identifying with your emotional state. We are NOT our emotions, we just experience them. It all passes if we let go and focus on the positive. Of course, sometimes it's just something deeper we need to address and process, and that's ok and human too.

 

[EmiliaSong]

A month ago I made a motivational video for myself. I stare into the camera and say stuff like, "you're beautiful," "you're good at this," "you can do it," etc. Watching it has helped me get over my anxious block a few times.

 

[LucyDurden]

I really appreciate all the concern for my health guys, especially things that have worked well for those of you that share my struggle.

I should mention that I do have a psycho therapist I see often who is very supportive and knows all about camming and my other habits. I have bipolar II, which for the time being means I'm not on medication. I don't currently feel like it's necessary to function and it hasn't yet been recommended for me. Mostly lifestyle changes like diet and exercise and a good routine (which I suck at.) I start school again in a few weeks which is going to put camming on the backburner.

I smoke mostly indicas because they settle my worried mind and stomach (the manic side of things makes that hard). I take a lot of time to do crafts. They make me happy and distract my mind and my hands. I just feel guilty if I happily spend 3 hours painting or drawing but not on cam.

 

[LucyDurden]

Making video clips sounds like a great idea. I've been meaning to make a lot more content to sell but I keep hitting a wall. How long should I make videos vs how much to charge? And camera set up for best shots? These are things I'm not terribly creative with. I'd love to do a bath show with some of the cool new Lush products I've been gifted but I don't know where to go from there.

And such starts the anxiety and videos never get filmed

 

[Max__Love__]

I didn't know much about bipolar II but I read about and I think that since you aren't taking meds, you're doing pretty much exactly what I would recommend. ;-)
Indica for anxiety and nausea, check. Crafts make you happy, check (for me it's making music, it's like a mirror when you're 'in the zone') Nobody can understand how anxiety can stop
you from doing something but it CAN! It blindly pushes you around and responding to it is a deeply rooted survival instinct. It's kind of like when you can't decide which way you
should turn when you're driving, you pull over and stop because going 100 miles down the wrong path would make things worse. Maybe you could work with someone else on the vids that
has strength in the areas you lack? Do custom vids? I found that learning and using computer programs can turn anxiety into something productive which in your case would be video/image editing,
social media management, http://webtrends.about.com/od/pr6/tp/The-Top-10-Social-Media-Management-Applications.htm Scheduling promotional posts on fb, twitter, Deviantart, youtube, vimeo..
Setting up and studying web traffic analytics....So that when you ARE in the mood for camming, you get that much more $ out of it by promoting it when you aren't. Negative into positive.

 

[gingering]

This weelk has been so hard. cause I know I'm off my game, and it's showing. I'm havng little anxiety panic attacks when people just sit there and not talk. I'll have the traffic, but silence. Normal me wouldn't be bothered. Not me, is different.

Gah, that was me last night. Classes start again on Monday, and my last two semesters were horrible, and so I've been super anxious over that. Last night, after the two people who were actually talking went offline, it was dead silent. I was doing my best to have fun on my own, singing, a little bit of dancing, but it just got to me. I was almost in tears.

 

[Holly Wren]

My depression seeped in pretty hard last year and I saved up enough money to take a three month break.. Which I definitely don't recommend for camgirls >.< It took forever to get back in with my regulars, sadly. And I don't feel much better haha. Now if I have a bad day, I get ready anyhow. I try to give myself a very, very small goal. Mine is $50 or 90 minutes! Usually, I feel better after 45 minutes, mostly because logging on while sad is my problem. If I can't even do this I either record a clip or take a long ass nap. Because I always feel 100% after naps I would like to know if any camgirls know tricks for the depressive sleeps? I cannot stop feeling so tired all day without chugging caffeine..

 

[MiniatureKiwi]

Stigmas around mental health are what makes it hard for a lot of people to deal with. Embracing your mental health, and using it as a power tool, will allow you to continue loving yourself, not be ashamed, and know that it is normal.

I was diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder, and Middle School and High School was the worst times of my life... I could barely function.

After unfortunately dropping out of College, I needed to find help. After spending time with five different psychologists, they finally recommended a volunteer opportunity with an organization I was a part of when I was younger... the YMCA. I now work for the YMCA full time, and my anxiety has reached a level of which I am able to maintain, with very few outbreaks.

I was able to do that by learning more about mental health. I started by getting trained in mental health first aid. I was able to learn more about GAD and other disorders, which allowed me to be more open about it, talk with others about it, and provide support for others. Since then, I actually became a mental health first aid instructor. I am now able to be a front line support tool for those in need, which in turn, helps me.

Overall, while these are not cam specific ideas, as I am not a model, here are some tools you can use to start finding the help you want:

1. Wellness Plan. Wellness is defined as the quality or state of being healthy in body and mind, especially as the result of deliberate effort. Physical activity can be increased. Always speaking about your mental health with the actual name should be done. Never minimize your mental health and always reach out for help when needed.
2. Self Definition. There is always more to a person and not just their mental health. Do not let your mental health define you. Ask yourself different personalized questions to help define your overall self. Do I have a good job? Do I have great friends? Am I a family oriented person?
3. Education. Educate yourself and others on mental health, and by doing so, these stigmas will start to drift away. Learning about your own mental health will give you the opportunity to share it. Teaching others about your mental health will give them the opportunity to share it.
4. Coping Mechanism. Everyone functions differently in ways to manage their health. Music, quiet space, reading, going outside, or whatever it may be, may work for some and may not work for others. Find what makes you feel comfortable and use it.
5. Love Yourself. Do not be ashamed, love who you are, and always watch how you think of yourselves.

The above posters have already started all of the above, and I commend you for it. It can be scary to share what you go through, so the fact that you have, should make yourselves feel strong.

You are all beautiful and should not be ashamed of who you are.