Send Your Replies to Helen, who struggles with incoherent thoughts and body feelings

Dear Helen,

EMDR worked wonders for me. I used to have body feelings that felt "bad" but had no words to describe them since I was molested as a
toddler. It helped me access dissociated information with associated feelings. I was able to integrate so many memories, parts and
selves. I feel so whole today compared to 1998 when I first started therapy with a Psychologist who finally made a correct diagnosis
after seven years of going to different therapists and getting different diagnoses and "talk" therapy.

Marie

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Helen--

After mixed results from endless 'talk' therapy, I tried EMDR a few years ago. It took a lot of weekly sessions to work through the issues, which occurred decades ago in childhood, but I found it helpful in the end. As a warning, there were times when it was unpleasant and even upsetting as I went back and relived painful events. But that's a necessary part of healing. I've felt better since doing it, and no longer go to therapy, although I still take medication which I'm tapering off.

While many people share some common symptoms, it seems they can vary a lot with the individual. My main symptoms have always been racing, intrusive thoughts, obsessive thinking, and propensity to feel down and fatigued. I've been diagnosed with depression and 'some' dissociation, although I personally feel the dissociation has been more serious and destructive than what was diagnosed. I still experience most of these same symptoms but I feel much better about myself and more accepting. Getting out from the guilt and shame-- of being defective, weak, at fault, etc.-- seems to be a big part of healing. I’ve read a lot about mood disorders, which has also helped me here.

I encourage anyone planning to try EMDR to find a good therapist who has experience in this area. I did some research on therapists specializing in newer techniques like EMDR for ‘trauma-based’ emotional/mental disorders. Wish you good luck,

-- Tony G

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Hi Helen,
I just finished reading your Sharing Post and can truly relate to what you're experiencing...the "visceral" aspect is especially familiar. Back in 2005 I experienced a "menopausal crisis", brought on by the energies of my sexual abuse and trauma. My physical challenges during this crisis were so profound, I truly believed I had some sort of serious bio-chemical disturbance. My pulse went from around 65 up to 105 and my blood pressure from 112/65 to 178/100 at times. There were nights I woke up with what felt like electric shock waves racing through my body and wound up making many visits to the local ER because of all of this. It wasn't until after I spent some time in a psychiatric hospital that I was able to realize that my sexual abuse was behind my struggles. It has been through a lot of work similar to what you're doing with EMDR that I've finally been able to bring healing to my life. Some of the healing modalities I've used include massage therapy, yoga and movement, creative writing, hypnotherapy, dream exploration as well as incest support groups and talk therapy. It's amazing how much can be accomplished through these methods. I'm sure you'll have tremendous success with your efforts!! Keep in mind that it is not unusual for trauma survivors to have somatic challenges such as the ones you've mentioned. It is my philosophy that when trauma enters through the body, much of its resulting energy will manifest through the body and need to be released there as well. I wish you all the best on your healing journey!!!
Blessings,
Lynda

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Dear Helen,

Confusion and fear and not being able to sort out what causes these awful feelings in your body? Yes, I know a little something about this! :) The EMDR is quite likely to help you work through to find reasons that make sense to you. I must admit that the major way I handle everything is by writing out the feelings in a journal. But sometimes, just resting (especially if I'm exhausted) or doing the opposite (going for a walk) will help me settle myself down.
I've never had the "waterfall of thoughts". More often, it's like a dumpster being dumped over, for me. But I'll bet other people will be able to identify with your experiences with better descriptions! Good luck, and I'm glad you came to MV for support!
Sincerely,

Lynn W.