Disaled with Codependency

[waynesbororn]

I have been on LTD since 2004 when I worked at a mental hospital. I have pain continuously with depression and anxiety. Many traumatic events have happened in my life and now I have a codependency issue and don't know how to handle it. I am going to counseling but today I blew up over so many things and got so angry I felt like I was having an out of body experience. I have done research and am trying to get better. Please has anyone ever gone through this. How do you get better and enjoy life again?? I am tired of hearing my family say I am crazy...

[Heidi the nurse, BSN, RN]

I was involved in a hideous relationship/marriage years ago (while of all things working at a psych hospital - nurse heal yourself), and found a book called "Codependent No More". If you haven't read it, give it a try. It gave me alot of insight into why I was doing what I was doing. I also got on antidepressants.

It took me a long time to get out of the relationship I was in - but finally did. Didn't have to take the meds for more than 6 months, and although I do have my moments of anger, I am very content. I am still working though, so in that area I can't give any advice. Find something that means something to you. If you haven't done so already, go to a pain specialist to get that under control. Mental or physical pain is going to "keep you down" regardless of how well other things are going. Don't just research - talk to someone who can help! And good luck to you - there is help out there, and you don't have to live like you have been living.

Oops - missed the part about counseling...

[nurse.sandi]

Some friendly advice would be to try and figure out a few coping skills that possibly could work for you. If you feel like you are spinning out of control, remove yourself from the situation and/or people. Ignore what others say. I know it is easier said than done because I am going thru some things too. 7 years is a long time to be dealing with this. Maybe trying a new hobbie such as fishing, yoga, reading...could help keep your mind occupied. Have you thought about going back to school to keep yourself active. I know there is a lot of stress when going to college, but the rewards are so worth it. If concentration is a problem..going to college online gives you plenty of time to work daily on your assignments. Good luck and I hope you feel better.