Tuesday, March 05, 2013

Off to a Therapist I Go

I called and made an appointment to see a therapist yesterday and though I am considered, "severely depressed", (34/50) she thinks that I am not beyond help.  I have another appointment next Tuesday.  She gave me some things to do but I am too tired to write them all out right now. She did suggest listening to some relaxation music when going to bed.  This is something I used to do years ago but it kept my ex-husband and my now husband awake.  So today I bought an MP3 player so I can listen to relaxing music.  I know for sure this works because when I work nights I listen to music when I come home and sleep during the day.

Tomorrow my husband and I are going to see Leonard Cohen in Victoria  It sounds ungrateful but I am not really excited about going because it is so much effort to just get out of bed in the morning.  My husband knows I get overwhelmed very easily and so we are planning accordingly.  It is really important right now that I don't overdo it and stay in a stable environment.  That means no loud restaurants.  No shopping in busy places. Going to bed at a decent hour and not getting up too early.  One good thing about having reoccurring anxiety and depression is you get to know your triggers and I know them all well.  The other things the therapist suggested is to stop going to my grief support group.  Last Sunday I didn't go and was about 90% decided not to go back anyway but it is nice to have it confirmed.

And as always, I want to thank all of you for your comments. I want to reply to each of them individually but it is a little too much effort right now.  Know that I love you and your words keep me going.  xo






14 comments :

  1. No one's ever beyond help -- I'm glad you made an appointment.

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  2. I am so happy you made the appointment. (I also know my triggers but I don't always pay enough attention.)
    I have everything crossed for you. Hugs

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  3. A step in the right direction. I am happy to hear this.

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  4. Well done for making the appointment AND going to it. I know how much effort it takes when you're low. So give yourself a gold star for achievement.

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  5. May I recommend Glenn Harold's Guided Meditations? Seriously, they've helped me. I'm not sure where you can find them on MP3s but you can download them on iTunes. Google them. It's relaxation hypnotherapy specifically for anxiety. It really makes a difference/helps you relax.

    Something else that helps me is getting out of my head and into my body. Anything physical. It helps burn up the excess energy and makes me stop thinking. Walking, cleaning house, shoveling snow, digging in dirt...anything physical.

    You'll be okay. I agree with your therapist, the group thing isn't working for you. And that's okay. Trust your instincts, I think they're good!

    Sorry to be so long winded. I've been thinking of you lots. Take precious care.

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  6. Fantastic!
    You are on your way now, Birdie...
    TRY and enjoy the concert...

    Cheers!
    Linda :o)

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  7. I think it is nice that your husband plans accordingly to help you to not get overwhelmed...sounds like therapy is working

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  8. It's never too late, believe me. I've been there. If you ever want to bend an ear, my email is ml_madison@yahoo.com.

    It takes a strong person to get help. You will be glad you did.

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  9. Of course you're not beyond help! You will survive and you will thrive. It will get better.

    I thought I was doing oh so good after mum's death and then I tried to cancel her house insurance and I hung up on the woman I was talking to and couldn't stop crying. So maybe a little fragile still. One day at a time. Yesterday was good, today not quite as good but still better than Tuesday.

    Sending hugs woman.

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  10. dear birdie,

    good for you for all you are doing to find your way through such a difficult time. i will keep you close to my heart and send you powerful vibes for comfort, peace and strength. your honesty about what you are going through will surely inspire and help others.

    love, xo,

    karen, tc

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  11. That's good news. All of it. Your hubby understanding is very good news. Good too that you are listening to music. I would spend my life plugged in if I could. I am glad too that the therapist says to stop the grief support group right now. You can always go back later if it feels right. x

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  12. Birdie, you don't have to respond to our comments you are doing the right thing by taking care of yourself and by realizing how to handle your anxiety. I send lots of hugs and kisses!

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  13. How perfect you're going to a Leonard Cohen concert. His lyrics from Anthem are ones i reflect on and cling to in the throes of depression, "Ring the bells that still can ring. Forget your perfect offering. There is a crack in everything. That's how the light gets in. That's how the light gets in."

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  14. I think it's amazing that you took that step! One thing at a time right?

    You are my hero!! xoxox

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Isaiah 1:18