Modes!
I read Megan Carnes' post Some modes I exist in sometimes and I was really digging it and thinking about how I could apply this.
I do find it really helpful to think about these things. Like, I've got a general rule not to get into a spiral if it's raining. I'm not slipping into the abyss, it's just raining. If I am slipping into the abyss I'll still feel that way when it's sunny. Spoilers: I don't. I've got to think, if I'm feeling bad, is it badness? Or am I hungry / thirsty / cold / tired / needing a wee / sitting in the dark / looking at rain?
Blob mode. It's probably raining. I've probably been over-socialised for a few days in a row. It's probably a Monday. I'm just going to read and snack and listen to music and not talk to anyone all day.
Full on goblincore mode. That's it, I'm giving it all up and moving to a shack (or a tiny house, at least) in the woods.
Lie down until the feeling passes mode. I'm in an enthusiasm and have decided to do a Masters degree / run for the local council / something similarly wildly unrealistic and incongruent with who I actually am and, like Oscar Wilde and exercise, need to lie down until the feeling passes. Occurs infrequently and fleetingly but dangerous in that commitments could be made.
I'm giving up writing mode. When I've read something good. Common.
Maybe I could be a writer mode. When I've read something not very good that got traditionally published and I'm being a nasty bastard.
Big D(IY) Energy mode. Unstoppable. Getting shit done. Covered in cobwebs and sawdust and paint. Being called "sir" when I go to the tip. (The sun is definitely shining.)
Everyone is angry with me mode. I've somehow managed to piss everyone off and they are definitely mad with me about something. (They're not, because we just had a lovely interaction and everything is fine.) They are. (They're really not.) Definitely are.
Horizontal mode. Differing from blob mode in that this is physical pain, not mood. "I just need to be horizontal for a bit," I say. Ideally, packed in ice.
Aunt mode, fun edition. The traditional auntie mode of nonsense games, indulging donuts, playing too much Mario Kart, and as long as no one is hospitalised it's a success.
Aunt mode, long arm of the law variant. Actual childcare where people need to get to school / clubs / bed on time, fed, clean, and appropriately attired. No dawdling, screen time, or shenanigans. Strong "what would your mother say" vibes.