2 steps forward 1 step back

[WIRM]

So after some great initial success with alleviation of my dizziness, I'm now being welcomed by new symptoms I've had in the past (intrusive thoughts, anxiety, pains in the chest, bad sleep). Is this simply the mind trying to find a new "home" for the distraction?

 

[plum]

Yes, this is called the symptom imperative and it’s a really good sign that you’re making progress. Keep on keeping on and you’ll kick this into touch.

 

[WIRM]

thank you for the reassurance. Didn't realise it had a name

 

[WIRM]

Interestingly when i started to read about the SI, I immediately could feel my fear kicking in. Oh no, no symptom X,Y & Z is going to come back. Heck I wonder what else I'll have to face. I'm never going to be able to kick this TMS thing as there will always be another "layer". TMS is a death sentence of endless symptoms.

Silly brain.

 

[plum]

thank you for the reassurance. Didn't realise it had a name

Here’s a post from @Alan Gordon LCSW that describes it well.

https://www.tmswiki.org/forum/threads/overcoming-the-symptom-imperative.7629/ (Alan G. - Overcoming the symptom imperative)

Interestingly when i started to read about the SI, I immediately could feel my fear kicking in. Oh no, no symptom X,Y & Z is going to come back. Heck I wonder what else I'll have to face. I'm never going to be able to kick this TMS thing as there will always be another "layer". TMS is a death sentence of endless symptoms.

Silly brain.

But the great thing is you see it for what it is. As time goes on TMS has a way of becoming increasingly ridiculous until it reaches the point where it overplays it’s hand. As daft as this sounds I’ve even felt affection for it’s silliness at times.
Rest assured, you have the vibe of someone who is truly on the right path. Your healing is a given.

 

[WIRM]

Thank you. It's been a crazy 5 years chasing a "cure". I've been down every dark alley in the sick city. Finally, I feel like I'm in an alley where I will not get mugged from my money and that might lead towards somewhere with light.

 

[WIRM]

But the great thing is you see it for what it is. As time goes on TMS has a way of becoming increasingly ridiculous until it reaches the point where it overplays it’s hand. As daft as this sounds I’ve even felt affection for it’s silliness at times.

Nice analogy. Thank you.

And to add - I think this is a brilliant metaphor for looking at it in an optimal way (relaxed, laughable, such a joke) to avoid the repression and growing fear that would otherwise come about.