[Angel_of_the_Past]

Here I go again...I get so wrapped up trying to help others that I start feeling like I can't post my true feelings. There is so much heart ache and hurt here I feel like mine is immaterial. I know, I know it's not true-but that's what's happening to me.
Thoughts?
Angel

((Angel_of_the_Past ))))))))))
you know you matter here
try not to overwhelm yourself
everyones feelings count
remember to breath
and use self care
muffy

[pegasus]

I thought you said in another post that you were a clinician?

Self-care is vital of course. I have read a lot of your posts and you are doing very well!

Take breaks from time to time, you don't need to answer every single post, just the ones you feel you are able to support. And if you are in need of support yourself, just ask. We all help each other here.

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pegasus said:
And if you are in need of support yourself, just ask. We all help each other here.


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Yes, this!!!!

((((((((((((((((((((((Angel)))))))))))))))))))))))))

[Angel_of_the_Past]

Yes you are correct-a Masters level Clinician. But with that said...some times we don't practice what we preach. I need to keep reminding myself that right now , here on PC, I'm just a person with some issues to work on just like everyone else. My role is not that of a Clinician.

I know the importance of self care, but I care about others so much some times I forget.

PS: thank you for the compliment about how I'm doing.

Angel

[Angel_of_the_Past]

You know, I regret that I put my educational level on a posting. I want to be just a regular person here. I hope this doesn't affect the way others view me.

Mental Illness affects all walks of life and knows no socioeconomic boundaries.

[Sannah]

Hi Angel, I have dealt with the issue of not meeting my needs and attending to everyone else's instead. What helped me to overcome it was to realize that this was how I was raised and that I could change it. A specific breakthrough occurred one day when I realized that I wouldn't meet my own needs because deep down inside I believed that this would upset my mom/that she wouldn't love me anymore. Like all of our deepest beliefs that keep us captive, this belief was formed when I was very small with few analytical/thinking skills. I am sure that it was based on one of the many disapproving reactions that I got from my mom and that I read so well. I had a very self-centered mother who never could focus on my needs. If you won't let yourself meet your own needs meeting the same needs for others sort of helps I think. I am glad that this is all behind me now. One more thing. When I was working on this issue I had a dream one night of holding a little girl and giving her all sorts of attention and love. When I awoke in the morning I realized that I was taking care of me! This was the final turning point.

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Angel_of_the_Past said:
You know, I regret that I put my educational level on a posting. I want to be just a regular person here. I hope this doesn't affect the way others view me.

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Pretty much everyone here knows my education level, as well as my job-- I still feel like a 'regular person.' We are all 'regular' people-- our mental illnesses, jobs, schooling, whatever-- are just parts of us.

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Mental Illness affects all walks of life and knows no socioeconomic boundaries.

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Just as a side note-- I have always found this statement interesting-- While this is true, regarding mental illness overall, it greatly affects the quality/existence of mental health treatment-- and the way that individuals are treated by others in society.

[Christina86]

Frequently happens, unfortunately. People tend to downplay their bad experiences and emotions in the face of comparing themselves to others. I know I do, for one. What we need to learn is to realize that our experiences and our ways of experiencing our emotions are completely unique to us. (It's like trying to compare an apple ... and a computer, as an example... can't be done!)

Self-care just means taking time out for yourself. Sit with your emotions. Do something enjoyable. Be willing to accept your feelings yourself, even if you can't express them with others. That's a big step.

[Angel_of_the_Past]

</font><blockquote><div id="quote"><font class="small">Quote:</font>
Mental Illness affects all walks of life and knows no socioeconomic boundaries.

</div></font></blockquote><font class="post">

Just as a side note-- I have always found this statement interesting-- While this is true, regarding mental illness overall, it greatly affects the quality/existence of mental health treatment-- and the way that individuals are treated by others in society.

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I agree; one of my biggest fears is loosing my credibility. One would think working in health care, your colleagues would be exempt to that bias.

[pegasus]

I am sorry you took my comment the wrong way, I was just surprised that a clinician was asking about self-care. Self-care is the very first thing you learn about otherwise you wouldn't be any good for anyone at all.

Take care.

[Angel_of_the_Past]

Sorry, I'm just a little sensitive right now.

While the "cat's" out of the bag...my area of advanced practice is cardiology not psychiatry. Of course my training did include some mental health work.
Angel

[pegasus]

Ah, I thought you were a T, please accept my apology.

Still think you are doing well!

((((((((((((((((((Angel)))))))))))))))))))))

please dont be scared to reach out .... you are right, everyone needs help at some point .... you are very supportive, let us support YOU for a while .... love and care, Jinny xoxoxoxoxo

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pegasus said:

Ah, I thought you were a T, please accept my apology.

Still think you are doing well!

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Even T's can have not-so-great self care habits. Self care does not come naturally for everyone, sometimes it really has to be learned and practiced.

[Angel_of_the_Past]

Thanks to everyone for your supporting words. Even though I'm not a "T", I'm still a licensed health care provider and need to be mindful of my work habits: ie self care. I love my work and get to wrapped up my patients. I care a great deal about what I do (just in case you haven't figured that out).

Angel