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Post-Intensive Care Syndrome (PICS) - Let's talk
Intensive Care (ICU) | Last Active: May 22 3:02pm | Replies (598)Comment receiving replies
@amandacgrow
Hello, Amanda.
It is likely that you have little time to care for yourself, while raising young children and upholding employment. In response to your interest in ways to heal the inner-self, I tell my story. Please do not take my actions for inward healing as prescriptive, as expectation, as imposition!
To heal my inners sorrow and fear, I needed psychological care from a licensed psychologist. Though at times, I did not feel he fully understood me, it was a tremendous benefit to talk weekly with a professional, compassionate caregiver. If you were to enlist this type of care for yourself, I suggest you see someone who not only understand the inner affects of physical trauma, but also someone who acknowledges the importance of grieving. The referral to see a psychologist was made by my primary care physician in my hometown.
I need spiritual care. A hospital chaplain began that care for me, and now I am fed by being with other believers in my hometown. Spiritual care swells through the love of the congregation, who accepted the 'new me' without placing expectations on me. Though the pastor, where I worship, seems unable to accept the limitations of my 'new life', she is supportive.
I also post spiritual statements in the house for me to see and quietly repeat. These remind me of God's divine presence and strength. It is by searching God for 'the new life' God gave me, that joy slowly grows within me. I now feel like I am on a treasure hunt with God, since I now know I cannot control life. Sudden severe septic shock clearly demonstrated that to me! Anyway, my previous attempts to control life were never satisfying.
I also practice a new mental skill for me. For a while, it was difficult to do, but has become easier over time. It is the mindset of 'living in the moment'. When I am overwhelmed or agitated, I remind myself to focus only on the moment or only on the day I am experiencing. Mayo Clinic has resources that help to understand and to encourage 'mindfulness'. Perhaps Annie Johnson can give you a link to resources. It is by 'living in the moment' that joy slowly returns to your heart and mind.
There are several other possibilities, but I do not want to overwhelm you. Again, the steps I take were ones I need. Over time, I hope you will be able to tell the practices that will assist you to heal inwardly, Amanda. Let's stay in touch. I am available to support you.
May a sense of inner-peace arise within you, even if for only a moment, as you live today.
Muriel
Replies to "@amandacgrow Hello, Amanda. It is likely that you have little time to care for yourself, while..."
@muriel66 Today I re read the messages you sent me almost six months ago. I feel deeply grateful for your insight, which has been so important in my own healing. I am moving forward in my life, trying to be kinder and more patient with myself through the long road of healing. I just wanted you to know that I am thinking of you and hope that you are well in your own journey of healing. From Amanda
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@muriel66 Thank you for your beautiful messages. I have read the messages you sent already many times...they carry so much meaning because I feel that you understand things that few others do. Last night, I read what you had written yesterday out loud to my husband. When I turned to look at him after I had finished, I saw that he had a tear running down his face. He said, "I have not known how to help you." We both feel such gratitude for your kindness in reaching out to me to give me hope for the road ahead.
I have just started seeing a professional counselor (today was my first appointment). I was very grateful that she talked to me about the process of grieving. I think she will be a good fit as a counselor, and I will be looking forward to our future appointments.
I am also grateful for your insight on spiritual healing. The depression I have been facing since mid November has made it difficult for me to feel God's spirit in the same way that I used to. I used to regularly seek God's guidance for what I could do for others. I held a leadership position in my church (I supervised all of the children's sunday school and activities). I was released from this calling just after I came home from the hospital and I have had a hard time understanding where I fit in now. I am no longer one of the people in charge, and that has been a major adjustment for me. I used to be the one who served others, then over the last year I have become the one being served. I so appreciate your insight into the very personal experience of spiritual growth, healing, and joy. I think in the busyness of my former church life, I may have been missing some of the spiritual power that perhaps I can access now, in my quieter life. I also look forward to having a "treasure hunt" with God to try to understand the purpose of my new life.
I am holding fast to the quote you sent: "The deeper that sorrow carves into your being, the more joy you can contain." I have hope that someday I will feel peace and joy in the places that now feel hollow and sad. The important thing is...thanks to your incredibly insightful messages...I have HOPE.
Thank you. Your words have meant more than you will ever know.
Amanda