EMOTIONAL REPRESSION

Dylan246

I am beginning my journey to discover that my eating disorder, self-harming issues, anxiety and low moods are often rooted in emotional repression. I wanted to know if anyone has experienced it and how they managed to deal with it. 

Wini1960

Hi@Dylan246 I have been through emotional repression myself. Talk therapy is by far the best way but be prepared to put in the work however long it takes, will in the end bring you peace and healing.I wish you all the best?
 

Cher_Alumni

Hello @Dylan246

This sounds like a proactive step to better understanding your eating disorder, good for you  

Like @Wini1960 I'm a big advocate for talking therapy.  Would you consider counselling as a way of exploring your emotions?

Dylan246

Thank you. I'll make sure to ask about talking therapy to my social worker. Wihtout revealing too much details about your personal life @Wini1960 and @Cher_Scope what type of work does talking therapy look at when it comes to emotional repression?

Cher_Alumni

Great @Dylan246 let us know how it goes!

Talking therapy varies from person to person and you would have an initial assessment with a qualified mental health worker who would discuss some of your background and the issues you are currently facing.  They'd use this to decide what kind of talking therapy would best help you and take it from there.  Have a look at this NHS webpage for more info on the different types of talking therapies available.  

Dylan246

Thank you @Cher_Scope. It will help me when I discuss support for my social worker. 

Chloe_Alumni

Hi @Dylan246, just wanted to check in to see how you were doing.

Dylan246

Hi. I am okay. I have spoken to the doctor's and have been referred to the Mental Health Services, so slow progress but progress.

Chloe_Alumni

Yeah I can imagine it's frustrating @Dylan246. I really hope you don't have to wait too long!  

Dylan246

I hope so. I'll have another doctor's appointment in a month and I'm speaking to Social Services on Friday.

Ross_Alumni

Hopefully that goes well on friday @Dylan246  

Dylan246

I hope so too. I am struggling though with the idea of weight loss. I want to lose weight but I am struggling with how long I have to take to do it and it is making me dislike my body even more. 

Tori_Scope

That's exactly the kind of thing talking therapy could help you to work through @Dylan246 Recovery can feel like an impossible task, but you don't have to do it on your own. The charity Beat have a helpline, web chat, and email service for people with eating disorders that you might want to look into in the meantime too, as they allow you to talk things through with an experienced support worker.

Very best of luck for tomorrow!

Dylan246

Recovery does feel hard especially as it has only been a week and suddenly I have to give up what I used and be more honest. I feel quite raw and vulnerable which I do not know if it will go away. I will try to look at Beat though as I had before but not properly. 
Thank you

Tori_Scope

Of course, that's completely understandable @Dylan246. I think those thoughts and feelings could go away with time and the right support. Sometimes you have to feel more vulnerable in order to make changes, but it's worth it in the end. 

I think it could be worth getting in touch with Beat. Also remember that you can get in touch with Samaritans over email or phone if your mood is low and you want to talk things through. You don't have to be suicidal to get in touch with them, they can just help you work through your thoughts if you're struggling to cope. 

Let us know how you get on today  

Dylan246

Thank you. My social worker said the same thing to me today and she gave me really good advice and guidance. I will get in touch with Beat and Samaritans. 

Tori_Scope

I'm glad the meeting went well @Dylan246 Hopefully things will start to look up once you've had your other appointments too! Keep us updated.

Dylan246

Thank you and I hope so too. I really do. I will.