economygrill

Open Physical & Emotional Abuse

As a child, both of my parents believed in corporal punishment--a "spare the rod, spoil the child" philosophy of child rearing. I was beaten with belts, hairbrushes,or switches, had my hair pulled, things thrown at me, and my mouth washed out with soap. My father inflicted most of the pain, and sometimes my mother would make me wait until my father came home from work to get a whipping. The more I acted out, the more I was beaten.

Treatments

Abuse Counseling Working / Worked

I am back in therapy after 15 years. In the past, the memories became so painful that I stopped going. A year ago, I was diagnosed with GAD and severe depression.

Art Working / Worked

Writing Working / Worked

Open Sexual Abuse

I was present in the room when my father molested my sisters, but only experienced one repressed memory six years after it happened. I have always suspected that there are more memories that I cannot access. My intuition tells me that I was molested, too.

Treatments

Psychotherapy Working / Worked

Art Working / Worked

Writing Working / Worked

I am writing a book about my life long struggle with anxiety and depression.

Open Female Sexual Issues

Open Alcoholism

I am an adult child of an alcoholic father. My family never talked about the anger, betrayal, fear, guilt, loneliness, and shame that we lived with every day. My sisters and I were physically, emotionally, and sexually abused by my father.

Open Shyness

I have always been shy. While my sisters were starring in high school theater productions, or playing sports, I was the quiet homebody. I always felt invisible and unpopular. I avoid social situations if at all possible, and I have no close friends. I became an art teacher because I feel safest with children.

Open Trichotillomania (Hair Pulling)
Type: Trichotillomania

I have been pulling my hair out for as long as I can remember. I probably pull 2-3 times a week, and I do it all over my head. I have noticed some thinning on top. Sometimes I pull my hair out when I'm watching t.v. or talking on the phone. Other times I pull when I'm concentrating on a task. When I start, I feel like I can't stop. I drive my family crazy. My mother used to pull out her hair, and my daughter pulls the hair on her eyebrows.I also bite my nails, which I've read is related.

Treatments

Willpower Working / Worked

Lexapro Too Soon to Tell

Open Insomnia

I have had insomnia for a really long time. I usually fall asleep pretty easily, but wake up frequently during the night. Then I worry, and toss and turn until it's time to get up. I feel exhausted all the time.

Treatments

Lexapro Somewhat Helpful

Reading Working / Worked

Open Bipolar Disorder

My 23 year old daughter was recently diagnosed with emerging bipolar disorder. She refuses to take medication because she wants to start a family.

Open Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

When I was six, I hid under my parents' bed while my father molested my nine year old sister. For years, two other sisters were molested and raped also, although I have been able to remember few details. Viewing sex on t.v. or at the movies brings flashbacks of the trauma.

Treatments

Art Working / Worked

I have been drawing literally all of my life. As a child, it was my way of escaping the chaotic, and often violent life to which I had grown accustomed.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Working / Worked

I am in therapy after a breakdown 5 months ago. I have begun a written dialogue with my father about the past. I have not communicated with him for 17 years.

Open Empty Nests

In August 2006, my 18 year old son went away to college. I experienced extreme sadness and a profound sense of not being needed anymore. Less than a month later, my daughter got married. I continued to feel that my purpose in life was over. When my children left home, all the feelings I'd stuffed for most of my life just hit me like a tidal wave. I had a difficult time coping with life, and became severely depressed. I could no longer function.

Treatments

Lexapro Working / Worked

Within a few days of taking 10 mg. of Lexapro, I started to feel less depressed and anxious. The uncontrollable crying stopped. I am now maintaining 20 mg. daily, and feeling much better.

Psychotherapy Working / Worked

Writing Working / Worked