71 replies to this topic

[bluelikejazz]

I'd prioritise the happiness trap.

The third book is written by Stephen Hayes, who created ACT (Russ Harris popularised it) but I find him quite hard to read. I've never heard of the authors of the PTSD book but it looks like Hayes has thrown his weight behind it. Either way I'd read the happiness trap first and then go from there.

[Wooster]

*bounce bounce*

I thought I didn't get benefits until January with my job, but I get them in December.

After I go to my benefits meeting next week, I will be able to start looking for someone who takes my insurance who does ACT so I can start studying it from the inside out!

[scatty]

blue- I have not been doing my exercises for a few days. I am currently starting a new med and it is making my moods go all over the place. I can barely focus. I'm getting more depressed, so I really should do it, but I just cannot seem to.

Test- I would recommend The Happiness Trap to start with. Some people have had trouble with the Get Out Of Your Mind book, I think.

Woo- that is great! There is a website to find an ACT therapist. I forget what it's called but I'm sure google will be of help.

The good news is that my ACT anger book has really curbed my irritability and rage. You do have to commit a lot of time to doing the work, though. I guess I'm taking a break from ACT for a bit.

[Bernard]

Scatty,
What kinds of activities do you do with the anger stuff. Dr Lady has touched on my anger and rage issues but is focusing a bit on my relationships instead. I'd love to hear about some of the activities. It's great to hear it has helped curb your rage. That's real progress, my friend.

[scatty]

When I am feeling a bit better I will paraphrase some of the activities. Now I wish I was just angry instead of depressed!

[Bernard]

When I am feeling a bit better I will paraphrase some of the activities. Now I wish I was just angry instead of depressed!

Fair enough. Right now I was I wasn't depressed AND angry.
Be gentle with yourself.

[scatty]

I have to look at my workbooks again.  My mind is like a sieve, and I am having trouble remembering several important stratagies.  The anger book has you rewind in your mind a situation in which you got angry and pinpoint where you could have reacted differently.  It goes into a lot more detail than that, but that is one basic exercise.  I have notes about several of my ACT books, and I need to review them. 

 

How is everyone else doing?

[Bernard]

Hey Scatty, 

I'm doing great but I am really driving home the practice and I had a med tweak. I think getting the meds right has helped incredibly - because now I can actually think almost straight. 

[bluelikejazz]

I keep forgetting to use ACT skills. I'm thinking about past trauma and I only realised last night that I can actually use defusion on thoughts about that too.

[scatty]

Good for you Bernard!  I am still jealous that you have the lovely Dr. Lady, but very glad for you that ACT is better known where you are. 

 

Blue- I know I have to refer to my notes taken from workbook exercises at least twice a week to be able to use the skills.  I also have two companion CD ROMS with exercises that I should be doing daily, as in at least one exercise a day.  The stress just makes my mind go blank.  I wish I had a tdoc to hold me accountable, but the ones here don't have any idea what act is and just ask you "how does that make you feel?" about everything.  I swear, a well trained chimpanzee could offer more comprehensive therapy than the county mental health systems here.

[Wooster]

 

I swear, a well trained chimpanzee could offer more comprehensive therapy than the county mental health systems here.

Must. not. drink. coffee. while. reading. CB. in. the. morning.

[scatty]

I am falling off the wagon once again.  I have to rewrite my "Poison Pills"  (as my book calls them.)  At least most of those are resolved, so i have accomplished something.  Just interacting with people is a big trigger for me right now, maybe due to a med adjustment.  I don't want to spend time with anyone, but that is one of my life goals.  My problem with ACt now, is that is says you can'r just TRY, you have to DO no matter how you feel.  I just can't do it, and am basically just existing at this point.