rhino 0 #1 November 25, 2002 I wanted to share something that has done me tons of good recently when it comes to stress management. All this garbage with fighting for custody of my son has had me a little on the stressed side. I think I had actually conditioned myself to be scared of the circumstance of having to deal with her "My Ex and her little mind games".. Even on drop offs I had that sick feeling in my stomach.. It got to the point where I felt like I was in a downward spiral into depression and I had no idea what to do? I was miserable for no reason at all.. There is no reason that my ex should bother me in the slightest. So, considering going on antidepressants for the first time in my life I decided to take a closer look at myself. I am a definite fan of psychology. I started reading a few different books. I wanted to know if this feeling I was having could be fixed without medication? I DID NOT want to go on antidepressants of any sort. The first thing I started doing is when I felt that anxiety coming on "normally at work for no reason" I would close my eyes.. Take slow deep breaths and concentrate on that sick feeling that I was having in the pit of my stomach coming out with every breath. After a couple of minutes I was feeling fine.. I started doing this a few times a day every day every time I felt anxiety coming on.. It was working!! I didn't know or understand why this breathing technique was working until I read something in the book EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE. This is what I read.. Patients also may learn relaxation techniques that give them the ability to counter their edginess and nervousness. A physiological calm opens a window for helping the brutalized emotional circuitry rediscover that life is not a threat and for giving back to patients some of the sense of security they had in their lives before the trauma happened. I don't normally share something so personal about myself but people need this information. After I read that piece of the book I felt a HUGE weight come off of my shoulders. I now understood that I could undo what was causing me trauma on a constant basis.. Anxiety and stress before the breathing technique and book was 9-10 on a scale of 1 to 10. After the breathing technique and reading that portion of the book.. I might get to a 1 or a 2 before I quickly get it under control telling myself that everything is fine.. Relax.. I replace the "WHAT IF" in my head with "SO WHAT!"... I hope this helps someone...... You see, I was living in the past, worrying about things I have no control over. Now I am living for the future and my ex and her garbage doesn't bother me in the slightest. To Ex and friends... If you are reading this.. Nothing you do bothers me, you will never break up my family, you are like an itch in the crack of my ass that I scratch when I need to, I will keep walking and itch you when I have to.. Have a great day.. Rhino Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dove 0 #2 November 25, 2002 Right the fuck on Rhino! That's awesome! I have heard that breathing techniques really work and have experienced a few times myself but always led by someone else. My problem is remembering to use the technique. Thanks for bringing it back to mind. Your son is one lucky fella! Fall in dove. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
blondeflyer7 0 #4 November 25, 2002 I'm sooooo glad to hear I'm not alone Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rhino 0 #5 November 25, 2002 No where near alone hun.. There is an ARMY of great parents that the system works against... We just have to keep at it.. With our kids in the #1 spot.. Keep the faith... Rhino Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PhillyKev 0 #6 November 25, 2002 Rhino, you may want to check out Hatha Yoga. I took it in college. It's basically breathing and stretching combined with meditation. Takes your breath exercises and adds to it. Really gives you a good attitude adjustment. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
blondeflyer7 0 #7 November 25, 2002 Quote No where near alone hun.. There is an ARMY of great parents that the system works against... We just have to keep at it.. With our kids in the #1 spot.. Keep the faith... Faith I have.. and Hope for the future that one day my daughter can be with me the one that will let her be herself and not be controled into something she's not. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rhino 0 #8 November 25, 2002 Phill,,, I'm fine now.. That's why I posted this Rhino Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rhino 0 #9 November 25, 2002 Let me add a disclaimer.. If you are a bi-polar psycho don't substitute this breathing technique for medical help. This worked for me, it might notwork for someone that needs medical care. Rhino Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
