Following my 3rd suicide attempt, a couple of years ago now, I was asked to take part in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy through my doctor’s surgery. I’d never heard of it and to be perfectly honest, at that time I was so far down into not caring that I suddenly found myself being an outpatient at Positive Steps.
During the early days, I was sure that it was going to be such a waste of time given that they could only offer me 20 sessions at the maximum and come on, I had had 20+ years of slowing being consumed by the negative impact my disability had on me that how we’re 20 sessions going to make any difference?! But I was pleasantly surprised by CBT and my caseworker, Lorna.
You see, unlike my other experiences with the mental health system, CBT didn’t try to dumb down the fact that I was going through a rotten time and Lorna didn’t try to empathise or sympathise with me which I greatly appreciated and gradually came to respect her for, but it was about changing my thoughts and teaching me how to cope with the inevitability of negative thoughts seaping into my brain.
I can safely say with a hand on heart, that I truly believe 2 years on, CBT saved my life. I am now able to severe my bad thoughts into something more positive and a lot more constructive and although sometimes I still find myself stuck at self harm, it’s not nearly as often or as dangerous as before.
So, enough was enough – cheers CBT!
2 comments
If I ever get out of my current circumstances, I might have to give CBT a try – CBT and mindfulness or something. It definitely ain’t going to work where I am now, though. It’s very cool it helped you so much. 😀
yep glad it worked for ya but some of us are way too far gone 🙁