Posted by CarolynAnn on October 18, 2000, at 19:30:31
In reply to Re: Pass on the CNP, posted by Noa on October 18, 2000, at 16:38:19
> Personally...I use the image of an alligator. I visualize myself locking the alligator in an attic, and it is helpful to imagine others assisting me. I had a dream of this once, and have found it useful ever since!
> > Noa PS: What do you do to help yourself view depression as an external force? ksvt
>
> I TRY (the operative word) to visualize it as a monster/beast, a la Tracy Thompson( I think her book might be called The Beast) and also on a similar idea by the author of Conquering the Beast Within. Often it does feel like a trade off of fear/anxiety vs. depression as part of who I am. But if I can visualize the monster and allow myself to feel angry at it and scared of it and visualize fighting back, it helps a lot.
>
> Also, grieving for the lost time, etc. has helped. Of course, I had to get to a point where I could allow myself to grieve as opposed to blaming myslef and engaging in self loathing.
>
> I think that if you can create ways to remind yourself that there have been times without the depresion, it can reinforce that "temporary" concept, which you find helpful.
>
> It also sounds to me like you are not really in remission, that there is still more antidepressant effect to search for.
poster:CarolynAnn
thread:990
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20001011/msgs/1271.html