Dr. Zafirides "I have a lot of stress. Is is 'safe' for me to start a program?"

[Forest]

On behalf of the PPD/TMS Peer Network's Q&A with an Expert program, Peer Network member Enrique forwarded the following question to Dr. Peter Zafirides.

I've read Dr. Sarno's books and I believe that I have TMS, but I have so much stress in my life that I’m afraid to start any kind of treatment. I also can’t afford a therapist and, frankly, there’s none in the small town where I live. Is it "safe" for me to start a program? And if so, how should I begin?

Dr. Zafirides response is as follows:

This is a very good question. It is certainly a challenging issue when someone with TMS may live in a smaller town where the likelihood of a TMS practitioner close by is low. What we have to realize though, it is likely the amount of stress in one's life is directly related to the pain starting in the first place. Our body, and more appropriately our mind, will react in the way in any way it has to in order to protect us from too much stress. Often times, the result of too much stress can be emotional problems, depression or anxiety. But many of the physical problems we - as a nation - suffer is the result of too much stress.

I think the more appropriate way to look at your concerns is: Do you have too much stress in your life to NOT begin the program? Whether it is emotional or physical symptoms, our body will react to large amounts of stress. If your initial readings seem to have spoken to you I would encourage you to pursue further reading and treatment programs. A great book to look at next would be Unlearn Your Pain, By Dr. Schubiner. You can move through this book in the comfort of your own home over the next month. Many people have had "book cures" simply by reading this material.
But there is an important point here to bring up at this time. The majority of the people who suffer with TMS will not have to have formal psychotherapy. For most people, simply being able to read about TMS and do some of the programs in self-study or meditation is all that most individuals will need to meaningfully reduce their pain.

I would encourage you to continue in your ongoing self-study and work along the available resources for TMS. If you find though, that despite the reading and work you have done on your own you still continue to suffer with significant pain, then it is reasonable to pursue a therapist. This may mean that you may have to travel to find one, but it is worth the effort. You really have nothing to lose but your chronic pain.

To everyone who is reading this: If it feels that you don't have the time or that they are too stressed to start the program, remember, your body is already telling you something by how you're feeling right now (emotionally and physically) because of the stress you are under. That is part of the problem. It is hiding right there in plain sight!

Never doubt a truly powerful your ability to make tremendous change in the way that you feel physically simply by taking the time to understand how your mind - and your body - deals with uncomfortable emotions.

You can absolutely do this! Never doubt how truly powerful you are!!!

Dr. Zafirides is President of Central Ohio Behavioral Medicine, Inc. (COBMI), Clinical Assistant Professor at Ohio State University’s Department of Psychiatry, and Staff Psychiatrist at Southeast, Inc. His area of interest within psychiatry is the mind-body role of emotions in physical illness - specifically chronic pain. He has been published in this area of psychiatry, lecturing both nationally and internationally on this topic. Dr. Zafirides has received Best Doctors In America recognition for 7 consecutive years since 2005. He has also been recognized nationally with the Patients' Choice Award in 2008, 2010 and 2011 as well as the Compassionate Doctor Award in 2010. His website is http://www.thehealthymind.com/

 

[Forest]

I think with anyone in pain the question of safety if a major concern. I remember when I first started out and thinking How safe is this approach. I don't even think I really had a lot of apparent anxiety going on at the time. I was just so ingrained to think I had a debilitating physical problem that I feared this treatment would be a little dangerous. I think a lot of this idea of Is this safe is rooted in our believe that we have a physical problem and have not fully accepted the diagnosis yet.

The TMS approach is designed to help us better understand and express our anxiety and fear. We shouldn't be afraid to explore these emotions, and i think part of the hesitation people have in doing this is rooted in the same reason why we have symptoms. We are simply afraid of these emotions and are afraid to really deal with our anxiety. I do think, for some people, going through the program under the supervision of a therapist is a good idea, but, as Dr. Zafirides mentioned, it is not required.

With this approach we have a great power to take control of our treatment and really heal ourselves. It starts by confronting and addressing our repressed emotions and anxiety that we have, and understanding that there is nothing wrong with these emotions. Having these emotions, even though they may be very powerful, will not be dangerous to us, but if any one begins to feel overwhelmed by what comes up during their treatment and through journaling then seeing a therapist will probably be a good idea.