Overcoming intrusive thoughts

[blackemerald1]

but I maintained that I was having emotional reactions and withdrawal from Xanax problems.

Wow! Well in the absence of any major cardiac problem I think you are right on the money with what is going on. I'm so pleased you understand what is going on. Xanax is a horrible, horrible drug to get off but once your do kick it - it's likely you will feel so much better.

I'm not surprised you are experiencing abnormal and random pain like this with Xanax withdrawal. Stick with it @KwanYingirl - I'm thinking of you. :hug:

 

[EveHarrington]

I think I remember you posting about being on Geodon? (Sorry if I have this wrong!)

One of the main reasons I’m on Geodon is that it stops my obsessive thoughts dead In their tracks.

I recently came off Wellbutrin, which also works on dopamine, and the obsessive thoughts ramped up. (SCARY!) Fortunately that’s since passed.

 

[ms spock]

I’m going to try to replace the abuse tapes for memories of feeling safe and cared for. Hopefully, more memories of loving kindness will be recovered.

That sounds like a solid thing to do. How are you doing that?

Have you found a way that assists you to remember to ground yourself? I would be interested to know how to ground myself before slipping into those intrusive thoughts.

Have you read David Burns' book @KwanYingirl? It can help with distorted thinking/cognitions.

 

[KwanYingirl]

@Spotted Pardalote i haven’t read his book. I will be gearing up for EMDR this week. After 5 years of weekly therapy with a skilled trauma specialist. His mantra is first do no harm, and I’ve never been able to contain myself while just discussing rape. I dissociate and then the clock stars clicking again. But I told him and my shrink that I am sick of being depressed from intrusive memories and ruminating about trauma. For a year I have been working with a Shaman and reiki master who has a special interest in helping people with PTSD. She’s reconnected my brain and body, restored my soul that was in shattered fragments and has taught me how to get grounded. And let me tell you, when you’re grounded, it is like a whole different perception of the world. My anxiety evaporates. Last week I asked my T if we could try EMDR for just one memory that haunts me. I was shocked when he said yes, but he wants to teach me some more containment strategies. He asked me to see if my reiki master would see me more often and she said absolutely. These people have moved heaven and earth to help me. My gratitude is immense. Just to be free of ruminating. I know my depression will improve too.
You asked what I do to get grounded. I have apps on my phone. One is Insight the other Oak. I can get as little as a four minute break from my anxiety, or a longer meditation with any number of guides. I like Tara Brach. She’s on YouTube too. She’s a PhD Psychologist who is Buddhist. She gives hour long talks weekly that get filmed and put on YouTube. I like that she understands the physiology of our brains and how trauma gets stored in the body. She has a pleasant voice and is witty. I’ve learned to get grounded by listening to her guidance. I just wish it would be automatic, you know? Why do I have to go to such lengths to function. Then I tell myself, she has thousands of followers and I’m not alone.
I’m looking forward to the EMDR.

 

[ms spock]

I just wish it would be automatic, you know?

I also wish it was automatic for me as well.

Why do I have to go to such lengths to function.

I really feel this one as well.

I’m not alone.

You are certainly not alone - many people who have trauma struggle like we do.

 

[LuckiLee]

I've noticed J has been using a golf game on his phone lately. I'm not sure if that's the reason or not though. He watches tv/movies but that can cause more intrusive thoughts.

The golf game seems to be helping.

I hope you found something that works for you!

 

[blackemerald1]

I just wish it would be automatic, you know? Why do I have to go to such lengths to function.

Well I firmly believe that with sufficient practice and application you will find that at least sometimes, some parts of your grounding techniques will be integrated into your psyche and you won't have to rely so heavily on external sources to aid you.

You will find shortcuts to the lengths you are currently applying. But it takes time. :hug:
Take care,

 

[KwanYingirl]

@blackemerald1 this is something I hope will help me resolve intrusive thoughts and images using EMDR. My t was set to go two weeks ago but I got cold feet and just didn’t talk to him for three weeks. All I know is that too many invading images and thoughts are taking up too much of my time. We’ll try again next week. My reiki master explained to me that I was raised in chaos and it’s familiar. Resolving difficult scenes isn’t what I’m used to.