Newly diagnosed and in therapy, trying to make sense of it all.

[youmeanddupree]

So, I have been having a really hard time lately. I mean I have had a hard time all my life, but lately... lately is the first time I have really understood what people who kill themselves must feel like before they do it. I decided that was a little to close to home for me, so I went and sought therapy. As it stands, I've been diagnosed with a variety of anxiety and depression related disorders. The therapist is good at her job and has drilled down pretty deep pretty quick. I think I finally have some answers that explain my life. That's great and I think that this will be worth it in the end. However, slugging through these emotions I've kept repressed for 40 years is getting tiresome. Are there strategies that anyone else has used to deal with the emotional toll that I am experiencing?

[blackcat64013]

Hi Youmeanddupree,

Wow, 40 years is a long time to keep emotions bottled up.

It is therapy sessions that will help you work through psychological /emotional side of the equation. Talking /thinking does change your physical chemistry by releasing chemicals into the blood stream and so you experience physical symptoms.

The way to reset the body is to do some helpful activities daily such as progressive muscle relaxation, exercise by walking, yoga or pilates, guided meditations available on YouTube or having a remedial massage or listening to music.

Sometimes medication helps you feel more on an even keel and better able to participate in the therapy

[youmeanddupree in reply to blackcat64013]

Thank you! I am on antidepressants and am trying to take care of myself. I need to start an exercise practice, even if it is just walking around the neighborhood. Thanks for your thoughtful response.

[Ashlan in reply to blackcat64013]

I agree completely. A healthy way to use the emotions and balance yourself. I take walks, meditate with either the HeadSpace or Calm Apps, and do pilates. I also do some journaling if I feel I have a lot of thoughts at conflict with one another that are bouncing around my head.

[youmeanddupree in reply to Ashlan]

I will look at the meditation apps. I am journalling as part of my homework in therapy. Thanks!

[Windy101]

Therapy is an intense time, and you're wise to think of ways to provide balance. Physical activity is a great idea. Depending on your weather and resources, whatever you can do outside to get sunlight and fresh air can help. Inside or outdoors, the idea is to get out of your head and release the muscle tension built up from all those intense emotions.

Congratulations on doing the hard work of looking at your life deeply. It reminds me it might be time to go back to therapy myself, as soon as the semester ends and I have more free time.

[youmeanddupree in reply to Windy101]

Thank you! I had underestimated the power of the emotions I am uncovering in therapy, so I appreciate the validation of therapy as hard work. I am a professor and I am on sabbatical this semester, and am happy I have done this now, as opposed to next semester, when I go back to work. I couldn't imagine having done this while working intensely. Good luck with your own journey.

[Windy101]

Thank you!