It’s been 3.5 months since my accident, and I’m still a long way from being through the dental journey of rebuilding and restructuring my teeth and mouth. The physical healing and uncertainty continue, but there’s another part of the aftermath that has added an entirely different layer to an already complicated mental health journey.
After more than 12 years of navigating my mental health, I’ve experienced a lot. But what I’m dealing with now is something entirely new.
Recurring nightmares almost nightly from the night of my accident and waking often from night terrors. I’m also experiencing daily bouts of trauma and symptoms of PTSD that have left me struggling in ways I never have before.
EMDR therapy was recommended to me. In simple terms, it helps the brain reprocess traumatic memories that have become stuck, allowing them to be processed without the same level of emotional distress.
After researching it, I found a therapist close to home, also recommended to me, who specializes in this form of therapy. Today, we met for an initial consultation.
We spent over an hour just going through my story, from the beginning of my mental health journey to where I am today. She listened, took notes, and then shared some of the key things that stood out to her as potential starting points for our work together.
She also explained that EMDR is a process, with steps to follow before, during, and after sessions. Some of those steps may be uncomfortable, but they’re an important part of the process.
All I know is that I can’t continue living this way.
As I told her, what I’m experiencing now is unlike anything I’ve experienced before, and I’ve been through a lot! At one point, she looked at me and said those exact words.
I chuckled and replied, “I know!!!”
I’m always open to exploring new treatments and tools that might benefit me. But after my long and torturous history with antidepressants and psychedelics, I have one condition: it can’t involve ingesting anything stronger than a Tylenol!
For now, the plan is to book a follow-up appointment and begin the process.
I don’t know what lies ahead, or whether EMDR will help. But I’m willing to give it a try because living with this level of trauma and fear isn’t something I want to accept as my new normal.
So, here I go again. Another appointment. Another potential tool. Another step toward finding some relief.
I guess I’ve got nothing more to lose, right?
#emdr #therapy #myjourney #mentalhealth #anxiety #depression #trauma
Good luck 🤞 hope it works for you, I have heard that it works wonders, so it’s worth a try. Sending lots of support and understanding your way, Linda xx
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Thank you so much for your kind words. 😍
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