New to the Community

[inkybleau]

Last week, my husband and I began marriage counseling, which also involves our moving toward individually improving ourselves. We've only been together for a year and a half, but I've dealt with my personal problems since I was 15.

It was suggested by the therapist that I find a support group. I have issues with anxiety and don't usually reach out to others. Often, I am either isolated, or communicating solely with my husband. I am hoping that in joining this community, I can learn from others' experiences and know that I'm really not alone in the difficulties I routinely face.

I've spent long periods of time skipping out on medications and giving up on therapy. My experiences with psychiatrists, counselors, and therapists have not been positive, but I recognize that I need help. Primarily, I have anger management issues, and I behave in ways that I later regret. I'm not the best at communicating within my marriage, and I still struggle with procrastination. This is problematic as I'm currently in law school, which is already quite stressful.

I like writing my thoughts out, but often lack the initiative to do that, so I express my frustration in unhealthy ways. I figured the way this site is set up would provide a healthy outlet, as I'm still too overwhelmed with the possibility of group therapy or joining an in-person support group after the pandemic passes. Hopefully, I can learn better coping strategies, and gather a clearer understanding of my struggles, which I've been reluctant to acknowledge for quite a while. I look forward to learning from all of you.

[Hockeyguy66]

Dealing w issues since 15....making s total guess here but was there some type of trauma (of course u dont have to be specific) ? If so, that may be a valid place to start. They say yoga, chanting, meditation and many other self care things can help w that. Many great YouTube vids on it too

[inkybleau in reply to Hockeyguy66]

Hi there. Yes, there is a lot of trauma related to interactions between my parents, from childhood to my early twenties. My therapist specializes in cognitive behavioral therapy, and I've done psychotherapy in the past, but didn't find it too productive. I wonder how she addresses issues of trauma in terms of changing my behavior that might relate to it.

I was also tasked to start exercising regularly, which I'm not too good at. The therapist recommended yoga, and I found a beginner's video on Youtube that's 20 minutes long, but not too overwhelming. It's my goal to do this video once a day.

I will look into chanting. I like reading out loud sometimes, so maybe chanting might be a calming activity for me. Thank you.

[Hockeyguy66 in reply to inkybleau]

Check this fellow out. Hes one of the worlds best. Theres also EMDR AND nuero feedback and a slew of other things out there!

youtu.be/kXv4WobnwyI(Not working as expected?)