I'm new, so if I offend, please forgive. I often am overwhelmed and feel hopeless, and yet I am on disability, have no job, have almost zero social life, no love life, you get the picture. What do I have to be stressed about??? It sounds like you have a great deal of responsibilities plus drama from others in your life. And therapy can be such a hassle. I'm not familiar with the problems resulting with EMDR and would love to know when or if you can, what you mean. For a period of time I used EMDR, and it was the only technique that worked for me. But, it took several days of tremendous suffering before it helped me cope. My former therapist of over fifteen years stopped doing the types of therapies that were actually helping us, but then suddenly she began using New Age techniques that blew my mind and literally damaged every aspect of my being.
Anyway, I am of the same mind as the above member. Centering ourselves can help us create a space to give us an opportunity to relax a bit and take inventory. Look at our struggles objectively. I am trying to apply this because for many months I have been experiencing flashback flooding. Sometimes I hop on YouTube and zone out on old songs I love. Music got me through life. If there is an activity that isn't taxing and you have found joy in your past, you might try it. For some people it's growing a plant, caring for a pet, playing a musical instrument, writing, drawing, making collages, reading light material (which I love, but can't focus to do); anything that makes you feel more positive. Which is the devil to do when everything seems so dark and burdensome.
I used to make gratitude lists until I started feeling phony. I said face it, I am too enraged to get serious about the small things. However, at one time it did help. As I became more aware of the extent of my childhood trauma, my life took on a darkness I continue to grapple with. I am being honest because hypocrisy does NOT work for me; I know that moving toward health is a process, and I am pretty sure that this process is a forever thing. I do sincerely try to accept the concept of happiness by measuring joy in small increments. I am trying to make new memories I can appreciate and meditate on during down times.
Sorry for the long answer, which may or may not be helpful, I am a writer whose mind never shuts down. Also, like many trauma sufferers, I have hardly anyone to talk to. I am positive what is on my mind ninety percent of the time makes for horrible conversation!
I am sorry for your constant pain, and hope you get a break to make your life more endurable. I wish I had something profound to offer.
