Posted by Miller on January 3, 2003, at 13:42:43
In reply to I know what I probably should do but I can't, posted by WorryGirl on January 3, 2003, at 13:19:53
Hi Worrygirl,
I will be 36 later this month. I don't think it has anything to do with your age. Are you on medication right now?
One thing I learned from a psychologist out of San Francisco who was nice enough to email me on several occasions without having ever met me, is that mental health has to be just as important to you as life itself. Faulty mental health created dangerous situations for yourself and your family.
I totally agree that it is hard to change thought processes. (Feel free to read many of my posts.) However, there is a part of you that wants a better life for yourself and your kids. In order to do that, you have to make a commitment to listen to your therapist, be honest, and to try his/her suggestions. Depression tends to come in cycles. So, the good news is that you may not have the energy or the ambition right now, but if you hang in there and have a little hope, you should be able to think more clearly soon. It's at that time you can get down to business.
A good start is being here on this board. All the people who post and read the comments are in the same struggle. It's kind of like an anonymous group therapy session. Use all the tools that are given and remember your life is worth trying.
I was telling another board that my shrink gave me an assignment (actually 3 ) last night. The one that may also be useful to you is to finish this statement: "I am the type of person..." By filling in the statement you will begin to understand yourself better. An example would be "I am the type of person that feels extremely sad when other people treat me with contempt or disregard" and "I am the type of person that would do anything to protect my children from harm." Once you have a list of your "types" you can then figure out how to help avoid conflicts that break your heart. Everyone will experience pain and sadness, but we don't need to set ourselves up for it. If you are honest with the list maybe you will see what kind of talents and great qualities you have missed giving yourself credit for.
-Miller
poster:Miller
thread:2059
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/psycho/20021230/msgs/2060.html