Posted by MattDDS on July 8, 2002, at 13:05:37
In reply to working with CBT, posted by mist on July 8, 2002, at 12:04:47
Hi Mist,
You asked with which thoughts, in particular, had CBT worked?
I used to get extremely anxious about dying. I'm in great health, had medical training
and I'm only 27, but just thinking about dying would induce panic attacks. CBT worked
wonderfully for me on thoughts surrounding death and dying. I can say that I am not
particularly concerned about dying anymore (but, of course I would strongly prefer to
keep living, lol).You also asked if I used any of the behavioral techniques. Yes. These are extremely
helpful for me. Specifically, the Daily Activity Schedule, and the Tic-Toc method.
These were helpful to overcome the anhedonia and anergia associated with depression.
You mentioned you 'had some ADD characteristics'. Check these out, as they target
things like task orientation and motivation. BTW, have you considered that your 'ADD
characteristics' MAY be related to anxiety or depression? Just a thought.
Funny, you mentioned that the thoughts seem to operate on a somewhat subconscious level.
Burns suggested a pretty interesting technique for this. It is very simple, but I don't
believe things need to be complicated, so long as they work. The method involves drawing
a stick figure representing yourself, with a word bubble. You try to imagine what would
be bothering this person (you), and formulate a concise negative thought corresponding
to what you would be thinking. You then apply the standard techniques to try to put it
to lie.Seriously, I'm curious about what thoughts you are having that are so difficult to treat
using CBT. Try me, I have had some weird ones too! I bet they are not as difficult
as they seem. (I do not mean to sound insensitive, just positive :))CBT is not for everyone, and there are disadvantages. Namely, it takes a lot of time
and energy to work out these thinking patterns. I do believe, however, that most can
get at least some benefit out of it. The thing I like most about it is that it is
somewhat more proactive, and, in my opinion, more specific than waiting and hoping for
a pill to work, or merely 'talking through it'. (Please do not interpret this as being
anti-meds, I have benefitted from some meds (benzos), and know others do as well. If
antidepressants worked for me, I would be and stay on them indefinitely. I have no prob
with meds, per se, other than the fact that they do not work at all for me).Bring on the negative thoughts!! haha.
Take care,
Matt
poster:MattDDS
thread:538
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/psycho/20020702/msgs/546.html