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Question: Good morning,
I have a long history of clinical depression and traumatic events that have resulted in some pretty signifigant triggers. I'm on Wellbutrin and Prozac, which was keeping me at a pretty good place for the most part. I do have a very stressful life, but all in all I am very blessed and life is really good. That being said, however, I'm having a really hard time maintaining a healthy emotional state since I've broken my ankle. The powerlessness of being restricted in a cast and losing mobility is a trigger in itself, but I've also lost a lot of my positive, healthy coping mechanisms. I can't exercise (though I'm exhausted from hauling myself around all day), and it's difficult to get out of the house (because I have stairs going in and out of my house and three children to drag with me if I go anywhere, which is just too daunting). I do hobbies at home, as much as possible, but even thats become joyless. So basically all I do is go to work and go home. My friends and family are busy and overwhelmed picking up the slack my incapacitation has left, so venting/expecting them to help get me out of this funk can only go so far.
I don't have the luxury of taking a break from my life and I've reduced my stressors as much as possible. I keep trying to tell myself that this is only temporary. But the constant anxiety of having limited power and mobility and the lack of enthusiasm about things I should receive XXXXXXX from is nearly crippling. Any suggestions?
I have a long history of clinical depression and traumatic events that have resulted in some pretty signifigant triggers. I'm on Wellbutrin and Prozac, which was keeping me at a pretty good place for the most part. I do have a very stressful life, but all in all I am very blessed and life is really good. That being said, however, I'm having a really hard time maintaining a healthy emotional state since I've broken my ankle. The powerlessness of being restricted in a cast and losing mobility is a trigger in itself, but I've also lost a lot of my positive, healthy coping mechanisms. I can't exercise (though I'm exhausted from hauling myself around all day), and it's difficult to get out of the house (because I have stairs going in and out of my house and three children to drag with me if I go anywhere, which is just too daunting). I do hobbies at home, as much as possible, but even thats become joyless. So basically all I do is go to work and go home. My friends and family are busy and overwhelmed picking up the slack my incapacitation has left, so venting/expecting them to help get me out of this funk can only go so far.
I don't have the luxury of taking a break from my life and I've reduced my stressors as much as possible. I keep trying to tell myself that this is only temporary. But the constant anxiety of having limited power and mobility and the lack of enthusiasm about things I should receive XXXXXXX from is nearly crippling. Any suggestions?
Brief Answer:
Start an entertaining hobby
Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXXXXX
Thanks for your query here.
I went through the details. Clinical depression and PTSD history is history. Make sure that you treat those as history. You should even think of discontinuing medicines and try psychotherapy, yoga and meditation. xercise, Life style changes, change in thinking pattern, relaxation etc are as essential as medicines. Psychotherapy can help you changing your lifestyle and thinking patterns. Yoga and meditation help you to streamline your metabolism and neurological balance.
I do not pity your current state of mind. Because sympathy may ruin your emotional well being further. You are just 41. Positive thinking comes from a positive mindset. As described by you, you have experience in keeping yourself positive. Why can't you do that again?
I understand the handicap. So what? You outwitted mental handicap and now worries about physical handicap. How funny? Positive thinking is relatively much more difficult for a person with mental handicap than a for a person with physical handicap.
What you lack is not positive thinking, but creativity and a will to be creative. Do you know XXXXXXX Hawking? Learn more about him here http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stephen_Hawking. Where do your physical immobility stand? How many examples should I provide you?
You should be creative. You should start some hobbies which are creative, entertaining and engrossing like window gardening, knitting, crocheting, embroidery, painting, sculpting... there are so many. Refer ... http://alvitacare.com/alvita-care-blog/the-best-hobbies-for-wheelchair-bound-seniors/
You can start one of these for the time being and once you become alright, you can always leave them. But I am sure, you won't be able to leave your hobby. Those hobbies will keep you engaged, energetic and happy throughout your life period. Mark my words.
God bless you.
Dr. K V Anand PhD.
Start an entertaining hobby
Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXXXXX
Thanks for your query here.
I went through the details. Clinical depression and PTSD history is history. Make sure that you treat those as history. You should even think of discontinuing medicines and try psychotherapy, yoga and meditation. xercise, Life style changes, change in thinking pattern, relaxation etc are as essential as medicines. Psychotherapy can help you changing your lifestyle and thinking patterns. Yoga and meditation help you to streamline your metabolism and neurological balance.
I do not pity your current state of mind. Because sympathy may ruin your emotional well being further. You are just 41. Positive thinking comes from a positive mindset. As described by you, you have experience in keeping yourself positive. Why can't you do that again?
I understand the handicap. So what? You outwitted mental handicap and now worries about physical handicap. How funny? Positive thinking is relatively much more difficult for a person with mental handicap than a for a person with physical handicap.
What you lack is not positive thinking, but creativity and a will to be creative. Do you know XXXXXXX Hawking? Learn more about him here http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stephen_Hawking. Where do your physical immobility stand? How many examples should I provide you?
You should be creative. You should start some hobbies which are creative, entertaining and engrossing like window gardening, knitting, crocheting, embroidery, painting, sculpting... there are so many. Refer ... http://alvitacare.com/alvita-care-blog/the-best-hobbies-for-wheelchair-bound-seniors/
You can start one of these for the time being and once you become alright, you can always leave them. But I am sure, you won't be able to leave your hobby. Those hobbies will keep you engaged, energetic and happy throughout your life period. Mark my words.
God bless you.
Dr. K V Anand PhD.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Seriously? Sir, I didn't ask for sympathy...I asked if there were any additional tools I should be utilizing to survive this brief down in my life. Perhaps you read my email as whining, however I was just trying to state facts. I crochet, sew, scrapbook, restore dolls, write, and numerous other things as a hobby (which I stated in my original question is not working anymore.)
Anyone with a disability (which I never claimed to have) goes through a natural grieving process...so your XXXXXXX Hawkings reference is irrelevent because I doubt he jumped straight to acceptence. I'm not grieving the temporary loss of walking but asking if there's anything else I should consider to get me through this period where I'm balancing the stress of three children, two of them medically complicated with life threatening conditions, a full time highly responsible proffessional job, a struggling marriage with a recovering alcoholic, a very trying adoption process, and recovery from an injury that has caused feelings of powerlessness that triggers very strong emotions related to the trauma of being raped that has only recently started to be dealt with. If the PTSD was only in the past, I wouldn't still be learning to deal with triggers, would I?
If I had outwitted a mental handicap I would not have asked the question in the first place. You're "snap out of it and think positive" response was not only very hurtful, it also reinforced every stereotypical response to mental conditions that perpetuates the negative stigma and keeps people from asking for help. And finally, I would think telling me to consider discontinuing medication is downright negligent and risky. But it's your license so knock yourself out.
Anyone with a disability (which I never claimed to have) goes through a natural grieving process...so your XXXXXXX Hawkings reference is irrelevent because I doubt he jumped straight to acceptence. I'm not grieving the temporary loss of walking but asking if there's anything else I should consider to get me through this period where I'm balancing the stress of three children, two of them medically complicated with life threatening conditions, a full time highly responsible proffessional job, a struggling marriage with a recovering alcoholic, a very trying adoption process, and recovery from an injury that has caused feelings of powerlessness that triggers very strong emotions related to the trauma of being raped that has only recently started to be dealt with. If the PTSD was only in the past, I wouldn't still be learning to deal with triggers, would I?
If I had outwitted a mental handicap I would not have asked the question in the first place. You're "snap out of it and think positive" response was not only very hurtful, it also reinforced every stereotypical response to mental conditions that perpetuates the negative stigma and keeps people from asking for help. And finally, I would think telling me to consider discontinuing medication is downright negligent and risky. But it's your license so knock yourself out.
Brief Answer:
Boast positive lessons as assets
Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXXXXX
I am sorry to say that you misunderstood me completely
I am also sorry if I hurt you or your emotions.
But now I am positively sure that your problem can be solved easily if you try. I did what I was trying to. Instil self esteem in your mind, which was long asleep. Asking for help when you can help yourself is bad.
Please read the language you used in the first question and in the follow up. compare and you will find a paradigm shift in self esteem and confidence. Sincerely, I wanted it to happen in you and I succeeded.
Now allow me to explain. I gave you the best tool available for a person like you. I even appraised you about XXXXXXX Hawking, the living legend. I am not blaming you, because my language was a bit rude. I kept it rude for what you know now.
Keeping yourself engaged is the best way / best tool available. If you tried something and failed yesteryear, that does not mean you failed in everything. That means either you did not do it properly or you did it halfheartedly or it is not suitable for you. You always have to try new and new avenues to find the right one for you and that search should keep you going.
I gave XXXXXXX Hawking example because. even disable people like him can do wonders. you are not a disabled person, and therefore, for you, it should be much more easier. I am not asking you to grieve about your temporary problem in walking, but asking you to stop whining about it and go to work. I am sorry if you misunderstood it completely.
Then this from your side.... "I'm not grieving the temporary loss of walking but asking if there's anything else I should consider to get me through this period where I'm balancing the stress of three children, two of them medically complicated with life threatening conditions, a full time highly responsible proffessional job, a struggling marriage with a recovering alcoholic, a very trying adoption process, and recovery from an injury that has caused feelings of powerlessness that triggers very strong emotions related to the trauma of being raped that has only recently started to be dealt with. If the PTSD was only in the past, I wouldn't still be learning to deal with triggers, would I?"..... You know how hard it is. You know how fate played with you. How anybody can adjust with these negative situations? There is only one way. Struggle successfully. Struggle so hard that even god cannot pull you back in the clutches of fate.
For that, you need self esteem and self confidence. Simply saying so, will not mean anything to you. So I took another effective you. Triggering your hate and thereby pushing you hard. I think I succeeded.
PTSD and clinical depression - I do not know who treats you with the given medicines. You wrote N/A for Visit doctor column. The medicines are apt and they are keeping you in good shape rather. If your conditions worsened, these medicines will not work, for sure. You will need higher dosages. If they are working even now, then you are doing well.
Please do understand, there are so many people in this world, who are going through serious emotional and mental disorders without taking medicines. They are bombarded with negative life events every now and then. Forget about the medium and rich. What about poor? They do not even have proper health care. How do they cop up with such a negative situation? There is only one answer. They are busy and they do not care. They do not have time to think about their problems because they have so many other things to do.
Kind of knowing ignorance, keeps them going.
So many things happen in our past. Positive incidents provide positive lessons and negative incidents also provide POSITIVE LESSONS. There are no negative lessons. Why think about negative incidents while you can boast positive lessons as assets?
Please understand. I tried to push you to the wall, for which I feel very sorry. Pardon me if you can.
God bless you.
Dr. K V Anand PhD
Boast positive lessons as assets
Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXXXXX
I am sorry to say that you misunderstood me completely
I am also sorry if I hurt you or your emotions.
But now I am positively sure that your problem can be solved easily if you try. I did what I was trying to. Instil self esteem in your mind, which was long asleep. Asking for help when you can help yourself is bad.
Please read the language you used in the first question and in the follow up. compare and you will find a paradigm shift in self esteem and confidence. Sincerely, I wanted it to happen in you and I succeeded.
Now allow me to explain. I gave you the best tool available for a person like you. I even appraised you about XXXXXXX Hawking, the living legend. I am not blaming you, because my language was a bit rude. I kept it rude for what you know now.
Keeping yourself engaged is the best way / best tool available. If you tried something and failed yesteryear, that does not mean you failed in everything. That means either you did not do it properly or you did it halfheartedly or it is not suitable for you. You always have to try new and new avenues to find the right one for you and that search should keep you going.
I gave XXXXXXX Hawking example because. even disable people like him can do wonders. you are not a disabled person, and therefore, for you, it should be much more easier. I am not asking you to grieve about your temporary problem in walking, but asking you to stop whining about it and go to work. I am sorry if you misunderstood it completely.
Then this from your side.... "I'm not grieving the temporary loss of walking but asking if there's anything else I should consider to get me through this period where I'm balancing the stress of three children, two of them medically complicated with life threatening conditions, a full time highly responsible proffessional job, a struggling marriage with a recovering alcoholic, a very trying adoption process, and recovery from an injury that has caused feelings of powerlessness that triggers very strong emotions related to the trauma of being raped that has only recently started to be dealt with. If the PTSD was only in the past, I wouldn't still be learning to deal with triggers, would I?"..... You know how hard it is. You know how fate played with you. How anybody can adjust with these negative situations? There is only one way. Struggle successfully. Struggle so hard that even god cannot pull you back in the clutches of fate.
For that, you need self esteem and self confidence. Simply saying so, will not mean anything to you. So I took another effective you. Triggering your hate and thereby pushing you hard. I think I succeeded.
PTSD and clinical depression - I do not know who treats you with the given medicines. You wrote N/A for Visit doctor column. The medicines are apt and they are keeping you in good shape rather. If your conditions worsened, these medicines will not work, for sure. You will need higher dosages. If they are working even now, then you are doing well.
Please do understand, there are so many people in this world, who are going through serious emotional and mental disorders without taking medicines. They are bombarded with negative life events every now and then. Forget about the medium and rich. What about poor? They do not even have proper health care. How do they cop up with such a negative situation? There is only one answer. They are busy and they do not care. They do not have time to think about their problems because they have so many other things to do.
Kind of knowing ignorance, keeps them going.
So many things happen in our past. Positive incidents provide positive lessons and negative incidents also provide POSITIVE LESSONS. There are no negative lessons. Why think about negative incidents while you can boast positive lessons as assets?
Please understand. I tried to push you to the wall, for which I feel very sorry. Pardon me if you can.
God bless you.
Dr. K V Anand PhD
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Point well taken, sir, and yes you are forgiven. You did succeed in pushing me to the wall. You took a big gamble that I would push back rather than shatter. :)
Not sure what it is in humans that we forget that we have to allow ourselves to break down before we can be put back together stronger than before. Even when we've gone through the process numerous times. Thank you for that reminder.
However, with all due respect, "poor" is where I came from and not that long ago. I continue to work with disparate populations as a public health professional so I must humbly disagree with you...yes, the poor are busy but many do care about negative situations. They just lack the resources and knowledge to handle them positively or fail to see the strength gained through their struggles. Which is why so many of these populations struggle with tobacco, alcohol, and drug addiction, perpetuate negative behavior patterns learned generationally, and the cumulative effect of the stressors of poverty can be downright crippling so most do not even look for a way out of it. And as you effectively pointed out, confidence and self-esteem are a necessity for developing resilliance, but are hard-won for those living in poverty. Perhaps you already know that and are pushing me again to continue my journey to make a difference in this area, but I did feel compelled to mention it.
Thank you very much for your assistance in interrupting the downward spiral I allowed myself to fall into. I apologize for losing my temper...even if that was your goal. :)
Not sure what it is in humans that we forget that we have to allow ourselves to break down before we can be put back together stronger than before. Even when we've gone through the process numerous times. Thank you for that reminder.
However, with all due respect, "poor" is where I came from and not that long ago. I continue to work with disparate populations as a public health professional so I must humbly disagree with you...yes, the poor are busy but many do care about negative situations. They just lack the resources and knowledge to handle them positively or fail to see the strength gained through their struggles. Which is why so many of these populations struggle with tobacco, alcohol, and drug addiction, perpetuate negative behavior patterns learned generationally, and the cumulative effect of the stressors of poverty can be downright crippling so most do not even look for a way out of it. And as you effectively pointed out, confidence and self-esteem are a necessity for developing resilliance, but are hard-won for those living in poverty. Perhaps you already know that and are pushing me again to continue my journey to make a difference in this area, but I did feel compelled to mention it.
Thank you very much for your assistance in interrupting the downward spiral I allowed myself to fall into. I apologize for losing my temper...even if that was your goal. :)
Brief Answer:
Thanks for forgiving me, Those who forgive are god
Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXXXXX
I thank god.
For you did understood me properly.
The point you took well was my intention from the beginning. Yes. Tht was a gamble, for you. For me, it was a well thought of strategy. I do it often for those 'pushed to the wall' clients. I succeed all the time. I apply it perfectly. I have blessings from people like you and the god himself in that matter. When I read your first query, I clearly understood what you wanted, and with gods grace succeeded in appraising you.
You came from poor background, doing social work etc are heartening. Hats off for your attitude.
You should be aware - Permanent Motivation cannot be obtained from external sources. External sources, like me, provide motivation temporarily. Continuous temporary motivation instills motivation within and that becomes permanent. Therefore, tke all those external motivations, including mine, as manure for your internal motivation.
You can do anything. Even after all these years of emotions and negative happenings, you are still standing tall. What is the reason? Medicines? External sources of motivations?
Never... It is just because .... YOU DESIRED SO.
You should be proud of yourself, your ability. Be proud, be confident in your, your ability.
I suggest you do mindfullness meditation twice daily for 15 minutes each. Breath deeply whenever you can. Engage yourself in hobbies or crafts.
God is with you, I am sure.
Thank you for forgiving me.
Dr. KV Anand PhD
Thanks for forgiving me, Those who forgive are god
Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXXXXX
I thank god.
For you did understood me properly.
The point you took well was my intention from the beginning. Yes. Tht was a gamble, for you. For me, it was a well thought of strategy. I do it often for those 'pushed to the wall' clients. I succeed all the time. I apply it perfectly. I have blessings from people like you and the god himself in that matter. When I read your first query, I clearly understood what you wanted, and with gods grace succeeded in appraising you.
You came from poor background, doing social work etc are heartening. Hats off for your attitude.
You should be aware - Permanent Motivation cannot be obtained from external sources. External sources, like me, provide motivation temporarily. Continuous temporary motivation instills motivation within and that becomes permanent. Therefore, tke all those external motivations, including mine, as manure for your internal motivation.
You can do anything. Even after all these years of emotions and negative happenings, you are still standing tall. What is the reason? Medicines? External sources of motivations?
Never... It is just because .... YOU DESIRED SO.
You should be proud of yourself, your ability. Be proud, be confident in your, your ability.
I suggest you do mindfullness meditation twice daily for 15 minutes each. Breath deeply whenever you can. Engage yourself in hobbies or crafts.
God is with you, I am sure.
Thank you for forgiving me.
Dr. KV Anand PhD
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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