Coping w/ psych drudging up old childhood memories and problems?

Question

I say a psychiatrist for the first time today due to increased anxiety and panic attacks. I touched briefly on almost ever bad thing thats ever happened in my life. But a few hours later, I'm an emotional wreck- all these bad memories are now fresh in my mind again. I was supposed to see family and friends today, and i basically just told everyone to leave me alone, I couldn't handle it. My body feels numb, and my mind feels pain, if that makes any sense. Has anyone else experienced this before? If so, what did you do to get thru the week til ur next therapy session?

Answer 1

Drudging up the past can be extremely painful. However, over time, you will be better off having done so, by experiencing less anxiety and stress in your everyday life. In the meantime, try distracting yourself by going to a movie, reading a good book, or playing puzzle games on the computer (my anxiety buster!).

Feel free to tell friends and family that you are going through a rough period and may need some extra space at times. When you are anxious, often times the last thing you want to do is be around alot of people, because at times it can drain all of your energy. Feel free to take time to yourself, so you can work through your problems. Just make sure you don't completely isolate yourself from everyone, or this can make things worse for you. But allow yourself a "time out" when you need one, weather just a few minutes, or a couple of hours.

Answer 2

For the first time, in a long time, these memories are no longer suppressed or put away on the back burner. You will experience many different emotions since" the door has been opened". You may, actually, remember other things that have been forgotten now that you are aware of other things. Does this make sense?? Just think about it !! Evidently, you have suffered severe psychological trauma. It is hard to say how to deal with this. But, I do know that talking about your issues, is the first step. Your mind is in a fog, it feels as though you are disconnected from reality ( as we know it). You want to avoid certain people. This is self-isolation, beneficial, yet harmful. Have you thought about writing your feelings in a journal? Yeah, I know that is sounds ridiculous but, it does help. It allows you to put your emotions into words, this alone can be quite therapeutic. I'm glad that you have sought professional assistance. How long have you been burying this feelings?? Just to make a point, if you can bury them for " x" amount of years then it will take time and patience to deal with them and resolve them. If you have difficulty dealing with your issues before your next appointment, please call your psychiartrist to discuss your feelings. Is there a family relative or a close friend that you can talk to?? I hope that this helps. It takes time so, hang in there!! God Bless.

Answer 3

That doesn't sound like a psychiatrist; are you sure this person isn't a psychotherapist, psychologist or counsellor? A lot of people get them mixed up.

I have gone to psychiatrists since 1983 and they talk to me about 10-15 minutes and then refill my prescription. No talk about details of my childhood, they just asked me how I was feeling since the last visit.

Personally, I wouldn't go to a psychotherapist. However, many people feel they are helpful.

You might want to consider going to a psychiatrist or other medical doctor and take medication instead. Maybe psychotherapy isn't for you, or maybe you can see a psychiatrist and a psychotherapist--many people benefit from both kinds of treatment.

Answer 4

I have, and I'm already in my later 40s. I started counseling in my mid 30s. You'll not only survive, you'll be victorious in your life, how you carry yourself confidently in relationships, work, etc.

It will be painful, even numbing, sometimes, and that's only bc your body is speaking a clearer language and that you have better defences and coping means (do things you wanted to do but never dared or had opportunity to, etc). Being alone is not a bad thing, even if your family will think so. You need those time-outs for yourself, for healing purposes. But do remember to come tog again for brief times, even if it's just to sit down and eat together.

You can't get better if you don't feel better, so allow your feelings some expression and appropriate direction (not in the family of course).

I wish you well.....

Answer 5

There is an accupressure technique called EFT that can help you cope with negative emotions, takes away the edge from anxiety, sometimes erasing it completely like it has for me. You can see videos of it on YouTube. Also there is a free manual at the website I list. It does indeed look very weird to do, and it looks like it couldn't possible work, but it really has helped a lot of people. It mostly just involves tapping some spots on your face and body with your fingers.

Answer 6

Hi, sorry to hear you are feeling so bad. Talking about these things could help clear them out of your system, even though it is painful in the meantime. However, in addition to seeing the psychiatrist, please try the following steps. They will eliminate (or at least significantly reduce) your panic attacks and anxiety:

1.Breathe properly - if you control your breathing, you control panic. As soon as you notice the signs of anxiety, check your breathing: breathe in slowly through your nose pushing your tummy out (to the count of 5 or so). Breathe out slowly and for a bit longer (to the count of 7 or so) through your mouth. Do not breathe rapidly or shallowly (in the chest area). This will soon restore the balance of oxygen and you will feel a lot better.

2. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy! CBT is proven to be the most effective thing for panic attacks, OCD and anxiety etc. It takes a bit of work, but it is super effective. (After 15 years of panic attacks, mine stopped completely). You can speak to your doctor about taking a course or you can take a course for free online at: www.livinglifetothefull.com

3. Try relaxation exercise tapes (progressive muscular relaxation). They really help if you practise often enough. You can get free downloads online, e.g. http://www.studentservices.utas.edu.au/counselling/audio_resources/index.html

With each step practise makes perfect. (i.e. practise the steps every day, not just when you are feeling bad). I hope you feel better soon. Best of luck!

Answer 7

if it were me, i wouldnt have another session. you can only blame so much on the past, until you realize that its over and done with. memories are what they are, they cant hurt you anymore unless you let them. there is a reason people put stuff out of their minds. why live in the past when its just an illusion? psychiatrists have not come very far from putting sane people with problems in mental institutions. they wont make much money if they tell you to forget the past and live for now. think about it, if everyone dwelled on all the bad things that have happened to them, no one would be safe.

Answer 8

Well, i know how you feel sometimes, when i don't feel like seeing anyone.
I like to think about stuff, makeup stuff in my head, good, happy stuff, and make a story out of it. Usually at night time.
It makes me feel better, and since i can control what happens, that makes me feel better too, knowing that there's atleast one thing i can control now a days!
Take care, and try and think of all the good that has come out of things, and remember that all of the bad things that have happened, has only made you stronger and only made you the person that you are now.
Take it easy!
xx

Answer 9

I know this will sound foolish, but I will give this a try. Do you believe in God or a power greater than yourself? I experienced allot of child hood trauma that I couldn't escape from until I tried everything under all the heavens but I forgot about God himself. I learned how to forgive and that people are all human and not a one is righteous not even the Pope, All men fall short in the eyes of God. Jesus in his last dieing breath asked for our forgiveness from all his betrayal and for his blood shed to cleanse our sins away so through his blood I ask in return to help me to forgive those who betrayed me and make me whole again and heal. If he can lay his life down for me a sinner, who am I not to forgive you? Its not easy Rome wasn't built in a day but the Lords always there All you need to do is ask him to come into your life and make you new again and to see life in a new way --his way. May God bless you and keep you-don't forget we left him he never left us.

Answer 10

A first exam is diagnostic and involves a lot of questions. It can be retraumatizing and result in the experience you have described.

Techniques like EFT and BSFF can ease the symptoms, and make it a gentler, kinder experience to resolve past hurts.

contact me by email for further information. Or visit www.comfortyourheart.com