Really?
Really?
Must we open *that* can of worms?
Just kidding.
Really.
Funny story, my life is. I went into therapy for severe depression. Never expected to be diagnosed with an eating disorder. Then again, I didn't expect a Post Traumatic Stress Disorder diagnosis either. I always thought that it was just how I was. ADHD was diagnosed in college, but according to one of my grade school teachers, it made perfect sense as to how school rolled out for me. I hated school. It was *impossible* to concentrate. Studying? Not a chance. Anything that required prolonged focus was not happening. While I don't officially have an OCD diagnosis, I have a few too many of the tendencies.
In summary:
Severe Depression. PTSD. ADHD. OCD. Anxiety.
Oh, and an eating disorder.
At least that one is on it's way out.
How do I deal with all of this alphabet soup? Therapy. Lots and lots of therapy. With an incredible therapist. I can even give credit to my previous therapists, cause without experiencing them, I would never have known how challenging, yet powerful, therapy can be when you have the right therapist. And considering my therapist is only one member of my treatment team, I know that I've got a lot of support to rely on as needed.
"Alphabet soup" is a great description. It's all a learning process. Sometimes an intimidating one, but I think the important thing is to just keep learning. I've been hit with disassociation episodes for many, many years. At 37, I've just been informed that I can actually do something about then. It never even occurred to me to mention it to a counselor. I thought they were just a chemical/body thing that I had to endure. It sounds like what PTSD was for you. (?)
ReplyDeleteJerimi. You totally nailed it. That is exactly what I've been experiencing. I never spoke about it before with any previous counselor, despite the fact that a few mentioned PTSD. When I realized what it was, and where it came from..... I hope, hope, hope that the episodes will eventually taper off.
DeleteThank you for sharing this with me. Makes me feel somewhat comforted to find that I'm not alone in how I experienced these symptoms and episodes!