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bpktvikesfan
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bpktvikesfan bpktvikesfan
 
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Default Oct 15, 2019 at 10:56 AM
  #1
Since I can remember, at least the last twenty or so years, I have not been able to identify my emotions. I never know how I am feeling. I remember all the times in the hospital we would get sheets of paper with different facial expressions to help us pick how we felt. I struggled with that. I guess it is a coping skill I acquired at a young age, I separate myself from what i am feeling, but this has led to serious physical and emotional issues. I realize I am suppressing but it is so natural, I am so quick to avoid an emotion that I cant find a way to prevent this from occurring. I believe i could avoid a lot of my anxiety attacks and panic attacks if i could learn to address my emotions when they are happening, does anyone have any advice on how to do this.

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Default Oct 15, 2019 at 11:37 AM
  #2
I can only relate to what I have done.

I'm insecure/ avoident attached . I have suppressed emotions my whole life as it was ingrained in me. I mimicked characteristics of ASPD because that's what I thought I was. I've been in deep therapy for a while now and realize that as I have been putting in the work to change and rewire, I do have an emotional well. I'm finding it harder to shut down emotionally. I used to be able to power down all emotion very easily.

It takes practice to identify the emotion and to trace it backwards . For example, how can " I'm not mad, I'm disappointed in you " bring me so far down? When I go backwards I can see it. My parents said this to me constantly.

This book could be of some help : Authentic Happiness by Martin Seligman, Ph.D

The method ABCD could help you in the moment.

Most importantly, you want to change and that is a great thing! I would suggest therapy if you are not already going. Self help is good, but a guide makes the journey easier.
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Default Oct 17, 2019 at 07:26 AM
  #3
I have been thinking about something like this for awhile. I seldom smile or laugh anymore. I used to be the funny guy everyone wanted to hang with. But my contracted emotions go in the other direction, too. I virtually never am overcome with sadness anymore. Never cry. It is almost impossible to get any kind of a significant emotional reaction out of me anymore. It's just not there. Doesn't matter what happens.

I have lost everything a person can lose in this life, other than my own physical life. I think this current me is just my soul's way of responding to what it's been asked to deal with. There's really nothing left. It's all gone. So, maybe on some level, nothing really matters at this point. Who really cares? I don't, that's for sure. That's where I am, And it's not a happy place, unfortunately.

The only other thing that does come to mind sometimes is that some people on lithium occasionally report that their emotions are sort of constricted. Maybe that is part of what is going on with me. The problem is, I could never d/c my lithium. I would die. Guess I will just have to live with this emotional death.

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