Derek S. understanding repression

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Question

HELP- Do I have TMS? And how do I know what I'm repressing when I don't know? Two years ago, when I moved to the states I went through like four months of a depression and soon after developed tension in between my shoulder blades that has now spread up to my neck and sometimes into my low back sometimes. I have tried everything else (but not consistently) and Xrays showed that I have a scoliosis and mild disk degeneration. I know my issue is psychosomatic but today, for example my right shoulder blade has been in so much pain and since reading your book I think it's gotten ever worse, and I sit there thinking 'okay, what is my psychological repression right now?' and i'm scanning my brain thinking of all the possible things that could be giving me anxiety or anger but the pain doesn't go away, (sometimes it does for like a second) but then I'm just so frustrated like, why isn't this getting better?? I have self diagnosed myself with TMS just because I know it begun at a really low point in my life, but I wish my body would just stop repressing so life can move on.

 

[Derek Sapico MFT]

Answer

Thanks for your question.

While emotional repression is an important aspect of TMS, I find that trying to figure out what unconscious emotions are driving your pain as a first step to recovery is quite difficult.

Instead, I would suggest first trying to break the cycle of fear and preoccupation which can give you significant pain relief and provide you with the tools and confidence to explore those unconscious emotions.

I would highly recommend checking out Alan Gordon's TMS Recovery Program here on the wiki because it discusses some important behavioral concepts including breaking the cycle of fear and preoccupation and practicing outcome independence. These are concepts that you can practice and get results from that are more concrete and less elusive than searching for repressed emotions.

Once you've got some of these behavioral concepts down, you can explore the emotional aspect of your TMS with less pressure and urgency. If you get stuck or need more guidance, I would suggest working with a therapist or coach, ideally one who specializes in treating people with TMS.

Be patient with yourself and you will get there.

-Derek

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