Triggered By Thinking

[Cindy]

What an accomplishment Morgan!

To be able to keep your head and breathe through chest pains was a great act of self management. Breathing and focusing on breathing is so powerful to refocus your thoughts.

Here is a funny aside ( well I think it is anyway ). I have an EXTREME problem with dental appointments. Even just a cleaning. I tried for several years to just get a handle on it, multiple attempts with different approaches and recognized it just was too big and wasn't going to happen. So now I medicate - and I'M OK WITH THAT! However, through the process of breaking it down to try to consciously change my reactions and thoughts I discovered when at the dentist and in "the chair" I was holding my breath the whole time, only breathing in intervals. I was so bad one time I even through up in the chair. It's all behind me now. Xanax for cleanings and Sedation Dentistry for the rest.

Cindy

 

[jeapea]

I would highly recommend horse therapy for exposure. They are a 'fight or flight' animal by nature. Working with them, whether learning to ride, or just how to "be" when around them, is an instant reward for building trust little by little. Each thing you do with them from brushing them, to picking out their feet, to riding or even learning to train them, the entire 'relationship' is built on trust. Yours and theirs.
I own 6 of them, and every day I learn something else about myself. They are a great mirror because they are so sensitive in their nature. And the best part, for me, is their inability to lie. Only people can do that.

Whenever someone wants to learn or just spend time with my horses that also helps me relate the importance of trust to that person without revealing any personal issues. I can learn to trust a person again if I see them working and building it with these animals.

 

[cragger65]

Jps, wow that sounds amazing, you are very lucky to have that. My friend Sue has asked me to go riding with her, eventually I will have to say yes.

 

[Tinyflame]

Dear jps- that is so wonderful, you are so lucky, I have loved horses since a very small child.

-You reminded me! - About 1 1/2 years after the symptoms of the ptsd had started, I was able to take riding/dressage/jumping lessons (a MOST BEAUTIFUL gift from my sister), and you are so right, I never even thought of them as "fight or flight" animals (although always knew it), but when I think about it was absolutely the most therapeutic thing- especially then, I was totally "free". I think "we" could relate to each others' sensitivites, the one I predominantly rode they gave to me because was newly-broke, skittish and nervous (like me, lol), and it worked out great.

Hope you enjoy your beautiful horses immensely, great "stress relief", especially when they love you so.

Dave- should say, sorry, they can sense "fear", lol- just kidding.
Each horse has a unique personality- pick one your speed at the moment.
They are beautiful -you will see.

 

[morgan]

Thanx Cragger. I am still working very hard to accomplish these things but my symptoms are much more manageable these days. I can honestly say it is worth the effort to get better.

Take care, Morgan