Posted by noa on July 4, 2003, at 10:17:24
In reply to Re: talked to friend briefly » kara lynne, posted by Emme on July 4, 2003, at 9:04:43
Sounds like you are one of us--the 'flaming amygdala gang'. I recognize the instant panic that occurs in interactions with people when you feel overwhelmed with feelings, worried about having hurt them, or feeling hurt,etc. The trick is to try to get the thinking brain--the cortex--to talk to the reactive brain--which includes my 'favorite' part--the amygdala--to calm it down with reason and openness to the potential for solving problems thoughtfully.
It takes a lot of practice. I've gotten much better at it, but I still have my fight-or-flight moments big time (lately it is at work with my bully boss). When this happens, its total amygdala action--zoom--I flee. Thinking and reason are not in the room at all.
I guess what has changed over time for me is that I calm down quicker now. But I know what it is like to be totally flooded with feeling--it feels to me like reason and language are totally inaccessible and nothing will calm me down. When flooded with emotion, it can be overwhelming, which is I guess where the cutting comes in for you.
Can you find substitutes for cutting that would have similar physiological effects on your state of arousal? How about some sensory integration stuff--like brushing with those "cornbrushes" (not too hard though!). Sensory integration (ironically abreviated as SI same as self injury) uses deep touch. Dinah once mentioned another sensory integration technique that she uses sometimes--tightly wrapping oneself in a sheet or blanket.
Hope today is calmer for you!
poster:noa
thread:238884
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20030704/msgs/239202.html