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debbette
44 Posts |
 Posted - 08/27/2008 : 02:00:54
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Reading and/or journaling? I find myself obsessing on TMS (and my problems) as much as I did on my tingling foot. I don't think it's good because I'm still VERY stressed out. It's been like opening a pandora's box.
Do you spend X amout of time a day? Or just read or journal as the mood hits?
Hoping my shrink can fit me in this week.... I need it! |
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Peg
USA
284 Posts |
Posted - 08/27/2008 : 05:56:53
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You're right the obsessing isn't helpful.
I't been a long time since I first recovered, but I'll try to answer your questions.
I read a lot initially, but as I started to feel better, I spent less time on it. I got back to my life slowly. Getting back to my housework and other chores (which when done with a certain attitude can give a sense of accomplishment) along with more enjoyable pursuits.
When the pain or other symptom substitution would creep back in to my life, I would re-read some sections of the book (20-30 mins) or I would journal for 10-20 minutes.
Since my symptoms did not completely disappear,I eventually purchased Dr. Sarno's video and watched it a few times (not in a row but over a period of time) which helped get the message into my subconscious.
My recovery has not followed a straight line nor any time line so I understand how discouraging that can be, but I believe if you keep at it (in moderation) it is the best hope for your recovery.
Most importantly in your post is "I'm still VERY stressed out".
What do you think is causing this?
--Are you stressed because of the scary things you are confronting in your journaling?
--Are you stressed because of things going on in your life currently?
--Are you stressed because of your frustration about your symptoms not resolving as you would like?
--Are you receiving support from your family or friends?
--Are you allowing yourself to accept that support?
--Are others putting pressure on you to do things you don't want to do or are there self imposed pressures?
--Are you stressed because you think you should be recovering "perfectly"?
Depending on your answers to these questions, are there any actions that you can take to help reduce these stresses? At the very least, you could begin by talking to yourself in a kind way and putting less pressure on yourself.
Hope some of this helps. I'm off to work.
Have a good one.
Peg
In questions of science, the authority of a thousand is not worth the humble reasoning of a single individual. Galileo Galilei |
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mizlorinj
USA
490 Posts |
Posted - 08/27/2008 : 06:56:54
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Spend time WRITING about how you feel. It is very relieving and has some eye-opening moments. You have to do it to know what I mean.
I did a lot of reading of the books, and I know the fact that it was mind/body pain sunk into my brain. Dr. Sarno's treatment plan includes doing daily reading of a few pages (which are in TDM) which I did faithfully for a few weeks. I did A LOT of journaling after I made the list of "things that bug me--even a little." At first I wrote for at least an hour (sometimes more) a day (I was home not able to work due to TMS pain), then slightly less. 1.5 years later I still write about stuff that bugs me. It's my own personal therapy and it works. Truth be told, there are things sometimes that I put off writing about (like the condo bldg next door burning down yesterday!--FEAR!), but I know I have to do it. I get to where I just sit down and do it. I know getting it off me works.
Best wishes, 
-Lori |
Edited by - mizlorinj on 08/27/2008 07:01:40 |
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debbette
44 Posts |
Posted - 08/27/2008 : 10:54:32
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I like the writing every day idea - even when I feel good. I have a terrible time acknowledging things that are bugging me, especially the big things. It's so much easier just to push it aside, which explains why I'm where I am today 
I seem to be afraid that if I start exploring how I feel that I'll get really depressed. I know I need to go back to my cognative therapy stuff and write down what's bugging me and then challenge any unrealistic thoughts.
I think I'll set time limits too so I don't get too consumed with this. I need to get on with my life too. |
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armchairlinguist
USA
1397 Posts |
Posted - 08/27/2008 : 14:30:04
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quote:
I seem to be afraid that if I start exploring how I feel that I'll get really depressed. I know I need to go back to my cognative therapy stuff and write down what's bugging me and then challenge any unrealistic thoughts.
I think I'll set time limits too so I don't get too consumed with this. I need to get on with my life too.
The last sentence is exactly what's recommended. Do it regularly, but don't let it consume your life. As you feel better, scale back the time/frequency as appropriate.
It is possible that you'll start to feel sad and angry when you start exploring your feelings. If you have been depressed before you may slip back into it. But not because revisiting your emotions makes you depressed -- it's because depression freezes your emotions and keeps you safe, in the similar way to the way that TMS does. It keeps the emotions stagnant and stuck so you don't have to process their true depth and impact.
Your CBT stuff may help, but you might also want to explore the possibility of insight-based or inner-child therapy. This is what's recommended by Sarno for TMS. I found great success with this. The goal is to understand your psychological map and FEEL your feelings. CBT is often too focused on trying to get you to think your way out of feelings. People with TMS are already too good at that.
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What were you expecting? |
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How much time to you spend on this?
