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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 14 of 14. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by rainbowbrite on April 17, 2005, at 10:00:32
to me over the weekend. I was really strong at the time and I thought I was ok, I actually didnt ever think how I would feel after but I dont feel ok about it now. Im uncomfortable posting exactly what happened but I feel really bad right now. I was ok yesterday and then last night was just awful. Nightmares, waking up all night. I dont know what to do. My trust in people is gone.
I guess Im wondering if it is possible that if something happens to a person that reopens closed doors, Could it send a person into depression? because Im really not feeling great today after last night and I am very edgey. Or could it be a passing moment? I also may just not be thinking clearly right now so maybe it will all go away and Ill feel better later.
But any suggestions would be appreciated.
Posted by Dinah on April 17, 2005, at 10:32:51
In reply to Something happened..., posted by rainbowbrite on April 17, 2005, at 10:00:32
Of course it's possible.
It's also possible that your brain will close all those doors really quickly. But is it wise to leave all those closed doors with horrible stuff behind them? The trouble with closed doors is that they can open unexpectedly.
You have a therapist, don't you? Forgive me if I'm remembering incorrectly. If you do, does she allow weekend calls? Or first thing Monday ones?
Posted by Shortelise on April 17, 2005, at 11:06:28
In reply to Something happened..., posted by rainbowbrite on April 17, 2005, at 10:00:32
My T calls it a trap door. Something happens and we fall in, we get triggered into whatever - anger, depression, whatever. If you can figure out what it is taking you back to, it might be helpful.
((((((rainbow))))))
ShortE
Posted by fallsfall on April 17, 2005, at 12:07:54
In reply to Something happened..., posted by rainbowbrite on April 17, 2005, at 10:00:32
Absolutely.
I have also found that keeping things like this secret makes them much more powerful. Is there someone IRL or through email or IM that you could tell about the details? I find that in times like these, I might be able to talk to one trusted friend, while I can't post on the board about it.
Dealing with these things sooner rather than later is usually helpful to me.
Posted by gardenergirl on April 17, 2005, at 14:38:35
In reply to Re: Something happened... » rainbowbrite, posted by fallsfall on April 17, 2005, at 12:07:54
I think that when upsetting things happen, they can definitely trigger depression. You may or may not be able to pinpoint exactly what it's related to. It sounds like you can.
I just know that if it's disturbing you this much, however painful it may be to face it, I think it would be helpful to deal with it.
And I don't know if this applies to you or not, but research shows that for people who have been exposed to trauma in the past (all kinds of different traumas) they are more likely to experience PTSD after another trauma. So please act quickly to get some support.
You deserve it.
((((rain))))
And thanks for your recent email, by the way. I'm sorry I didn't yet respond. Been struggling a bit. But I smiled when I read it.
gg
Posted by rainbowbrite on April 17, 2005, at 16:25:59
In reply to Re: Something happened... » rainbowbrite, posted by Dinah on April 17, 2005, at 10:32:51
>But is it wise to leave all those closed doors with horrible stuff behind them? The trouble with closed doors is that they can open unexpectedly.
Its more comfortable closed because I really dont like to talk about things.
> You have a therapist, don't you? Forgive me if I'm remembering incorrectly. If you do, does she allow weekend calls? Or first thing Monday ones?
Not any more, I have a pdoc but dont see for awile.
Im sure I will be ok, its just that what happened was a really scary experience for me. Its lingering now and I have no idea what to do wuth myself.
Posted by rainbowbrite on April 17, 2005, at 16:37:58
In reply to Re: Something happened..., posted by gardenergirl on April 17, 2005, at 14:38:35
I am a little worried but I think I will be fine. I had a really bad experience and I guess I need to sort it out in my head. I know exactly why this is happening and why. But it isnt helping much right now.
Other things may be affecting my mood as well... I cant talk about certain things with my irl friends. I guess I need to be able to get my criptic thoughts out and heard so I can make sense of whats happening to me. I really dont know. I had a really bad night and I need make it cool down. Im at a loss for what Im trying to even say.
Posted by rainbowbrite on April 17, 2005, at 17:04:45
In reply to Dinah,Shortelise, fallsfall, gg Thankyou, posted by rainbowbrite on April 17, 2005, at 16:37:58
Im very alert and totally tense but really agitated! My hearing is very intense today. Anyone know what is going on? Im going faster than I normally do, sitting still hurts from agitation and I feel sick to my stomach.
I get a bit scared when I feel things that are not familier to me. So, sorry if this is a stupid question.
I dont enjoy uncomfortable bodily sensations at all.
I am embarrassed posting this but I really need to know.
Posted by anastasia56 on April 17, 2005, at 17:17:59
In reply to Important question, posted by rainbowbrite on April 17, 2005, at 17:04:45
it can be hard to get a hold on your thoughts. I find it comforting to do something normal and routine...something that is very based in reality. Watch a cooking show on tv then make something. Do laundry, make the bed, change the sheets. These things make you move but aren't too taxing.
Posted by Dinah on April 17, 2005, at 17:19:16
In reply to Important question, posted by rainbowbrite on April 17, 2005, at 17:04:45
I find that often happens to me when I'm extremely anxious. I guess the body is hyperalert for attack.
There are medications that can help, but you'll probably need to call your pdoc to get them. Klonopin and Risperdal both work well for me.
Posted by rainbowbrite on April 17, 2005, at 18:15:45
In reply to Re: Important question » rainbowbrite, posted by Dinah on April 17, 2005, at 17:19:16
Thanks guys
Im just letting my emotions take over and I need to stop that. I took something and it is starting to help.
Posted by Tamar on April 18, 2005, at 4:42:51
In reply to Important question, posted by rainbowbrite on April 17, 2005, at 17:04:45
It sounds as if you're experiencing some kind of hypervigilance, which is very common after something awful happens. Your body is trying to stay as alert as possible so you can protect yourself from further harm. That's probably why your hearing is so acute.
Part of the solution can be to take something that will help. Another part of the solution might be to distinguish between the origin of your feelings and your present situation. Perhaps you were in an unsafe situation, but are you safe now?
The thing that works for me (and I don’t know if it works for everyone) is to remind myself that the feelings of anxiety and fear belong to the past, and that in the present (right here, right now) I’m safe. Once I feel safe enough I can say to myself, “I feel afraid because I was afraid when x happened.” I have to acknowledge the distance between the thing that happened and where I am now. It’s easier said than done, of course!
I hope you begin to feel better soon.
Tamar
Posted by rainbowbrite on April 18, 2005, at 8:52:09
In reply to Re: Important question » rainbowbrite, posted by Tamar on April 18, 2005, at 4:42:51
I think that must have been what it was.
the intensity of sound was really bothering me.I think I managed to just get myself really worked up. I was in a scary situation but I should clarify that nothing bad actually happened to me. It was the expereince that was bad and the fear that something might happen to me. I just didnt feel I had much control.
Anyway drugs are good and yesterday they really helped relax me. I feel better today. I dont really understand why I was affected after the fact and not so much during, but maybe I needed to absorb what happened.
Thanks
Posted by Shortelise on April 18, 2005, at 12:41:54
In reply to Important question, posted by rainbowbrite on April 17, 2005, at 17:04:45
Rainbow, it's that damned fight or flight thing - high alert! Danger danger!
If you can exercise, you could try that - try to get out and walk as fast as you can, get your heart rate up, breathe hard, move! This tells your body you are fleeing, that you are getting away from whatever the danger is.
At the same time, you could try affirmations, tell yourself things that reassure.
((rainbow)) Take care.
ShortE
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