The "Enemy" At The Door.

Hi all. On almost every new blog I read the words "fight" and "enemy" and "the thing" which come up time and again. You do not have to "fight" the "the thing" or engage wth any battle with the "enemy". All this talk of fighting and enemy only creates more fear thus more adrenalin thus more anxiety. Look up "fight" in the dictionary. "To engage in combat with"; "to struggle with". Both these reactions stimulate the adrenanlin releasing nerves to produce more adrenalin which is the chemical in your body causing the problem and we have to slow down the stimulation of this gland which, with us humans, is there for a specific purpose, but not to be in continuous use. The the "fight-fear-fight" circle starts and releases more adrenalin. Think how you felt when you were well and got angry. After the anger (and adrenalin) had died down then the feelings returned to normal. But with nervous illness the feelings do not die down and we get bewildered and upset by the reactions we have. We have started the "fear-adrenalin-fear" cycle. Some say, "you have to fight this, do not let it get the better of you". How many out there are still "fighting" their way through this illness and getting nowhere? Recent blogs have highlighted the work of Dr. Claire Weekes and to anyone who is fighting I would say get a copy of her works. You will be surprised how she advocates the opposite of fighting. How many of you still "fight", or have been told to? Very best of luck. jonathan.

[hedgecrone]

Quite a bit! Even supportive family and friends talk of 'fighting' it, as if it's something you can overcome with one big push over the top if only you'd show a bit of strength or spunk. The implication is that you are too weak to 'fight', and that reinforces feelings of inadequacy and low self-esteem.

I am familiar with Dr Weekes' books and I don't think enough it done by medics to show sufferers HOW to accept, float, let time pass. A lot of time and energy is spent dredging up the past, not always to good effect; also overthinking and over-analysing. I'm one of the biggest culprits! And all the time, it's obvious that NHS resources would be better spent in guiding people with a combination of Dr Weekes' approach and Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy which teaches acceptance and learning to be and to live in the moment.

Thank you for highlighting her approach. It should be better known, and used.

[Hidden]

Hi hedgecrone. You and me both! That's why I have emphasised perseverance when I talk about Dr. Weekes work. It is not easy. The past is the past but how we seem to be impelled to return to it! I agree with you; dredging up old memories achieves nothing. I went to a phychiatrist some years ago and was told my problem lay in not having any children. I suggested to her that, at the age of 55, if she could show my wife and myself how this could be achieved I would be grateful!! I am not sure who was the most "potty", me or her. Never again!!

Nice talking to you. Best wishes. jonathan.

[hamble99b in reply to Hidden]

dr phil mcgraw says we are stuck living in our past until we let it go and step into today.

I know what he means but until we are ready to move on it has a powerful hold,

Tiny steps.

regards,

sandra.

[Melgil58]

Hello I can understand some of your scepticisms about councillors I feel the same about some drs iv had in the past for instance the one that said if it was serious I'd be dead by now although I did smile at that one the one that said I should go out and drink a few pints of a night the one when I told him I was having back trouble he proceeded to tell me about his the one that just put his hand on my shoulder and said look Mel your a worrier you must learn to live with it and these were the ones I got on with my latest one we usually just talk about stuff the last time I saw him he said let's see if we can get you right for the summer after 45yrs I wanted a bit more than that the psychiatrist who treating me for acute reaction to grief after i lost my wife asked me what I did for a living I told her I was a painter and decorator she said oh and asked me some more questions then asked if I did work on the side and she wondered if I could give her a price for decorating her lounge and staircase so I try to find things out for myself though not obsessively I don't google every ache and pain I get up and get on with things the best I can. Sorry Jonathan that was a long one hope your well and happy days to you ..Mel

[Hidden]

Hi Melgil58. You have caught me in the act of falling about laughing!. Your blog was one of the most amusing I have read although it is, obviously, a serious matter. My God! Who trains these people. It is obvious that it certainly is not anyone who has had a nervous problem. Anyone I have met who has a nervous illness and who has been to a psychiatrist has the same story. They are full of Freud and all the other past "experts" of psychiatric medicine that they can't see that it is the present that need sorting. Thanks very much for your blog. You have made my day!. jonathan.