Just ordered an Apple Watch (Series 8): Mental health uses?

[The Cockney Rebel]

This is one of the most wholesome threads I’ve read on here for a long time. It’s lovely to see members sharing and looking out for each other.

For those suffering with insomnia, I can also recommend the sleep stories section of the app Calm. Find one that’s being read by a soothing voice and they can be excellent for helping you nod off. As the narrator gets further in to the story they speak slower and more quietly, it’s very calming.

There is also an ambient sounds area, I sometimes listen to the sound of rain if I can’t get to sleep. That also helps.

Take care everyone.

Thank you for sharing.

And I concur, this has developed into such a loving place on MacRumors.

I’ll take a look at that app, and shall wish you well .

 

[The Cockney Rebel]

For everyone:

Check out the Joel Osteen podcast. He’s a great American preacher, and his sermons are all about positivity, sprinkled with the word of God.

He’s like a life coach, and he releases a new podcast every day.

He helped me get through my latest stay in hospital, following another overdose. I was going insane, but his loving words helped me through it.

The following episode was just what I needed at the time. Please listen to it if you can.

Sending love to all:

Don't Waste Your Pain | Joel Osteen

Podcast Episode · Joel Osteen Podcast · 20/09/2022 · 30m

podcasts.apple.com

 

[The Cockney Rebel]

Goosebumps .

 

[Lioness~]

Thank you for sharing your story, my friend.

I’m sorry to hear of your loss, but I am here if you need me.

Can you believe the amount of love shown in these comments? Can you believe this is a MacRumors forum?

I’m not into football (soccer) but if I was then I’d support Millwall, which is my local team. I mention this, because they are known as the Lions, and the women’s team is known as the Lionesses!

Look after yourself.

The Apple/Mac friendliness have its heritage from Steve Jobs!
And in the grief we all felt when he died (that was also in the period after my dad/bro died)
Todays Apple is different, but its built on the remembrance of Steve ♥️✨

By the way I don’t have an Apple Watch 😂
But I just bought a new Polar Ignite 2 - replacing my old Polar Ignite - it is mainly a training watch and keep a lot longer charge than the AW 😁

Take Care✨

 

[The Cockney Rebel]

The Apple/Mac friendliness have its heritage from Steve Jobs!
And in the grief we all felt when he died (that was also in the period after my dad/bro died)
Todays Apple is different, but its built on the remembrance of Steve ♥️✨

By the way I don’t have an Apple Watch 😂
But I just bought a new Polar Ignite 2 - replacing my old Polar Ignite - it is mainly a training watch and keep a lot longer charge than the AW 😁

Take Care✨

I remember buying an iPad on the day Steve passed.

They say he was a tyrant to work for, but I just think he was passionate about what he did. He was misunderstood by many, and I can relate to that as my personality disorder (EUPD/BPD) is heavily stigmatised, thus we are also very misunderstood.

Steve was given away at birth, as was I. EUPD/BPD is caused by childhood trauma, so maybe he was undiagnosed?

You take care also, and stay in touch if you would like to 👍.

 

[The Cockney Rebel]

Question for you all:

I have an Echo Dot 4th gen. Are there any “skills” that can help with anxiety?

I only use it like a clock, but can play my Amazon Music playlists and radio stations.

If you own an Amazon speaker, can you share how you use yours? Thanks in advance.

 

[Dealmans]

Loved your post, thank you.

I have noted everything you said, and appreciate all of your advice.

“emotion is created by motion” is a fabulous quote.

I’ve downloaded a bible app that reads the bible to you. I listened to the first chapter of the Old Testament, and it sounded kind of weird? The Muslim fella who I stayed in touch with, said that it would sound a bit odd to me, as it was initially written in Hebrew, thus the translation can sound a bit strange.

Thanks again, and good luck on your own journey.

Tommy

Try the NIV version, or the Message bible is in more plain English.

 

[Dealmans]

Many thanks, Thom.

I have used intermittent fasting for years, since I went to gym about 7 years ago. Had to stop because of injury.

I was actually going to cancel the AW order (again!) but I think I’m going to leave the order and try those apps you suggested.

Thanks again.

Tommy
London, England

this is good

What Is the Daniel Fast Diet?

If you've heard of the Daniel fast diet, you may wonder what it entails. This article explores the diet, its benefits and downsides, and how to follow it.

www.healthline.com

 

[The Cockney Rebel]

this is good

What Is the Daniel Fast Diet?

If you've heard of the Daniel fast diet, you may wonder what it entails. This article explores the diet, its benefits and downsides, and how to follow it.

www.healthline.com

Thanks, buddy.

I’ll take a look.

I’m vegetarian, by the way.

 

[The Cockney Rebel]

8 Alexa Skills to Battle Anxiety and Reduce Stress

These great Amazon Alexa skills can help you battle the stress and anxiety that many of us struggle with.

www.makeuseof.com

 

[MLL63QNA]

DarkNoise app is pretty cool if you wanna try something that will help you sleep better, or to just calm your mind for a second.

Heres a testflight link in case you dont want to buy it on the app store:

TestFlight - Apple

Using TestFlight is a great way to help developers test beta versions of their apps.

testflight.apple.com

I created my own noise in that app, drippy rain + distant thunder. You can also choose own volume for each sound to make it perfect for your own taste.

 

[MLL63QNA]

This is one of the most wholesome threads I’ve read on here for a long time. It’s lovely to see members sharing and looking out for each other.

For those suffering with insomnia, I can also recommend the sleep stories section of the app Calm. Find one that’s being read by a soothing voice and they can be excellent for helping you nod off. As the narrator gets further in to the story they speak slower and more quietly, it’s very calming.

There is also an ambient sounds area, I sometimes listen to the sound of rain if I can’t get to sleep. That also helps.

Take care everyone.

Its easier to relate to persons in this thread because alot of us have been fighting our way through the same stuff. Its usually people like us with mental issues that tend to find threads like this and find/pull more people in it.

I havent been the best role model in MR, I tend to be too negative about stuff, I try to say only positive things in here but sometimes it just turns out to be negative still. I blame my mental state for that, Im here but Im not here. Maybe one day everything turns to be okay.

 

[Violet_Antelope]

I agree with Kierkegaarden, the jwlibrary app is brilliant. Reading the Bible is really important to me, but I do have to be cautious with some of my triggers. I often get accused of being 'negative', something I don't really agree with, but I do find more comfort in defiant emotions than soothing ones, if that makes sense. My favourite verses in the Bible are Habakkuk chapter 3 verses 17 and 18 - something about them really speaks to me. Yes, things are tough, sometimes they just suck, but we can cope and still choose to rely on and wait for God.

I also listen to music all the time when I sleep - otherwise every single thing wakes me and I never get back to sleep. But I choose to have a single song on repeat, I think that helps keep my OCD a bit 'busy' on something repetitive without me having to do it consciously. One thing I have to be very careful of is not to get too hot at night. If I do it sets off terrible nightmares. I know that can be a particular problem with OCD; it certainly is for me!

I tried meds for the OCD and they didn't help me at all. I gained a stone in three weeks, and the nightmares went to a whole new level of intolerable. I'm personally better without them, but I do struggle to cope so I am *definitely* not recommending that for others. Just because someone else here mentioned it, I also have cerebral palsy, and again that's something that affects my response to meds so that may be another factor to consider.

In many ways I get less from the Apple watch than many of you do since I can't do physical exercise (electric wheelchair), but I really value what it can do for me. As well as telling the time and reading messages, I can keep an eye on my heart rate which is a useful metric for me, and most of all for me my watch is a far nicer and multifunctional alternative to a LifeLine. If I fall or need help I know I can always reach out, and I far prefer that to a big grey plastic button around my neck!

 

[newellj]

Learn to wear it while sleeping, (use Theater Mode in control center to turn off all inadvertent lights and notifications), and use Autosleep app to measure and react to all sleeping issue.

First, congratulations on making it to where you are and especially for having the strength to look at your self and your life and ask questions (and seek answers, which is not the same thing as asking questions, even though asking questions is extemely important). Feelings come and go, and so do thoughts, but they are not necessarily true, and many of the things we tell ourselves were picked up without questioning the source or the truth of these things. It's not related to the Apple Watch, but you might enjoy reading The Four Agreements. It's a very short book that asks where all these toxic beliefs come from and suggests four simple ideas for moving forward. Anyway...

I want to echo the quoted part above. Putting your watch in Theater mode when you go to sleep not only reduces possible interruptions but also prolongs battery life (in my experience, anyway).

Also, although AutoSleep is good, the sleep tracking in the Health app in WatchOS 9 is dramatically improved from earlier versions. I now think it's the best sleep information you can get from the Apple Watch.

Remember that it is not how far you have come that matters, or how often you have stumbled. What matters is which direction you're facing.

 

[The Cockney Rebel]

DarkNoise app is pretty cool if you wanna try something that will help you sleep better, or to just calm your mind for a second.

Heres a testflight link in case you dont want to buy it on the app store:

TestFlight - Apple

Using TestFlight is a great way to help developers test beta versions of their apps.

testflight.apple.com

I created my own noise in that app, drippy rain + distant thunder. You can also choose own volume for each sound to make it perfect for your own taste.

Many thanks .

 

[The Cockney Rebel]

Its easier to relate to persons in this thread because alot of us have been fighting our way through the same stuff. Its usually people like us with mental issues that tend to find threads like this and find/pull more people in it.

I havent been the best role model in MR, I tend to be too negative about stuff, I try to say only positive things in here but sometimes it just turns out to be negative still. I blame my mental state for that, Im here but Im not here. Maybe one day everything turns to be okay.

I can relate.

I’ve been banned a few times, because people have wound me up and I’ve retaliated.

Nothing but love on this post, though.

 

[The Cockney Rebel]

I agree with Kierkegaarden, the jwlibrary app is brilliant. Reading the Bible is really important to me, but I do have to be cautious with some of my triggers. I often get accused of being 'negative', something I don't really agree with, but I do find more comfort in defiant emotions than soothing ones, if that makes sense. My favourite verses in the Bible are Habakkuk chapter 3 verses 17 and 18 - something about them really speaks to me. Yes, things are tough, sometimes they just suck, but we can cope and still choose to rely on and wait for God.

I also listen to music all the time when I sleep - otherwise every single thing wakes me and I never get back to sleep. But I choose to have a single song on repeat, I think that helps keep my OCD a bit 'busy' on something repetitive without me having to do it consciously. One thing I have to be very careful of is not to get too hot at night. If I do it sets off terrible nightmares. I know that can be a particular problem with OCD; it certainly is for me!

I tried meds for the OCD and they didn't help me at all. I gained a stone in three weeks, and the nightmares went to a whole new level of intolerable. I'm personally better without them, but I do struggle to cope so I am *definitely* not recommending that for others. Just because someone else here mentioned it, I also have cerebral palsy, and again that's something that affects my response to meds so that may be another factor to consider.

In many ways I get less from the Apple watch than many of you do since I can't do physical exercise (electric wheelchair), but I really value what it can do for me. As well as telling the time and reading messages, I can keep an eye on my heart rate which is a useful metric for me, and most of all for me my watch is a far nicer and multifunctional alternative to a LifeLine. If I fall or need help I know I can always reach out, and I far prefer that to a big grey plastic button around my neck!

Thank you for sharing.

I use myTuner Radio, and set it to play Smooth FM on low volume when I try to get to sleep. I set a timer for one hour, after which it stops playing. If it’s a “good night” I manage to drift off before the hour has played. Otherwise, I may set it for another hour. Smooth FM is a UK radio station, but it may be available in other countries?

Sorry to hear of your physical disability, but you seem to be managing ok, so I’m pleased about that.

I’m always here if you need to get something off of your chest, or need some unbiased advice. Be well, my friend .

 

[The Cockney Rebel]

First, congratulations on making it to where you are and especially for having the strength to look at your self and your life and ask questions (and seek answers, which is not the same thing as asking questions, even though asking questions is extemely important). Feelings come and go, and so do thoughts, but they are not necessarily true, and many of the things we tell ourselves were picked up without questioning the source or the truth of these things. It's not related to the Apple Watch, but you might enjoy reading The Four Agreements. It's a very short book that asks where all these toxic beliefs come from and suggests four simple ideas for moving forward. Anyway...

I want to echo the quoted part above. Putting your watch in Theater mode when you go to sleep not only reduces possible interruptions but also prolongs battery life (in my experience, anyway).

Also, although AutoSleep is good, the sleep tracking in the Health app in WatchOS 9 is dramatically improved from earlier versions. I now think it's the best sleep information you can get from the Apple Watch.

Remember that it is not how far you have come that matters, or how often you have stumbled. What matters is which direction you're facing.

Thanks for the advice, and words of wisdom.

I’m going to see if I can find that book, thank you.

Another great, short read, is Who Moved My Cheese. If you read it, let me know which of the four characters reflect your personality .

 

[TorbenIbsen]

Thanks for that.

I’ll use it for my antidepressant & antipsychotic.

You can also use the regular Reminders app for remembering medication. I do that and get reminders on my Apple watch for that and just about everytning else. Reviews of the new medication app features suggests that it will be complicated and not so useful for some people.

 

[The Cockney Rebel]

A great podcast for you all to listen to, to take your mind away from any woes you may have:

James O’Brien’s Mystery Hour.

It’s from LBC (talk radio station) and is hosted every Thursday. Basically, people call in with a question, then other people call in with the answer. It is a celebration of knowledge, so you’re not allowed to look the answer up. I’ve learned some great things from the show, and it is probably my most played podcast.

If anyone can recommend any other good podcasts, I’d love to hear about them.

 

[MLL63QNA]

One thing I forgot to mention is that back in 2008 when I got in that depression spiral no one believed me that Im depressed. I was too happy they said and I got up from the bed and to the meetings always on time. People who havent had a depression cant help the one have had it. Thats what I learned. Unemployment office said that Im a loser for ending my job, I lost control of my life and my body and actions. I was mad 24/7 for everything and everyone. No one understood me, no one listened to me. But everyone blamed me and mocked me for being a loser.

But anyways, heres one good song that really speaks to me in so many levels.

The violin, the story, the meaning. ❤️

My favorite song has been for years Death Come Near Me by Draconian. Whenever I have an urge to seek for comfort and warm shoulder this is the song I play. This song has never let me down. Sometimes I have wished death would come near me and pick me up, in one way or the other. But maybe my story is yet to come, I need to push forward in small steps. We all have meaning in this world, thats why we have borned here. Till today my meaning has been pulling ******s toward me daily basis, I wish that changes in the future.

 

[cwosigns]

I'm not sure I have a lot to add, but I started therapy a few weeks ago to address some childhood trauma that is rearing its ugly head in my 40s. Amazing how that stuff just catches up with you.

I second the recommendation of the mindfulness features. I'm learning to stop what I'm doing and do the activity when prompted.

Also, I'm not sure if you're sensitive to news, media, or other potential triggers, but taking a digital break and just being in nature can really be great for one's mental health. If you have cellular, it's easy to turn your phone off or leave it at home and go for a long walk, while still being able to call or text someone if you want, or stop in for a coffee and pay for it with Apple Pay.

Sleep tracking can give you great insight into your sleep habits. I'm a terrible sleeper due to anxiety, and my therapist wanted to start with a sleep diary and some tools to help me sleep better. I've found the Apple Watch to be a great sleep diary.

Best of luck to you. With all of the stigma related to talking about mental health, I appreciate your vulnerability and wanted to share in kind.

 

[Night Spring]

View attachment 2090771

Goosebumps .

Is this the motivation app you mentioned? Could you post a link, I couldn't figure out which one it was when I searched the App Store. Thanks!

I remember buying an iPad on the day Steve passed.

They say he was a tyrant to work for, but I just think he was passionate about what he did. He was misunderstood by many, and I can relate to that as my personality disorder (EUPD/BPD) is heavily stigmatised, thus we are also very misunderstood.

Steve was given away at birth, as was I. EUPD/BPD is caused by childhood trauma, so maybe he was undiagnosed?

Steve passed away the same day my dog died. My memory of that day is now so jumbled, I'm not sure which happened first.

I think many successful people are perceived as tyrants, because they are perfectionists, and they demand the same high standard they place on themselves from others. There are people who are abusive for no good reason, and there are people who only get mad when those around them are being stupid. I believe Steve was the latter, but it's often hard to tell from the outside which is which, mainly because most people don't understand the difference between the two, so the stories about their anger don't include the details that enables us to tell them apart.

I don't know if Steve had any personality disorders. I know he sought out his birth family and was able to forge a deep relationship with his birth sister, but not with his birth parents. I've always felt that his temper tantrums could be sufficiently explained just by being a perfectionist, and saw no need to bring his adoption or any other mental issues into it, but I'm not adopted, so maybe there's a connection there I'm not seeing.

This thread has reminded me how I miss the Politics, Religion, Social Issues forum. We used to have discussions like this often! But then it became too contentious, I suppose.

 

[Night Spring]

Habakkuk chapter 3 verses 17 and 18 - something about them really speaks to me.

17 Though the fig tree does not bud
and there are no grapes on the vines,
though the olive crop fails
and the fields produce no food,
though there are no sheep in the pen
and no cattle in the stalls,
18 yet I will rejoice in the Lord,
I will be joyful in God my Savior.

Feels especially poignant, considering all the natural disasters and crop failures due to climate change. Thank you for sharing this verse. I hadn't seen it before.

 

[Kierkegaarden]

Try intermittent fasting.

I wouldn’t eat anything during the day, then would have an evening meal.

You soon get used to it. It’s a good way to keep you regular!

Thanks for the tip. I have tried intermittent fasting, but not intentionally — usually just from a messed up night of sleep. I have tried whole days of fasting as well. I’m now thinking about using Sunday as my fasting day.