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Something I deal with on a daily basis is clinical depression, and suicidal ideation, which has had major effects in the way I live. Playing the violin is one of my coping strategies to help me deal with my emotions. It's one of the few strands of happiness I receive every day, which I am thankful for. However, this last year, I have been keeping a practice journal, however rather than making notes to my practicing, they turn into 'rants' about how much I suck. I work with a therapist in managing my thoughts, but I'd like to know you're input on how to stay positive and how to grow when practicing, without drilling my fingers, until I break out into tears of frustration. I don't mean to complain, but my deppression has brought the worst emotions out of me. I take antidepressants, but although it improves my overall mood, my thoughts are still very negative, which ends up making me feel like crap if I can't play something how it needs to sound. I hope you all can help me achieve some positivity in regards to practicing.
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@dKnockKnock - You are not the first person who I have spoken to doing the exact same thing.
Would you please list some of the things that pick you up to perhaps help others dealing with similar emotions? It could help you as well to have that list and draw from it for self improvement moving forward.
I also suggest that you compel yourself to add something positive to your practice journal along with the negative ranting. There is always something positive to say, it's just harder to find.
"The richest person is not the one who has the most,
but the one who needs the least."
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@dKnockKnock -
Welcome to the Fiddlerman Forum!
I'm sorry to hear you struggle with depression - it's something I've been familiar with my whole life (and still struggle to keep at bay), plus debilitating pain on top of it for the last 15 years.
I believe you can make sure you end your practice in a positive way if you give yourself permission to step back when you are getting nowhere good. It's important to challenge yourself, but you can always take time to slow down what you are working on & focus on a small section, or temporarily switch to something simple you love & know better - just to end well.
Taking a break just listening to a piece looped, concentrating on tough parts, can help your mind & body prepare to work, better. You can always have another go at what was giving you trouble, later, or the next day.
Look for the smallest good thing - like, "hey, I practiced today"! Or, "I played the 1st phrase with the correct bowing!" Small victories are worth more than anything negative.
It would be helpful to know approximately how long you've been playing & if you are self-taught or have a teacher? There are some great threads here about good ways to practice - here's one: 3 Essential Ingredients of an Effective Practice Session Thread
I have to keep stress to a minimum, and I check to see if my expectations are realistic, especially of time/progress, because it can be self-defeating. Take time to explore an interesting new music idea & technique, just to see where it goes.
Thinking positive, like the violin, is something learned and the more it is practiced, the easier it gets.
Surrounding yourself with people who think positively and are supportive (like here on the forum) can be VERY helpful.
Sometimes even new strings, new rosin or new bow hair can seem like sunshine on my practicing!
- Emily
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dKnockKnock
Welcome to the forum, be kind to your self, over critical thinking about you or any one is unhealthy.
Mark
Master the Frog and you have mastered the bow.
Albert Sammons
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I have learned that audiating a new tune or part (hearing it in my head) before I go to sleep is an effective way to help me learn that new tune or get better at something I’m working on.
But now your comment makes me realize that the music playing inside my head all night long tends to block dark or negative thoughts. I’m sometimes subject to foreboding thoughts in the early hours before I wake up, and this seems to hold that at bay. It’s a pleasant sensation, so now I look forward to feeding my brain some interesting music that will keep it busy while I sleep.
All in all, it’s an unexpected side benefit!
Strabo
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@dKnockKnock -
How have you been getting along with your practicing?
...it's been almost a year since your OP.
- Emily
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Welcome, I also struggle with depression, as such I still consider myself a beginner after 15 plus years of playing. Baby steps is how I approach playing and variety. Although, not focusing on one genre could be a trap, at least for me.
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