[Numbed]

I've spent a lot of time giving others advice and support, and basically severely neglecting my own pressing issues, worsening symptoms and pain.

Spending hours even whole days, addressing others problems.

I need to put a stop to it if i'm gonna have a chance of dealing with C-PTSD.

I mean, as a guy, I cry a shocking amount watching movies, not that i've got a problem with crying, just react too strongly. Or even seeing/hearing a baby cry, can get to me.

I can detach, but that puts me back to where i'm trying to move away from.

Does the intense emotional reaction tamper down over with therapy?

Thanks.

[MotownJohnny]

Hi, Numbed. Hey, I cry at sad movies, too - it's ok to be a sensitive guy as long as it doesn't interfere. With you, it sounds like it is interfering. Not "being there" for others in my life who I care about isn't an option, but at times, I do have to withdraw a bit, and just say "that can't be my problem, I have enough of my own."

I think anything can improve with therapy if it's a goal of therapy, so I would definitely bring it up and say "what can we do about this"?

[ChipperMonkey]

Are you familiar with the DBT "wise mind" concept? It's pretty much the central idea of this type of treatment, as a main goal of DBT is emotional regulation. This concept states that there is the "emotional mind" and the "rational mind", and in the middle, a blending of these two minds is what is called "wise mind" that is a balance of the two extremes. I suggest that you look up DBT as it is great for helping one to regulate emotions. This is my current struggle----not becoming overly emotional and trying to stay in my "wise mind". It's not easy, not by a long shot. I'm the type of person who used to get depressed by going to the zoo, but just went again last week and was able to enjoy seeing the animals without getting sad that they were all locked up outside of nature....was able to see that much of what was done there was part of conservation efforts rather than just "animal jail". I can't vacation in third world countries, either, as it depresses me horribly to think I am there with my mega (ha) American bucks while there are those around me who get by on so little. I joke about the mega American bucks, because even though I am technically below poverty level in my income, I have so much more than many of the people where I was vacationing. It is HARD when you're so emotional and empathetic, but what has helped me is to logically work through my feelings. I do the same when I am completely numb, too....that is, I rationalize what I feel or rather, what others feel for me, even when I can't actually feel it for myself.

[Teacake]

Breathe in their pain.
Let it strike the diamond embedded in your heart.
As it strikes the diamond of your heart it is transformed to perfect peace and bliss ans submission to Love. Or whatever YOU name the highest good, wisdom or whatever. I just say "goodness" or "pleasant goodness".

Breathe out that goodness.

Breathe in the world's distress.
Breathe out goodness.

Know that even when you are just breathing, you are still recycling the world pain into the world comfort.

[Teacake]

And be aware that you may be using other peoples pain to avoid your own. I do It too.

[BLUEDOVE]

Teacake has a valid point,but I tell you,apart from
not putting dear self first (at times), the fact that you empathize so deeply,is fine,noble virtue.
But it is needed for dear self too; please get this
book, it will help to give same understanding to
self, that you give to others--then you have BALANCE!
"Self-Compassion" by Kristin Neff.

Kindest Regards,
BLUEDOVE

[Numbed]

Thank you all so much, you have given me some great advice!

@BLUEDOVE: Reading now