Psycho-Babble Psychology Thread 939021

Shown: posts 1 to 15 of 15. This is the beginning of the thread.

 

anyone have somatic symptoms?

Posted by floatingbridge on March 9, 2010, at 17:48:29

My back went out big time last week. Finally, I'm on the accupuncturist's table, face down with cups on my lower back. She leaves. Then I'm crying, 0-60. This lasts for maybe 10 minutes. I'm thinking, I'm so angry I wish I were dead. Then I feel sad--for the girl who was not allowed to feel angry. That's a lot of rage. I barely scratched the surface.

Today, again, the needles are in, I'm alone, and I realize that I am afraid to breath. Really, how long can this type of repressed panic go on for?

Has anyone experienced something like this and made a significant recovery?

It's a terrible not being able to relax. I'd really like to feel comfortable. Right now, I'm chicken little and the sky is falling.

 

Re: anyone have somatic symptoms? » floatingbridge

Posted by Dinah on March 9, 2010, at 21:46:30

In reply to anyone have somatic symptoms?, posted by floatingbridge on March 9, 2010, at 17:48:29

Anxiety feels awful. Do you practice relaxation techniques? Is there any special pressure in your life right now or is it that awful free floating anxiety?

I'm never entirely sure what falls under somatic complaints. I get migraines and irritable bowel syndrome. I can start itching, and start scratching, and have it turn into a nervous rash. I get various aches and pains that go away as mysteriously as they came. I often feel unwell. So I think I'd generally say yes. But then sometimes what I read about somaticism seems more specific, then I wonder.

 

Re: anyone have somatic symptoms? » Dinah

Posted by floatingbridge on March 10, 2010, at 10:38:31

In reply to Re: anyone have somatic symptoms? » floatingbridge, posted by Dinah on March 9, 2010, at 21:46:30

The relaxation technique I use is mindful breathing--however, I have difficulty with it. Visualization hasn't been very successful. (I don't seem to be very visual, and intrusive images pop up.) Some things that used to work, like showers or baths don't.

Have you found ways that work for you?

Yes, anxiety is awful! I would guess mine is free-floating; like GAD, I suppose--ready to latch onto any stressor. My dx is chronic ptsd (with whatever else--depression, etc.--thankfully my pdoc keeps things simple!).

Migraines are terrible--I know because I have a couple of friends who get them, and Joan Didion wrote a great essay on her migraine experience. I'm sorry you have them.

I often feel unwell, too.

Thanks!

 

Re: anyone have somatic symptoms?

Posted by Phillipa on March 10, 2010, at 13:16:12

In reply to Re: anyone have somatic symptoms? » Dinah, posted by floatingbridge on March 10, 2010, at 10:38:31

I come here to this board infrequently but this sounds like me the free floating anxiety, rashes appear on one side of my neck for about three days then gone and between breasts. Also have IBS. And the horrible back pain. And bam out of no where fears about what? I don't even know with fatigue to follow. I thought I was the only one. Did used to love full massages money constraints now. I wonder if accupuncture works for anxiety? I heard it does? Love Phillipa

 

Re: anyone have somatic symptoms?

Posted by Willful on March 10, 2010, at 14:11:35

In reply to Re: anyone have somatic symptoms? » Dinah, posted by floatingbridge on March 10, 2010, at 10:38:31

Have you tried guided meditation, or guided imagery, so that you don't have to entirely create the mood yourself? There are quite a few podcasts on Itunes that have guided meditations for relaxation and a few with guided imagery.

I find that if I'm having trouble relaxing or using my breath as a focus for meditation, the podcasts are really helpful.

Willful

 

Re: anyone have somatic symptoms?

Posted by rnny on March 10, 2010, at 22:15:36

In reply to anyone have somatic symptoms?, posted by floatingbridge on March 9, 2010, at 17:48:29

Heck yes I have had those experiences, many many times over. Not while getting acupuncture (I don't get it but envy you) but yes, those same experiences. Those are healthy for you. You are getting out the repressed primal feelings. I know they are sad and hurt and can be scary, but you have them inside you and they need to be heard and seen. Hang in there. You will be fine. I have gotten in touch with those feelings and felt the way you describe many times. And it is very healing in the long run.

 

Re: anyone have somatic symptoms? » Willful

Posted by floatingbridge on March 11, 2010, at 18:15:13

In reply to Re: anyone have somatic symptoms?, posted by Willful on March 10, 2010, at 14:11:35

Willful, the guided CDs are a good suggestion. I stopped using them, and I have a couple I like. Thanks!

 

Re: anyone have somatic symptoms?

Posted by floatingbridge on March 11, 2010, at 18:21:58

In reply to Re: anyone have somatic symptoms?, posted by rnny on March 10, 2010, at 22:15:36

rnny, thank you for the reassurance! Everyone says that I'm getting 'better', but these experiences are scary and like being blindsided. Sometimes I long for the days when denial was up and running. (I also long for the better health that coincided with it).

Thanks for your kind words. So, these episodes can subside over time?

 

Re: anyone have somatic symptoms? » Phillipa

Posted by floatingbridge on March 11, 2010, at 18:25:32

In reply to Re: anyone have somatic symptoms?, posted by Phillipa on March 10, 2010, at 13:16:12

Phillipa, you too? I'm sorry. Accupuncture can help with anxiety if one asks for that specific treatment, however not anywhere enough to replace my meds. I was going for my back. I wish I could go more often, but that's not in my budget.

 

Re: anyone have somatic symptoms? » floatingbridge

Posted by sigismund on March 11, 2010, at 19:04:34

In reply to anyone have somatic symptoms?, posted by floatingbridge on March 9, 2010, at 17:48:29

Acupuncture (with the right practitioner!) can be pretty good at inducing a feeling of temporary calm and groundedness.

IMO, it's better at that than anything else.

But like I said, finding someone who can get the results for you is the thing.

 

Re: anyone have somatic symptoms? » sigismund

Posted by floatingbridge on March 11, 2010, at 19:16:34

In reply to Re: anyone have somatic symptoms? » floatingbridge, posted by sigismund on March 11, 2010, at 19:04:34

Yeah, it's that 'temporary' part....

Hey, I keep going. I like my current practitioner--and she accepts me, meds and all!

 

Re: anyone have somatic symptoms?

Posted by rnny on March 11, 2010, at 22:17:36

In reply to Re: anyone have somatic symptoms?, posted by floatingbridge on March 11, 2010, at 18:21:58

They will keep coming and going but that is a good thing. It is like the infection in a wound coming to the surface. Eventually when you have dealt with alot of the pain through these experiences, they will lessen and eventually go away. Maybe now and then you will have one but be happy when it happens, meaning happy in the long run. This is one way you are of getting rid of the disabling effects of your inner injuries. I know exactly what you mean. It feels awful and can make you think things are getting worse. Actually they are getting better. All this stuff in you is what becomes disabling but having it surface is like drilling into an infected tooth. You have to keep drilling and getting out all the infection, and then do what is necessary for the tooth to heal. It is OK what is happening to you. Don't let this discourage you. You are getting better. Having these experiences doesn't mean you are getting worse or you are "nuts". That is what I thought.

 

Re: anyone have somatic symptoms? » floatingbridge

Posted by Dinah on March 13, 2010, at 10:51:11

In reply to Re: anyone have somatic symptoms? » Dinah, posted by floatingbridge on March 10, 2010, at 10:38:31

My ways are effective, but I'm not sure how efficient they are. I do use medications. But my techniques for relaxation might not be that healthy.

I do this visualization exercise where I picture my brains thoughts as disturbances on an electrical field. Then I focus on smoothing over any thoughts that happen. I can't really describe it any better than that.

But it doesn't leave me relaxed and thoughtful. It leaves me blank and less agitated.

 

Re: anyone have somatic symptoms? » rnny

Posted by floatingbridge on March 13, 2010, at 12:11:20

In reply to Re: anyone have somatic symptoms?, posted by rnny on March 11, 2010, at 22:17:36

Thanks again, rnny, for your helpful post. Yeah, hard not to let my mind dwell in the 'nuts' place, like there is something really 'wrong' with me. Not a helpful question, I remind myself, that familiar 'what's wrong wit h me.' Hasn't helped yet.

I am so relieved to know I'm not alone, and so glad to be able to share...

 

Re: anyone have somatic symptoms? » Dinah

Posted by floatingbridge on March 13, 2010, at 12:18:52

In reply to Re: anyone have somatic symptoms? » floatingbridge, posted by Dinah on March 13, 2010, at 10:51:11

Dinah, that's interesting. Since I'm not very visual, I kinda sense it like smoothing wrinkles out of cloth, like a bed spread. (Not at all what you're saying. )

Hmmm. Something to think about. Why do you think it might not be so healthy? Because you do not feel thoughtful? Less agitated sounds great to me.


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