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Feeling caged up

creative_writerSenior Contributor29 Aug 2025, 1:39 pm AEST

Feeling caged up

The recent medication changes has calmed my brain down. I’m still feeling caged up, I know my psych is looking at more frequent therapy sessions if we can get more under ED plan. Once a month sessions aren’t enough. It just feels like the traumatic memories aren’t ending, I’ve been in therapy for years. It’s taking so long to heal. I just want to get to the point the body flashbacks aren’t so regular

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In response to: Feeling caged up

creative_writerSenior Contributor08 Sept 2025, 11:41 am AEST

Re: Feeling caged up

@tyme I think it’s about choosing the helpline that is necessary at the time. If I need to talk about trauma, there is 1800 respect, for body image and disordered eating (probably meet criteria for ED and I think it wants to progress 😔) there is butterfly foundation. SCBS for SI.

@AuntGlow I think I need to figure out a way to not let the SI, SH and ED thoughts win. Still have a migraine today. Maybe think of ways to see soothe, which will help me manage the thoughts

In response to: Re: Feeling caged up

AuntGlowModerator08 Sept 2025, 7:51 pm AEST

Re: Feeling caged up

Finding ways to soothe is a really great idea. What do you notice has helped you most lately?

Also how are you feeling tonight? @creative_writer 💛

In response to: Re: Feeling caged up

creative_writerSenior Contributor08 Sept 2025, 8:25 pm AEST

Re: Feeling caged up

@AuntGlow I’ve settled from earlier. Can’t tolerate light right now. I’ve been wearing tinted glasses since earlier in the afternoon. It drives my migraines and makes me more agitated. I went to the dentist and took a walk. I need to start shifting my focus for exercise from “controlling my body” to “improving my overall wellbeing”. The thoughts have been loud around ED (not sure whether to call it ED or disordered eating, but it’s probably the former), it wants me to progress further and further in. Maybe I need more time in therapy to figure out a ways to manage these chronic body flashbacks and find other ways to feel safe within myself. Maybe if I also manage other mental illnesses like bipolar and anxiety, it might also lessen its hold, life feels out of control right now

In response to: Re: Feeling caged up

AuntGlowModerator08 Sept 2025, 9:50 pm AEST

Re: Feeling caged up

I really like the idea of focusing on improving your overall wellbeing. I think looking at these changes as an opportunity for more grounding and safety in the body over time could help too? @creative_writer 🥰

I can't imagine how intense these flashbacks must be for you, and I am sure that rewiring these patterns feels near impossible at times. But I promise you, it is possible.

What are you and your therapists currently working on together?

In response to: Re: Feeling caged up

creative_writerSenior Contributor09 Sept 2025, 4:16 pm AEST

Re: Feeling caged up

@AuntGlow it would be awesome to get to the point where I can look at food and exercise as improving overall wellbeing, but I reckon it will take a lot of work. I know I am taking steps, but obviously can't stop all the unhelpful behaviours. It can get obsessive and sticking to the meal plan 100% isn't possible physically or mentally, but it is a start towards improvement. I get tons of anxiety around food, it is impossible to eat relaxed. I need to learn to see food as fuel, instead of the enemy.

My therapist wants to figure out the ED assessment first (appointment is next week), because I may be potentially eligible for more Medicare rebated sessions. It's been a little tricky with monthly appointments, next session is 10/10. I have multiple mental illnesses. It is hard to cover much when sessions are once a month, and only limited to 10 per year. I think I need to do a lot of trauma unpacking.

In response to: Re: Feeling caged up

AuntGlowModerator09 Sept 2025, 8:21 pm AEST

Re: Feeling caged up

And hey, that's okay. You're ackowledging that this is going to be a process for you. Healing always takes time... have you got anyone else in your life going through a similar journey? @creative_writer

Yes, I absolutely hear you on your limited sessions, it's tough to address everything in that time... being able to access more rebated sessions would be amazing! When is your appointment? 💛

In response to: Re: Feeling caged up

creative_writerSenior Contributor09 Sept 2025, 9:10 pm AEST

Re: Feeling caged up

@AuntGlow I tend to feel like the odd one out when it comes to mental health because my mental health is so complex. I’ve met people who have had mental health struggles, it does make me feel a bit less alone.

My appointment is on Monday, so just under a week. It would be good to get more Medicare rebated session, I think I do need them

In response to: Re: Feeling caged up

AuntGlowModerator10 Sept 2025, 6:45 pm AEST

Re: Feeling caged up

If it helps, I don't see you as the odd one out here at all! I think many people can resonate with your experience, even if it doesn't always feel that way. @creative_writer

Is there anyone who you could reach out to in your world for extra support?

Okay, I will make sure to check in on Monday evening to see how it went!

Until then, please send me any questions or thoughts you have, I'll always make sure to read them and get back to you as soon as I can.

I am hoping things feel lighter for you today. Remember to be kind to your inner child where you can. 🥰

In response to: Re: Feeling caged up

creative_writerSenior Contributor10 Sept 2025, 7:33 pm AEST

Re: Feeling caged up

@AuntGlow I don't feel like the odd one out on the forums, but I do in my real life. SANE is designed for those of us with complex mental health. I feel like many people can't even begin to understand what is it like living with complex mental health. I don't have many people in my life I talk to openly, except a friend. Which reminds me, I've been meaning to text her back but haven't felt mentally prepared to go there.

There has also been another issue coming up in my mind. Healing my gut issues has been good, but I think I would somehow need to transition to a normal diet once it is all over, the remaining weeks are going to fly by. Perhaps I need more ED dietician support. My current nutrition plan has been so focused on getting me healthier and healing my gut, but she doesn't specialise in EDs, so there has been that gap. I also don't have like regular check ins either since it's all self-guided (only initial and end calls). I can message her and she responds to any questions or concerns I have for diet, supplements and exercise.

I'm contemplating that if I do meet the ED plan, whether it is worth looking into specialised more intensive support, and obviously someone who also knows how to manage gut issues along with EDs.

I'm doing better, it's still been hard, but I think that's expected, it takes time

In response to: Re: Feeling caged up

AuntGlowModerator14 Sept 2025, 11:59 am AEST

Re: Feeling caged up

How are you feeling today? @creative_writer 🥰

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