Space to share tools that helped you

[annabanana068]

Hi ladies, I thought I would create a separate thread where we can share with each the resources that helped us battling depression, anxiety, low moods etc. We can share podcasts, apps, online resources etc. I am currently using a breath work app that helps me when I am feeling overwhelmed

I've tried everything on line.. deep breathing.. meditation.. had counselling over 35 years. Been in psychiatric hospitals.. just had six sessions of EMDR.. only thing that's worked.. but mine is horrific trauma... PTSD that left me physically and mentally disabled.

I'm so sorry to hear about your trauma. Did you say that EMDR helped you? I've heard that it's very efficient but also very expensive. My friend is on the wait list for that with NHS and it takes YEARS. I've read in the book "body keeps the score" it mentions yoga helps with PTSD, and massages. Have you tried that?

I'd also love to learn more about the emdr and how it helped your PTSD. I'd do anything for some help with mine.

I've worked with several people with trauma/PTSD. This is how I describe it.

When something traumatic happens a part of your subconscious mind is 'assigned' to figure out exactly what happened and why, simply because it was so terrible that it must be avoided at all costs in the future and that can only be done by understanding every aspect of the event(s).

If it's something you can rationalise then your mind can easily put it behind you; the road was icy/the other driver was texting, you tripped over a stair rod, etc. If, however, there's no explanation within your grasp - the events were simply random or the people involved are unable or unwilling to explain their part in the trauma - then your mind will keep on going over all the tiny details in order to try to find all those (unknowable) answers; hence the nightmares and flashbacks.

The key to resolving it is to let that part of the mind know that there is not, and never will be, an answer to what happened and why it happened and also the constant rumination is actively detracting from the happiness of the person. Once the subconscious realises this is it will let it go. Yes, the memories will still be there but they will have no power or impact on your emotions.