I’m so happy you found a good therapist. In my own life, I found that getting a therapist who refuses to acknowledge systems (like patriarchy, capitalism, etc) can inadvertently do more harm than good. Too many therapists haven’t done the work themselves. One person whose books and workbook REALLY helped me develop real world skills I can deploy in real time when triggered is Tim Desmond. He even has a book on recovering from trauma (and one for depression). But my fave will always be How to Stay Human In a F*ucked Up World. He sees patients online too.
Thank you for your comment, Geeta. I’m glad you mentioned Tim Desmond and enjoy his work. I’m not familiar with him but as you said real life situations require explicit solutions. The main goal is to find someone you click with and understands what challenges you’re facing. Best of luck to you!
Colleen, brava. The idea that mental illness is ultimately caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain is reductive and absurd. Along with the attribution to genetics — I call it the “Grandma had it” diagnostic criterion — it’s caused incredible harm. You’ve done the hard work of finding the right therapist and surrounding yourself with supportive family members and friends. Taking charge of your sleep schedule and setting boundaries are essential to a safe and healthy life. I love that picture of you and Jim in front of the Olympic rings! So glad you had a great vacation.
Colleen...what can I say? Better Late Than Never! I appreciate your honesty, intuition, and wit, in explaining your realization that chemicals are not the whole story. Powerful stuff. It should help anyone who reads your post. Oh, and...your courage....Mary
Thank you for reading my post, Mary. There’s a lot more to say but I’m still figuring it out. I believe wholeheartedly that good therapy and hard work is the key.
I’m so happy you found a good therapist. In my own life, I found that getting a therapist who refuses to acknowledge systems (like patriarchy, capitalism, etc) can inadvertently do more harm than good. Too many therapists haven’t done the work themselves. One person whose books and workbook REALLY helped me develop real world skills I can deploy in real time when triggered is Tim Desmond. He even has a book on recovering from trauma (and one for depression). But my fave will always be How to Stay Human In a F*ucked Up World. He sees patients online too.
Thank you for your comment, Geeta. I’m glad you mentioned Tim Desmond and enjoy his work. I’m not familiar with him but as you said real life situations require explicit solutions. The main goal is to find someone you click with and understands what challenges you’re facing. Best of luck to you!
.. brilliant journaling ! & so personable .. 🦎🏴☠️💋
Colleen, brava. The idea that mental illness is ultimately caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain is reductive and absurd. Along with the attribution to genetics — I call it the “Grandma had it” diagnostic criterion — it’s caused incredible harm. You’ve done the hard work of finding the right therapist and surrounding yourself with supportive family members and friends. Taking charge of your sleep schedule and setting boundaries are essential to a safe and healthy life. I love that picture of you and Jim in front of the Olympic rings! So glad you had a great vacation.
Colleen...what can I say? Better Late Than Never! I appreciate your honesty, intuition, and wit, in explaining your realization that chemicals are not the whole story. Powerful stuff. It should help anyone who reads your post. Oh, and...your courage....Mary
Thank you for reading my post, Mary. There’s a lot more to say but I’m still figuring it out. I believe wholeheartedly that good therapy and hard work is the key.