Emdr - Maybe Its Too Traumatic

[ghotiff]

I haven't developed self soothing techniques.

Learning Self soothing changed my world. Mine are simple things like watching meaningless TV, cups of tea, heating myself (eg heaters, blankets, hot water bottles) and walking around a specific department stall shop (don't know why that one works but it does). Basically it's anything you like doing that is calming.

 

[The ANP]

Mine are junk food, staying in bed (1day limit), going for a walk or swim, scorching hot baths, talking to a friend, art, time with kids/pets, log rolls, mindfulness, deep breathing, etc. also when things get really off I do EMDR focused on building confidence, safe feelings and sometimes we do EMDR targeted at closing the boxes when I accidentally open one that's too big for now.

 

[GrayOwl]

Thanks ghotiff. You helped me to realize how important this process is to me. Meaningless tv. Old farside cartoons. Watching the birds. Or attending a step meeting. Oftentimes in sharing and listening I find that my troubles are rarely as bad as I think they are. Or other people are far worse off - but they are surviving or doing well - and have tools for coping that they share with me. Self soothing, as you call it is important for me. I got overloaded earlier today - went into what I call shut-down mode. A little mindless TV, a few minutes of solitaire (I cheated - since the rotten game wouldn't let me win - lol), and a nice nap. And since then I've been ready to take on the world. At least my little spot in it anyway. And it's been a good day. Quiet. A few simple accomplishments.
I had too much going on. I was over processing and no good to anyone - least of all myself. Glad I had the day off.
Sometimes I think the siesta concept should be incorporated into every workday.........I'd be good with that. I get an hour or two (unpaid is fine) to decompress as needed. I think studies have shown that that increases productivity anyway. Oh well.... in a perfect world.
Very well put Ghotiff. And its important for me to remember that I need feel NO guilt for taking the time that I need to recharge my emotional, spiritual, and mental batteries. Wishing you much peace and serenity. :joyful:!:joyful:!:joyful:!
And thanks T2 - great thread!

 

[void]

My 4th EMDR session was today. The trauma I dealt with today could have killed me. A few minutes...

Your T. is doing EDMR wrong if the aftermath is as you say.
Yup she is doing it wrong and she's re-traumatizing you all over again.
You must tell her and demand a solution.

 

[trying2movefwd]

Im calling my psychiatrist today; this scares me. I like her, but afraid to admit my true state of mind. She reffered me to begin with.

 

[The ANP]

Sounds like a positive proactive choice. Good job taking care of yourself. I know it can be scary to tell anybody about dissociation. It scares me that I do it and telling people makes it more real

 

[Kailani]

Found I can only do 10-20 minutes of EMDR at a time ; dissociate too much, feel like I am entering another planet or matrix zone. Found small amts are awesome!!!!! Having a safe place and self soothing and when bad EMDR session saying it's just a side effect, one bad session, it'll pass soon.

 

[void]

@trying2movefwd

How did your conversation with your Psychiatrist go?:hug:

EMDR does not necessarily work ideally for everyone......they will understand that.