Hiya.

[shawnkathleen]

I am new to the forum but have been a listener for quite a while. I finally decided it was time for me to join all of you wonderful people here. Hello.

~SK

[shawnkathleen]

I clicked 'submit' before mentioning that I have recently been experiencing what I assume to be severe depression. I have had anxiety off and on for many years, however now it seems that the depression has bypassed my anxiety. I am also a raging hypochondriac and have had it for as long as I can remember. I like to joke about it, but in reality it really fucking sucks.

[algernon]

Hello shawnkat!!

Welcome to the forum......I hope you find a ticket to better things here. That prospect is very likely.

Hypochondria is familiar to me via someone I love very much. I always try to listen and cite the purely logical (rational) reasons why worst case health scenarios are not to be default conclusions. I've observed that obsessive habits in other areas of her life power the hypochondria and perhaps hypochondria itself is merely an obsession......but I don't discount the frightening implications of hypochondria as an obsession, unlike obsessing over work habits or whatever else, the shit's (hypochondria) in its own league.

It seems that Albert Ellis' "Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy" or REBT with its rational thinking, self-disputation training would be a good bet to gain relief from the distress of hypochondria. I'm just a layman with a partiality to this therapy.....and to meditation/mindfulness.....but all must agree these are among the best tools in the arsenal of compassionate, intelligent people dealing with mental illness. Committing to a practice of these and/or other treatments and therapies requires work and patience too, naturally. (that's why people who seek medical/psychological help are called "patients!") And money helps too, always......thought we don't always have that even in small allowances. (but that problem is addressed in here too......)

The forum is getting pretty big as an information source and the topic menu is well thought out for zooming in to what your interests are. People have seen it all in here......

So shawnkat.....pace yourself and have hope for better days. This is your forum if you want.

[shawnkathleen]

Thank you so much for your response and info, I truly appreciate it!!

[shawnkathleen]

Depending on my mood I either speak too much or don't say anything at all. Either way I wanted to make sure you knew that I read your reply and appreciate it.

Does anyone else here feel that they are far inferior in intelligence? I get that feeling often when Paul reads the deep and articulate emails and/or surveys from the listeners. Sometimes it makes me feel like a complete maroon. Other times it just makes me wish I could express myself more openly.

I am rambling, but I am guessing this is the place to do it.

[algernon]

Hello again, shawnkat!

You're quite welcome......and......a little obsessive-driven addendum from me......

...but all must agree these are among the best tools in the arsenal of compassionate, intelligent people dealing with mental illness.

....all must agree NOT, I must revise my assertion, but many will!

SEEYA IN THE FORUM, shawnkat!

[algernon]

shawnkat you've posted again!!

I'm 57 soon to be 58 and one of the most liberating days of my life came not very long ago when I realized that I'm simply not as smart as I thought I was! Man, did that long overdue revelation give me lasting relief!

Albert Ellis, again, spoke about the curse of self-esteem!

GOOD NIGHT and sleep well.....feel easy......

[Paul Gilmartin]

Shawn Kathleen,
Welcome to the forum! I recognize you from posting about the show on FB. I appreciate your kindness. For what its worth, I've always found your postings to be intelligent and extremely heartfelt. When I think of the warm circle of listeners protecting me from my negative voices, you are one of them. So put that in your pipe and smoke it. I appreciate all the listeners, but I have to say, the maternal vibe I get from the female listeners touches something really, really deep inside me. I'm sure it's my fucked up mom issues, but I don't care. It really, moves me, often to the point of tearing up. So know that you make a difference. I may host the show, but I'm as thirsty for peace love and understanding as you guys.

Paul

[shawnkathleen]

Thank you, Paul. I really appreciate you.

Much love.