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Ilona Goanos's avatar

You have been through a nightmare. I'm happy you're well again despite the despicable treatment you received. It's no wonder we have so many unhealed people here in the US with the terrible mental health system in place. I'm really grateful you made it through to the other side despite so many people failing you.

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Linda Hoenigsberg's avatar

Thanks, my friend! 🩷

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a.c.tomasulo's avatar

thankfully, I have come to recognize that even hurtful people can be blessings. My breathing became increasingly difficult as I read this piece. It, sadly reminded me of a therapist I had seen.

Though he was manipulative, he also offered me some insight. It was, in the end.my faith in my own ability to trust my intuitions and my faith in G-D that brought an interior peace as I cut the cords with that therapist. When more healers, (doctors, therapists, and more), begin to see their own skills as simply that, and become aware that they are mere vessels, conduits of healing, then a shift will take place. We are not the great "fixers" We are carriers of Healing Love. Thank you for this piece.

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Linda Hoenigsberg's avatar

Thank you so much. You always have a lot of insight.

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Yvonne's avatar

I meant : would like to (know) more about it.

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Linda Hoenigsberg's avatar

Hi Yvonne. When I write that life unfolded that hindered my progress for awhile, it was because I lost family members and got into some unhealthy relationships, which set me back. But when I think of how I got better, I believe it was because I got in touch with my spiritual side (for me it was Christianity) and I discovered cognitive behavior therapy. I not only read about the principles but I practiced the principles daily. Once I saw any progress, I felt a tiny bit better and this made me try longer. My mental health became better and better over time and I eventually overcame major depression, panic disorder, and agoraphobia. There are many self-help books out there now that are so good. One I recommend to everyone is "Thoughts and Feelings" available on Amazon.

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Yvonne's avatar

Linda, thank you for your reply. My house is full of excellent books but I feel that books alone are not sufficient. As you mentioned you have to apply the principles daily ( not an easy feat for people suffering from depression. It's a combination of knowledge and a good therapist who can help you apply those principles, not to mention a good support system and interconnection. Is the book 'Thoughts and Feelings' by Matthew McKay PhD? I will have a look.

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Yvonne's avatar

Here, it's very difficult to find an experienced and competent mental health therapist or psychologist. The health system is so broken. I agree with your comment that we need therapists who have experienced a lot of life. Most therapists only have textbook knowledge. What can a young therapist possibly know about the life of a 60+ person? I am happy to hear about your recovery. I would like to hear more about it. What steps did you take? Linda, thank you for sharing! All the best to you ❤

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Karen E. Hetherington's avatar

You captured the essence of the apparent inability of "educated" people to inner stand the nuances of menta/emotional turmoil. And the body's traumas.

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Linda Hoenigsberg's avatar

While I was in school I would see these young people who had been raised in healthy environments and were too young to have had many life experiences and wonder how they could possibly help others. I know they could, but I think it's helpful to have experiences a lot of life yourself.

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Joan Spilman's avatar

Thank you for this.

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Wayne's avatar

You talk about the hard stuff, thanks.

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