Howdy

[TherapyLifer]

Hey everyone -

I had a very chaotic upbringing, but I've been in therapy since 2010. I have done Somatic Psychotherapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, both have worked for me in different ways at different times in my life. I recently ended sessions with a therapist b/c she was a student at a center, and I'm about to look for a new therapist. I'm interested in learning about other styles of therapy, or what has worked for others.

I am an adult thumbsucker. I'm open about this with partners and friends, but secretive around family and acquaintances. I know a few other adults who also have this habit, but I'm interested to hear if anyone else on here is also a thumbsucker. I've never had a therapist try to get me to quit. Some people think it messes up your teeth beyond repair, but I think that is a myth. I honestly think that it kept me from doing drugs or drinking as a kid, and it helps me manage my binge eating as an adult.

I have been diagnosed with OCD, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, and Bulimia/Binge Eating. I know I have Body Dysmorphia.

I would say that I live a very productive, happy life. The hard part is managing my anxiety so that I can actually enjoy life and be in the moment. I have worked very hard in therapy over the years to overcome my challenges. It's a daily struggle, some days are harder than others, but overall the work is worth it.

I've lost six people in my life to suicide and four of those people I've known since I was a small child. One was like a brother to me. I struggle with suicidal ideations and have since I was 8 years old. I've had plans, but haven't followed through on anything. I know it sounds silly, but I promised my best friend I wouldn't do it after we lost one of our friends to suicide when we were in high school. That promise rings in my ears and keeps me strong. I promise I will never, ever follow through, but I do think about it daily.

For me, the biggest things that have helped me as I work on this path towards happiness and peace:
- Having a dog (my dog passed away last summer, I recently adopted a new dog) because it provides structure and love
- Counseling friends who have struggles helps me realize and express my own struggles
- Exercise and healthy eating
- Never missing a therapy appointment
- Journaling (I have kept a journal since I was 8)

I guess if anyone has any questions about that stuff, I would be happy to answer.

[Brooke]

Hi

You sound like you are well put together despite your anxiety and suicidal thoughts. It must be so hard having friends who have taken their own lives. I think we all have little idiosyncrasies that help us manage our illness. For example, I have a problem with hypersalvation before I go to bed and after waking up. It's not a problem when I go out for some reason, but when I get stressed out at home, it happens.

I also deal with my anxiety/depression with my lovely dog, exercising, eating well, taking meds, journaling and writing in this forum, so we're kind of similar in that way. I applaud you for going to therapy. I'm in the midst of an anxiety attack right now and the only way I can deal with it is to come here and read other people's posts, so thank you.

[manuel_moe_g]

Howdy TherapyLifer

[yazzieabby]

I am newbie here and happy to be the part of this community, enjoying here a lot..