What Do You Do When You Plateau

[moshpitmunkey]

Feeling like I'm in limbo right now. Just floating in nothingness. Not really sure I'm making progress. Not moving forward but maybe backwards. Seems like my normal range of emotions are gone for the time being. Can feel my willingness to participate in life, and in therapy/recovery slipping away. No motivation. If I didn't have other obligations I'd probably sit in one place and never move. Frustrated but cant seem to muster up any gumption to move past this. Can't cry or emote. Just numb. Has anyone ever felt like this before and what did you do to get past it?

 

[EveHarrington]

:hug:

No suggestions but I hope you can push through it-----sometimes if nothing works, it's a matter of faking it til you make it. It's not easy but it can sometimes work.

 

[Deleted member 34328]

I don't think you're slipping backwards. Yes, I've experienced this. Often I'm told "you're at where you're at" I feel like that when it seems there have been too many overwhelming events/anxiety that I just don't feel like I'm ever going to move past it. Lose all ambition to push on. I think it comes from just being tired of the effort and constant fluctuating of emotion. Sometimes you just need to drop the "therapy" and focus on you. Take a break. Don't beat yourself up. It happens to everyone.

I try to just sit with a cup of coffee and just literally give myself permission to slow down. Sometimes it's my therapist who recognizes the symptoms and says exactly that. "Therapy bedrest" as I call it. I have other obligations too. So it's not always easy to take my own advice - but necessary.

Don't try to keep pushing. It's not giving up, it's giving your mind a break.

 

[moshpitmunkey]

It's comforting that you can relate to this feeling. I think you're exactly right about being tired of the effort and constant fluctuation of emotions. Its tiring. It really helped to hear your words maybe I do just need to slow it down and cut myself some slack. I guess I was just afraid of slipping into a whole of despair if I stopped trying to work through symptoms and issues. But you're right. Its not giving up I just need a break. Thank you so much for your input

 

[Deleted member 12723]

When I feel like you are I give myself pajama days devoted to comfort and self nurturing and eating comfort foods, watching good movies or reading a good book or even taking a nap.I do what ever works for me to just relax. Sometimes this is not possible but it is three steps forward and two steps back process we are involved in.

You work so hard on yourself that this is really a normal occurance that happens to us. You are in my opinion normal for being in the process of recovery. This happened and still does happen occasionally so it goes with the territory I think.

Sure hope that what I said makes you feel better. Just ramp up on the self care for now and get some energy back and you will once again be on your way. It really works.

 

[Deleted member 34328]

I do just need to slow it down and cut myself some slack

Exactly! That's where I'm at right now, so you're words hit a spot for me.

 

[ladee]

What everyone shared is what is going on. I do what @gizmo does. I have a self indulgent 'ME' day. I relish these days now, when before, I would get anxious that something was wrong or I was doing something wrong.
You learn to relish those times. We have to rest. Am very happy you shared. Now you can be extra self caring knowing you are getting a well deserved and hard worked for respite.
Make sure you add some chocolate in there somewhere! :inlove:

 

[moshpitmunkey]

Two steps forward and three steps back is the perfect way to describe it. That tug of war feelings. I truly needed to hear that. Just reading through the responses feels like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders. So I'm going to try and try and try to relax and give myself a break even if it doesn't work at first. And try to stop worrying about what happens if I do which ive been so caught up on. Just trying to prevent the constant stints of depression and anxiety etc. Thank you for the support and words of strength and encouragement @gizmo and @ladee and for sharing your experiences. Here's to plenty of chocolate(lol) self care and getting a well deserved break @stp2012

 

[Deleted member 34328]

Here's to plenty of chocolate(lol) self care and getting a well deserved break @stp2012

lol... I will!

 

[Freedomfighter]

Feeling like I'm in limbo right now. Just floating in nothingness. Not really sure I'm making pro...

Yep, that is pretty normal for PTSD. I actually prefer that stage to being in a trigger.

 

[Freedomfighter]

Feeling like I'm in limbo right now. Just floating in nothingness. Not really sure I'm making pro...

Actually, I really like that stage. Because that is the stage when people that attempt to hurt me can not get through to me. I love that stage, because then I am sort of impervious to harassment.

 

[Zanshin]

I'm there, too. It feels like I need to push myself to reintegrate into life, to rediscover the things I like again - music, books, friends. How do I have fun? I've forgotten and need to remind myself. I'm trying to break through by remembering to turn on music, by giving myself time to read when I want... Time with friends is still difficult, I don't feel worthy. *Falls into Wayne's World genuflucting...*

Good luck, I hope you can climb out of the plateau, though there is some comfort in not slipping backwards.