Bit of a reaction after counselling. Need some practical advice please.

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Am in the process of some trauma counselling. Current issues which were discussing too. Had a session a few days ago and got quite 'spacey'. Since then, have lost appetite and have had insomnia.

Have felt a bit tearful too and just quite low.

Could do with some advice on how to turn this around.

Am on antids already.

Therapist here. This is a very normal reaction to trauma work. Our brains usually try and avoid the traumatic memories and as soon as the memories get shaken up by talking them through, it brings up a lot of old horrible feelings.

It is a bit like having a wound, to clean it you might need to put some cleansing solution on it, which will sting! However, once you have done that, the wound starts to heal. When we avoid dealing with it, it sits behind a plaster but is still there festering.

What should happen is that for a week or so you will feel shaky, then you will slowly start feeling better and better. Go back to counselling at least once more and share you have had this reaction. Main thing is the counselling is not making it long term worse.... this is how trauma work progresses.

Sending you lots of healing vibes

Hi OP- this sounds hard, but it’s such important work you are doing with the counsellor. Sometimes when we talk about things we can feel worse before we feel better. I had therapy for something very traumatic, and it’s exhausting and sometimes distressing to go through it again even in a safe space. I suppose what I’m saying is that this isn’t an abnormal reaction and it will pass. It will also be well worth the hard work you are doing now. For me, I used to just distract myself in between sessions and also talk to the therapist about how I’d felt. Take good care of yourself: this is hard and exhausting, but you will come through it. And well done on seeking help in the first place x

Thank u for your replies. Useful to know

I too have been through therapy. I was fine at the time, but was utterly shocked that when I got home I just burst into tears and couldn't stop sobbing for hours, it was as if it brought everything all out at once, but I continued with the therapy, and came out the other side, a much more confident person, and far more able to deal with the world than when I first started. As others have said, stick with it, it will be worth it in the end.

It's like I have gone into some kind of awful depression. Literally can't sleep and not hungry. I'm hoping I can find some ways of bringing myself out of it.. but I guess it's just time..?

I dont think there are any quick fixes. But, some things to do to help

• make a plan for your weekend and stick to it regardless of how tired you are/how demotivated you feel/etc. One thing that feeds depression is inactivity. To avoid being depressed you need achievement and meaning/joy It is quite hard to feel meaning/joy when we are low, but we can do small tasks that make us feel like we have done something worthwhile. Worst thing you can do is sit at home in bed chewing things over, by the end of the day you will feel so much worse. You might resent doing stuff and be grumpy the whole way through. That's ok and expected for now.

-if you are able, move your body. Trauma is stored in the body and it can be metabolised by moving. Try and get out in nature and go for a walk if possible. Second best, go to the gym or do something at home.

I realise both of these things take energy that you probably don't have, but if you can force yourself, you have a better chance at alleviating your distress.

Thank you for the advice

Are you having emdr? You just need to hold on to your next session ❤️

I try to do a mixture of allowing myself to be sad and actively nurturing myself a bath/nice food/peaceful time outside.

But also getting small things done, just the basics washing up/laundry etc. Mix the two up-and go easy if you need to, I do wash ten things, sit down for 5 min. If i don't keep somewhat productive the depression gets worse.

Try to treat yourself as if you are unwell - so comforting/nourishing food, fresh air and light exercise but not too much exertion, watch only things that make you feel better not stressed etc.

It will improve in time.

You can also ask your counsellor for advice as you may need to slow down or be more gentle in the next session.

No, not EMDR. Its talking Therapy

Thank you all for your advice