How to Let Off Steam

[Pisces24]

I thought I'd start this discussion. So many times we get frustrated and angrywith doctors, life, etc.

I was wondering the best ways we have used to "let off steam" in a healthy way.I'm sure we could all use some tips there.

[Scottietottie]

I find something that I really enjoy doing - and that I am obviously capable of doing - and I go and do it. Takes my mind off things.

[litliwlowa]

Depends on the specific situation.

I am a verbal "let off steamer" - but I also know words can cut like a knife. So initially I step back and hold my tongue, and evaluate the situation.

Sometimes I'll call a friend to vent a little, and those times work out well as my friend(s) usually have something they want to vent a little about.

Or I'll go for a drive to nowhere in particular. Or dig into ancestry research which is particularly a fun "journey".

On a doctor specific situation, well only once have I fired a doctor upon leaving the exam room at the close of the visit. Best decision I could have made. I am 5'3" - that doc was 6'7". In the exam room, I am sitting down and he stands up bends down gets in my face and yells "get off the allergy kick" (mind you I have those records available upon request and this is the same jerk who initially dropped the ball on my non-working BiPap).

Oh I was soooo tempted to fly off at the mouth in response as not only was what he did uncalled for, but it was also grossly unprofessional, as well as a flagrant abuse of his authority as a doctor. As soon as the exam was completed, I went to the checkout window and calmly requested my records. It was a good thing I did too. In his vivid imagination he had put in my record my brother was dead from COPD. News to me - as my brother remains alive and well.

I do get frustrated easily - I can't attribute that to SJS. It's part of my fingerprint of TBI - worse when I am tired.

I know my tipping point and when I approach that tipping point (where if so and so doesn't back off with the verbal onslaught I know my mouth is going to fly brutally honest) it relaxes me to go for a drive. Usually to a spot where I have some privacy and can have a good head clearing frustration releasing cry.

[Joe S.]

Some people have steam coming from their ears. I am told that people see dark thunder clouds around me. I see deadly fear in there faces.

Or maybe I misunderstood the topic.