Posted by bozeman on March 30, 2003, at 18:20:50
In reply to Re: CBT - Even if thoughts ARE accurate it still helps, posted by noa on March 30, 2003, at 10:43:56
Hi Noa
I agree, some will probably never be able to go without meds. I just have a stubborn hopeful belief that I'm not one of them. :-) Clearing my thinking was a hugely important step for me, and at least in part I have you to thank for that. You helped me see where I was still "distorting" my reactions to keep from dealing with my real issues.
I also agree that physiology and psychology are intricately intertwined in a "chicken-and-egg" situation. However I do believe that you can affect either one via the other, as well as affecting either one directly. That's what I'm working on these days. Re-establishing the healthy patterns, reactions, and coping skills, and habits! that I once possessed, and adding new ones that I clearly need, so my physiology won't be so negatively impacted by psychological events. There are tendencies in my personality (rejection sensitivity, over empathy, etc.) that have been with me since childhood, but they did not paralyze me or keep me from functioning successfully. Those tendencies have been joined these last few years by some downright ridiculous problems and fallacies that do keep me from functioning successfully when they are in effect. I spent most of my life successfully operating (or so I believe, I guess ultimately we'll see when it comes time to taper off the medication) in spite of the negative tendencies, and I have hope that I'll be able to do so again. But I do agree that separating the two is impossible. I am not even insistent on separating them as long as I can find a workable balance I can live with, that will function long term.
Thanks for your (as always) deeply perceptive perspective. :-)
Hope your work, your situation with your father, and your life are moving toward healthy outcomes (and from your posts, it sounds like they are.) With respect and warm regards
bozeman
poster:bozeman
thread:208554
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/psycho/20030310/msgs/214537.html