Sufferer Is Isolation Really A Good Idea?

[hodge]

I go to a non-profit mental health clinic and I was never bounced around. Did you request a different therapist? The clinic should know that people need to establish a relationship with a therapist, not get bounced around.

 

[sun seeker]

I am not asking others to manage my triggers for me. I never have asked others to handle my problems. What I was asking the individual in this particular instance was clarification because I was feeling a trigger coming on and I wanted to stem the tide before it became a problem.

And this sounds perfectly reasonable now you clarify. Nothing here whatsoever to shame you over. I'm just saying that some people may be able to respond well to this kind of request while some can't... but I see nothing at all wrong with asking. In fact, it sounds like a pretty darn good attempt at improved communication.

 

[kirE]

I go to a non-profit mental health clinic and I was never bounced around. Did you request a different thera...

My first therapist had to move somewhat abruptly. I was without access while they placed me with another therapist. He explained PTSD more clearly to me yet started admitting he was having severe anxiety before each of our sessions. I asked if it was possible to have someone else who may be able to help me without feeling anxious and I was told I would have to sort it out with my current therapist until they could find an opening with someone else. I then found my current one who I am now wondering if he truly has a grasp of my situation or is simply following a formula.

 

[hodge]

Yes, what sun seeker said -- be careful which friend you choose to talk with. As sun seeker said, some can handle it, some cannot. But you can always come to the forum for this stuff.

 

[kirE]

And this sounds perfectly reasonable now you clarify. Nothing here whatsoever to shame you over. I'...

I was proud of myself for attempting to communicate instead of allowing the trigger to happen. Apparently I was wrong and need to simply walk away from he situation, even if it is in my own home, until I can be like a regular human again.

 

[hodge]

Obviously that therapist had his own problems if he told you he was having such anxiety before your sessions.

 

[sun seeker]

Apparently I was wrong and need to simply walk away from he situation

No, what you need to do is look for a new therapist. This one... honestly, I'm just shaking my head. I'm sorry you've had such bad luck.

I can tell you are hurting, but at the same time, that there is still some higher brain activity going on in spite of being in crisis, which is a very good sign. You will be able to think your way through this. Can you write back to your SO that you just broke up with, and to your friends, and say you were a little hasty and to please give you some time to figure it out (as long as this feels appropriate... I don't know anything about the situation more than what you've told us)? And then in the morning, start looking for a different therapist?

There really is a solution beyond what you are seeing. This is not your fault. You've just had really bad luck.

 

[sun seeker]

until I can be like a regular human again

You are a regular human. A regular human who has been traumatized. Something to work on? Yes, with compassionate help. Something to be ashamed of and hide away from the rest of the human race? No.

 

[hodge]

I agree with sun seeker. And you are in a large metro area. Perhaps there is another non-profit mental health clinic nearby? It's really important to find a therapist you feel listens and empathizes and that you can trust.

 

[anthony]

You need a therapist that isn't going to bullshit you with their personal belief system, and instead treat you from a psychological viewpoint, consisting of exchanging ideas, finding what works for you and what does not, and not telling you what is or is not good for you.

A good therapy will use therapy like an exchange of ideas. They don't have all the solutions... they have insight, knowledge and education, but they don't have a clue what will work for you, and what will not. That takes exploration and a little creativity on both parts to find what works and what fails.

 

[stillstanding2]

I told my friends to stay away and now I feel like I can now end my life with ease.

Your measures have been pretty drastic based on what a probably incompetent therapist said. But now that you've done that, you might use the circumstances wisely instead of "ending your life with ease." Self-isolation often gets a bad rap, when in fact, it can be a gift to yourself of time and reflection to better understand your own being. It can be the opportunity to slow down and redefine yourself in your own terms.

Though I have a great therapist and some close friends and family, I have spent much time in my own company. And a while back, I realized that I like myself after all. I won't encourage you to stay isolated, but as long as you are there, you might take good advantage of your break from pointless gestures to meet social expectations.

I hope you find better therapy that you can use. And this forum is always available to you. This is a place that cares.

 

[intothelight]

@kirE Welcome! :)

When a person is triggered, the present gets all tied up with something in the past that may have no bearing at all. To ask someone for clarification on what they meant is just good communication and unless you are asking them to change their behavior to accommodate your issues, not out of line at all.

Definitely see about some other therapy options.