Sharing my story, trying to find emotional validation

[LetTheWorldTurn]

Hello all,

I've decided to sign up for the forums because I'm going through some new therapy at the moment, and I'd like to get the chance to share my story and to hear from other people who might be going through something similar.

I've been suffering with depression and anxiety for nearly 11 years now, and I've had some very tough times during that period. I've struggled with the support offered during that time because I didn't feel like I was properly understood or given useful advice by psychologists.

I'm currently many sessions in to a new psychologist, and we are exploring schema therapy. This to me seems to be a productive place to look, and I'm hoping I'll get more out of this. In a nutshell it's about identifying long-term patterns of negative thinking and identifying root causes in childhood and adolescence, then allowing those patterns to be fully felt, and trying to change them slowly.

I'm curious to hear from anyone else who might have tried schema therapy, or read 'Reinventing your Life' by Janet Klosko and Jeffrey Young.

I would urge anybody who is not finding much luck with CBT, DBT, ACT etc. to give schema therapy a look. Especially if your depression has been quite chronic.

I identify strongly with the 'Emotional Deprivation' schema - I had a father who was mostly absent due to depression, and a mother who didn't believe in dwelling on emotions or looking at them particularly much. Much more the 'suck it up and get on with it' approach. This has left me quite emotionally disconnected, and struggling with managing my own overwhelming emotions. I seem to lack the skills and the language. But at least now I feel like I'm on some sort of path forward.

Looking forward to meeting more of you soon.

[quirkywords]

LetTheWorlTurn,

welcome to the forum. this community is full of friendly, caring and supportive people.

Thanks for sharing your story and I am sure people reading your post will be able to relate.

There are manybtherapies around and sometimes like you have shown you have to keep trying until you find one that suits you.

Thanks for explaing about schematic therapy and emotional deprivation scheme,what it is, how it works and how it is helping you.

I am pleased you feel you have an understanding of your experience and now feel you on the right path forward.

There are many threads you may like to browse on the forum and some maybe of interest to you.

fell free to post here as much as you want to.

Thanks again for starting this thread and sharing your experience.

Quirky

[therising]

Hi LetTheWorldTurn

Never heard of schema therapy until now. So, did a little research online and must say it sounds absolutely fascinating. I believe every time we gain insight into our thought processing we become empowered. Such empowerment not only serves us in understanding our self but it also serves us in understanding how and why others tick the way they do. By the way, I believe self education is definitely vital to our reformation for how can we hope to reform that which we do not understand. We are definitely complex creatures (mentally, physically and energetically).

This form of therapy really does sound exciting and I will mention it to my sister, as her 20yo daughter has suffered from depression and anxiety for a number of years now, with no real sense of understanding in regard to her struggle. Could be the angle which makes all the difference. Thanks LTWT!

Take care of yourself and look forward to hearing of your progress through the therapy. Hoping you have plenty of 'Aha' evolutionary moments of enlightenment.

[beader]

Hi Let the worldturn. This sounds like what I am about to start with my psychologist. I have a fear of all things medical and she is going to take me back in time to a small child and relive experiences. I will definitely keep you informed. I hope it helps as it is agony for me to go to the GP.

[Rose_3]

Hi,

Schema therapy sounds really interesting. I strongly believe that everyone has deep rooted beliefs from childhood which effect our lives everyday. But I also believe we can change any belief or pattern that we have in us.

When I was really struggling with my mental health, and just life in general, I found help in Louise Hay's book You Can Heal Your Life. Any of her works are brilliant. She looks at the thought patterns in us and how to release and change them. You might find her books/philosophy helpful.

Thanks for sharing your story. I hope the new therapy has amazing results for you!l

I wish to you all the best!