Desperately Seeking Unconventional Treatment

I've had a clinical psychologist & psychiatrist for 2 years. I feel like it's not doing much. In some ways I guess it's helped, but I do just as much SI & planning. Sometimes I feel like I have too much childhood trauma for what they taught therapists at Universities.

Does anyone know of a system that might work? At this point I don't care what it is. Chinese medicine, acupuncture, a book from a motivational speaker, yoga? Meditation helps a bit sometimes, but feel like something's missing. I doubt there's any single thing that will work, but there must be a better system for me. A program or even a self-help book.

Feeling desperate to be a productive *Happy* person. I see happy people in stores and videos and just can't imagine what that must feel like. It must be amazing!

I'm sorry u are having such a rough time. I know in the post u specifically talk about childhood trauma. while I can't speak to that for sure, I do know a person who had really bad depression. nothing seemed to work. they decided to do TMS treatment (it's kind of hard to explain but just google it). as a person with a psychology academic background, I think that there's still a lot of fear around the idea of using TMS as a treatment because people think shock therapy (which is not the same thing at all). while it's a newer type of treatment for depression, TMS has been around for years with it now being used for a variety of mental disorders (I am not sure if trauma is included). for the person I know, it was half an hour of treatment, five days a week, for 12 weeks. while it didn't cure the depression, it did help with the symptoms. I notice a change in this person, and they say that they feel like 35% better than they did before the treatment. it's my understanding that people experience varying degrees of symptom relief, so it might be interesting to explore. and for the person I know, it was covered by insutance

@Miswimmy1

TMS sounds hopeful. I'll definitely look into that. Thanks for offering help!

Just wanted to offer a hug, if wanted - I can’t offer any advice but I’m sorry you’re struggling, and hope you can find something that helps!

I too hope you find something that helps (I don't have any advice but wanted to send a hug

A book I found that is helping me is called: Yoga For Emotional Trauma by Mary NurrieStearns and Rick NurrieStearns

Is it a cure? I can't sell that. Does it seem to help? I think it's helping me. I'm also experimenting with essential oils for aromatherapy and working with crystals and gemstones. They say the crystals probably have a placebo effect, and shouldn't replace treatment or seeing a doctor. They certainly make me smile and feel happier. A lot of mine are simply pretty to look at, and that alone makes me smile. I guess you could say it's color therapy too.

Another technique that is helping me is keeping a gratitude journal. It's made me realize, despite things that happened throughout my life, abuse, and trauma, there are still things to be thankful for and life can still be good and hold positives. I don't know what will work for you, but it doesn't hurt to experiment safely and try new things in addition to seeing a therapist and taking medications.

I really like David Burns' books. His latest was Feeling Great. The Feeling Good Workbook is more approachable if you are just getting into the cognitive behavioral therapy approach.

Have you talked to your current psychologist/psychiatrist about your concerns about how well the treatment is working? They may have some ideas about alternatives also.

Something that has helped me a lot is DBT. There's a workbook by McKay. It's a green workbook. You can find it on Amazon. I use the Kindle version and highlight it. I have lots of book marks and notes too. I hope something like that can help you. Sending hugs and support that you soon find what you need.