CBT and MyGlitch

Disclosure: As a reminder I don't go back and correct any mental errors while writing because that is true to how my brain works with living with epilepsy. In order to understand this by someone just joining, one example at times I might speak a seteances out ouf order, or repeat them, spelling.

CBT Defined

CBT is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy as defined by Mayo Clinic, it is a common type of talk therapy(psychotherapy). You work with a mental health counselor(psychotherapist or therapist) in a structured way individulized for each person. CBT helps you become aware of inaccurate or negative self thinking so you can view challenging situations more clearly and respond in a more effective way. This type of therapy is used for various types of conditions, but not everyone has mental health conditions. It can also be useful for anyone to learn to handle stressful situations in a better way.

REMINDER: Go back and read Brent's entry in December 2023 to explain a Pain Rehabilitation program at Mayo. I went through to assist with living with non-epileptic seizures (PNES), along with controlling anxiety, depression, OCD and pain from Fibromalgyia. CBT was part of this program. These are conditions you try to control where you can.

My Personalized CBT Program

Ideally you want to have a session 1x a week in person. Unfortunately in our area this is not offered. I also needed a therapist that understood my various types of Epilepsy. I was on a waiting list for a while offered through the Florida Epilepsy Alliance. It is located out of Miami, FL and due to the many individuals living with conditions along with their Epilepsy they can only offer sessions via zoom 1x a month. If you live in some areas they do have in person. I encourage others to reach out, no matter what you're feeling any assistance with your mental health can be very helpful to not only yourself but those that love you.

Recent CBT Zoom Wednesday, February 19th

My first session, began with Brent and I together so she also had a persepctive of what I am living with through Brent's observations. After that first one, I have them by myself but family is always welcome to join. Each session she always begins with talking about my family, as she knows this always lifts me up and just general talk about what our family has been up to. Think of it as chatting with a family/friend via zoom. After each session, she provides tasks for me to do, as well as items for family/friends to watch for in my actions.

She was very impressed of all the cognitive activites I added to my daily routine. However; due to my OCD type A personality perfection, the days I missed something I was feeling I was not meeting up to expectations. Would place added stress and feeling of guilt. My negative self-talk has gotten better outloud via CBT. She said by my unknown actions it shows I am still having negative thoughts or feeling of guilt of not being good enough or do enough for my family and others. I also am still a worl in progress with my memory, and not starting conversations in the middle. I also still have an obsesion to helps others, not knowing when to say no and need to focus more on myself.

Potential Seizure During Session

Remember i have various types of seizures, and all look very different. While I was in the middle of talking I stopped and what "normal" indivudals would say I am just zoning out, stariring blankly and my eye lids flutter, and at times small body movements . These are known as Absence Seizures, very brief and return to what you were doing. So brief many would never know I have them, and I do not recall what happened. Afterwards, I typically feel "off" and tired.

My Assignments For March 19th CBT Zoom

Do less scheduled "brain/cognitive activites", do various engaging activites to be more reaxed and intention to avoid OCD and feeling of failing when certain ones not completed. Continue with exercise(when safe), due to studies that show our mind is directly related to our body. In fact our body sends off alarms we just don't realize it.

Get time outside with interaction with others when possible. Continmue blog, 1x a week.

Focus on myself more than others. She showed me that at times being that loving person who always wants to make things easier or better for those you love, can at times not only back fire on me but also on my loved ones. My family also are told what to watch for in me.

I wouldn't wish this on anyone LOL