| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| JS |
Posted - 09/18/2008 : 12:59:11
Would you like to share with us some of the symptoms that brought you to Recovery? Keep it simple.
If you are not a newcomer to Recovery it would be good to hear how your training has made you life better. And how much effort did you need to put into your practice?
Thanks. JS
revised from earlier thread..JS
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| 15 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| bigjay_84084 |
Posted - 01/02/2012 : 10:53:57
After 4 stays in the hospital and coming out as bad as I went in (5 weeks / Ect's later July 2005 I got out.)They would not let me out till I slept the whole night so I faked sleeping to get out. I decided I was going to do anything I had to not to have to return. I had horrible physical symptoms went to Dr after Dr trying to find out what was going on. in Oct 2005 I talked to a girl who told me about it. I decided to go and cryed almost every meeting to start with, And thinking these people have never been as sick as I'm . I went every week and held on for dear life I wanted to feel better and I was determind not to give up. I kept HOPE in my vocabulary and had a great leader who took me under her wing and ( I felt she was my angel ) . I still go every week and lead meeting and hope to help others. I have read so many self help books and tried so hard to get better. Wish I could of found Dr low sooner But we can't change the past and I'm very blessed to have him now in my life...A few yrs ago I found paperwork that showed how much it was for me to be in Hospital for 5 weeks it was way over $100,000. and my donations for RI yr was $250.00 .Thank You Dr Low and those out there that volunteer their time. GOD BLESS |
| miffysmom |
Posted - 11/13/2011 : 07:57:00
Hi, I'm from Ontario, Canada. I'm 34 years old, married and have a 6 and 2 year old daughters. I work full time and love my job.
I Experienced my first breakdown in 2007. Deression and generalized anxiety disorder. Began medication and was symptom free for four years. This fall, medication stopped working and I started a new one.....but I wanted more than just medication. I wanted tools to cope, so my therapist recommended recovery. I began going to meetings and feel like it all makes sense. I have experienced a setback in the last few days and decided to do an online recovery meeting last night, so I'm very new to this website.
My symptoms are loss of appetite, palpitation, tightness in chest, shakiness, loss of concentration, and trouble sleeping. I'm definitely fearful of 'the permanent handicap' and that's something I need to work on. |
| luckygirl |
Posted - 08/10/2011 : 22:27:13
I came to Recovery from a peer recommendation in a 12 step program.
I was still searching for something and I believe it was freedom from the crystalized habit of self-depreciation. Now I have it. To feel guilty does not mean I am guilty.
I believe this sense of worthlessness developed in childhood from a very long history of multiple abuse situations. But now I have the tools to make a firm decision to not carry that baggage (i.e. guilt) around with me any longer. I place the responsibility where it belongs, with the mentally ill adults who parented me. In my 12 step program, I tried to forgive the perpetrators and did a fairly good job of it.
In Recovery, I am allowed to hate if I hate, be jealous if I am jealous, love if I love without condemning myself for any of these feelings. They are what they are and I have no control over them, and as such are free from thier seeminly intense grip. I have leanred to have these inner responses and not be compelled to carry them to outer reactions.
I only can change my thoughts and move my muscles. I see how my overly developed sense of duty and responsibility prompted me, before Recovery, to step in and try to take over the functions of my existence which I cannot influence. Now, I know I don't know anything about stopping my feelings and sensations, except to spot them and let them go away. What a relief it is not my job!.
I am a valid person, not guilty, who makes mistakes. (hopefully not too many), but that's a judgment call as to what it too many.
Recovery teaches me to endorse myself like a waterfall which has changed my life! I can pass on to the next world feeling at peace. Thaat is a big accomplishement for me. I feel like I have found the answer to an obsessive quest for learning to manage my anger and recognizing my fears as big ol' BOOGIEMEN!.
I also have a much better sense of humor these days. I laugh a lot, and look for the abusrdities in life that don't make fun of others. I sense that type of humor, ridicule and sarcasm and even trying to be too silly, is disguised temper as well.
I have gained insight into human behavior, understand more what a human being is and am more accepting, compassionate and tolerant of others. Mostly I have tried and succeeded at not controlling others, particularly those in my family. I am able to express my opinion calmly without temper and can contain my outer reactions when others get into temper. Sometimes I bungle, but I keep it to a minimum.
I am able to drop judgment, or at least not express my continuos judgments since I dont believe them. I am more confident and like who I am, no matter what others think of me. And I think I don't have too many non-friends either.
Thank you Dr. Low for the Method. |
| Recovery |
Posted - 08/05/2011 : 08:33:07
From Flowbo1
I was diagnosed as being manic-depressive (bipolar) in 1961, but had the illness since age 14. I have had a number of doctors, who have tried many different medications. When I found Recovery, my family had it so firmly implanted in my head that my problem was physical, not mental ("Oh no-not MY child!") that I sabotaged for many years. When I finally grabbed hold of the Method, it became a life-raft and I never let go. It saw me through the death of my husband 5 years ago. Now, however, I am living with my daughter who is a licensed social worker and while I am glad to have her support, I find myself resenting her calls and visits to my doctor. When she thinks I need a change in medicine, or that I may not be sleeping long enough at night (I take naps, too), she reports to him without saying anything to me so that I could correct whatever she believes is wrong. I find myself wishing I could be back at home, handling things myself with the help of my own case worker, whom I have had for a long time. I do everything my doctor says, I take my meds correctly, and I am now at the point where I am ready to move on-without her constant supervision. I am disappointed.
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| Hope2Heal |
Posted - 08/01/2011 : 15:49:29
I had a recent falling out with my current best friend over her request for a favor. I did the favor but found myself resenting it. I returned her thank you gifts and tried to explain my upset. Whereupon she became upset and wouldn't speak to me for 7 months, though I reached out to her in various ways many times. She especially found the act of returning the gifts to be extremely rude, whereas I felt guilty accepting them because I wasn't happy to do the favor in the first place. We have patched things up (sort of) but I hit a new low during her 7 months avoidance of me. I've been depressed and feeling completely isolated and alone. I retired a year ago and it's been an adjustment to get myself out of the house each day and do things on my own. But since this disagreement with my friend I'm suddenly feeling afraid and insecure about going anywhere and doing anything, and almost panicky at the thought of making new friends. So I began searching for a support group to help me. Much of the advice on this website really hit home, such as "Be average" (all my life my parents have encouraged me to feel that I am of superior intelligence and ability, and how that sets me apart from people) and "Hurt feelings are beliefs not shared" (this one was really neat because when someone hurts my feelings it causes me to form a judgment against them as in "they should know better".) I like the forums plus I found the book in my library and also a group that meets in my area. I am very hopeful that I can put these tools into practice and improve my life. |
| tad19082 |
Posted - 05/23/2011 : 20:16:44
I found that Recovery Int'l was an effective compliment to the 12-step programs I was in for addictions. But being dually-diagnosed I have to deal a large part with my Mental Health.Dealing alone with the addictions'element was not enough for me, I had to work on or work down my MH symptoms. When I get sober from my addictions, then RI helps me deal with stronger-emerging emotions, thus serving a compliment to 12-steps. That was main reason I got involved with recovery Int'l. |
| Tinkerbell18 |
Posted - 05/09/2011 : 21:54:30
Anxiety and lowered tones. Trying to keep my first fulltime job - I have kept it over 12 years because of RI. I am in a setback right now, but I am staying close to the groups and expect a comeback soon. |
| Kathleen |
Posted - 05/02/2011 : 16:37:03
I attended my first recovery meeting September 8th, 2008.
I was desperately searching for support. I felt so alone, helpless and hopeless. By the grace of god I somehow found my way into the doors of Recovery. I remember feeling so desperate. I wanted everyone at the meeting to tell me what to do and make the pain stop. My family was at their wits end and I was filled with shame and guilt. The person whom I went with decided it was not the meeting for her and she never returned. I was clueless at what was happening at the meeting but it felt good to be among my fellow suffers. I needed to be among people who were offering me hope and hope is what I found. The leader was a kind no nonsense wonderful woman who took me under her wing. She told me what I had to do and I thought there was no way I would be able to do it. I told her I’d wish I was dead. Recovery recognized my drama and the tempers I was displaying and the group explained that I was not exceptional, but an average nervous patients.
I believe that my depression and anxiety started as a young child and steadily developed over the years. My first major episode leading to hospitalization was in my thirties. I have been in counseling on and off through the years. I have been on numerous medications and had I have shock treatments. I still have symptoms, however the teachings of Dr. Low are showing me that I can still function and live a better quality of life. Yes it is a simple program but, definitely not easy. I am happy to say things are getting better. Most of time, I am surprising myself. Not too long ago I was cursing God for this illness. Lucky for me he doesn’t hold a grudge. I have so much to learn, especially patience. I still deal with anger issues and fear.
My life is changing for the better. I have learned that I am responsible for myself and I have the power to secure a better future for myself. Every day is a learning experience full of challenges. The spottings and lessons that Dr. Low gave us have proved to me that recovery is possible. I hardly recognized myself. I no longer feel helpless or hopeless.
My doctors and counselor are amazed at my progress. Yes, I still have symptoms from time to time, but a good portion of the fear has left me. This is also having a wonderful affect on my family life.
I am anticipating with joy these days. I would like to say to my fellow members, thank you all for your help and support!
On my of Recovery journey, I have been working very hard, I’ve experienced many setbacks and that’s okay. Dr. Low’s was through in his teachings of what to expect and how to deal with it. I continue to practice, by trying and failing, until it works. Knowledge teaches me what to do and practice tell me how to do it. The fears are diminishing. My muscles are getting a good workout. I am self-led rather than symptom led most of the time. I am gaining insight on how my tempers affect my mental health. My family is almost as proud of me, as I am on myself. I say that with humility, believe me. I look forward to many more years of good mental health by using my Recovery teachings. Thank you, Dr. Low and to all who have helped me on my journey. A special thanks to those who have kept Dr. Low’s method alive and well.
It feels so good to be just an average nervous patient!
I am here now and I am committed to working my Recovery Training!
These forums, phone meetings, face to face meeting I am lucky to attend plus the wonderful bonds with apprentices like yourself are my life line.
With deep gratitude and appreciation,
Kathleen
No magic pill could have given me what Dr. Low offers, but I must be WILLING to work the Recovery Method. I would have never thought I could be self-led rather than symptom-led! |
| Tinkerbell18 |
Posted - 05/02/2011 : 12:22:07
Dear Phantom:
I come back to your post again and again because it is so similar to my own experience. Thanks so much.
quote:
Originally posted by phantom
Which time?
In 1985 I had been hospitalized and a panel came to the hospital I was at and explained how the Recovery method helped them.
My symptoms then were lowered feelings and no appetite and self consciousness.
I went to Recovery and learned about fear of damage to the social personality and outer and inner environment and that most things i was afraid of were Distressing Not Dangerous. I became an assistant leader and then led my own group.
Then I developed two physical symptoms-paralysis on the left side of my body and frequent seizure like episodes. I stopped going to Recovery because of these making it difficult to get there.
After exhaustive medical testing could find no physical reasons for the "paralysis" and the "seizures" I went to a psychologist, who helped a little.
In 1998 I started going to Recovery again and learned we have control of our Thoughts, Impulses and Muscles. I went from having 16 non epileptic episodes a day to one a month and from one a month to almost never. Gradually with some physical therapy I regained the use of the muscles on my left side and now walk unaided and type with both hands. I learned that Every Act of Self Control Leads to an Improvement in Self Esteem. I went to work.
I got lazy and sabotaged and thot I did not need to go regularly and was hospitalized again in 2005. When asked how I was going to stay out of hospital, I told the social worker I was going to go to Recovery. She asked me how much would it cost and did I need a prescription from my pdoc for it! I was happy to tell her it is free and open to the public! She had never heard of it.
I have been attending the same group now for three years and have few symptom and none that are physically disabling. I am an Assistant at my regular group and will not be sabotaging by saying I do not need to go, anytime soon.
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| norwich |
Posted - 02/18/2011 : 05:40:42
Hi,
I’m glad to be in Recovery Int. and able to hear about the experiences of others. I’ve been sober for 25 years this year, I’m retired, a writer, I have friends, a loving husband, good enough health considering a past bout with cancer. I came from a classic alcoholic home, was suicidal, had many painful experiences before sobriety but finished school and kept jobs despite intense anxiety and depression; I have had (really) decades of therapy and have practiced meditation for many years too in attempts to fix myself. Thus I learned how to control my impulses and be group-minded but anxiety and depression dog me. I rely on a social mask and even though I finally finally! learned ways of successfully functioning, I often feel worthless. My husband now has a couple of serious illnesses and I still manage well but am scared.
I read Dr. Low’s books ten years ago and was thrilled to find them. There were zero meetings anywhere near me and phone meetings did not exist. I tried for a while to apply the principles and worked with a CBT therapist. A couple of months ago I googled Recovery Inc. and discovered all the changes. I have gone to as many phone meetings as possible and recently registered for this forum. Dr. Low’s tools are saving my life. My husband, a very practical & supportive guy, has said that I have changed more in the past month than I did in the previous 20 years. I feel genuine hope these days. I am grateful to be an apprentice.
And Hi to you Norwich. Welcome to the forums. We are glad to have you with us. I heard you on the Friday noon phone meeting with Joan Nobiling today. I suspect you will thrive here with your new found access to Recovery. And please don't hesitate to jump into spotting on the forums. It will help you to sharpen your skills.
Forum_Admin
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| Lester1961 |
Posted - 01/29/2011 : 22:02:25
I have been nervous and shy since a child. In 1958, I graduated from Purdue, and then I started my career as a Government engineer in Chicago. Shortly after then, my mother sent me a newspaper article on Recovery, and she suggested that I look into it. Months later, I dropped in on a meeting at Headquarters, but when I spoke up, I kept getting the admonition that we have to keep on the book. I didn't catch the point of that first meeting. The summer of 1960 was a miserable summer, when I kept getting light headed and air hunger, and often did the unconvincing complaint with my friends. I did keep functioning, going to work and living by myself. Sept 1960, I was in the hospital for observation for two weeks, when they found nothing physically wrong, but just nerves. In March 1961, I began to attend a RI group on the south side of Chicago (not headquarters) and found sympathetic people. I very shortly grasped such spottings as move my muscles and endorse.
I have had many years of practicing the method. Only a year after joining Recovery, I accepted another Government job in New Jersey, and bore the discomforts of relocating. During the later 1960s, I often went to two or three Recovery meetings a week. At age 33, I was suicidal, and Recovery saved my life by spotting self-pity, and dismiss thoughts of danger. During 1972 to 1974, I was assistant leader of a RI group in Orange, NJ, where I first met my wife. About in 1979, I quit going to Recovery, because I concluded that I had the method firmly established. I never went to any Recovery meetings during the 1980s and 1990s. I came back to Recovery in 2003, when I had the stress of my wife being in and out of mental hospitals. Here I am at age 76, having been a Recovery practicer since age 26. All these years Recovery has kept me functioning as an average person, with much to endorse myself for. I thank God for Dr. Low and Recovery.
Welcome Lester. I am glad to have to with us. And I am happy to see that you have jumped right in and have been spotting on examples. Thanks again!
Forum_Admin
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| Kathleen |
Posted - 01/20/2011 : 19:29:30
Welcome emeth1500 to Recovery! A word of caution from our veteran members is that Recovery training is not easy, nor is it a quick fix. It requires sustained effort and practice over a period of time. We can be patient with ourselves and allow our Recovery training to come to us at our own pace. Our mental health is our supreme goal. The Patient Wants the Ends of Health, Not Its Means (Chapter 49 in MHTWT) Dr. Low reminds us to be kind and patient with ourselves in the process. |
| flmiller |
Posted - 01/20/2011 : 15:16:38
Our actions influence our thoughts and beliefs. According to Dr. Low, “Everybody speaks of the brain as governing behavior. That’s all nonsense. The brain plays quite some part in behavior, but not the principal part; the principal part is played by the muscles. The brain influences the muscles, there is no doubt. But the muscles can influence the brain much more.” (MFMA, p. 332) We can help diminish feelings of fear by doing the thing we fear to do. For example, if we are afraid of leaving the house, we can choose to move our muscles to leave the house and go for a walk and then endorse for the effort. When we do this we convince the brain there was no danger. |
| emeth1500 |
Posted - 01/19/2011 : 22:47:02
I am new to Recovery, but not new to CBT techniques. I just need to periodically tune up, and now is one of those times when I especailly need it. In the language of (at least what I think so far) Recovery International, I exhibit a lot of fear temper, which exacerbates self-loathing and manifests in socially prescribed perfectionism. (and then increases my self-loathing, etc.)
It is that pernicious cycle! I am hoping to be able to attend soem online meetings and nip this in the bud, as it is interfering majorly in my work and relationships.
I am trying very hard not to be discouraged that I seem to keep having to relearn how to think healthily.
I am puzzled by the "exercise of muscles" advice here.
Thank you! |
| chloe777 |
Posted - 12/28/2010 : 06:15:09
I have not attended a meeting since last August. No one was coming even if there was an ad in the newspaper. My doctor refused to put pamphlet in her office. There was only the facilicitor and i all the time, so we decided only have a meetin if someone saw the ad and wanted to ocme which we did a few time but they would not come again. I do miss the meetings. I am now attending a group with the local mental health clinic. i may be able to tell them what recovery did for me. I was able to attend a training program and join the workforce after 31 years. i am now retired since because i was already 62 years old when I started working again.
Thank you for your post. I need to contact with recovery friends like you.
Clo |
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