Reading Over My Old Words Making Me Feel Sad

[Iyllsa]

I don't know why but I decided to look over old texts and stuff I've written that talks about my past and I'm now feeling really sad again and I feel confused about everything. It probably wasn't a good idea but I eventually had to stop because it was becoming too much..

Does this ever happen to anyone? Where you're reading your own words and they end up affecting you? How do you handle it?

 

[The Albatross]

I initiated a habit/behavior of rereading my diary as a matter of course when I came here about every 3-6 months. For me it was a form of exposure and an opportunity to learn how to manage my subjective units of distress, learning/acquiring better coping tools and skill sets, and learning too when to put the brakes on and stop an activity or exercise ahead of the mental/emotional disturbance.

The words I wrote, disturbing and uncomfortable at that time, were how I felt, what I was thinking at that time. That is all. Through repetition I was able to discern more subtle things in the content and topics and could see how/what/when I was trying to do to work things through and get to a better place.

 

[The Albatross]

P.S. This is a really good topic because I had just had this conversation with another member by phone a couple days ago. Framing experiences as "opportunities" is really an important perceptual shift. Doing exposures to learn these things - the things necessary to more effectively manage going forward... CAN take precedence over the mental/emotional blow back. It takes practice, patience, persistence, perseverance.

 

[Iyllsa]

I initiated a habit/behavior of rereading my diary as a matter of course when I came here about ev...

Sorry for the late reply. I haven't been feeling too well. I can see how this would be a good idea for exposure therapy and practicing usage of coping skills and self management.. I haven't been able to get with my therapist due to complications so maybe next time I can bring it up to her. Thank you for taking the time to reply. It's nice to know I'm not alone.