Nightmares of past events

Hey @Shirazchurch

I'm sorry to hear that you are having these nightmares. Sleep can make a big difference to how you feel. I know I can have nightmares when I'm anxious about something....and it sounds like you are too. Break up with friendship groups are never easy, and working on the feelings associated is tough. I think people often don't spend nearly the amount of time and care that we spend for them, as they spend for us. But keep working through the feelings about your previous group, and hopefully better sleep will follow.

Hi @Shirazchurch

How are ye doing today. I notice that you still use the word 'friends', so while you may think that you can't face them, time is a great healer and it may not be as bad as you think. When you meet them again, hold your head up and apologise for any upset you may have caused them previously. People are very forgiving and your friends will be to. We have all said things in the moment, and your friends have too.

So try and stop ruminating on it, dream if you can of all the fun times you have had and hopefully will have. Take care of yourself........Asgard

@Shirazchurch @Asgard @Ainjoule @Former-Member

I wonder why the brain does that, is it the amygdala?
We all want to feel connection and accepted for who we are.

The amygdala’s job is to keep as safe (?)

It processes emotions and links emotions to nervous system and learning centres. Sometimes we have to retrain it.
@Jynx helped me a lot with my emotions.

@tyme was a walking amygdala at one point in her life.

We all have our journey

We are human, we will continue to make mistakes. It is your first time doing life.

You are safe here.

Get as much sleep as you can. Sleep helps the brain 🧠

G

Hi @Shirazchurch Friends play huge role in our life. So i think its better for you to take first step. Talk to them . Lets forget the things happen good or bad. They should be in life.

Yes @Glisten ! I was a walking amygdala big time! I think it was one of the biggest parts of my brain and hence I EXPLODED, even if someone put a full stop at the end of a text message.

Wow, I can't believe it was the same me..

Glad you didn't know me back then @Shirazchurch @Glisten @Asgard @Tilz @Ainjoule

@tyme are there lots of different reasons for an over zealous amygdala?

Are there many ways of reprogramming a combustible amygdala?

G

For me, therapy helped me to slow down @Glisten .

I learnt to practice mindfulness properly. In the past, I got so frustrated with it and said it didn't work. Then after watching The Mindfulness Experiment (a documentary), it really changed my view of things.

I was only sharing tonight that mindfulness needs to be done regularly for it to be impactful. People can't expect to just flick out mindfulness when they are triggered without first practicing it. I likened this to someone with a bow and arrow who whip it out only when they see a bear or lion, but have no idea how to even hold a bow!

So yes, for me, the combustible amygdala has now shrunk in size and is no longer fed TNT. It's quite tame nowadays, and blow-ups are quite rare.

I remember once in therapy, I was so emotionally distraught that my therapist stopped everything and just said, what colour can you see on the carpet. We continued this back and forth until I found I was in far more control.

That day was an eye opener and I still remember it.

Wow @tyme

That is a huge turnaround. You described it so vividly. I can see it in my mind.

G

I can see a walking, exploding amygdala in my mind @Glisten !

@tyme You poor person. It must have been terrible to be that distraught.

I’m so glad you persisted with treatment.

G