Over-stimulating the Senses - Addiction to Adrenaline and Beta Endorphins?

[Just Sara]

Hi all;

I've been self assessing for a long time now, and have come across an habitual need to stimulate myself with dysfunctional thoughts that prop me up or give a perception I'm not small or insignificant at all; feeling powerful and a winner.

On the flip side, I've also had thoughts that bring me down (too big for my boots) causing a 'normal' feeling of being average or small/insignificant...safe from ridicule or punishment.

We've all had those fantasies of kicking the winning goal or standing on a podium with trophy in hand sucking up the acclaim and cheers from the crowd. But what if those fantasies turned into yelling at someone until they were on their knees leaving you feeling pumped and superior? Or maybe getting in between parents to fend off upcoming violence and be the hero?

Isolating myself has turned my world inward where I play out the day in my head. This is where I've been living and getting to be on top, or berate myself into submission.

The other noticeable factor is the adrenaline or beta endorphin rush I can have from this; undetected until recently due to the normality of 'feeling' this way.

Looking for a discussion peep's...your thoughts?

Sara

[Cornstarch]

I know you're sick of doing the head stuff Sara, sick of doctors and you want practical solutions, so focus on the body!

I guess these days with our obsession of looking perfect, and seeing perfect bodies everywhere in the media, it can very easily slip into another type of self hate, self loathing and self attack. If people have a history of eating disorders or can become a bit obsessed with physical appearance, you have to be extra careful with how you interpret the 'focus on the body'.

Bessel A. van der Kolk, 'The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma'

“Traumatized people chronically feel unsafe inside their bodies: The past is alive in the form of gnawing interior discomfort. Their bodies are constantly bombarded by visceral warning signs, and, in an attempt to control these processes, they often become expert at ignoring their gut feelings and in numbing awareness of what is played out inside. They learn to hide from their selves.”

“How many mental health problems, from drug addiction to self-injurious behavior, start as attempts to cope with the unbearable physical pain of our emotions? If Darwin was right, the solution requires finding ways to help people alter the inner sensory landscape of their bodies. Until recently, this bidirectional communication between body and mind was largely ignored by Western science, even as it had long been central to traditional healing practices in many other parts of the world, notably in India and China. Today it is transforming our understanding of trauma and recovery.”

This is the place, with lots of time and practice, mindfulness can help you experience

“Beneath the surface of the protective parts of trauma survivors there exists an undamaged essence, a Self that is confident, curious, and calm, a Self that has been sheltered from destruction by the various protectors that have emerged in their efforts to ensure survival. Once those protectors trust that it is safe to separate, the Self will spontaneously emerge, and the parts can be enlisted in the healing process”

[Wilma1]

Cornstarch, I got on the net yesterday and ordered the book. Thank you so much. The part you have added this morning is equally as powerful, even hopeful. Have a great day. Wishful

[Cornstarch]

Oh awesome.

Bessel's is an absolute cracker as well. You never forget the books that change you. I finished his book under a tree in one day, stood up, and then organised to walk away from 15 years of human connections. So that pretty much sums up the influence that had on me.

I didn't read Judith until this year, and unfortunately lids were flying off of dissociative boxes by then so all I could was run and cry. The anger really came up. It was liberating, devastating and terrifying. It's not for the faint hearted.

I'd talk it over with health professionals once you start.

It can be very triggering, even if not of trauma, but of grief!

I howled throughout it.

Enjoy ya day!

[Just Sara]

Last night threw me; am developing some acute symptoms this morning. My body's giving me signs of impending breakage. Brain's working on spare generator. Need to do the three R's..relaxation, respite, recharge.

I'm not thinking too well, so I won't go into anything much. Taking a few days off to recuperate..find balance.

Corncob...you're doing a bang up job. Keep the home fires burning till I return hun.

Wishful...thankyou very much for your beautiful response my lovely. It hit the spot. Keep up the good work.

Esse'...seems adrenaline fallout is upon me. You bought this to my attention, so thanks. Your posts are becoming legendary. Continue being you..

V...you're coming into your own..so nice to witness. Stay and lend a hand; appreciate much..

Kaz...wonderful lady. Your sunbeams radiate positivity, support and staying power. 'nuff said..

Star...couldn't have done this without you. Your words and mind are precious; you let me 'see' you..many thanks.

Been over-stimulated..ironic. In the throws of the dreaded 'crash'. Taking care of my child..self nurturing. Will return when I'm able amazing people.

...Dizzy Sara xoxo

[SourceShield]

Hey Dizzy.

We'll be here when you get back.

RestEasy.

StayTunedIntoLove!

...takes a legend to recognise one!.

If you wanna come in for a quick surreptitious 'perv' at any time...I'll make sure that theres some funny stuff for you to laugh and chuckle at as well.

LAUGHING GOOD MEDICINE!!!.

BigLove&Hugs&GoodStuff&Stuff.

Peacefulness be yours, Sconner!.

ShieldsDown.

BlessingsUp.

[Starwolf]

What is often overlooked is that thinking is an electro-chemical reaction too (brain cells use chemicals and electrical impulses to communicate).

Due to this, overthinking causes a lot of damage...not only to our mental/emotional states ! It is an over-activation of the fight/flight response. This negative brain activity (obsession with feelings, thoughts and memories) and its influx of chemicals short-circuit the brain into default mode, a faulty executive functioning where the wrong area of the brain finds itself in charge of everyday responses. This is what was meant in an earlier post about mental illness feeding upon this extra chemically induced stress and perpetuating itself.

On the other hand, practices like meditation, mindfulness, creativity cause different electro-chemical reactions which act as antidote to overthinking. Spending time just being is no idleness. It is healing. Mister S nailed it when he pointed out the fast and furious modern lifestyle is a long shot from what human life is meant to be. One of the reasons why my own current lifestyle has been a return to the Cave.

Mental stillness Vs mental illness.

Wishing you all a peaceful afternoon.

[SourceShield]

***JEALOUS***

Now, I wanna cave!!!.

But, more importantly...

...I couldn't agres more with STARWOLF (LOVE THAT NAME BTW)

re: bioelectricity and the brain.

Thinking - just your 'everyday' type of thinking - uses up plenty of 'juice' but rumination, over-thinking and dwelling on stuff that needn't be dwelt upon uses up a whole heap of energy.

For some, just ya' average kinda meditation doesnt suit.

There's also EXPRESSIVE meditation too, as well as mindfulness, and Buddhist meditations, Chakra meditations etc etc etc.

I really enjoy the 'still' forms as well as the more 'vibrant'.

Like, LaughterMeditation - Just laugh... just 'cause ya can!.

I am blessed to have been taught by a magical Indian Laughing Guru, and now I can coach it as well.

But, I think that LaughterMeditation can be found in most big cities now.

Also, crying can be a 'meditation', when facilitated correctly.

SmileYoga - is wickedly awesome too.

IMHO - Life...our everyday life, when viewed from a different perspective, can be the most powerful of meditations.

How am I now?

...I feel my bum on the seat, and my feet on the floor.

...I feel the cool air from the fan on my skin.

...I hear music playing.

...I hear my voice inside my own head, saying these words as I type them.

...and so on...

In this moment.

I AM SAFE.

In this moment.

I AM WORTHY.

In this moment.

I AM LOVED.

In this moment.

I am here.

All is well.

In this moment.

And it may be just for 'a moment', but moments can become minutes, and hours, and days...of just being here - whether its uncomfortable or comfortable, I dont have to run from this - I am strong.

I can get through this moment in time..and sometimes we need others too, to support and care and just be with us!.

I aint by any means the Dalai Lama, and I could definitely do it more often.

But, I do miss it when I dont meditate.

Like 'praying' - Im not religious, and I guess all I am doing is reassuring myself in the morning...when I 'pray', but it programs my day.

When I dont do it, I feel the separation again.

Anyway...getting all 'metaphysical' again!.

Is that your poochie, Starwolf?

I'm gonna change my pic too, to show you guys my Wolfie...

MuchLove

[Starwolf]

Quite right Mr Esse, so many types of meditation. Few westerners are suited to making fast progress in sitting meditation.Turning everyday life into mindfulness practice is the way to go.

The little mutt has become a bit of a BB mascot because she has had a horrific past but is bravely learning to move on (I'm a remedial trainer for so-called "unworkable" dogs). Simply having her photo taken is a huge achievement for her (check out the concerned look) as she is terrified of any object pointed in her direction. Up till recently, her tail was the only part of her you could hope to take a picture of...if you were really quick !

Thank you so much for your insightful input into this thread.

[SourceShield]

Nawww...she's gorgeous!

I am so glad that she has you...EarthAngel.

You can see my mutt now too.

Bundy.

He is the best.

A genius mutt.

The best therapist ever.

BUT...

He sheds hair like its being used for fur coats.

I am always 'wearing him'.

The gross thing is, I am forever 'choking' on his doghair and coughing up furballs...at the worst of times...dinner parties...I am the one choking on dog hair!!!.

BUT...

Wouldnt have it any other way, right?

Dont even get me started on his farts...thankfully his gut is healthy but at times...man, such an evil smell.

At night, when its just me and him in the room...those farts can melt my face off!.

I love him so much.

Smelly, hairy beast!

Thank you, StarWolf...just 'cause.

You have inspired me, when I move to Melbourne, I am going to volunteer at a shelter again.

In another life, I wouldve loved to have worked with animals.

Have a wonderful evening, beautifulSoul!

MuchLove

[Wilma1]

Cornstarch you are a wealth of knowledge and experience. You have much to offer, and you are doing just that. What a journey. Wishful