Escape: Do you have any ideas or tricks for... - ICUsteps

ICUsteps

7,846 members2,474 posts

Escape

patchworker profile image
6 Replies

Do you have any ideas or tricks for escaping from nasty thoughts and memories?

I've tried remembering pleasant things, but that doesn't work very well for me. I've tried imagining myself in a beautiful place, but that gets boring after a while.

What really works is imagining winning the lottery, and how much I could give to each member of the family, and how it would solve their .problems. And what I would do with whats left over....

What works for you?

Written by
patchworker profile image
patchworker
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
6 Replies
Kulta profile image
Kulta

Sertraline. I succumbed eventually but this medication is good for PTSD, anxiety and depression and I subscribe! I now cannot easily recall or retain the intrusive thoughts and it worked for me within a week of taking it. Tried other therapies and they weren't for me. Good luck in finding the right help for you.

Luckyone profile image
Luckyone

Hi patchworker,

I've found it's my rekindled love of photography that works for me, I'm lucky I live next to a wetlands nature reserve where I walk my dog and take my camera to escape to the peace and tranquility of nature it's great therapy, also being the co founder of our local support group giving support to others helps put things into perspective, which personally I find very helpful and rewarding. :-)

coady profile image
coady

imagine winning the lottery is what i do but if i did i would keep it quiet, look after number 1 first, also i would book a flight to pattaya and enjoy the local community, its alot better then here lol

Sometimes the reason you keep thinking about things is because you haven't really resolved them in your mind. Either you don't understand them fully or you still think they are a threat to you. I suggest either writing them down and then reviewing your list and thinking about solutions to it. For example if you had a fear of not being able to breathe consider that you are now breathing perfectly well and have been for X months or that you manage breathing problems with an inhaler and because of your history you would now always make sure you get flu jab/ visit Gp early etc so you have an action plan for future. The other thing that may be helpful is to talk to someone either independent counselling or someonen who has been through the same thing ( you are doing this by posting questions here which should help). Best wishes and it will get better with time. Remember you are a very stong person to survive critical illness.

patchworker profile image
patchworker

Thank you for your answer. I've found this site very helpful, I'm now much better than I was.

But it's the irrational nightmares that I had in ICU that are the problem, not the real danger of the cancer coming back. I know it is partly the morphine, because I was given morphine on another occasion and had similar nightmares then, and how can I logically guard against giant shrimps?

engraved profile image
engraved

It was suggested to me that I choose a time when it is ok to think about my memories. And the rest of the time, I have to do something to get myself out of it. Not think, but do. Move, make, fix, build, share. I have severe mobility problems and neuropathic pain after my ITU stay so some of the 'doing' is tough but I think about what I CAN do, and make myself do that. I wasn't so great earlier this afternoon but now I have meringues in the oven - and I feel calmer. I've also come here now I feel stronger - talking to others, and helping wherever I can is a vital part of my recovery.

Not what you're looking for?

You may also like...

Gender bias in icu care

While I was in icu and in hospitals thereafter I got the impression that male patients get more...
Kit10 profile image

Is "You are in hospital" really reassuring?

I've been reading the information and advice for relatives on the ICUSteps website and one of the...
Kit10 profile image

Waking from medical coma...

Hi everyone- this is the first time I have written a post and want to thank you all in advance for...
Renusaini9 profile image

someone pls

Hi, My husband was an induced coma for 7 days. He had fluid in the lungs he couldn't breath in the...

AFTER EFFECTS OF ICU

I woke up to find myself in ICU. How I got there I still have no memory of to this day. I...
Lacemaker profile image

Moderation team

Rhyl1 profile image
Rhyl1Moderator
Rhyl1 profile image
Rhyl1Partner

Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.

Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.