Mixed feelings-might be getting another diagnosis (ED)

Totally understandable that it feels daunting @creative_writer - I think wariness around being vulnerable with a stranger is a very human thing, and doubly so when we've been hurt in the past. Perhaps your first session can be focused on this very thing - your wariness, your past experiences, what's worked and what hasn't, for example. Trust your gut 😉

Yeah always a bit rough when the content we're studying feels oh so real. Sometimes it can be healing, sometimes overwhelming... Glad you've found some folks who you feel that like-mindedness with!! 😊

Hope your evening has been kind to you 💜

@creative_writer I don't think that's just a 'you' thing, I think there's a few factors at play - ND, complexity and trauma, individual differences in how an approach resonates, stuff like that. I know plenty of folks who aren't fond of CBT, and yet still find there's some principles in it that are helpful. Others swear by it, and others still will write it off entirely. Have you found any particular modality that seems to align more?

We had to do that in ASIST training - one of the things I found helpful was that after we did the role plays, we would take a moment to focus/reflect on the key things that set us apart from the role we played. It helped create a sort of mental distance and a way of stepping out of the character. Could be something to incorporate for yourself?

So true!! So often I feel like I can tell the neurospicy from a mile away haha. Do you think you'd like to connect with anyone outside of the study context?

Small improvements can make a massive difference, both in the moment, and in the long run! My day was okay, just went to get a blood test done and trying not to think about the mountain of dishes waiting for me 😅

Hope you're able to settle and get some good sleepies 😉💜

Hi @creative_writer , I have soo many thoughts on CBT and its range of effectiveness for different people and different situations! I think CBT has helped me in “reframing”, but because I didn’t act on my feelings the most common parts of CBT ‘effectiveness’ just did not apply to me. And thus 100% with you on the “its exhausting!” because CBT by itself does not take away the thoughts or feelings. But I find for myself it has helped me be able to stop getting into a spiral of negative self-talk / self-beliefs. However most of the time my thoughts are too logical and trying to “reframe” or examining the “evidence” behind my thoughts actually make it worse.

Auslan is going slowly lol. I have completed all the assessments I can so far, and have a half-day of realtime assessments next week. Then I wait for all of them to be reviewed & marked, and see whether or not I need to resit any of them. I am doing a “recognition of prior learning” pathway, so it’s assessments for existing language fluency plus submission of theory assessments (which I may or may not already know the content for - but either way requires references so I have to look up written sources as I can’t just use “ahh… because it’s common topic to discuss in the community, so I have learned about it from Deaf…??” 🤣).

Sorry to hear it’s been such a hard day or two for you. The studies and then also the pdoc today. Is it something you’d like to chat about?

Hi @creative_writer

Thank you for sharing, it sounds like this week has brought up a lot for you. I’m really glad you’re safe right now. I hear that torn feeling, and recognise how overwhelming that can be. You are deserving of care and support, if you feel it would be helpful-to have a chat, whether with someone you trust or have a chat on the phone with a helpline, there is support available. I’ve shared a few options below. No pressure, just sharing resources if helpful to you.

Lifeline

Suicide call back service

It sounds like you’ve been noticing and checking in with yourself, like going for a walk when your mind felt loud. It sounds like with everything happening, you are finding your way through it every moment reflects your resilience and light. I want to acknowledge that.

I hope with the week ahead, you have some rest, and that there’s room to move at your own pace, you are gentle with yourself and continue reaching out to connect.

Wonderingalice1