Back when I as reading up the library I stumbled across some good ideas for psychic emergencies. The writers I read recommended developing a list of things to do in order to self soothe,  the calming process that babies learn and as adults we sometimes forget. A partial list of self-soothers might include:

Get out your copy of The Courage to Heal  and re-read it.

Call a friend, whose number is _______________.

If he or she isn’t home, call another number, which is _____________.

Have the number of the local crisis line or suicide hot line written down along with your other sources of support______________.

Breathe deeply.

Center yourself.

Take a warm bath or hot shower.

Cuddle your cat.

Journal and/or blog.

Go to the library.

Listen to your favorite music.

Make your bed (just joking!)

Take an Assertiveness Training Workshop.

Pray, if you have anyone to pray to.

Write a poem or do a spontaneous  drawing/painting/collage.

Read  Love After Love, a poem by Derek Walcott.

Remember, there’s no rush.

Protect your privacy.

Say “No” until you really want to say yes.