Stress/depression/anxiety/physical problems

May I ask why the skepticism? I ask only because I a retired therapist who used it with many clients and help teach it over a period of years. Just curious.

My therapist had mentioned it at one time. She does CBT and stated EMDR can bring up many emotions and can be stressful. One of her associates uses it if I wanted to try. At this point I’m not sure. I have many physical issues currently going on.

Understood.

@gravity3 @flow65 - I did actually try EMDR probably over 10 years ago with a very understanding therapist who specialized in this.

I don't recall what or whether it provided much consolation. I do seem to recall that $$$ were an issue for me as I was also seeing the psychiatrist I saw for 20 years and really never got very far with.
But maybe it's time to look into EMDR again.
Thank you!

This last year has been full of bad health diagnosis followed by many specialist appointments. I had to stop driving.

All of a sudden I started having tremors all over my body. I was diagnosed with Functional Tremors caused by stress and anxiety.

I have experienced stress and anxiety for almost my entire life, but I have never had tremors, or any functional movement disorders.

I so understand. I pray you get well. It’s a lonely journey dealing with physical ailments along with mental issues.

You have my sincere sympathy.

I am a 70-year-old married man who was forced into early retirement by serious mental health issues arising as after-effects of a ruptured brain aneurysm surgery 33/years ago.
( It's akin to a serious stroke in the brain, usually fatal. )

I had a career as a news reporter and journalist. But a newspaper can't have a depressed, suicidal reporter. So after one horrible episode, out I went on disability pension! My pension was generous, and my spouse works, so there was no severe financial crisis, thank god!

But it's been years of mental and physical suffering.

For my mental health issues I live on a steady diet of psychiatric meds. But still, deep depression persists. I think suicidally every day.

The brain injury caused me significant physical impairment as well. The left side of my body is weak: I limp painfully when I walk, and my left hand is nearly useless.
( Thank Heaven I'm right-handed!) Every morning its a comical struggle dressing myself. Before this, I never realized how coordinated a person has to be just to get dressed! Of course, I don't actually laugh, I curse.

As well as the post-surgical effects, I have been struggling for years with lower lumbar back pain caused by arthritis on my spine. It causes agonies of pain, and I so rarely even try to walk.

I have numerous doctors circling around me promising cures, delivering nothing.

Gone is my active, athletic lifestyle of walking, running, hiking, mountain climbing - any adventure I could think up. Now I’m just a cripple on a stick!
I haven't been outside of my apartment - except for doctor appointments - for three years. I feel like I’ve lost my life.

I've tried to believe in and cooperate with each new doctor and each new back treatment. I've even been put through an experimental new pain treatment. No help.

I thank Heaven everyday that Im a Canadian. Canada’s universal healthcare system has me covered for everything, I have not paid a single penny for my years of treatments and medications.

Still, healthcare or no healthcare, I'm stuck indoors anyway, feeling sorry for myself.

I don't know where this is going. I just hate feeling so disabled and missing out on everything fun in life.

All of this has been hard on my spouse too. We made a great couple when I was healthy. The mood around home is more sombre and edgy than before.

Well, as you can see, Im a prolific writer. Writing is the One Last Thing that brings me pleasure. Words just pour from my fingertips, and I know that often I go on too long. Like here? I hope not, but I can't help it. It’s like breathing!

My sincerest sympathy. You re a prolific writer. May God bless you. Take care.

@willbt your last sentence reminded me of the musical prodigy, Alma Deutscher. In an interview on “60 minutes” Alma said she has melody and music popping into her head. She was 10 when she composed an orchestral piece.

You have been through the gauntlet haven’t you. Pain is an energy zapper for sure! Every minute is wasted on trying just get through the next.

My life, especially over the last 6 years has been one of loss. Loss of a marriage, the untimely death of my daughter, and the loss of my ability to drive. Coupled with dementia, and Ataxia, it’s enough to pull one under.

But God. My faith sees me through everything. God provides everything I need to stay afloat. Believe it if you choose, I speak with Him when I need help finding a puzzle piece. He comes through! Then it is most important to say “thank you”.

The only time I can get out at all is when a community volunteer drives me to my many doctor appointments. I live in a suburban neighborhood and if you don’t have a car you’re stuck. This time of the year is extremely hot (Sonoran Desert) so there’s no walking about the neighborhood.

I’ve taken up a few hobbies to help spend my time being useful. I work on my Family Tree on Wikitree, and Ancestry. It is an amazing way to learn about one’s ancestors. Their history and the history of countries, and migration patterns.
I also took up painting. I’m horrible like a kindergartener, but I don’t care, it’s fun. I might attach a picture here…

No one can tell another person not to feel depressed, sad, anxious! That’s an inside job. So, I will say, I’m glad you wrote, and please write again!

I will pray for you.