Posted by Roo on November 30, 2001, at 8:51:04
In reply to Re: I called my T » Greg A., posted by akc on November 30, 2001, at 7:20:38
It sounds like you're both situationally and chemically
depressed. I understand and share all your issues
about not wanting to tweak your meds anymore and just
learn to feel your feelings. I have mixed feelings.
One the one hand it almost sounds like you have
cyclothymia--hence the confusion about your mood
cycles and the periods of stability combined with
the instability. Have you tried a mood stabilizer
ever? On the other hand, I mindfulness meditation
comes to mind for feeling your feelings. It's all
about having your feelings without getting wrapped
up in them. Noting them and letting them go. If you
have anyplace in your town/city that offers classes
I would recommend it. It's helped me a lot. Also
switching from a psychodynamic therapist to a cognitive
therapist helped me to handle my emotions more effectively.
I think sometimes it's actually harder to feel your feelings
when you're depressed b/c depression is so overwhelming
all you can really deal with is feeling bad. Depression
isn't the same thing as emotion, I don't think. I think
I used to think I was a really emotional person b/c
I was depressed, but it's not really the same thing. I
don't know how to explain that coherently, but when
I'm not depressed, I'm more open to my emotions. Therefore,
drug therapy combined with the meditation and cognitive
therapy helps me best. Although I won't lie--I hope
to be off drugs one day. Hard to imagine though b/c
I've been on them for 10 years.
Anyway, this has been rambly, but I appreciate your post--
I can really relate to what you're struggling with and
struggle ALOT with the same issues. I hope you get
some relief soon.
poster:Roo
thread:14584
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20011130/msgs/14598.html