Noticing Symptom Relief When My Mood Lifts – Anyone Else?

Hi everyone,

I’ve posted here before about ongoing anal issues—I won’t get into the symptoms this time (though I’m tempted!)—but I wanted to share something I’ve noticed and see if anyone else relates.

There are certain moments—like when I’m having a genuinely good conversation or doing something that lifts my spirit—when my symptoms seem to fade, Not necessarily 100% gone...

I know this might tie into the nervous system response—fight or flight, rest and digest, etc.—but I’m curious:

• Have you ever noticed your symptoms improve significantly when your emotional state changes?
  
  
• Do you think it’s just distraction, or is something deeper going on?
  

Would love to hear your thoughts or experiences. Thanks for reading.

 

Hi Okaoka,

What a great noticing! Awareness really is the door into change and it is powerful evidence you are gathering that these issues are TMS.

Your intuition is on the money in terms of nervous system regulation. For those of us with TMS, "bad" emotions are seen as big old threats to our nervous systems which go into overdrive to protect us (piling on symptoms!) so when we transition into "good" emotional states the threat is lowered and our symptoms tend to reduce. I know this was and still is the case for me. The key to recovery is teaching our nervous systems that all emotions are safe including the rage that is hidden in our system.

I can think of a few examples from my own life ranging from big to small:

• Before breaking up with a previous partner my symptoms flared terribly but as soon as I had the conversation and felt the relief of having it done they diminished back down to a manageable level
• Being really anxious (symptom imperative) in the flat while feeling trapped and isolated but becoming calm as soon as I entered nature and enjoyed the sunshine on my face - literally yesterday for me
• Playing musical instruments is an almost guarantee of no symptoms as I am dialed in and having a really happy time

In answer to your last question, there is depth to these experiences. It is a sign that you are relaxing and resting which us TMSers haven't done in many years or potentially ever. Also, joy is such a key component of life and healing. Seek it out, have fun, enjoy your friends company, get your mind off your symptoms and realise how much life there is outside of the confines they try to put you in. Nothing better for telling your nervous system that the symptoms don't matter than living a fuller and more joyful life!

 

thanks for replying. yes, the key is to teach our nervous systems that all emotions are safe. i am aware of that.
the issue here is how to do it. specially when you are feeling nervous about your symptoms...

 

I totally agree! For my first year on the forum I was just mostly terrified every day and living a nightmare. Then, after repetitive teaching here— from good wise souls, who just kept telling me over and over to have fun— I finally tried it. My mind was so far from fun! It almost seemed like a ridiculous idea. But that is exactly how I got this to TMS. Driving myself into the ground, always judging myself, so much harshness. It’s time to be a little kid again— innocent and happy. And if you never were innocent and happy as a child (which was the case for me, sadly), then all the more reason to have fun now!

 

thank you for the reply.
yes, i understand.
but it feels not easy sometimes.
for example, now, at the moment, i am at my own restaurant, sitting with friends and talking, not that interesting talk, but you know, not all chats with friends will be that interesting. so i am trying to enjoy and have fun but keep feeling my anal area aching. this is where i feel i am not making progress. any ideas?

 

It sure isn’t easy! It takes time and practice. And a lot of effort to stop caring about your TMS and focusing on it 24/7.

 

You make progress in your willingness to be with friends and spend the time.

Remind yourself of small wins - if you can re-direct your mind away from symptoms one time a week, it is a win! Don’t have big expectations and then big disappointments.

You must spend a lot of time working since you are the owner. Write a list of the parts of your job you enjoy. Remind yourself regularly with kindness why you feel such fulfillment of your work.

Taking time everyday to be with your emotions and let your body feel the sensations of emotions.

Focus your mind and body on enjoyable sensations even at work. You own a Restaurant so there must be delicious smells! The fragrance of a hot cup of tea or coffee, the sensation of cool water on a throat paced from talking all day, the feel of smooth cool top of a table on your hands, hot water on hands when cleaning.. be with your body to feel other sensations besides your symptoms. It helps us to slow down a bit.