Overthinking, catastrophizing, cowering


Today was rough. When I think about it, it was without a reason. It was just me being me. Overthinking, catastrophizing, cowering before people in positions of authority, trying to be non-confrontational, people-pleasing. Just being me. Like I said.

This constant mental struggle can be so taxing. Around 2:30 PM, I had become cranky, short-tempered. I had to even stop a meeting early to be able to freshen up a little before the next one at 3 PM. By 4 PM, I was exhausted. 

The only saving grace was my morning swim. The best part of my day. 

Is this mental condition due to being on dialysis for such a long time? Is it the seemingly impossible path to a kidney transplant and possible redemption? Or is it trauma from childhood? Or was I born this way? I wrote about this here recently. I still don't have answers.

My mindfulness practice helps me keep sane. But today, it was just not helping. It all started last night when I went down a spiral of negativity. Due to that my dialysis session was disturbed initially and I had to pop an additional half pill of Alprazolam to remain sane and get some sleep. Being on night dialysis and being sleepless is the worst combination ever.

These triggers are horrid. I do everything I can to avoid them. Refrain from checking social media before I I go to bed. Try to delay checking my phone until after I have had my morning cup and done with my ten-minute meditation. The allure of the phone though is sometimes too much to control. What a bloody good job these app makers have done.

Despite all those precautions, once in a way something happens which you have no control over. Absolutely none. And then boom - you find yourself sinking into an abyss with no hope for recovery. Only Alprazolam helps. And they say you can get addicted to it. You would need increasing doses for the same effect. Well, alternates anyone? Don't give me CBT. How would I do CBT while on dialysis? Don't do nocturnal, you say? Can't live without it.

Well, thankfully, it's not as bad as it sounds. My life is a blessing mostly. Such episodes are rare. I don't even remember how long back I had one. I am sure I should be back to normal tomorrow. Especially since today is No Dialysis Day! Yippee!

Comments

Dr Krishnan said…
Music (of your choice), golden oldies Bollywood songs, some comedy shows (Charlie Chaplin, Kapil Sharma, Raju Srivastava etc) - used to work for me during my dark period !!
Kamal D Shah said…
Thanks so much Dr. Krishnan for those tips!
Rid said…
Perhaps I speak out of turn- since one can only empathize & still not know what its like-but CBT isn't a drug that can work overnight. Since nocturnal dialysis is necessary, you can still make time for one hour during the week for CBT. Initially it might not prove to be effective and finding the right therapist is key to this. CBT is like going to the gym but for mental health- it keeps you accountable to yourself and helps you deal with traumas and situations of loss of control among many others. I would suggest definately giving it a real shot. Perhaps reading the book- Good morning Monster or The Body Keeps a score would help you to get to the frame of mind where you're open to it. If this isn't something you like- perhaps, meditation, grounding and gratitude, affirmations- really go a long way.