In the song FeelRobbie Williams poignantly sings ‘I don’t wanna die but I ain’t keen on living either.’
I never considered myself a Robbie fan but I found myself reassessing this after I mulled over his lyrics which I found myself relating to. I thought he was really good at verbalising some very complex feelings which I have and had harboured in the past.
The lyrics above explain a feeling that has haunted me. It is a struggle standing at a crossroads with life and death before you, and not wanting either.
So what do you do?
Anyway, on the subject of overpowering feelings (and thoughts) I wondered how other people managed them.
Apart from self harming, I wondered what other things people find themselves turning to for relief, comfort, solace or whatever. And do these methods work?
Pain over thoughts
Interestingly enough, a controversial new study suggests people, mostly men, would choose pain (giving themselves electric shocks) rather than being left to contend with their own thoughts.
Honestly, I wasn’t surprised. Pain can be an effective distraction from overwhelming thoughts and feelings. But then, one is left to deal with the aftermath. Scars, cuts needing stitches, bad hangovers. And stares and criticisms from judgemental people. Plus, we really need to move away from hurting ourselves to loving ourselves.
Sleep works pretty well as a short term measure for me (a rarity if you have fibromyalgia) but then when I wake the thoughts and feelings remain.
In the end, I think we must all return to these demonic thoughts and feelings and face them head on. Scary thing I know, but we will continue to make full, harmful circles if we don’t.
We must be brave.
The choice
The great thing is we don’t have to do it alone. There is psycho analytic therapy, cognitive behavioural therapy, and all other kinds of therapy that we can try to deal with overwhelming thoughts and feelings.
I think if one kind of therapy doesn’t work, it’s imperative to try another. And if that doesn’t work, try something else.
It is in our nature as human beings to want to be alive. To fight for our lives. It is a hard fight with fibromyalgia and this kind of exhaustion that leaves you feeling lifeless for no reason. When getting out of bed is too tiring, chewing or talking is so exhausting you’d rather not. How do you live? Compounded by depression and the whole lot of it, it is a question I’ve asked myself since childhood. How does one live with this?
At this crossroads, even when faced with imposing thoughts and feelings, we should make a choice to live. It is not an easy one with the weights of fibromyalgia, clinical depression, PTSD and other conditions; but in any event I hope you choose to live. We don’t know what tomorrow might bring.
You’re not alone, and I stand right next to you holding your hand. Fight on.
6 Replies to “When thoughts are too much (another random ramble)”
I’ve never understood why so many people have such a negative association with therapy. A good therapist really can help you work through so many things and feel better. When we feel better mentally, we can actually feel better physically (because stress increases pain).
I completely agree. My fibro symptoms tend to be far worse when Im stressed. I think finding the right therapist for oneself is really imperative too, to get the most out of therapy. On the negative thoughts on therapy, a lot of people have said to me that they either don’t believe in therapy or that a therapist will just tell me what I already know. I disagree though.
I disagree too. Most people think that therapists do nothing but sit there and listen to you talk. But, therapy in the modern era has moved away from that model towards a more practical model of problem solving. Much more Dr. Phil than Freud.
Well said Julie. I think people have these ideas in their head. I did as well until I had better experiences of therapy, not once but twice! I’ve actually been quite impressed. I at least try to encourage people to give it a try. Sometimes I think that bit is the hardest- just getting people to be a little open minded about trying it out.
I think it’s important that before you start with a therapist you find out what their approach is and make sure it is in alignment with your POV. If you just want someone to sit and listen to you for an hour, there are ones that will do that, but if you want more there are those for that, too. Ask questions before you go and you are likely to have a better experience.
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I’ve never understood why so many people have such a negative association with therapy. A good therapist really can help you work through so many things and feel better. When we feel better mentally, we can actually feel better physically (because stress increases pain).
I completely agree. My fibro symptoms tend to be far worse when Im stressed. I think finding the right therapist for oneself is really imperative too, to get the most out of therapy. On the negative thoughts on therapy, a lot of people have said to me that they either don’t believe in therapy or that a therapist will just tell me what I already know. I disagree though.
I disagree too. Most people think that therapists do nothing but sit there and listen to you talk. But, therapy in the modern era has moved away from that model towards a more practical model of problem solving. Much more Dr. Phil than Freud.
Well said Julie. I think people have these ideas in their head. I did as well until I had better experiences of therapy, not once but twice! I’ve actually been quite impressed. I at least try to encourage people to give it a try. Sometimes I think that bit is the hardest- just getting people to be a little open minded about trying it out.
I think it’s important that before you start with a therapist you find out what their approach is and make sure it is in alignment with your POV. If you just want someone to sit and listen to you for an hour, there are ones that will do that, but if you want more there are those for that, too. Ask questions before you go and you are likely to have a better experience.
I completely agree Julie, well said!