Down days

Hi guys,
I’ve just went through 4 awful days, not for any reason in particular, I literally woke up one morning and just couldn’t stop feeling sorry for myself! It was like everything I thought about was negative! I’m normally a really positive person, I spoke to the doctor and she said it was normal.
Has anyone else experienced this? How did you snap yourself out of it?

My down days are often related to overdoing things - then I get frustrated and have to really be mindful about not beating myself up about it. Everybody’s different but this is a very hard thing to deal with. Have you considered talking with a professional about this? I see a grief and life transitions counselor regularly and she has really helped me find strategies that keep me focused on staying as upbeat and focused on recovery as possible. (And also accepting of the damage that seems more permanent at the moment.) Best of luck and hang in there. You are not alone - and it is possible to get through this and stay (mostly) sane!

I think those days are normal, and not just for us, for everyone. I feel sorry for myself too much. It’s just hard when you are around people living their lives normally, like you used to, and you can’t anymore. That’s the worst thing really, the “not being able to do the things I used to.” Like ride a bike or stay up all night or sunbathe. I just snap myself out of it by remembering how far I’ve come and how I have it a lot better than a lot of people in my rehab. We have a future, and we need to stop living in the past is how I try and put it in perspective.

Hello Lesley...I had experienced down days well after my procedure. I spent a lot of times feeling sorry for myself because of inabilities. I still have those moments five years later, when I misunderstand my coworkers, and they feel the need to talk at me and not to me, and then treat me as if I'm helpless. I try snapping out of it by thinking of the things that I am capable of, and the encouraging words that my friends give me. Like mdiam1, I also try to remind myself of how far I had come since surgery and my recovery, remembering that I was not where I used to be. I hope that everything goes well with your counselor. Best of luck to you.

i've experienced these feeling myself. i cry, wipe my tears away and get my paints out. i've bought acrylic paint, a few cheap canvases and draw just about anything. the focus in drawing helps me. usually in half an hour, i'm a different person. i got into drawing during rehab, where it was done on a regular basis. i don't have much to add, just wanted you to know that you are not alone. these bad days have lessened for me. i hope yours do as well.

Depression is quite common. However, suffering is optional. I am glad you decided to talk to someone about it. Please keep us posted!

I usually start feeling like this a week before that time of the mont and it only started hapening after i had an avm. Its not a great feeling at all and i would say the best way to cope would be to keep yourself busy. Going for a walk or simply read a book you know youll get lost in helps keep you sane.

Dear Lesley, I assume you had, or have, an AVM. Not knowing your exact situation, whether you had surgery or not, it is difficult for me to respond to your situation. I certainly don't think it is unusual to have some "DOWN DAYS" after your brain has been affected in any way. I think you should just "ride the tide", pamper yourself, think positive thoughts as much as possible, do things you enjoy doing, and getting good food and enough sleep is important to everyone. Continue to write and let us know how you are doing. I am not actually an AVM survivor but my daughter is and I have been very close to her situation through the years. I am sure your Doctor is correct - it is normal and not anything to be frustrated about. You will have good days and bad days, which is pretty much true for almost everyone in life.