Recent posts

#1
Recovery Journals / Re: the next step
Last post by HannahOne - Today at 12:11:45 AM
So glad you could see the new T!  :cheer:   And get the medication you need.

It's positive that after talking to her you feel calmer. Sounds like she listened, even if she doesn't have answers straightaway. I know for me, just  being heard and having someone be curious to learn about the unique me can be healing.  :hug:
#2
Symptoms - Other / Re: left–right processing weak...
Last post by lowbudgetTV - February 03, 2026, 11:05:17 PM
Totally.

I think of my brain as always on, always thinking about something. Sometimes it's nonsense, sometimes its important. I've been experiencing this a lot at my job recently, where having conversations is awkward because I have to think and concentrate a bit harder.

Directions require not only understanding but then, i don't know, synthesis? You have to listen, understand and then point out the correct direction. Brains know its a direction, but there's only two, so it's easy to switch them up. Meanwhile, ironically, I'm very good at approximating the cardinal directions. North? I have what's essentially a satellite image in my brain of my surroundings, like Google Maps, and can figure it out. But right/left is weird, you have to place yourself. Now that I write it out, maybe it's because I'm a very disassociative person; I don't feel present in my body. Takes longer to figure out positions relative to me!
#3
Therapy / Re: Issues with CPT
Last post by Kizzie - February 03, 2026, 03:16:17 PM
Just my thoughts PT, but I think we are (or need to be) in the driver's seat when it comes to therapy. If you feel like you want/need to speak up/look for another therapist then absolutely do so. There are so many different therapeutic approaches for CPTSD that we need to find what works for us.


   
#4
Questions/Suggestions/Comments / Re: Forum technical difficulti...
Last post by Kizzie - February 03, 2026, 02:58:02 PM
The forum is sorted but one thing I'd recommend is to write and keep a copy of your posts, long ones in particular, offline. We haven't had a ton of technical issues at OOTS but they do happen from time to time unfortunately and it's a real pain to lose them I know.
#5
Employment / Re: "Picking" a career
Last post by Kizzie - February 03, 2026, 02:44:36 PM
First of all, congrats on the illustration course, it sounds like it will be fun and may help with the career you are entertaining.  :thumbup:

I'm so sorry to hear about the state of your mental health system Teddy Bear. It's about what I thought sadly.
I know you have limited funds but I am curious if there is private care available which is not so politically fraught and something you could consider down the line if/when you are able to afford it? 

I hope at least being here is of some help. I have found (and as many other members have said) that being with survivors where you can speak freely and everyone gets it and is supportive can make a real difference in recovery.

 :hug:
#6
Depression / Re: Feeling depressed
Last post by Chart - February 03, 2026, 01:58:11 PM
Sorry for all the pain, Ran. I think I know how you feel. It varies, and seems to be improving very very slowly for me, but there's still a lot of pain.
Thinking of you and sending support.
 :hug:
#7
Recovery Journals / Re: the next step
Last post by sanmagic7 - February 03, 2026, 01:18:29 PM
NK, for me it was like a shot of adrenaline!  thank you so for your support.  the session w/ my T went very well.  we're in the 'getting to know you' stage.  i think she's just right for me right now. :hug:

chart, of course.  anytime, you can picture me there w/ that ol' bazooka.  happy to take him on!  :hug:

the T session was great.  didn't really get any answers for what's been driving me crazy, but maybe i don't need them right now.  i talked a lot about how my body reacts to having to always hold those emotions inside, like losing my legs, and she was amazed - never heard of anyone having that problem before.  she said she looked up alexithymia, so i think she understands it a bit more, but i also explained as best i could about how the brain parts having to do w/ emotions/feelings aren't connected.

i think she's going to be learning a lot.

i just feel calmer, which is a good thing.

also had a bit of a dust-up at the pharmacy - seems the directions for my xanax prescription went wonky, but will now be rectified.  i'll be getting more than i knew, which sent a wave of relief through me.  i've been toughing it out most of the time w/ my anxiety or some of the physical stuff, and now i can just take some meds and feel better.  that's going to be different but wonderful, i think.  like i won't have to be gritting my teeth all the time just to get thru the day.
#8
Recovery Journals / Re: Living As All of Me
Last post by sanmagic7 - February 03, 2026, 01:07:52 PM
hannah1, congrats to you for allowing yourself to feel weak, for learning how to rest.  2 things so many of us weren't taught, didn't learn, weren't allowed.  shame, guilt, humiliation - so much bad was heaped upon us  :fallingbricks:  for not being strong all the time.  those are bricks of expectation to always do, do, do.  i'm so glad to hear you were able to sing a love song to your little hannah.  it brought the sweetest picture to my mind.   

and very glad your family can take care of themselves for this bit - that's the best!  keep taking care of you, ok?  you deserve it.  love and hugs :hug:
#9
Symptoms - Other / left–right processing weakness
Last post by TheBigBlue - February 03, 2026, 06:01:04 AM
Question for the group: does anyone else mix up left and right, especially under pressure? 🤔

I've noticed that unless I slow down and reason it out, my first instinct is often incorrect. It doesn't feel intuitive for me - it feels like something I have to calculate.
A typical comment from my driving instructor: "Turn right here ... the other right!" 😅

Just wondering how common this is here.
#10
Ideas/Tools for Recovery / Re: FREE Excellent Online Yoga...
Last post by Armee - February 03, 2026, 05:34:45 AM
Definitely, Blueberry. I always thought I just had bad hand/eye coordination but then I participated in a trauma workshop that incorporated yoga and I noticed how strong the connection was between whether I could follow simple movements and how triggered and dissociated I was.