Thankful for New Therapist

[evilspicy]

I had my third session with my new therapist and I'm so grateful I found a good one. We discussed my daily rounds with panic and anxiety in the afternoons and I mentioned that over the weekend I managed to stay just in front of the anxiety enough to stave off the usual afternoon battle. For the first time I think I actively practiced acceptance and that has started to help. I know I'm always gonna have times when I feel those emotions and physiological responses. Instead of cringeing away from it, I've been acknowledging when low feelings try to work in. I look at it and say " What in particular is making me feel this way? Is this something I really need to be worried about? If it IS can I approach it from a place of calm evaluation? If it's not, can I let it go and brush it off for a few minutes?" It hasn't made my anxiety go completely away, but it has worked JUST enough to where I haven't sunken under the weight of it Saturday, Sunday, and today. That's 3 days in a row of relative success. I feel like I'm just now coming into understanding of what it means to be present and mindful. Such a challenge, but I will never stop trying to get better. My therapist commended me on my efforts, which felt pretty good to have it acknowledged-- something that I feel is genuine from this therapist, not quite like my last. Thank God for the good professionals out there!

[evilspicy]

I appreciate the encouragement! I don't get to interact with many people, so I'm grateful for any encouragement I can get. <3

[Marnie22 Volunteer]

That's brilliant news! Having the right person to work with you is vital. I have been having EMDR with a great psychologist and she has been so helpful and a lovely person as well as an excellent professional.

I wish you all the best.

🙂🌸

[Delzek]

Hi evilspicy, I think getting one day is great two is brilliant but I can't imagine how good you feel at 3 days, I have Anxiety attacks among other things. I try to keep it together as I look after my friend and my brother,

[evilspicy in reply to Delzek]

It's a new experience for me. New meds working well, new therapist working well, and coping skills actually working for once. I've gotten so used to being miserable all the time that it's definitely a new place for me emotionally. I spent years falling apart on the inside while trying to keep it together and be functional especially around others, so I know what you mean. I'll be honest, I didn't know if I would make it to 37, there were so many challenges in front of me, but I kept going and I keep going. The anxiety attacks are hell, I am wishing you strength and relief.

[Delzek]

I have kept going and I am a lot older,Crying on the inside wondering if I can cope for another day ! But I Smile and laugh joke about so no one can see the truth. I honestly think you have done something really well evilspicy, Keep doing your best no one can ask you to do more! I am sure that soon you will enjoy everyday more and more! I hope you keep posting and be positive! Remember there is no shame in having a bad day,it happens. I will look out for your posts as you have cheered me up with your positive attitude and post.

All the best Derek

[Nathalie99 Partner]

It is inspiring to read about your progress, evilspicy.

It's your determination when you kept on going through very tough times and things are going better.

I'm really happy for you.

Wishing you continued strength and discovering more peace and joy from being present...

[ScubaD]

Hey well done you. Being kind to yourself is a brave step. I sometimes beat myself up because I reacted to loud noise but I do not know where it is from. I would not do this to someone I knew had similar experience. Music and getting out for a short walk in outside area helps me because I have had this since a child but only found out about some causes in 2002 and still learning and remembering trauma. time is needed, quiet places, a listening ear, not patronising and finding some form of hobby can help I have found from experience. You will get to a more stable place over time and I wish you the very best for the future.

PTSD does not define me because I am more than it!

[evilspicy]

Thanks for everyone's supportive words. I'm so glad I fond this forum, everyone has been really great!