Do any of you get this way when something BIG is going to take place? I have been waiting for tomorrow to come for over a month. I am seeing my shrink and have so much I want to say but today as I am trying to get prepared w/ notes my mind just doesn't want to go there! I just keep finding other things to do and can't get focused.

I believe I'm feeling this way because I want to discuss a few major changes that I am making and it's scary and will be painful. However, I know this is the only way to keep growing and moving forward. I'm sure I am a bit on overload too which contributes to this.

Any advice or suggestions?

Thanks,
Diane

[This message has been edited by dl (edited 09-13-2001).]

Diane, I think you are absolutley right. You are trying to clutter your mind with other things so you don't have to deal with this. You may not be doing it intentionally, but the subconscious mind is powerful. My advice would be to work your way through it. If you get distracted, remind yourself that it's ok, you are only human. Then continue on whatever you had set in mind to do. You are stronger than this, you can get by this. You are full of so much potential. Don't let a little bump in the road discourage you. You are on the highway to freedom, so enjoy your ride

Tony

Diane
Congrats on having the courage to help yourself. Trust yourself and the power you have to deal with your issues. We are stronger than we think we are. Let your therapist help you. Recovery lies in the places and experiences you fear.
What if you surprise yourself at your courage? What if it's not as bad as youre thinking it is? What if you recover to help others? What if I say a prayer for you?
Wishing you success Tammy

Thank you Tony!
I needed the reminder about how powerful the subconscious mind is!!! I did listen to the relaxation tape and then just started writing thought after thought. Then I narrowed them down to prioritize as I will be on the timer I leave in about 10 mins. You've given me that extra push now which I really needed!

Thank you Tammy!
A prayer would be really appreciated!
Time to go! I am strong, I trust myself, I am on my way too freedom!

Onward!
Diane

quote:

Originally posted by dl:
Do any of you get this way when something BIG is going to take place? I have been waiting for tomorrow to come for over a month. I am seeing my shrink and have so much I want to say but today as I am trying to get prepared w/ notes my mind just doesn't want to go there! I just keep finding other things to do and can't get focused.

I believe I'm feeling this way because I want to discuss a few major changes that I am making and it's scary and will be painful. However, I know this is the only way to keep growing and moving forward. I'm sure I am a bit on overload too which contributes to this.

Any advice or suggestions?

Thanks,
Diane

[This message has been edited by dl (edited 09-13-2001).]

I have been in and out of therapy about ten different times in my life, and I'm currently seeing a psychologist. Before each visit, even though I want to do this and I'm really into helping myself, I have tremendous anxiety with this, even though I'm an old hat at it. Recently it was getting worse every week. So I tried to analyze it.

I figured out that, first of all, I have so much to say each time, so much to cover, and I want to express myself in such a way that I will be understood and have the best possible chance of getting helped. So, yes, I have anxiety over organizing my thoughts properly and I worry that I won't remember all the things I need to talk about (even though I always bring my 50+ pages of therapy notes with me, but I never access them during the session!). Because of the cost and limited time, I want to be sure I touch on the most important issues and tell my story in a way that best reflects what's going on inside me. I'm not good at thinking on my feet, and I have a tendency to get flustered, even with my therapist.

Second, the topics discussed are painful, so of course it's going to be uncomfortable and anxiety-producing.

Third, as an introvert, even though I enjoy talking with individuals one-on-one, I am not comfortable being in the spotlight, and in therapy the focus is on me, and that makes me anxious.

So recently I talked about it with my therapist and shared with her my analysis of my anxious feelings. We discussed it, and she was supportive, and now I feel a little bit more comfortable when I go. I just wanted to share with you my experience, hoping you can relate and hoping it might help you. Your feelings are normal and it helps to talk about them.

Not being able to focus your thoughts is a hallmark of anxiety. I liken anxiety to a fuzzy white TV screen...no picture, just fuzz. When we relax, a clear picture develops, and it becomes clear how to help ourselves and receive help. Stick with it...good luck!

[This message has been edited by DTC (edited 09-16-2001).]

Hi DTC!

I am happy to hear you had the courage to talk about those anxious feelings! It's amazing how much our minds can think about.

My appt.turned out to be the best ever! It's so funny b/c I had a list of things that I wanted to talk about and didn't even take it out of my purse! I had rehearsed in my mind on the way there which is approx. a 45 min. drive for me what I really wanted to accomplish. If my mind started to wander I just told myself not to go there. Breathe 2-4 and stay focused on this. It worked! Whew! I pulled in the parking lot and felt like I was 10 ft. tall! I walked out feeling very satisfied in what direction I am now headed. The best part of all was that we had a good laugh now that I have such an understanding of this self created disorder! Believe me I would have never thought this to be funny. It's like on the tapes and people are laughing about it. When I first heard that I thought how on earth can they be laughing? Now I know!!!

Best of luck to you and I appreciate your reply!
Diane

quote:

Originally posted by DTC:
I have been in and out of therapy about ten different times in my life, and I'm currently seeing a psychologist. Before each visit, even though I want to do this and I'm really into helping myself, I have tremendous anxiety with this, even though I'm an old hat at it. Recently it was getting worse every week. So I tried to analyze it.

I figured out that, first of all, I have so much to say each time, so much to cover, and I want to express myself in such a way that I will be understood and have the best possible chance of getting helped. So, yes, I have anxiety over organizing my thoughts properly and I worry that I won't remember all the things I need to talk about (even though I always bring my 50+ pages of therapy notes with me, but I never access them during the session!). Because of the cost and limited time, I want to be sure I touch on the most important issues and tell my story in a way that best reflects what's going on inside me. I'm not good at thinking on my feet, and I have a tendency to get flustered, even with my therapist.

Second, the topics discussed are painful, so of course it's going to be uncomfortable and anxiety-producing.

Third, as an introvert, even though I enjoy talking with individuals one-on-one, I am not comfortable being in the spotlight, and in therapy the focus is on me, and that makes me anxious.

So recently I talked about it with my therapist and shared with her my analysis of my anxious feelings. We discussed it, and she was supportive, and now I feel a little bit more comfortable when I go. I just wanted to share with you my experience, hoping you can relate and hoping it might help you. Your feelings are normal and it helps to talk about them.

Not being able to focus your thoughts is a a hallmark of anxiety. I liken anxiety to a fuzzy white TV screen...no picture, just fuzz. When we relax, a clear picture develops, and it becomes clear how to help ourselves and receive help. Stick with it...good luck!