I am happy to say that the last month or so has been going fairly well. Sure, there have been some slight ups and downs, some blips on the radar…but overall, I am actively coping with my life, with this illness, with the relationship between the two, and with the bigger picture.
I have been in individual talk therapy for over half of my life, or since I was about age 16. I find therapy to be extremely useful and heaven knows that Goddess of Mindfulness, was around to be a party to most of that. She was the world’s best therapist, and she probably is still out there, therapizing those in need and playing the magical singing bowls.
I have done further individual therapy at the community mental health center in my town, which I have also found helpful. Fifteen-plus years of therapy will lead you to a lot of “ah-ha!” moments, and while I don’t think I am necessarily done having those moments, I feel like I need to test my coping skills in this life I am leading, without the direct benefit of individual talk therapy.
After discussing this with my current therapist, The Scribbler (takes vigorous notes), we decided that I would take a one month break from individual sessions. I will still have expressive therapy, group DBT, and medication appointments weekly — just leaving out the talk therapy for the moment. To me, this is kind of a test of sorts.
I have a safety net. I can call her and reschedule for a sooner appointment at any time, but I really feel like maybe I can use the natural supports in my life and the coping skills that come from DBT and really deal with anything the next month is going to throw at me.
I have no doubt I will need therapy again at some point, but I think it is really important that I take this break so I can prove to myself, not to mention anyone else, that I really can deal with issues as they come in a calm and wise-minded fashion. At least, I think I can *right now*.
Who knows where I will be this time next year, or next Spring, or any of the other times in space when I traditionally crash and burn. This is my little experiment, and I hope that I can document a good bit of it, so I can come back and look at it later, because that always seems to help.
You sound GREAT. I’m delighted you are doing so well 🙂
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Thanks! Yes, I am feeling pretty good! Good enough that I am starting to add in an exercise routine…watch out world, I’m gonna get buff! 😀 LOL
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I’m delighted to hear that. Good for you! What an amazing turnaround from just a little while ago.
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Yes! I am thinking it is a combo of lots of different things. I owe you an email and will get you one here in the next day or so with more details! 🙂
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I am always glad to hear from you. You brighten my life 🙂
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🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂
Go you!!!!! 🙂
Half your life? That’s a lot of self analysis. You must know yourself better than most other people know themselves…
Very glad things are continuing to get better for you – keep us posted 🙂
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Yes, OVER half my life almost. Feels like a million years s0metimes!
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YEAH, girl!!! Excited to hear how things go!!
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Thanks, chica! It is super exciting to see your path get brighter, as well!
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Holy shit it is about time, isn’t it? Yes, Yes YES to things brightening up!!!!!!!
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My AA sponser uses that term often “some blips on the radar screen”) as I cry on his shoulder about the ills of life & sobriety
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Yes, blips are popular, aren’t they? 🙂 SO glad you are stopping by, Uncle Mike! ❤
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Love this post, love the butterfly (had to steal it!), and most of all I love you, honey. ❤
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Always so nice to hear, MM…love you mucho! 🙂
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