Day 1 This is different, but I’m willing to try!

Hey everyone,

I’ve been struggling with IBS, chronic pain and other physical and mental health issues for over a decade now (which feels like a lot, given I’m only 31). Like a lot of other people here, I feel like I’ve tried everything and wasted countless dollars trying to heal. After giving up and just trying to manage my symptoms for awhile, I reached a point late last year where I just felt I couldn’t take it anymore. I needed to do something.

I found a therapist who works from a more somatic perspective who recommended learning about TMS. Having studied psychology myself, imagine my surprise learning that, in all my years of training, I had never even heard of Dr. Sarno or TMS. They don’t even discuss his work in somatic or mind-body courses!

The book was mind-blowing for me. I now journal daily and have noticed a definite difference in my relationship to pain. Sometimes it subsides altogether, just from the way I’ve changed my mind. But when I become too stressed (which is often), I forget what I learned. Living in society serves as a constant reminder of my previous programming, that pain is physical and structural in nature. I have to constantly remind myself of what I’ve learned. I also find myself dipping into the “this won’t work for me” mindset.

I’m here because I really want to do the work, go all in and make a change. I’m also eager to connect with others who have successfully overcome TMS symptoms. I appreciate this community and am looking forward to the journey.

 

Thank you Jan! I appreciate all the support offered here.