In the complex tapestry of life, few challenges are as deep as mental health struggles. I have live that journey. As part of the 20 percent of the population affected by mental illness. This is my story, a story woven from three distinct chapters in which I found myself separated from the person I once knew.
Background:
The initial rupture occurred in my early years when the weight of my Father’s death weighed heavily on me. When I was 22 years old, symptoms of OCD began to appear, casting a shadow over my life. It was a turbulent time, but therapy emerged as a guiding light that helped me break free from the cycle of mental pain.
Fast forward to my second semester when I was a medical student, and a perfect storm of heartbreak, insomnia, anxiety, and depression swept over me. Family financial struggles added fuel to the fire, causing me to lose touch with the fun, easy-going, sleep-loving person I once was. The breakup became my unwelcome companion, and all I longed for was to return to the untouched version of myself.
Serendipitously, I took the brave step of getting treatment and began a journey with antidepressants, albeit reluctantly at first. Over nearly seven years, these interventions made my symptoms manageable, providing a semblance of normalcy and control.
However, life, by its unpredictable nature, struck again. The past year has seen a series of challenges – a sudden job loss and Financial stress and heartache triggered a visceral response in my body. PTSD reared its head, accompanied by a return of insomnia, relentless obsessive-compulsive thoughts, and crippling anxiety.
In the wake of these events, activities that had previously brought me joy turned into sources of torment. Getting dressed, applying makeup, attending concerts, writing, and even communicating with friends have become arduous tasks, reminding me of the internal struggle I face daily.
Solution:
As I share my journey, my goal is to not only highlight the often isolating experience of mental health struggles, but also offer the hope and insights I have gained on my path to recovery. For those facing similar challenges, know that you are not alone.
In the field of mental health, seeking professional help was a pivotal turning point for me. Therapy provided a safe space to uncover the complexities of my emotions and confront the roots of my struggles. Taking antidepressant medication, despite initial reluctance, became a critical component of my treatment plan, contributing to years of symptom management.
For those navigating the unpredictable terrain of mental health, consider this a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. Although the journey may be arduous, there is strength in asking for help, resilience in the face of adversity, and the potential for healing beyond reach even in the darkest moments.
As I continue my journey, I invite you to join me in breaking the silence surrounding mental health, promoting understanding, and cultivating a compassionate community where stories like mine can inspire hope and serve as beacons of light for those navigating their path to recovery.
In the maze of mental health challenges, the quest to rediscover one’s true self can lead to unconventional but impactful paths. For me, that pivotal moment came when I embraced hypnosis, an often underestimated therapeutic practice with profound implications for conditions such as OCD, PTSD, phobias, anxiety and depression.
Hypnotherapist and psychotherapist dispel the stereotypes surrounding hypnosis, emphasizing that it is not just a philosophy but a powerful tool for reprogramming the mind. However, despite its therapeutic potential, the lingering stigma and scepticism surrounding hypnosis hinder its acceptance as a valid option for those struggling with mental health issues.
Introduced to hypnosis by my therapist, a key figure in my recovery journey, I was initially sceptical of an image of a swinging pocket watch inducing a trance. However, the pressing need to restore normalcy inspired me to explore hypnosis, transforming me into a fervent believer in its transformative power.
The hypnosis session begins with talk therapy, laying the foundation for the next hypnosis section. My hypnotist, armed with a finely crafted script, tailors each session to address specific issues. Ranging from 15 to 30 minutes, these sessions were supplemented by nightly homework—listening to recorded scripts before bed.
Although the recordings may not always follow a logical narrative, they embed commands aimed at the subconscious mind. Joan Ferdman, a certified clinical hypnotist, explains that hypnotherapy removes negative messages from the subconscious, encouraging a relaxed state similar to daydreaming or experiencing “highway hypnosis.” Contrary to misconception, hypnosis is not mind control; It aligns with the conscious will of the individual.
Results, however, show variability, with some experiencing profound changes – heightened relaxation, positivity, and a restored sense of control – after just a few sessions. However, the timeline for transformation depends on individual differences and the depth of one’s subconscious negativity. Ferdman notes that the estimated 60,000 daily negative thoughts may require time to resolve.
In its essence, hypnosis acts as a series of reminders to eliminate anxiety and fear, redirecting the mind towards positivity in moments of overwhelming negativity. Regression, a technique that helps individuals return to the source of a traumatic experience, helps process and release such memories.
Despite lingering scepticism, hypnosis is slowly gaining acceptance, fueled in part by increased education through the Internet to dispel myths. Cohen notes a surge of research into hypnosis in the past decade.
For those considering hypnosis, there are several important factors to consider:
Trust Your Hypnotist: Thoroughly research and verify the training and certification of your chosen hypnotist. Trust in your care provider is paramount.
Focus on change: Embrace the process with an open mind and be committed to witnessing the possible results.
Healing Partnership: Recognize that hypnosis is a collaborative effort between you and your hypnotist.
Passive Absorption: Hypnosis works on the subconscious mind and active listening is not a prerequisite for its effectiveness.
Maintain control: You maintain free will and are not forced into a trance. Hypnosis is a convenient process.
Strength in Hypnosis: Strong willpower does not hinder the effectiveness of hypnosis. It is a self-empowerment exercise within a comprehensive treatment plan.
Although hypnosis has not proven to be an easy or automatic solution, demanding patience and consistency, it stands out as a therapeutic technique that has contributed significantly to my journey of rediscovery. Every minute invested in this transformational process has been a worthwhile step toward feeling like yourself again.
