My feelings and past CBT

Creativeboy23

Hello.

I have been thinking others try to change my mind about my feelings when they get me to look at the possibilities of a situation. It makes me consider that others do not allow me to feel how I feel. So, I have been feeling unheard, invalidated, different, and isolated. I have tried to step back and look at the whole picture, but I feel I would be challenging what I think is a real experience. I think CBT has led me to believe that I should challenge every situation.

Orchid059

Hi @Creativeboy23 I am sorry you have felt this way and that others are invalidating your experiences. Everyone is entitled to feel how they feel without judgement. With regards to your previous experience with CBT has it had a positive influence for you?

Creativeboy23

Hello @Orchid059.

I agree but it is hard to see that I am entitled to feel how I want to. I know that it will take some time, and I understand that I will find it difficult. I am doing well to open up about my feelings despite the situation.

Yes. CBT has made me consider the whole perspective of situations that upset me, but it does not rule out the negative impact. It has made me believe I should challenge all thoughts when some can reflect real experiences.

Creativeboy23

Thank you for your support. I really appreciate it.

Sian321

Hey @Creativeboy23 , thanks so much for your post here. I really appreciate you opening up about your experience with CBT and what it's been like to notice yourself almost automatically wanting to challenge your own feelings nowadays. That's super valid, and I'm hearing you say that there are some feelings that you want to create a little bit more space for, maybe, and to let yourself feel them.

I wonder whether there's been anything or anyone that helps you to express your feelings and to let them 'be'?

You have a right to decide what feels best for you and true for you

Creativeboy23

Hello @Sian321.

I only really have my support worker and helplines to express my feelings. However, I am starting to feel limited because of the long waits and the lack of expected support. I have lost trust in talking to my friends about my feelings, and my dad and brother have not given me the space to express my feelings when I lived with them. It has been challenging.

briannat

Hey there @Creativeboy23

I've had a look through this thread and it sounds like you've been having a lot of different realisations about your feelings recently and you're coming to understand that they deserve to be heard and validated. I imagine this is bringing up even more feelings as you look through the different relationships you have and become aware that you don't feel safe to express your feelings. You're already doing something positive by speaking here on community. I know that sometimes journaling can be helpful to express feelings when we feel like nobody is listening, maybe that would be helpful for you? Also you mentioned losing trust in talking to your friends about your feelings, this sounds challenging and hurtful. Is there a reason this is? We're here to listen to you

Creativeboy23

Hello @briannat.

I already write down my feelings.

My friends seem to problem solve when I share my feelings. It has made me think I should push them away and move forward, regardless of their desire to be helpful. I still allow myself to feel my emotions though but it does not take away the challenge and pain from the loss of trust.