How to cope with this?

[Trialbyfire]

It is, and knowing that it's there reminds me that I have to continue to let go what I can't change. There's nothing I can do more now, other then take care of myself, keep a handle on my AD, stay focused on tomorrow instead of yesterday, and ensure that I deal with any stress or emotion instead of letting it build up over time.

That sounds like a great way to address this. Also, don't wait until after another attack, before scheduling an appointment with your therapist. If you feel things building, consider some preventative action with the same therapist so she can maintain records and watch for patterns. If she can see any form of pattern, perhaps she can provide some suggestions of warning signs to watch for, and how to short-cut future attacks.

[jen924]

Thanks K

 

 

 

I'm only going to say this once - because I'm not going to continue to explain myself over and over. First off, you're not my therapist, you don't know things that I've been through in the last year, and most on LS don't know either. Things where talked about that I haven't even told another person much less posted about so you'd have any clue.

 

I never claimed that what I did was okay, or that there was a reasonable logically explaination - however, I will not continue to stress myself out over it, I can't remember for whatever the reason, and the more I try to figure things out to a tee, the more stressed I get.

 

I never have EVER injured myself or had thoughts of it. That is the reason my therapist told me why she isn't extremely alarmed. I have no marks, no history, no nothing of self inflicted injury.

 

She DID tell me it is not uncommon to block out parts of a severe attacks. I could go on and on about the things she told me, but really I don't need to. I know how I was evaluated, I know about the things talked about, I know what was told to me, and I know what was suggested to me to do to prevent future bad attacks. That is what is important.

 

I wanted to post for those who have real concern to let them know I'm doing much better. That is it. Not to have to defend myself on what I was told a licensed therapist who has professional experience with this type of thing.

 

You wanted to post for those who have real concern. I guess you are saying no one else should respond unless they just sympathize with you. I'm sorry dear, but other people do have opinions other than "I'm sorry Dreamer", and "Im glad you are doing better".You don't have to defend yourself, just because someone else has some input whether its what you want to hear or not. You keep saying you never did this and that in the past, but doesn't matter. You did it this time and that is a major warning sign. You just seem to defend yourself so much and put the blame on other things. You are like "i've never hurt myself..I never would", "I've had a lot of stress this year, and maybe I hold things into much". You kept explaining why you were anxious around strangers. I'm sorry but I think its a lot more than that caused the wrist incident. I'm sure the therapist will help a lot. Well good luck

[dreamergrl]

You wanted to post for those who have real concern. I guess you are saying no one else should respond unless they just sympathize with you. I'm sorry dear, but other people do have opinions other than "I'm sorry Dreamer", and "Im glad you are doing better".You don't have to defend yourself, just because someone else has some input whether its what you want to hear or not. You keep saying you never did this and that in the past, but doesn't matter. You did it this time and that is a major warning sign. You just seem to defend yourself so much and put the blame on other things. You are like "i've never hurt myself..I never would", "I've had a lot of stress this year, and maybe I hold things into much". You kept explaining why you were anxious around strangers. I'm sorry but I think its a lot more than that caused the wrist incident. I'm sure the therapist will help a lot. Well good luck

 

Well apparently what my therapist has told me is all wrong then.

[Star Gazer]

I'm glad you're feeling better too. But I have to ask...

 

Dreamer... I have a hard time believing that a therapist would think cutting your wrist with a knife isn't that big a deal - regardless of the "cause." If she said that it isn't worth great concern, I'd truly suggest you find another doctor, preferably an M.D. I also find it troubling that your therapist - a non-M.D. - would be advising you about how and when to take your meds.

 

Perhaps a second opinion is in order?

Edited October 17, 2009 by a LoveShack.org Moderator

[dreamergrl]

I'm glad you're feeling better too. But I have to ask...

 

Dreamer... did you really go to a therapist? Did you tell her a different story about that night than you told us? Because I also have a hard time believing that a therapist would think cutting your wrist with a knife isn't that big a deal - regardless of the "cause." If she really said that it isn't worth great concern, I'd truly suggest you find another doctor, preferably an M.D. I also find it troubling that your therapist - a non-M.D. - would be advising you about how and when to take your meds.

 

Perhaps a second opinion is in order?

 

When I was younger I had a therapist that made med suggestions as I was overly hyper active and wasn't dealing with my dad's remarriage. I never said she didn't think it wasn't a big deal.

 

And yes I really did go to a therapist. And no I did not tell her a different story. Jesus Christ.

 

My therapist said that being that I don't have thoughts, history, and all with cutting myself - WHICH I DON'T - she doesn't see it as something to be concerned about in the future unless I start having thoughts or feelings like that, then she wants to see me sooner.

 

I know it's a hard concept to understand, but some people have a single incident and it doesn't happen again.

 

And you know, the medical doctors I saw at the freaking hospitals are the one's who gave me the meds - and they are obviously MDs.

 

I don't think anything I do or say or make work for myself is going to please anyone here. I get accused of lying now. There is no point in carrying on this post, as it's only going to set me back to getting frustrating, instead of rebuilding my self worth and feeling good about me. Hope everyone has a good one.

[e.clipse]

dreamer, i'm going to copy and paste a personal note that i received from someone whom is special to me. it was sent to me about a month ago when i underwent a very traumatizing situation; i found these words to be invaluable, so perhaps they can help you, too:

 

I don't think either inappropriate flippancy or "oh my God, I'm worried sick about you" is helpful. Neither response is indicative of much strength or ability, on the part of the person giving it, to hear your story and help you figure out how you're going to deal with what happened. At the moment, from what you're saying you just want to put it behind you and forget about it. However, this is a situation where you were at serious risk and I think it's imperative for you that you try to take something from it

 

what you decide to take from this situation is solely up to you. based on my own personal experience, which included a "black out" wherein i only remembered fragments of what happened to me, i can only suggest that you deal with what you can, and let go of what you can't.

 

in other words, the only person who might be able to give you the clearest account of the happenings of that night is A. however, he is unwilling to cooperate, is he not? whatever his reasons, it is his choice. you cannot beat yourself up by saying, "oh, poor him. look at what i did to him." leave that kind of remorse for when you purposely cause harm or humiliation to another. admit to yourself that this was not your fault. had this been the result of mere drunkeness, then yes, i could see you at fault. but was it? or was it a psychological problem that caused this? or perhaps someone slipping illicit substances into your drink?

 

i'm inclined to believe the later two much more than the former suggestion, based on your accounts. regardless, the point is that you were in al altered state of mind and had minimal--if any--control of yourself. just as importantly, realize that your state of mind was not consciously altered. therefore, you have no reason to feel bad for this person. yes, sure, you could have apologized and said, "hey, i'm sorry this happened," and you already did that and way more. whether he accepts your apology or not should not be your concerned. in fact, nothing related to anyone but your own well-being should be your concern at the moment.

 

if A does not tell you what happened, you may very well never know. what you do know, however, is that you are capable of losing all control and hurting yourself during these attacks. this, imo, should be your focus; what you can "control." if you can identify what led this to happen, all the more perfect. but mulling the situation over and over, trying to rethink the scenario in order to fill in the pieces will do you no good whatsoever. you will only drive yourself crazy and possibly into a heavily depressive state, due to the frustration.

 

you are safe now and no one was really hurt, and i think that is what really matters, don't you?

[dreamergrl]

E.Clipse - thanks for the note, I do appreciate it, I think I'll be keeping it close by to TBF's.

 

 

What happened will not be forgotten, but it will not be the cause of further stress and pain. I have given up on trying to remember, as it only causes more frustration.

 

So I am now going to concentrate on happier things and staying well.

[jen924]

When I was younger I had a therapist that made med suggestions as I was overly hyper active and wasn't dealing with my dad's remarriage. I never said she didn't think it wasn't a big deal.

 

And yes I really did go to a therapist. And no I did not tell her a different story. Jesus Christ.

 

My therapist said that being that I don't have thoughts, history, and all with cutting myself - WHICH I DON'T - she doesn't see it as something to be concerned about in the future unless I start having thoughts or feelings like that, then she wants to see me sooner.

 

I know it's a hard concept to understand, but some people have a single incident and it doesn't happen again.

 

And you know, the medical doctors I saw at the freaking hospitals are the one's who gave me the meds - and they are obviously MDs.

 

I don't think anything I do or say or make work for myself is going to please anyone here. I get accused of lying now. There is no point in carrying on this post, as it's only going to set me back to getting frustrating, instead of rebuilding my self worth and feeling good about me. Hope everyone has a good one.

 

 

So you basically are saying you are on here just for support and looking for people to make yourself feel good. While that is a good thing, if you come on here telling some psycho story like you have done, don't expect total positive feedback. How childish for you to say there is no point in carrying on this post, because you will get frustrated by others responses. No one was trying to be mean, but you seem to take it that way if someone doesn't simply say "I'm sorry". Hope you have a good one too.

[Art_Critic]

 

So you basically are saying you are on here just for support and looking for people to make yourself feel good. While that is a good thing, if you come on here telling some psycho story like you have done, don't expect total positive feedback. How childish for you to say there is no point in carrying on this post, because you will get frustrated by others responses. No one was trying to be mean, but you seem to take it that way if someone doesn't simply say "I'm sorry". Hope you have a good one too.

 

Honestly Jen.. your post is one that I find childish..

 

Have you no empathy for a person going thru possibly the roughest time in their lives that they have ever had to date ?

 

Just how are your rants in this thread good for a person going thru this ?..

[SadandConfusedWA]

I know this won't go down well but...

 

 

• Keep in mind that licensed therapists have varying capabilities of being good at their job. Just like any other occupation - there are many more bad ones than good ones. So you shouldn't necessarily take her opinion as gospel. Also many MDs even are more willing to attribute any new episodes to a pre-existing disorder than diagnose a new one. It just makes it easier on them. Only truly good ones will go the extra mile.
  

 

• Many people on LS have come to say that your episode looked nothing like a panic attack - don't just ignore all their posts because they do come from experience. Your episode looked like more a psychotic episode than a panic attack.
  

 

• I have also noticed a trend of you trying to minimize anything negative in your life and try to convince yourself and others of how great everything is. This is form of denial that can be just as harmful as over-negativity.
  

 

• You went on and on about how happy you were in Denver, now you say that you were so stressed that it caused you the severe episode. It just doesn't add up.
  

 

• Something to consider: you therapist told you that your episode is of no great concern because it didn't happen before and you should report if you have any thoughts of hurting yourself. The problem with that is that you had no thoughts of hurting yourself before the first episode, what makes her think that you will have thoughts of hurting yourself before the next one? You should really, truly seek a second opinion.
  

 

 

• A short personal story: years ago I took an anti-nausea tablet and got a weird reaction to it. My neck muscles spasmed and my eyes rolled at the back of my head. I had no idea it was connected to the tablet at the time as it didn't look like an allergic reaction. My parents freaked out and took me to an ER. A middle aged doctor (whom I told about the tablet) checked me over and said that he found a mild ear infection. He said that the discomfort form ear infection was causing me to favor my neck to one side which caused the neck muscle spasm. Sent me home with some anti-biotics. Being an analytical person that I am I kept thinking over what other explanations there could be. I looked up the side effects form the anti-nausea tablet on the internet and found that the symptoms that I was having listed as being very dangerous if not reversed on time by a specific injection. I made my parents drive me back to the ER to request the injection. As soon as I got it, my neck spasm eased up and everything went back to normal. The point is I had to tell an MD what to do. I listened to common sense and (OMG) da intranet over an MD....and I was right.
  

I am truly not trying to be malicious. I really hope that you consider seeking a second opinion.

[dreamergrl]

I know this won't go down well but...

 

 

• Keep in mind that licensed therapists have varying capabilities of being good at their job. Just like any other occupation - there are many more bad ones than good ones. So you shouldn't necessarily take her opinion as gospel. Also many MDs even are more willing to attribute any new episodes to a pre-existing disorder than diagnose a new one. It just makes it easier on them. Only truly good ones will go the extra mile.

So because my therapist doesn't agree with all those who say I've got a huge issue, she (who has experience in dealing with people who have these problems) is wrong?

 

 

• Many people on LS have come to say that your episode looked nothing like a panic attack - don't just ignore all their posts because they do come from experience. Your episode looked like more a psychotic episode than a panic attack.

I haven't ignored any one's post, but I'm going to let a person who is specialized in the matter be the one to diagnose me.

 

 

• I have also noticed a trend of you trying to minimize anything negative in your life and try to convince yourself and others of how great everything is. This is form of denial that can be just as harmful as over-negativity.

Or maybe I am happy with many things in my life - and there's nothing wrong with that. I've never denied bad choices, hardships with past relationships (not just with men), or knowing that I need to have a different outlook. But I do know that I'm am very happy out here. And if someone wants to tell me I'm lying to myself, that is their problem. I'm not going to suddenly become unhappy because someone thinks I'm just bull****ting myself.

 

 

• You went on and on about how happy you were in Denver, now you say that you were so stressed that it caused you the severe episode. It just doesn't add up.

As I said before, there's much that most LS posters don't know, about some things I experienced in the last year. There was a good 6 months of me not posting. I did have much stress prior to moving. I was going through some hard times prior to moving. Just because I am much happier out here, doesn't mean something wont trigger all the stress I had before. You can't escape your problems so easily.

 

 

• Something to consider: you therapist told you that your episode is of no great concern because it didn't happen before and you should report if you have any thoughts of hurting yourself. The problem with that is that you had no thoughts of hurting yourself before the first episode, what makes her think that you will have thoughts of hurting yourself before the next one? You should really, truly seek a second opinion.

Again, she didn't write it off like it was nothing, nor did I. But there are generally patterns for those who hurt themselves, cut themselves, or try any other hard on themselves. I don't have a history or pattern. And just because it happened once, doesn't mean it has to happen again. Did it occur to anyone that I am watching myself, my actions, my reactions much closer because of this experience?

 

 

 

• A short personal story: years ago I took an anti-nausea tablet and got a weird reaction to it. My neck muscles spasmed and my eyes rolled at the back of my head. I had no idea it was connected to the tablet at the time as it didn't look like an allergic reaction. My parents freaked out and took me to an ER. A middle aged doctor (whom I told about the tablet) checked me over and said that he found a mild ear infection. He said that the discomfort form ear infection was causing me to favor my neck to one side which caused the neck muscle spasm. Sent me home with some anti-biotics. Being an analytical person that I am I kept thinking over what other explanations there could be. I looked up the side effects form the anti-nausea tablet on the internet and found that the symptoms that I was having listed as being very dangerous if not reversed on time by a specific injection. I made my parents drive me back to the ER to request the injection. As soon as I got it, my neck spasm eased up and everything went back to normal. The point is I had to tell an MD what to do. I listened to common sense and (OMG) da intranet over an MD....and I was right.
  

I am truly not trying to be malicious. I really hope that you consider seeking a second opinion.

 

Listening to diagnoses from someone who is not licensed to give it is not common sense to me.

 

I will follow what my therapist tells me. If anyone has an issue with that, oh well. There will be some people on here who want things to be a bigger issue then it is. Some people on here feed off the drama and negativity. Some feed off of being right so bad, they don't let up because they aren't right, and want to be right.

 

Honestly, I could go seek a second opinion, and twenty bucks says if I get it, and it is consistent with the first evaluation, people still wont be happy, and tell met to get a third or a fourth until one out of five doctors finally agrees with them.

 

It was laid out like this for me:

 

Seeing how I can't remember what happened, there could be a number of things that triggered this situation (as a whole, including my wrist) being that there are a number of things I've dealt with in the last year, not to mention my life.

 

Just ONE example that was given to me -

 

I've been in various abusive situations (not just with men I've dated) - something could have happened, and I felt threatened. Scared. That could have triggered an attack, and it could have spun out of control if I continued to feel that way. I could have used cutting my wrist to divert attention and try to get out of the present situation. My cut wasn't deep enough for stitches, and it was lower on my arm where I would have lost a hell of a lot less blood then if I cut it further up closer to my hand. Should I have been suicidal, the cut would have been deeper and further up.

 

Again, just one example given to me.

 

I went to my therapist with all my concerns. Every last one. I was honest about everything. I gave her all the information she wanted to know. I'm sorry that some of you didn't hear the response of "Oh Dreamer has split personalities" or "Oh Dreamer needs to be on this med or that, because she obviously has a HUGE problem".

 

I know most of you mean well, but I have to go with the person who is trained in this matter, and knows everything - not just what I post.

[Star Gazer]

I will follow what my therapist tells me.

 

As you should. You should probably rely on a therapist, and not seek advice here anymore.

[jen924]

So because my therapist doesn't agree with all those who say I've got a huge issue, she (who has experience in dealing with people who have these problems) is wrong?

 

I haven't ignored any one's post, but I'm going to let a person who is specialized in the matter be the one to diagnose me.

 

Or maybe I am happy with many things in my life - and there's nothing wrong with that. I've never denied bad choices, hardships with past relationships (not just with men), or knowing that I need to have a different outlook. But I do know that I'm am very happy out here. And if someone wants to tell me I'm lying to myself, that is their problem. I'm not going to suddenly become unhappy because someone thinks I'm just bull****ting myself.

 

As I said before, there's much that most LS posters don't know, about some things I experienced in the last year. There was a good 6 months of me not posting. I did have much stress prior to moving. I was going through some hard times prior to moving. Just because I am much happier out here, doesn't mean something wont trigger all the stress I had before. You can't escape your problems so easily.

 

Again, she didn't write it off like it was nothing, nor did I. But there are generally patterns for those who hurt themselves, cut themselves, or try any other hard on themselves. I don't have a history or pattern. And just because it happened once, doesn't mean it has to happen again. Did it occur to anyone that I am watching myself, my actions, my reactions much closer because of this experience?

 

 

 

Listening to diagnoses from someone who is not licensed to give it is not common sense to me.

 

I will follow what my therapist tells me. If anyone has an issue with that, oh well. There will be some people on here who want things to be a bigger issue then it is. Some people on here feed off the drama and negativity. Some feed off of being right so bad, they don't let up because they aren't right, and want to be right.

 

Honestly, I could go seek a second opinion, and twenty bucks says if I get it, and it is consistent with the first evaluation, people still wont be happy, and tell met to get a third or a fourth until one out of five doctors finally agrees with them.

 

It was laid out like this for me:

 

Seeing how I can't remember what happened, there could be a number of things that triggered this situation (as a whole, including my wrist) being that there are a number of things I've dealt with in the last year, not to mention my life.

 

Just ONE example that was given to me -

 

I've been in various abusive situations (not just with men I've dated) - something could have happened, and I felt threatened. Scared. That could have triggered an attack, and it could have spun out of control if I continued to feel that way. I could have used cutting my wrist to divert attention and try to get out of the present situation. My cut wasn't deep enough for stitches, and it was lower on my arm where I would have lost a hell of a lot less blood then if I cut it further up closer to my hand. Should I have been suicidal, the cut would have been deeper and further up.

 

Again, just one example given to me.

 

I went to my therapist with all my concerns. Every last one. I was honest about everything. I gave her all the information she wanted to know. I'm sorry that some of you didn't hear the response of "Oh Dreamer has split personalities" or "Oh Dreamer needs to be on this med or that, because she obviously has a HUGE problem".

 

I know most of you mean well, but I have to go with the person who is trained in this matter, and knows everything - not just what I post.

 

 

You therapist may not want to tell you everything to avoid the possibility of further upsetting you. I highly doubt anyone in their right frame of mind would look at this matter lightly just because it happened once.

 

You seem like one of those people who has a hard time admitting they have a real problem. I'm not trying to be mean, but it seems like you have an excuse for everything to cover up your behavior. You may be happy with some things, but how can you actually be happy? A happy person, does not go out with a guy, and everything goes awesome, and out of no where it turns into a psychotic episode within hours. Things don't add up. Also, happy people do not use alcohol all the time for means of coping with their problems. I have to say its not everyday I read about an incident like yours. I'm just interested to know the real cause, but I'll say it again I do not think this is just all anxiety and stress related.

 

Well hopefully your therapist will get to the bottom of this. Apparently no one on here knows what we are talking about.

[dreamergrl]

You therapist may not want to tell you everything to avoid the possibility of further upsetting you. I highly doubt anyone in their right frame of mind would look at this matter lightly just because it happened once.

 

You seem like one of those people who has a hard time admitting they have a real problem. I'm not trying to be mean, but it seems like you have an excuse for everything to cover up your behavior. You may be happy with some things, but how can you actually be happy? A happy person, does not go out with a guy, and everything goes awesome, and out of no where it turns into a psychotic episode within hours. Things don't add up. Also, happy people do not use alcohol all the time for means of coping with their problems. I have to say its not everyday I read about an incident like yours. I'm just interested to know the real cause, but I'll say it again I do not think this is just all anxiety and stress related.

 

Well hopefully your therapist will get to the bottom of this. Apparently no one on here knows what we are talking about.

 

Because you almost know me inside and out right? Do you know the things my therapist and I talked about? Do you know how often I drink or when I don't? Were you there that night? Do you know what happened? Are you around me IRL to know if I'm happy or not?

 

I've got a lot of reasons why I can be happy actually.

 

I've made so many friends out here, that I love being around, and that seem to enjoy being around me.

I've been able to see so many things I've never seen before.

I'm getting great life experience - experiencing things I never would have back home.

My mom and I have a great relationship, instead of the crappy one we had before.

Dating (despite last week) has become a very positive experience for me. I've learned more and more about what I want and deserve.

I love my job and my co-workers!

I can goof around, joke, be silly, just be me - and I'm okay with that, and people like me for who I am here.

I'm proud of myself for making it out here. It was a scary but good move, and I'm proud that I was able to do it!

I've got my first birthday out here coming up, and all my friends (with the exception of a few, and my Wisconsin friends) are going to be helping me celebrate.

I can look in the mirror and be confident on my outside beauty as well as my inside beauty.

I've helped out others in need here. Doing selfless things is such an awesome feeling!

 

I could go on, but I'll just get told I'm faking it

[Star Gazer]

I highly doubt anyone in their right frame of mind would look at this matter lightly just because it happened once.

 

You seem like one of those people who has a hard time admitting they have a real problem.

 

I'm just interested to know the real cause, but I'll say it again I do not think this is just all anxiety and stress related.

 

Well hopefully your therapist will get to the bottom of this. Apparently no one on here knows what we are talking about.

 

Agreed on all points.

 

I wonder, Dreamer, if you're able to look at this objectively.

 

What would you be saying if someone else, some anonymous person, wrote your threads, including the one that precipitated this thread? (Purely rhetorical question, you don't need to answer... but some introspection is necessary here.)

[dreamergrl]

Agreed on all points.

 

I wonder, Dreamer, if you're able to look at this objectively.

 

What would you be saying if someone else, some anonymous person, wrote your threads, including the one that precipitated this thread? (Purely rhetorical question, you don't need to answer... but some introspection is necessary here.)

 

I would not be diagnosing them, as I do not have the proper training to do so. I would not accuse them of giving their therapist false information, as I was not there. And if things were and are improving for them, I would be happy for them.

 

I would suggest they follow what their doctor tells them to do. I'd be happy to share my similar experiences, but I would not expect them to listen to everyone that says there is something very very wrong with them. When it comes to such a matter - only two people can know - the person, and their therapist.

[loveslife]

I would not be diagnosing them, as I do not have the proper training to do so. I would not accuse them of giving their therapist false information, as I was not there. And if things were and are improving for them, I would be happy for them.

 

I would suggest they follow what their doctor tells them to do. I'd be happy to share my similar experiences, but I would not expect them to listen to everyone that says there is something very very wrong with them. When it comes to such a matter - only two people can know - the person, and their therapist.

 

DG, if this is what you took away from the people who tried to help you it probably is better for you to not ask them for help again. Ya know? There's another AA saying, "insanity is doing the same thing over and over expecting different results."

 

I don't foresee the majority of the feedback you will get here varying too far from what you got on this thread.

 

Good luck.

[Star Gazer]

DG, if this is what you took away from the people who tried to help you it probably is better for you to not ask them for help again. Ya know? There's another AA saying, "insanity is doing the same thing over and over expecting different results."

 

I don't foresee the majority of the feedback you will get here varying too far from what you got on this thread.

 

Precisely. Dreamer will either receive coddling, "there, there, everything is fine," responses (which she wants), or "you need real help" responses (which she needs). Those are basically the only options she ever gets, and we know which ones she responds to, and which ones she doesn't.

[dreamergrl]

I'm seeing a therapist. So how am I not receiving help? You want me to see three or four?

 

And no LL - I was referring to a few posters - not all. I took quite a bit from those who made suggestions. But if a person is not trained to give a diagnoses then they should not be making them. Accusing a person of lying - hardly beneficial. Telling someone there therapist is wrong, the point of that is what, to create distrust in the relationship needed between a person and their therapist for any form of help to work?

 

There is a vast difference between coddling and giving someone beneficial advice and attacking/accusing a person.

[Kamille]

Precisely. Dreamer will either receive coddling, "there, there, everything is fine," responses (which she wants), or "you need real help" responses (which she needs). Those are basically the only options she ever gets, and we know which ones she responds to, and which ones she doesn't.

 

At the same time, I understand why Dreamer needs to focus on the things that are positive in her life right now.

 

I've seen two therapists in my life. The first basically wanted me to admit I was a lot more messed up then I thought I was. He did help, I'll be honest, but it was really hard on me. I had to stop therapy because I couldn't function at work. I would like to go back to this type of therapy at a time when I can actually afford to dig deep.

 

The second therapist as more of an "empowerment" approach. She goes from the idea that I know best of anyone what I need, and that she will build from there and we will tackle deeper issues when they do come up. I get the impression that that's the approach Dreamergrl's therapist has adopted.

[dreamergrl]

May I add, my post was to get advice on how to cope with what is going on, I did NOT ask what is wrong with me, is my therapist right or wrong, what disorder do you think I have. I was looking for advice from those who experienced such things and could relate.

[Star Gazer]

May I add, my post was to get advice on how to cope with what is going on, I did NOT ask what is wrong with me, is my therapist right or wrong, what disorder do you think I have. I was looking for advice from those who experienced such things and could relate.

 

Huh? You're asking for advice on how to cope with what is going on. Well, knowing how to cope with what is going on necessarily requires an understanding of WHAT is, in fact, going on. Hence the inquiry about what the issue really is here.

[jen924]

I don't think anyone actually diagnosed her. A lot of people think its more than anxiety and stress. The thing is, if you actually cut your arm over this guy dumping you, that is really, really bad. Perhaps it has never happened before, because he was one of the first guys you really liked and it stressed you out more than you realized? Also, just the situation at the bar, and alcohol being a factor, and the way he went about dumping you, it may have caused you to go to that extent and injure yourself. This is an example, why doesn't matter if it happened once. It could have just happened this time, because of the particular situation with all the factors combined. What if another situation happens like this? Then what. Luckily it hasn't in the past, but it could again.

 

Its good you are being more positive about things, but it does seem like you are in a bit of denial mode. You keep going over how happy you are and all this stuff, but I think you have depression. That usually goes along with the anxiety. That would explain the self injury too. You may try to go about your life avoiding it instead of dealing with it.

[MSUE]

Hi dreamer...I went over the 2 threads briefly...I just want to say that I'm glad to hear you are doing better and are getting some help...I also want to add that if you are aware you have an AD alcohol is the worst cure for it...the 2 do not mix well at all...anyone in the mental field will tell you the same...perhaps it wouldn't have been that bad to begin with had you not been drinking and in the long term you can only help and improve urself and the disorder by cutting out the alcohol specially while you are on any benzo type of medication( not sure if you are or not)

 

I almost lost my sister to a similar scenario...by the time we got to the hospital had she not be rushed by paramedics...that would have been the end of the journey trough life for her...she was minutes away...

 

AD+ alcohol+ meds sometimes can be a fatal combo...

 

I hope you keep on doing well and keep your mind occupied ...best of luck to you

[MSUE]

Mental health is a huge issue in America...specially for those uninsured

 

Dreamer unfortunately it is very difficult to get the proper care in this country wout insurance...most psychiatrists and top of the line therapist don't even take insurance...tell me about it everytime I see mine is $350 for 40 mins...

I think you mentioned you will get insurance from work just not yet...what I encourage you to do is find out the provider (carrier) and start calling them now so you familiarize yourself and are able to book an apt as most good ones either don't take new patients or have a long wait...IT TAKES TIME TO FIND SOMEONE YOU CONNECT WITH...when you get in touch with them ask them basics regarding credentials...what they specialize on...years on business...and what hospital are they affiliated with this will give you a better idea about whether its is the right match for you or not

 

in the meantime continue with the clinic and get some selfhelp books...keep occupied in a healthy way...keep away from alcohol...that last one is very very important and if you find yourself not being able to then you may have a problem that has been overlooked.

 

I wish you nothing but the best...be open to feedback...stop defending yourself so much...u are not always going to like what someone else says or thinks...nor do u have to agree...and that's ok...but if you are able to give it...then you need to be able to take it as well...

 

Last but not least be open to medications...it might change your life for the better...