Worsening of symptoms with journaling

I am certain I have tms and believe that mind body work will heal my excruciating knee pain. Every time I journal the pain gets really bad. I work for a primary school and will be on summer break in a month. It is really hard to work like this but I keep thinking if I can just hold out until school is over, I will have so much time to devote to doing the work with the luxury of having no place to be. I would love to dive right in now but a few stressors have caused my pain to elevate to its highest level yet. It is very difficult to walk and because it causes a limp, everyone at work has been asking if I'm okay and wondering what is wrong. Does anyone have suggestions of things I can do to lessen the pain or make it more bearable for another month or should I just forge ahead and do the journaling? I guess I'm wondering if others have had this experience of worsening pain with journaling and if so, how long did it go on before you could journal without having a flair?

 

Hi Ziggy, I hope you feel better soon. I wasn't able to heal fully just from the journaling -- but something that helped tremendously was to use the journaling to identify the topics I needed to do a deeper dive on. Then I used REBT psychology techniques to really heal on those upsetting topics. Have you read Dr. Albert Ellis's work to learn how to do this? I'm completely well now (100%) and I had been sick for DECADES. I hope you find full healing!!

 

Hi Ziggy,
The journaling is definitely going to dig up a lot of emotions and probably make symptoms worse. I guess if I were in your shoes, I would just wait until you have time off to do the journaling.

 

Thank you, Jane. I have never heard of this but will look into it. One of the biggest hurdles I have is that there are no PRT practitioners in my area (potentially covered by insurance) and I can't afford to pay out of pocket to see someone virtually. Did you use REBT psychology on your own or with the help of a therapist?

 

Thanks for your input, Diana. I sure can't wait for break!!

 

This is my recommendation regarding doing TMS work. Pick a program, set up a daily practice, but limit the time you spend on it daily (say an hour or so). Then go about your life and don't keep checking on your TMS. "Is it better or worse today? What about now? Am I making progress yet?" TMS work is about developing a whole new way of being. It takes time and commitment. Progress doesn't happen in a straight trajectory. Don't replace a focus on your body/symptoms with a focus on TMS work. It's all the same unhealthy obsession. There is a whole world out there to cultivate and enjoy. Find healthy distractions that you enjoy.

And one day you'll notice that your symptoms are gone. And when you try to figure out when they left, you won't be able to because you were too busy living your life to notice.

 

Hi Ziggy,
What is PRT? I found my therapist on the TMS listing, yes. I wouldn't have been able to apply the REBT techniques as rigorously on my own and this was a major part of my full healing. I can't say enough about my wonderful experience and success. Good luck!!!

 

There are many reasons for TMS symptoms. One of those is that your nervous system is seeking homeostasis, and when it feels safe, it starts letting out the repressed energy that has been stuck for years in your body. It sucks but believe me, pain during journaling is a very good sign.