Do you ever turn to dolls as a coping mechanism?

I would have to say my dolls are a key part of my life before, during and hopefully after the pandemic eases. They have provided me with many friends over the years as I have participated in various doll boards and found certain doll artists who have become dear to me over the years.
My collection helps me cope with stressful times by freeing me to play and enjoy the moment.
And of course they are beautiful, each in their diverse own way feeding my soul with pleasure when I look at them if I have to get just a bit poetic about them.

 

Yes, especially in regards to what I think of my body. I dress my dolls how I wish I could dress. I also use photography and my dolls to take mental vacations from everything going on. Some of my best memories are going out and taking pictures with my doll!
Also, the community surrounding my dolls is very supportive and I would never of met these amazing people without having dolls.

 

To be honest, at the moment my dolls are dorment. I took the plunge in a whole other field - cosplay. What up to this my moment my dolls did for me, I now dared to do myself. But right now, my interest is slowly returning. So I might be a bit more active here again. We shall see.

 

I think most hobbies could be considered a "coping mechanism" in that case. But I did get back into full-time BJD hobby'ing because of the pandemic, and I'm so glad I did, because it's been so fun and therapeutic. It's a hobby you can enjoy alone, or with others (online or otherwise), so it's definitely a healthy way to balance stress with something positive.

 

Oooooooh yes. Especially since becoming physically disabled, and then the whole Quarantine/Isolation situation for two years. Dolls are one of the few things I haven't had to give up even though almost all of my life changed.

 

I already replied to this, but I wanted to add something. I keep a doll or two sitting on my desk at all times. I spend most of my day at my desk, and having dolls within reach, is very comforting. I have panic disorder and depression, and when I feel myself starting to lose control of my emotions, I will touch my doll in some way - straighten their clothing, smooth the wig, adjust their position, etc. and that simple act calms me and centers my emotions.

 

I suffer from severe anxiety and major depression and my dolls make me happy when I look at them, if even for a few seconds.

But waiting for a doll or doll stuff is what keeps me from being too depressed, and I get super dose of dopamine that lasts for weeks when I get a new doll or something for them.

 

I got my first doll when I was waiting for a scary dental procedure, so yea they definitely help me with emotional difficulties! Good little pals

 

Kind of? I use the buying of dolls as a coping method...

 

Wow, I’m having a stressful day and I realize how much I really do turn to them, I just want to play with my dolls

 

My anxiety and depression has been at an all-time high the last couple of days. While I was sick with "long covid" and then the lengthy recovery, I let other responsibilities lapse, and now feeling stressed and in a panic. I'm still not physically back to normal, and all I want to do is crawl in bed and pull the covers over my head. But instead I dragged 3 more dolls onto my desk and now have 4 of them lined up where I can see and touch them. It doesn't solve my problems, but it really helps me to stay sane,.

 

Unfortunately sweet dear I am in the same situation as you . I feel you . I know that maybe is not good , but they give to me happiness to see them . Due to financial issues , I sell some of them . But I love to buy new dolls every time . It’s like shopping therapy .

 

Foteini 1506 you said "it's not good" but I think it IS good to channel our coping needs in this safe direction. There are much more unhealthy ways to cope. In my family there are drug addicts and alcoholics. And one of my sisters in law was a sex addict.. Those are definitely unhealthy ways people cope with depression and anxiety. Surrounding ourselves with dolls is a lot safer.
HUGS to you all by the way. We are survivors.

 

You are so right . But unfortunately even if I do not spend anywhere else my money ( clothes , coffees and etc ) my husband has serious problem with me . Because these money I must spend to the house , and not to buy something which I like ( especially dolls ) . So that’s why I said maybe is not good . Because sometimes I feel guilty for buying dolls but again they make me so happy . Unfortunately and in my own family had addicts , and unfortunately that person is not still alive so I know about these addicts . Sweet hugs to you sweet dear . Yes , we are survivors .

 

Not at all- enjoying things is a natural part of the human existence, but many times we get so caught up in trying to do what society tells us we should we place less emphasis on what we enjoy. As long as it’s not hurting anyone I can’t see any downside, whether dolls allow one to have a creative outlet, or simply provide comfort through being there both are valid, and I think most people wish that they had a hobby they could put so much into, as I find it rewarding.

 

This, exactly! There’s just something so reassuring about being able to focus on something fun and creative outside our normal everyday issues…it’s like taking a little break to recharge our batteries. When life starts to feel overwhelming, as life often can sometimes, my dear husband will tell me to go take some “dolly time”. And he’s so right…once I do, I can come back to deal with the issues at hand with a clearer head and fresh perspective.

 

I think dolls can be a healthy coping mechanism. I think a lot of it depends on your personality and current mental health.

Am I stress shopping? Am I being OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder)? Am I depressed? Suffering from anxiety?

I'm trying to enjoy this hobby without going into debt, but it's hard for me sometimes. Some of my dolls, I was able to calmly decide I wanted them, sleep on it, and wait for the right time. Others were impulse buys.

I'm trying to not be too hard on myself, as I'm going through a difficult time right now. But I still need to be more reasonable with this hobby and let it be just that: a hobby. Something that brings me joy, not grief or frustration.

 

The impulse to play is natural in many species and in any case doll collecting is not the kind of hobby that's liable to get anyone hurt. I personally got into fashion dolls because of the appeal of making things with your hands, which is becoming less and less common these days even in the art world.

Retail therapy/shopping addiction is still very much a thing, however, and in my experience it can be especially bad in hobbies that involve a lot of collecting or FOMO/limited edition items.

 

I think there is nothing wrong with it at all. EVERYONE has hobbies that help them escape the stressor of life. There are much worse hobbies to do this with too; drugs or alcohol. It's been extremely normalized, to an extent, to use those two examples. Realistically though, I don't think they are nearly as healthy as collecting dolls and accessories for them. The problem comes in when you start becoming an anti-social recluse. This is where it crosses the line into healthy if you ask me. We as human beings are designed to be social creatures. Yes, each of us has a different social battery but to an extent we all need that human connection. As much as we might like them to, dolls will never be able to fully fulfill this in us. As a hobby and as an escape though? I think they are perfect for that!