Posted by Janelle on April 3, 2002, at 1:03:12
Beardy:
I was afraid that if I responded to your post under that rather long thread that has already scrolled somewhat up the board that you might miss it, so I've brought it down here.
First, thanks for the info about green tea. I had no idea you'd have to consume such a massive quantity to get any medicinal benefits. How about caffeine *benefits* so to speak, meaning would you have to drink massive cups of it to get the energy boost, alertness, etc. that you could get from one, maybe two cups of coffee?
Also - chocolate has antioxidants? Wow!
To address your "question" about my thoughts and difficulty reading, although you didn't phrase it as a question, I think I understand what you're getting at. Indeed, some of my posts are long and seem to require much concentration. (thanks for saying that I do a very good job of writing and making my concerns clear - I was a professional writer in another life, pre-illness) HOWEVER, for some odd reason (that even I can't put my finger on!) I am *able* to get on this board and WRITE things out (posts) yet unable to READ anything that's more than a few paragraphs or anything that is one long essay with no paragraphs to break it up. For example, if I click on a topic here that sounds of interest or relevance, if the actual typed message inside is long and especially if it's long with no paragraph breaks, I immediately space out, feel overwhelmed, feel a physical anxiety response and cannot focus on it to read it. I have to get off that post ASAP.
As for your suggestion to practice meditation I have to say "been there, done that" -- my thoughts are SO d@mn intrusive they override any ability to relax and get into a meditative state. Any suggestions for getting around this???
My intrusive thoughts are incredibly POWERFUL - it's as if they control me. Argh.
I also get *performance anxiety* about being able to meditate - I go through the "am I doing it right/properly" kind of thing.
I have another question about something - you wrote: "If you feel helped by your meds to the point that you are able to stop your thoughts, then it is all the more reason you should practice meditating." Why do you say this? If the meds would help me to stop the thoughts, why would this be all the more reason for me to meditate? Just curious. I don't quite follow.
Alas, such is not the case anyway - so far, NO MED is able to help me stop the thoughts.
I have gotten some relief from SIMPLE exercise, and when I say simple, I do mean simple, as in a brisk walk daily if possible. Someone also told me that when the thoughts are driving me up the wall that when I exhale I should do it through my mouth, like blowing out (blowing out the nervous energy created by the racing thoughts) and that works too!
Thanks for all you wrote further above and for answering my questions that I raised in here!
-Janelle
poster:Janelle
thread:101612
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20020402/msgs/101612.html