Med Changes

[Quoll]

I actually have started working with a Cognitive Behavioral Therapist and so far that kind of therapy has seemed to work best for me.

As you well should, quoll...that's an excellent thread, and CBT changed (and no doubt saved) my life.

Any info you could share would be greatly appreciated, I may be heading down this road myself, and for some reason I seem to be developing a negative attitude towards it, even though everything I have heard is generally positive.

 

[bisexplicit]

How it helps me most is with "faulty" reasoning...
For example; stepping on a scale and realizing I gained five pounds for me suddenly means that I'm the fattest person in the world - and since I'm the fattest person in the world no one will ever want to talk to me - and since no one would ever want to talk to me everything is horrible and my life is over and why should I go on living.
And yes, it sounds completely silly...but thats really how my trains of thought will go sometimes.
So, for me, CBT helps with intervening logic at certain steps by taking a step back away and saying "Wait a second...do you have any evidence to support the fact that people won't like you because you gained five pounds?" etc.
I'm not sure if that helps, but mostly, its how it helped me...

 

[Quoll]

How it helps me most is with "faulty" reasoning...
For example; stepping on a scale and realizing I gained five pounds for me suddenly means that I'm the fattest person in the world - and since I'm the fattest person in the world no one will ever want to talk to me - and since no one would ever want to talk to me everything is horrible and my life is over and why should I go on living.
And yes, it sounds completely silly...but thats really how my trains of thought will go sometimes.
So, for me, CBT helps with intervening logic at certain steps by taking a step back away and saying "Wait a second...do you have any evidence to support the fact that people won't like you because you gained five pounds?" etc.
I'm not sure if that helps, but mostly, its how it helped me...

It doesn`t sound silly at all, I completely understand that thought process, I go through similar everytime I get anxious, I try to talk myself out of it, and if I can`t, I then spend the rest of the time hating myself for being so weak and such a coward. Knowing that it is an overreaction on the part of my mind and body just makes matters worse, logically knowing something and yet not being able to stop it, major self hatred.
Thanks for your help, I will keep reading and try to get myself into a positive frame of mind to accept CBT.

 

[bisexplicit]

It doesn`t sound silly at all, I completely understand that thought process, I go through similar everytime I get anxious, I try to talk myself out of it, and if I can`t, I then spend the rest of the time hating myself for being so weak and such a coward. Knowing that it is an overreaction on the part of my mind and body just makes matters worse, logically knowing something and yet not being able to stop it, major self hatred.
Thanks for your help, I will keep reading and try to get myself into a positive frame of mind to accept CBT.

hehe, I think its weird, 'cause when I read your post I got all excited - like "Ooh, someone else does that to!" Because half of my problem really is the guilt I feel for not being strong enough to handle stuff or whatever.
And CBT is starting to help me with that, too...
I really think you should try going into it with an open mind. And, if the first person doesn't work out, try again...'cause I originally did CBT a few years ago, in a group, and it just didn't help or seem relevant at all - but that just was the way they were presenting the material.

 

[SweetErika]

Any info you could share would be greatly appreciated, I may be heading down this road myself, and for some reason I seem to be developing a negative attitude towards it, even though everything I have heard is generally positive.

I'm more than happy to tell you what I can, quoll...feel free to PM me too. I think I was lucky in not really knowing what CBT was starting treatment, but once I started to learn, it made sense. For me, it was a leap of faith and a lot of hard work, but I sort of made it my job, and everything fell into place. Plus, my only other choice seemed being miserable for the rest of my life, and that wasn't an acceptable option.

It doesn`t sound silly at all, I completely understand that thought process, I go through similar everytime I get anxious, I try to talk myself out of it, and if I can`t, I then spend the rest of the time hating myself for being so weak and such a coward. Knowing that it is an overreaction on the part of my mind and body just makes matters worse, logically knowing something and yet not being able to stop it, major self hatred.
Thanks for your help, I will keep reading and try to get myself into a positive frame of mind to accept CBT.

Okay, but what if you could dispel your thoughts of being "weak" for not being able to talk yourself out of it at this time? Isn't it possible you don't really have the tools necessary to do so? What would happen if you could eliminate/minimize some or all of the things that start the cycle in the first place? Is it really true that you aren't capable of stopping it, or is that statement an example of reasoning from how you feel?

Also...what negative thoughts are you having about CBT? What could be the sources of those thoughts? What do you have to lose by giving it a try, or what are the pros and cons of trying it?

So obviously I'm doing the annoying devil's advocate thing. Honestly though, I'd write those questions and answers down and see what logic is backing up your feelings. I'm an extremely emotional person, and put a lot of stock in feelings, but have come to realize I have to be very careful reasoning from how I feel (99% of the time I deem myself guilty or bad for no other reason than that's how I feel...completely irrational, and causes a ton of pain and other problems).

 

[Quoll]

hehe, I think its weird, 'cause when I read your post I got all excited - like "Ooh, someone else does that to!" Because half of my problem really is the guilt I feel for not being strong enough to handle stuff or whatever.
And CBT is starting to help me with that, too...
I really think you should try going into it with an open mind. And, if the first person doesn't work out, try again...'cause I originally did CBT a few years ago, in a group, and it just didn't help or seem relevant at all - but that just was the way they were presenting the material.

I'm more than happy to tell you what I can, quoll...feel free to PM me too. I think I was lucky in not really knowing what CBT was starting treatment, but once I started to learn, it made sense. For me, it was a leap of faith and a lot of hard work, but I sort of made it my job, and everything fell into place. Plus, my only other choice seemed being miserable for the rest of my life, and that wasn't an acceptable option.

Okay, but what if you could dispel your thoughts of being "weak" for not being able to talk yourself out of it at this time? Isn't it possible you don't really have the tools necessary to do so? What would happen if you could eliminate/minimize some or all of the things that start the cycle in the first place? Is it really true that you aren't capable of stopping it, or is that statement an example of reasoning from how you feel?

Also...what negative thoughts are you having about CBT? What could be the sources of those thoughts? What do you have to lose by giving it a try, or what are the pros and cons of trying it?

So obviously I'm doing the annoying devil's advocate thing. Honestly though, I'd write those questions and answers down and see what logic is backing up your feelings. I'm an extremely emotional person, and put a lot of stock in feelings, but have come to realize I have to be very careful reasoning from how I feel (99% of the time I deem myself guilty or bad for no other reason than that's how I feel...completely irrational, and causes a ton of pain and other problems).

Thank you ladies.

I`m really not a hundred per cent sure why I have some negative feelings about CBT, maybe it`s the therapy thing, even though I went through a lot of it with my wife and I have no problems suggesting it for other people.
But, before you start jumping on me, I am going, not really sure how that happened, I think the logical part of me said yes so quickly that the emotional part was taken by suprise.
I have started to read a little bit on it, but backed away when I found myself getting negative.

You are correct of course Erika, I don`t have the tools available and I desperately want them. To stop these feelings would be a blessing at the moment, I haven`t felt this bad for many years, of course things have been going good for the last few years too.
I have always felt talking to people who are actually involved in something is far better than reading large amounts of research, (Lit being a perfect example).
I guess I have to make that leap.

One more question, did /does it help relieve physical symptoms? In my case nausea and lately a gradual tensing of my stomach muscles.

Thanks again for your support.

 

[bisexplicit]

Because the physical symptoms are most likely psychosomatic I think it can help with them. For me, when having a panic attack, CBT doesn't help - what does help is with prevention. If I can use the skills I learned when I start feeling anxious, and before the full blown panic attack hits, then sometimes I can avoid all the physical symptoms altogether.

 

[SweetErika]

Glad to hear it, quoll! Like bi, it helped me get rid of the sources of the symptoms, even down to being sick from the guilt of doing/not doing something. But I also found I could stop them by reasoning myself out of that state when it started instead of letting it get out of control. And I sort of turned them into a positive; big flashing signs that told me I had more work to do on a particular area or needed to figure something out, if that makes sense.

 

[Quoll]

Ok I `ve been procrastinating again, thinking on the reasons for my negativity. As well as what I mentioned previously I think it also has to do with the fact that I have been trying to talk my self out of this for a long time. I am disgustingly analytical at times, I know that the physical symptons are not really harmfull, I know that the anxiety is based on unreal fears. I used to use some of the techniques you mentioned, like telling myself what`s the worst that can happen but obviously that`s not enough, these things did work with minor anxiety but perhaps I have lost my way a bit lately.
I suppose because CBT sounds so similar to what I have been doing myself that I had already condemned it to failure.
I have already made one leap by seeing an anxiety therapist so I guess one more can`t hurt.
Besides your explanations seem so damn logical I`m having a hard time analysing a way out.


Seeing as how I have already dragged this thread off topic I may as well continue with another question.
Is there a name for someone who is somewhat obsessed, (albeit unconsciously) with writing incredibly long sentences, broken only by a myriad of commas?

Just curious

 

[bisexplicit]

*laughs* I have no idea if thats an obsession. I used to have that problem myself...Still do sometimes; especially in academic writing.

 

[Lynxie]

Is there a name for someone who is somewhat obsessed, (albeit unconsciously) with writing incredibly long sentences, broken only by a myriad of commas?

Just curious

Solecistic is the best word I can come up with. I'm sure there's a word somewhere that refers more specifically to run-ons and comma splices though.

Back in January, I posted some rather lengthy posts about my goals for the year. Here it is nearly 6 months later, and I haven't accomplished any of them. My shoulder's not better (though this is the only one I'm actively working on), I haven't found a job, and outside of shoulder issues I haven't seen a doctor or therapist. I'm like quoll in that I know it would help, yet I still have a negative feeling and general anxiety about it. My anxiety prevents me from doing a lot of things; if it's social in any way, I have a very hard time with it. I nearly made excuses to skip out on a close friend's wedding this weekend, and I'm just thankful that my husband prevented me from doing so. I think about how much I would benefit from therapy (and seeing a doc for my other assorted health concerns) every day, but I still haven't worked myself up to making appointments. I keep hoping that rationalizing it or writing it down will help... but I just can't seem to get it over with. I have an extremely difficult time multitasking (I used to be fine with it...but since I graduated college, I've lost all ability to do so). Right now my focus is on my shoulder (yes, acupuncture seems to be helping a bit), and I know I need to do more than just that, but I panic every time I think about getting my life back on track. I'm not really sure what to do about it at this point.

 

[SweetErika]

I suppose because CBT sounds so similar to what I have been doing myself that I had already condemned it to failure.
I have already made one leap by seeing an anxiety therapist so I guess one more can`t hurt.
Besides your explanations seem so damn logical I`m having a hard time analysing a way out.

I did a lot of those things before therapy too, and quite honestly, couldn't understand how simple reasoning could help me. However, it's the process that's helpful, not the specifc thoughts. The failure before was in not going through the entire process that's been proven to work for millions of people. I look at it as re-training my brain to think in a healthier, more productive way. And maybe you can get your anxiety therapist to help you work towards making the appointment.

Solecistic is the best word I can come up with. I'm sure there's a word somewhere that refers more specifically to run-ons and comma splices though.

Back in January, I posted some rather lengthy posts about my goals for the year. Here it is nearly 6 months later, and I haven't accomplished any of them. My shoulder's not better (though this is the only one I'm actively working on), I haven't found a job, and outside of shoulder issues I haven't seen a doctor or therapist. I'm like quoll in that I know it would help, yet I still have a negative feeling and general anxiety about it. My anxiety prevents me from doing a lot of things; if it's social in any way, I have a very hard time with it. I nearly made excuses to skip out on a close friend's wedding this weekend, and I'm just thankful that my husband prevented me from doing so. I think about how much I would benefit from therapy (and seeing a doc for my other assorted health concerns) every day, but I still haven't worked myself up to making appointments. I keep hoping that rationalizing it or writing it down will help... but I just can't seem to get it over with. I have an extremely difficult time multitasking (I used to be fine with it...but since I graduated college, I've lost all ability to do so). Right now my focus is on my shoulder (yes, acupuncture seems to be helping a bit), and I know I need to do more than just that, but I panic every time I think about getting my life back on track. I'm not really sure what to do about it at this point.

Make a list with one or two goals for the day or week. One can be getting to your accupuncture (glad it's helping!) and the other can be something more difficult like picking up the phone and making an appt. for therapy. At least that's what forces me to get things done when I'm overwhelmed. And once I make an appointment, I don't cancel unless I physically can not make it out of bed or have been in an accident, because I feel it's wrong for me to do so without such circumstances. Getting started is the hardest part for me, and often I'll get a bunch of things done because I feel so good about accomplishing my goal. Silly, but it works.


Both of you: Also ask yourself if there are some other reasons you are afraid of change. Do you fear losing yourself or becoming a different person? Are you attached to the familiarity of your current feelings and behavior? That sounds really stupid...of course you don't want to be ill or have problems, but there were a few times I realized I was having trouble letting go of certain beliefs. Questioning why I was hanging onto them and resisting change was helpful...I realized there was a certain comfort in the predictability of my reactions and thought letting go would mean my feelings were wasted and worthless. Anyways, I don't know if anything like that rings true for you, but it might be worth exploring.

 

[MindFire]

Yeah, duh, that would've helped some, hunh?
Its effexor.
Not that any of you are (most likely) doctors...
I was just hoping there some sortof advice that could possibly make tomorrow go better.

Effor is a antidepressant and gave me the most awful 3 weeks of my life..
its not meant for everyone call the Dr. and tell him whats happening
theres about 9000 anti depressants on the market..
it affected my motor skills.. and i couldnt write.. and couldnt quite talking
its was a bear.

 

[Quoll]

Is it the meds or did I post on a "flaming" thread earlier, need to know, things just disappearing not good for this mind.

 

[bisexplicit]

Is it the meds or did I post on a "flaming" thread earlier, need to know, things just disappearing not good for this mind.

The moderator apparently went through and cleaned up things...
Which is sad, 'cause one of my threads got moved.

 

[SweetErika]

The moderator apparently went through and cleaned up things...
Which is sad, 'cause one of my threads got moved.

It just got moved. You can carry on in the PG, and will likely get a lot more participation there.

 

[Quoll]

The moderator apparently went through and cleaned up things...
Which is sad, 'cause one of my threads got moved.

Whew, at least it happened and yeah this is a no flame zone.

Sorry about your thread, I`d give you a hug, but I get the feeling I might get a trout across the back of the head.

 

[bisexplicit]

Whew, at least it happened and yeah this is a no flame zone.

Sorry about your thread, I`d give you a hug, but I get the feeling I might get a trout across the back of the head.

Un unh, thats silver's things.

And I know I can still follow it at the playground...but I like this forum best, hehe.

 

[silverwhisper]

thats silver's thing

[smacks quoll w/ a trout, just to underscore the point]



ed

 

[Quoll]

Un unh, thats silver's things.

My point exactly.

[smacks quoll w/ a trout, just to underscore the point]



ed

Ouch
See, I told you so.
Geese man, get a guppy.

 

[silverwhisper]

nah: that just leads inevitably to penis-size comments. :>

ed

 

[MindFire]

smile and whats wrong with that?

 

[Macdaddy23]

I'm not sure non-medication alternatives is the right route for me. I had a suicide attempt back in January, which is another reason why I'm switching medication...but also why I don't want to go without altogether.

Bi, I'm on 4 meds for epilepsy. It makes me so tired and I'm only 24!