Since contracting encephalitis as a teenager in 2003 I have suffered from periods of anxiety, depression and flashbacks to the time I was most ill. It is only recently that I have started to acknockledge these thought and feelings, opening up and talking about them.
Is there anything I can do to help reduce these feelings or at least get them under control?
Consider splitting up each problem into small bites and approach each bite until you address the problem, if you get stuck look into another problem, then do the same thing etc
Anxiety consider Relaxation Technique, Mindfulness, it should help you relax. Books purchased on Amazon £7;00. Breathing Techniques do help, they are explained on the internet
BOB
Would you like to stay in touch with me?
Paula
Of course, how can I help you
BOB
Red
I have found with my chronic health problem is, we need to understand our needs and expectations. Just because you have a disability does not mean you cannot move on through it. Yes I do find That I am restricted in my life and the chores I still need to do so you need to consider positive rewards you can take part in after any chores you have had to do.
Always considering your disability will just cause your Reactive Depression and that in turn will cause you to pull back away from activities you enjoy. and you will become a slave to what is wrong.
Just because there is something wrong does not mean you need to sit in front of a fire sucking your teeth, consider what you are interested in and do not consider why I cannot do that diversion, ask yourself what changes to that activity will allow me to take that project on. Everyone comes to a stage, disabled or not where something you wish to try means some form of changes to your attitude.
Remember it is not what I cannot do, It comes down to how can I take part in those challenging activities.
I know above sounds a bit rough, consider this, some time disabled people sail small boats with sails, they have wheelchairs. They consider how, not I cannot do that. I do not say sail or power a boat, what I do say, we are all different, Viva Difference.
BOB
I sent it to the wrong person by accident sorry bordrrriever. I was asking RED1224 the question .
Hi I agree with you since becoming ill as a teenager I have found ways to overcome difficulties. My determination will get me through the winter, Thank you for the advise and pep talk.
I contracted encephalitis in 1977 so I was too young to remember anything. I can certainly sympathize with you with regards anxiety and depression on and off most of my life from a very young age but I have had a lot of CBT and Occupational Therapy together with a certain type of antidepressants called Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors 'SSRI's' which goes a long way. Do you see a psychiatrist or another mental health professional? Maybe your GP could refer you to your local community mental health team. CMHT
I have been seeing a conseller which has been very useful. With knowledge and understanding I normally find a way, I was meant to have CBT but could not afford to do both.
Thank you for your thoughts and support.
Hi RED1224, Did you know that CBT is more so recommended than counselling and is avaliable on the NHS where do you live? Because there is an I.A.P.T service across England but you only get six sessions a time and can refer and re-refer yourself to them. But I would also ask your GP to refer you to your local Community Mental Health Team referred to as 'CMHT', they have Psychologists, Psychiatrists, some Psychologists are Psychotherapists but not all are therapists so you might have to be referred to a therapist by your CMHT once you get into the system. Hope this helps.
RED1224 would you like to keep in touch with me?
Hi paula191 that would be great thank you. I always enjoy talking to new people, sharing experiances and learning from peers 😀.
You are welcome anytime.
I am enjoying being a volunteer for the Encephalitis Society although I didn't know much about them til a year and a half ago and via this forum I have found some similar cases to mine and you're one of them and one other chap who attends the OCD online/phone support groups the same groups. Its so surprising who we come across in the same boat.
Hi RED1224, I totally understand what flashbacks are like "I also have had Encephalitis" but mine are as a result of bullying via being in the wrong College after I left school.
But I can well imagine how shocking/traumatic it was for you when you were ill. It doesn't surprise me one bit that you are suffering the same symptoms. However the good news is that EMDR with CBT together is what is recommended. I have had this in the past and I must admit it did help, if I had have been having regular follow-ups with a professional therapist then maybe I wouldn't have relapsed like I have done. It's just that there are none in my area, so I am at a disadvantage, but there certainly are in Oxford NHS Foundation Trust and The University of Oxford where Prof Paul Salvoskis works.
I have also had Encephalitis as a young child, so I can totally empathize sympathize with you and I do understand where you are coming fromhave also experienced flash backs to when I was bullied as an adolescent, severe anxiety and I have had very severe depression in the past I had suicidal thoughts for 2 1/2 years.
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