Emotions

[Astarlove]

Why is it that the emotions of love and joy take tome to come back. But fear anxiety and panic come freely???Esp fear of never being back to yourself and not connecting with baby and all.

The insomnia kkkkkkkk

[Jenny_at_APP Partner]

Hello Astarlove,

An interesting question that I have just tried to do a little research on… I was wondering if it might be something to do with the fact that the psychosis puts us into a kind of survival mode where fear and panic are there to keep us alert to danger perhaps, or a kind of hangover from the trauma we’ve experienced… and these feelings then persist as we recover. I also came across a term called ‘anhedonia’, the inability to feel pleasure, which is common with depression and other mental illness.

I know it doesn’t seem fair, it isn’t fair, sadly the ‘high’ of psychosis can be followed by this contrasting low. But you can get through this and we’re all here to listen and support you along the way.

Sending you my best wishes across the ocean,

Jenny x

[Astarlove in reply to Jenny_at_APP]

Hie Jenny. Thank you for your response. Its so encouraging. Now whats happening to me is my mind is now thinking of where i am... Trying to figure out what has been happening for thr past 8mnths and when it tries to thinkk of it i get confused and scared. Its also l thinks who i am because i think lost myself in the sickness and the thought scares me and gets me confused. Then the last thing is it i think now i have a son and my mind hasn't registered it yet and when i think of it i get scared again ..... Is this my mind trying yo get back to normal?and starting realisation? The journey

[Kat_at_APP Volunteer in reply to Astarlove]

Dear Astarlove,

I really feel for you. You describe so vividly the maelstrom of psychosis recovery. Your mind is desperately trying to make sense of what’s happened, and your situation, and it must feel so unsettling. I wonder if you could try some simple grounding or breathing exercises when you are feeling overwhelmed, or disconnected? An example of a grounding exercise is “5.4.3.2.1”: can you name 5 things you can see (the wall, your shoes, the table, the door, the window frame for example). Then 4 things you can touch (the chair, the floor, your phone, your arm, the plant pot). Then 3 things you can hear (a little harder maybe but let’s say your own breath, a bird singing outside, the washing machine). Then 2 things you can smell (your baby’s head, dinner cooking). Then finally 1 thing you can taste (your cup of tea). It is hopefully something you can do anytime, any place, but is designed to help you feel more grounded, more connected, to the present place and time.

I find it especially helpful when I am feeling highly anxious.

Do be kind to yourself and set yourself very small, achievable aims for each day. You are doing amazingly well!

Take care,

Kat x

[Jenny_at_APP Partner in reply to Astarlove]

Hello Astarlove,

Yes I think it is probably all part of the recovery and healing process - with lots of different factors at play as others have said, which can all feel so overwhelming.

I do hope you can find a way to get some sleep and rest, insomnia is awful - everything feels so much worse and more difficult to manage when struggling with sleep.

There is lots of helpful information about sleep and insomnia online, but do also talk to your doctor if it's a problem, sleep is so important.

nhs.uk/every-mind-matters/m...

Thinking of you and sending very best wishes,

Jenny x

[Ramlah_at_APP Volunteer]

Hello Astarlove,

Sometimes it’s hard to understand why the negative emotions overtake us during the recovery period

As for fear and anxiety I think it helps us from protecting us from danger . For example having the fear of not wanting to do something you will regret.

In regards to the insomnia , perhaps asking your medical team if they can give you something to help you sleep .

Sleep is fundamental part of recovery , the more we sleep the more our brain relaxes.

Thinking of you

Take care xx

[DM_110]

Hi Astarlove

That’s a valid question. I think this is a very under researched condition. I personally think it depends on multiple factors - inside and outside of us. I think what primarily drove my anxiety was not being able to care for the kids (a toddler and a newborn). I was unable to perform daily tasks. To top it off I had a very cold and annoying husband who made things way worse for my recovery than they should have been.

On the other hands the things that helped the anxiety plus depression were support from my parents, hiring a nanny, getting a lot of sleep. I slept 12 hours some days. My antipsychotic had a drowsiness side effect so I would fall asleep shortly after taking it. Please use a sleep aid that can help you sleep.

I also had to go through another round of ects to help with my recovery. I largely blame my ex husband for having to go thru it because he made my life hell after coming from the hospital.

I hope you find the right recovery plan :))