Difficult night and day

[Gillyflower18]

Had a very difficult therapy session Monday. After effects hit last night and today. Very hard to go to work but I did it inspite of extreme anxiety and palpitations. Still feeling very unsettled and anxious. I need the EMDR therapy but it’s very hard on me. Any suggestions on dealing with the palps especially. They are very disturbing to my already wired mind.

[JAYnLA]

When I breathe deeply into palpitations they stop. Have you tried this?

[Gillyflower18 in reply to JAYnLA]

No. I usually am too scared when it happens to think clearly. I feel like I’m sinking and everything stops for a fraction of a second. If it works for you I’ll really try to do it next time it happens. It’s hard because it happens way more frequently when I’m anxious from therapy. I just hate being so unstable.

[JAYnLA in reply to Gillyflower18]

Oh, I relate! My first couple of months of therapy were intense. I don't think I've ever cried so hard in my life. But it's helping. When the flutter in my chest comes, the first (and unhelpful) response for me is usually to freeze - because it scares me. The breathing really does seem to call it off every single time.

[Jesusgirl]

I just started seeing a therapist on Monday. I had a good visit but I know it is going to get a lot more intense. She did talk to me about different breathing techniques. It does seem to help. I felt silly at first but after I could tell how much it helps I didn't worry about that and I just focused on my breathing.

[Knockonice]

I am not familiar with EDMR, but I am familiar with anxiety and palpitations along with the lack of desire to go to work. Do drink caffine at all? Cutting back, if you do, may help. Have you tried mediation. I like Yoga with Adrienne on YouTube. She goes over breathing and meditation. I also like Matt Harris's book "10 Percent Happier." I am still working on my journey, but these help when I do them.

[Gillyflower18]

Thank you! I don’t do caffeine as I am on an ibs diet. I love Adrienne to and use her videos. Matt Harris I haven’t heard of but will be sure to check it out. I need all the resources I can find. The only med I use is an occasional Ativan when it’s unbearable. I don’t tolerate meds well. EMDR is a ptsd therapy 😊