I hope that you had a really nice long holiday weekend. It has been really hot and humid here in West Michigan. I have been hiding out in the A/C this weekend as my body isn't tolerating the humidity very well currently.
When I logged in today to write to you, I was not really sure what I wanted to write about. But I think I'd really like to talk to you about the importance of working through emotional trauma. Even if what you need to work through may not be considered a "trauma", it doesn't mean it isn't something that you need to honestly process, work through and (eventually) move past.
Your mental health matters and it really does require your attention. If you have dealt with anxiety, depression, post traumatic stress disorder or any other major mental health condition there is a reason why you are experiencing that. It isn't something you want to ignore.
I will forever be a positive supporter of talk therapy. I understand that this may not be the easiest option for everyone (especially if you are shy or introverted), but it is the best way to get unbiased help with your mental health condition.
You see, I wouldn't leave my diabetes untreated, I wouldn't leave my high blood pressure go untreated. So why do we allow ourselves to have our mental health go untreated? I realize there is a HUGE stigma out there but that is all it is. A stigma. A collection of other's opinions. And other's opinions have no business in your personal life let along your health care choices.
I will be the first to tell you that my over six years of talk therapy has pushed and challenged me and made me not want to return on some visits. It made me incredibly uncomfortable and upset and really brought up a ton of pain. A TON. It even brought up things I didn't know were even bothering me from my past. And that was hard to swallow at times. It challenged me in my marriage and really required my husband and I to have some deep and challenging discussions. To put it mildly, it was in no way easy. But it was worth it.
Not to get into too much detail at this time but a big reason why I chose to go into talk therapy was to heal from an emotionally, religiously, psychologically and physically abusive relationship. Yeah I realize that is probably everyone's worst relationship nightmare. But it's difficult when you have to work through the good emotions from that relationship in relation to the negative ones. And even today, there is still a part of me that loves this person. It's easy for me to admit that these days but it wasn't always so. In fact the "love" feeling I had made it very difficult for me to break the "trauma bond" that had been created. But after a very long while, eventually, I broke it. And the freedom I now psychologically feel is absolutely empowering. I am a thousand times stronger psychologically than I was six years ago. I have self worth and confidence.
I took back my power.
Places I visited and things I did with this person don't bother me anymore. Actual states I avoided and national parks and areas I avoided I no longer do. The nightmares have ceased and the constant dreams of waking up in a cold sweat are gone.
I found a piece of myself again that had been stolen.
I do plan on going into this in a deep dive series but for now just know that if I can make it through that (which spiraled into suicidal thoughts and then an addiction) - YOU can make it through ANYTHING. Even if you don't believe that right now. Just know you are strong and capable and have the ability to take your power back and live your life in the present and as YOU want.
**If you are having a mental health crisis I encourage you to reach out to a loved one, friend or dial #988 on your phone to speak to someone at the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Center**
There are so many resources out there if you are looking for a good talk therapist. I would do a Google search in your area and look at reviews. Finding a good therapist unfortunately took me SEVERAL years. But once I found my dear therapist, it clicked and they pushed me and dug in when I didn't want to. They saw the potential for healing in me, even when I didn't see it. That is the type of therapist you need to be searching for. Someone you click with and have a connection to. And it's okay if you need to try out a few first. That is a normal process. I just implore you to never give up searching if you have not found that right one yet. Keep searching because that person is waiting on you to find them!
Some other modalities I have done in my talk therapy is EMDR, CBT and meridian points to assist in my anxiety. I will be doing more of a deep dive on each of these as well eventually.
But for now, Happy Sunday everyone! Have a wonderful day and a great start to the work week! (I get to go back to work tomorrow!!!)
As Always,
Yours Truly -
Emilee
Disclosure -"The information provided on this blog is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. I am not responsible for any actions taken or decisions made based on the content of this blog; Always seek the advice of a qualified professional for any specific questions or concerns. This blog is a personal opinionated blog and doesn't reflect the opinions of any organizations I may be affiliated."
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