Re: Basic ACT for health problems

[Guest guest]

I can relate to the two characteristics you mentioned. I too feel tremendously exhausted. It's really difficult to take action in that condition. I feel like I'm dragging myself through molasses to get anything done. For hunger, I have the opposite issue. I find that I'm not hungry at the traditional times but then have a strong urge to eat at night.So I don't know what to do about these things but I do know they affect my life greatly.BruceAs you know, I'm very very new to ACT.I'd like to see how it applies to chronic health problems. As examples, take - waking up and feeling absolutely tremendously exhausted- feeling really hungry - maybe like you'd feel if it was dinnertime and you haven't eaten anything all day. I'm hungry 24/7.Because the fatigue/exhaustion one is so very physical, it's harder to let go of changes in thoughts ....... said this about applying ACT to her health problems ..........As for my physical symptoms and acceptance- I am trying to accept the physical feelings of anxiety- sick stomache, aching chest, dry mouth, wet palms, heart racing, and a slight stutter and mumbling. I don't think that acceptance of these feelings alone will lead to a valued life but if used with taking action to live by my values I think this will work to live a full and meaningful life. Or am I wrong here?Does this mean you have to have worked out values to be able to use ACT more fully?Can someone tell me how ACT could be used for my 2 health issues above? I'm at a loss of where to start .......Thanksiolanda-- Smile – it increases your face value!!! ;-)

[Guest guest]

Hi Bruce,

For what it's worth - maybe you have a sugar imbalance? I went to a nutritionist that sorted that problem - maybe some advice might be worthwhile? I believe that diet plays a big part in how we feel emotionally sometimes.

Best Wishes

Simone

As you know, I'm very very new to ACT.I'd like to see how it applies to chronic health problems. As examples, take - waking up and feeling absolutely tremendously exhausted- feeling really hungry - maybe like you'd feel if it was dinnertime and you haven't eaten anything all day. I'm hungry 24/7.Because the fatigue/exhaustion one is so very physical, it's harder to let go of changes in thoughts ....... said this about applying ACT to her health problems ..........

As for my physical symptoms and acceptance- I am trying to accept the physical feelings of anxiety- sick stomache, aching chest, dry mouth, wet palms, heart racing, and a slight stutter and mumbling. I don't think that acceptance of these feelings alone will lead to a valued life but if used with taking action to live by my values I think this will work to live a full and meaningful life. Or am I wrong here?Does this mean you have to have worked out values to be able to use ACT more fully?Can someone tell me how ACT could be used for my 2 health issues above? I'm at a loss of where to start .......Thanksiolanda-- Smile – it increases your face value!!! ;-)

[Guest guest]

oh, and I forgot to say that Vitamin B converts food to energy - so that might be worth a try.

As you know, I'm very very new to ACT.I'd like to see how it applies to chronic health problems. As examples, take - waking up and feeling absolutely tremendously exhausted- feeling really hungry - maybe like you'd feel if it was dinnertime and you haven't eaten anything all day. I'm hungry 24/7.Because the fatigue/exhaustion one is so very physical, it's harder to let go of changes in thoughts ....... said this about applying ACT to her health problems ..........

As for my physical symptoms and acceptance- I am trying to accept the physical feelings of anxiety- sick stomache, aching chest, dry mouth, wet palms, heart racing, and a slight stutter and mumbling. I don't think that acceptance of these feelings alone will lead to a valued life but if used with taking action to live by my values I think this will work to live a full and meaningful life. Or am I wrong here?Does this mean you have to have worked out values to be able to use ACT more fully?Can someone tell me how ACT could be used for my 2 health issues above? I'm at a loss of where to start .......Thanksiolanda-- Smile – it increases your face value!!! ;-)

[Guest guest]

Actually, there are numerous physical problems that can cause the symptoms related to anxiety and depression. Thyroid issues, vitamin deficiencies (particularly vitamin D or B1 and B12), low blood sugar, etc., can all cause severe physical symptoms and problems related to mood and anxiety. Hypercalcemia (high blood calcium), which I have, can affect mood and is related to irritability, my doctor tells me. I don't absorb B12 and have to take it sub-lingually or by injection. IMO, anyone who is experiencing physical symptoms should be thoroughly evaluated by an MD -- hopefully, one who wants to get to the bottom of things and not just push pills. I have that kind of doctor. When I am able to get insurance, I will see a specialist about the hypercalcemia. I can share a personal anecdote: since I have taken adequate amounts of vitamin D (I take 2000 IU/day as recommended by my doc) and B12, my mood and general health (energy, etc.) has improved. To know your adequate amount of D, you should get a blood test from you doctor; most are on-board with the fact that just about everyone is deficient and will readily prescribe the test.

This is just from my personal knowledge and experience and is not meant to be medical advice--just something to take into consideration! Why suffer from the symptoms of depression and anxiety if they are rooted in a physical problem that can be fixed? You may still have depression and anxiety but could have more energy to deal with them if the underlying physical issue is addressed. And if you think your doctor is not taking you seriously, find another one.

Helena

Re: Basic ACT for health problems

Hi Bruce,

For what it's worth - maybe you have a sugar imbalance? I went to a nutritionist that sorted that problem - maybe some advice might be worthwhile? I believe that diet plays a big part in how we feel emotionally sometimes.

Best Wishes

Simone

As you know, I'm very very new to ACT.I'd like to see how it applies to chronic health problems. As examples, take - waking up and feeling absolutely tremendously exhausted- feeling really hungry - maybe like you'd feel if it was dinnertime and you haven't eaten anything all day. I'm hungry 24/7.Because the fatigue/exhaustion one is so very physical, it's harder to let go of changes in thoughts ....... said this about applying ACT to her health problems ..........

As for my physical symptoms and acceptance- I am trying to accept the physical feelings of anxiety- sick stomache, aching chest, dry mouth, wet palms, heart racing, and a slight stutter and mumbling. I don't think that acceptance of these feelings alone will lead to a valued life but if used with taking action to live by my values I think this will work to live a full and meaningful life. Or am I wrong here?Does this mean you have to have worked out values to be able to use ACT more fully?Can someone tell me how ACT could be used for my 2 health issues above? I'm at a loss of where to start .......Thanksiolanda-- Smile – it increases your face value!!! ;-)

[Guest guest]

Bruce said

I can relate to the two characteristics you mentioned. I too feel

tremendously exhausted. It's really difficult to take action in

that condition. I feel like I'm dragging myself through molasses

to get anything done. For hunger, I have the opposite issue. I

find that I'm not hungry at the traditional times but then have a

strong urge to eat at night.

So I don't know what to do about these things but I do know

they affect my life greatly.

But don't you have some unwanted thoughts because of the

exhaustion?    thoughts that you can use ACT to help you with?  Or

don't you use ACT for these?

Everyone else must feel exhaustion at some time ....... what ACT do

you use when you feel like this?

Please help!  Can Dr help me please??????

iolanda

-- Smile – it increases your face value!!! ;-)

[Guest guest]

Hello!Thats a coincidence, because today I was told at the doctors that yet again my b12 was very low, so it was strange to come on here and read you posting about it.. Last time y doctor gave me some tablets, this time its something new they have to make in the pharmacy, as it was quite low. I remember feeling better in myself the last time I had the tablets. I also tend to have low blood sugar, and before I had a lot of ups and downs of hunger. Now I eat regular meals every 3 hours, small meals, and try to include some protein to sustain my blood sugar, exercise is supposed to help too. I suppose its a cultural thing, but for me its very surprising even upsetting to see that to see a specialist you need an insurance. Those sort of things should be "free" (part of tax). In Spain you always can go to the doctors or specialists. If you are a woman or man that does not work, or a child, you are included in the health card of someone else of the family. I see in films how people need operations and they are told its too expensive, I can never get over that! But as I said, things are different in every country.I am loving everyone's messages by the way, I read so many lovely things, beautiful and insightful replies, that I feel very lucky to be part of the group. XXX______________________Signature: Mrs Em Equanimity This is my personal blog where I record my experience applying Acceptance Commitment Therapy to my anxiety and agoraphobia in particular, and my life in general. Feel free to browse. http://eyeofthehurricane-act.blogspot.com/--- El vie, 28/1/11, hbbr Asunto: Re: Basic ACT for health problemsPara: "ACT for the Public" <ACT_for_the_Public >Fecha: viernes, 28 de enero, 2011 11:01

Actually, there are numerous physical problems that can cause the symptoms related to anxiety and depression. Thyroid issues, vitamin deficiencies (particularly vitamin D or B1 and B12), low blood sugar, etc., can all cause severe physical symptoms and problems related to mood and anxiety. Hypercalcemia (high blood calcium), which I have, can affect mood and is related to irritability, my doctor tells me. I don't absorb B12 and have to take it sub-lingually or by injection. IMO, anyone who is experiencing physical symptoms should be thoroughly evaluated by an MD -- hopefully, one who wants to get to the bottom of things and not just push pills. I have that kind of doctor. When I am able to get insurance, I will see a specialist about

the hypercalcemia. I can share a personal anecdote: since I have taken adequate amounts of vitamin D (I take 2000 IU/day as recommended by my doc) and B12, my mood and general health (energy, etc.) has improved. To know your adequate amount of D, you should get a blood test from you doctor; most are on-board with the fact that just about everyone is deficient and will readily prescribe the test.

This is just from my personal knowledge and experience and is not meant to be medical advice--just something to take into consideration! Why suffer from the symptoms of depression and anxiety if they are rooted in a physical problem that can be fixed? You may still have depression and anxiety but could have more energy to deal with them if the underlying physical issue is addressed. And if you think your doctor is not taking you seriously, find another one.

Helena

Re: Basic ACT for health problems

Hi Bruce,

For what it's worth - maybe you have a sugar imbalance? I went to a nutritionist that sorted that problem - maybe some advice might be worthwhile? I believe that diet plays a big part in how we feel emotionally sometimes.

Best Wishes

Simone

As you know, I'm very very new to ACT.I'd like to see how it applies to chronic health problems. As examples, take - waking up and feeling absolutely tremendously exhausted- feeling really hungry - maybe like you'd feel if it was dinnertime and you haven't eaten anything all day. I'm hungry 24/7.Because the fatigue/exhaustion one is so very physical, it's harder to let go of changes in thoughts ....... said this about applying ACT to her health problems ..........

As for my physical symptoms and acceptance- I am trying to accept the physical feelings of anxiety- sick stomache, aching chest, dry mouth, wet palms, heart racing, and a slight stutter and mumbling. I don't think that acceptance of these feelings alone will lead to a valued life but if used with taking action to live by my values I think this will work to live a full and meaningful life. Or am I wrong here?Does this mean you have to have worked out values to be able to use ACT more fully?Can someone tell me how ACT could be used for my 2 health issues above? I'm at a loss of where to start .......Thanksiolanda--

Smile – it increases your face value!!! ;-)

[Guest guest]

Hi Simone:I appreciate the suggestions and I often feel that something is physically wrong. But I have seen two physicians, a naturopath, and two psychiatrists and nobody can find anything wrong. The naturopath did find some mild food sensitivities. I was low in Vitamin D but I've been taking supplements and have doubled my Vitamin D level. I've taken fish oil, vitamin B, magnesium vitamin C and just about anything else that's recommended and nothing has helped. One thing that does help is Nuvigil, which is a wakefulness drug for sleep apnea patients. Oh yes, I've got sleep apnea but using the CPAP machine makes no difference, I feel worse if anything. Alcohol used to help but I've given that up. Caffeine helps a bit.I'm trying to ramp up my exercise and do pretty well, although not where I want to be. I'm cycling and walking. But I do resent the notion that I should have to train like an Olympic athlete to have any energy level.Anyway, this is a big issue for me. Thanks for the ideas.Bruceoh, and I forgot to say that Vitamin B converts food to energy - so that might be worth a try.As you know, I'm very very new to ACT.I'd like to see how it applies to chronic health problems. As examples, take - waking up and feeling absolutely tremendously exhausted- feeling really hungry - maybe like you'd feel if it was dinnertime and you haven't eaten anything all day. I'm hungry 24/7.Because the fatigue/exhaustion one is so very physical, it's harder to let go of changes in thoughts ....... said this about applying ACT to her health problems ..........As for my physical symptoms and acceptance- I am trying to accept the physical feelings of anxiety- sick stomache, aching chest, dry mouth, wet palms, heart racing, and a slight stutter and mumbling. I don't think that acceptance of these feelings alone will lead to a valued life but if used with taking action to live by my values I think this will work to live a full and meaningful life. Or am I wrong here?Does this mean you have to have worked out values to be able to use ACT more fully?Can someone tell me how ACT could be used for my 2 health issues above? I'm at a loss of where to start .......Thanksiolanda-- Smile – it increases your face value!!! ;-)

[Guest guest]

The discussion of America's health care problems is a worthy one but unfortunately it's exactly the kind of outside issue that tends to split groups (online and in-person) if it's allowed to dominate. As tempting as these discussions are, and as strong as the feelings they generate may be, may I respectfully suggest we all practice defusing from these arguments. That way we're better able to help each other in what I think we can agree is our common purpose: employing ACT therapy to cope with life's various pains and problems.