It has been a while since I posted. I had to bring up this topic of anxiety because I just struck on how this is a complete EQUIVALENT. I have not suffered from back pain in almost a year - because of Sarno's work. I was working with one of his psychologists 2 years ago and I stopped the work after about 4 months because I thought it wasn't necessary and my back pain left me. I now realize absolutely for sure that I have been suffering from the symptom imperative.
This is how I figured it out - I just went on holiday with my family in Italy - have not done that in many years. I spent 5 days with my mum and sister and it brought up a lot of old wounds I guess. I was amazed by my silent anger at a few things my mum said to me and jealousy that came up again in my mind that my mum loves my sister more than me - it was all very suprising. naturally, I did not share these thoughts with anyone, but got quite upset when i went to bed at night adn had time to think. Out of the blue - on the last day, my sciatica back pain came back with a vengeance as I was carrying my suitcase in the airport. It got worse when I returned home. I also noticed a strange kind of calm had come over my mind and that all the worrying I had been doing - obssessive over thinking about everything just vanished. It was as if I had had a brain lobotomy! I was calm and relaxed but my back was very painful. I had an AHA moment. I have been working with a psychologist (weekly phone calls) who is also very spiritual based to try and get rid of my anxiety. He believes it comes from being very angry and needing to forgive family members. On some levels, he is right.
I called Sarno this morning to discuss the anxiety issue with him and he was absolutely adamant that this is a distraction technique of the unconscious - just like the back pain. I know he is right because my mind feels so relaxed. The answer - go back to his psychologist and finish the work. I groaned at the expense but realize that I have been wasting time with other therapists over the last 2 years. Sarno said that it can take years to shift the unconscious and not to put a time frame on it. This also depressed me because of the cost. However, at this point, I have no choice. I realize that there is insane rage in my unconscious towards my parents.
In addition to the anxiety I have terrible acne/rash on my back - have had it for 3 months now and my face keeps breaking out. Sarno said these were completely equivalents.
Wow - people waste years of time and money on the wrong treatment when all these symptoms are caused by the brain. I find the idea of anxiety as a distraction as very very interesting and really quite ground breaking stuff.
This is a great realization. Don't be upset at the cost, since at least you are now on the right path to recovery. As we all know, money menas nothing when you don't have your health...mental or physical. I wish you the best and look forward to hearing about your recovery from anxiety in the future. - Sensei
Suz- Realizing rage towards parents is a very difficult and scarry thing but I believe it can be very healing for the IC to help her express the rage. The IC needs a lot of support and protection. This takes practice and time so be patient with yourself. It's good that you are working with a therapist on this stuff as it really is very difficult work. I think you are on the right track. Keep it up!
anxiety equivalent
Posted - 07/23/2007 : 10:27:28
