The impact of a violent relationship and anxiety disorders no longer hinder life
Tiiu (51)
I lived for ten years with a man who terrorised me. One day, I could no longer endure it and decided to leave him. Although the separation was liberating, I was unexpectedly hit with anxiety disorders.
The breakup was not easy for me, as I had been financially dependent on my husband. Nevertheless, I left my home and belongings behind and rented a small room from an elderly person. That was all I could afford on my salary. I was satisfied with my decision. I felt joy in the peace and freedom I had gained. That was until I was struck by inexplicable health issues.
I experienced dizziness and a choking sensation in my throat, which interfered with eating and even speaking. I had difficulty breathing, moving my arms and legs, and getting out of bed was seriously challenging.
I tried to calm myself, but I couldn’t. Things got so bad that I had a medical emergency. I thought I had a heart attack or stroke. I went to the emergency room, where tests showed nothing was physically wrong with m, I had experienced a panic attack, which, according to doctors, happens often. I was given a sedative and sent home. I was bewildered.
My life had just gotten back on track, so why did the anxiety disorder strike now?
Reading relevant articles later, I learned that my body had been feeding off excess adrenaline in a state of fear. When the fear and danger were suddenly gone, no more adrenaline came through (I had used it up), and I collapsed like an empty bag. A visit to the general practitioner confirmed that I had anxiety disorders.
A relative recommended biofeedback therapy to me, where they had gone and found help. The encouragement from my relative’s story, that I didn’t have to talk about myself or my problems to the therapist, gave me the courage to try it. Talking about my problems at that time made me feel worse, so this approach suited me.
Entering the therapy office, I was greeted by a sympathetic therapist whose pleasant demeanour immediately calmed me. The therapist connected me to the biofeedback device and said that the first step was to balance anxiety, tension, and obsessive thoughts from cell memory and calm the nervous system. After that, we could deal with thought forms, fears, changes, mistreatment, humiliation, and feelings of victimhood.
Lifekeskus Tartu Branch, Therapist Katrin Kikerpill
The therapist read me like an open book using the device.
While balancing me with the device and neutralising negative thoughts, she offered advice and encouragement to start seriously working on myself. I left the therapy office feeling like a new person! I felt inner contentment, joy, and a burst of energy, with a desire to take action and change my life. Given the amount of stress I had accumulated over the years, I needed to attend therapy four times to fully balance it.
I changed my life, stepping out of my comfort zone and routine. I found the courage to undertake new and interesting things. I reconnected with a childhood friend who was humorous, positive, encouraging, and supportive. I surrounded myself with other positive people. I read books and furthered my education. In short, I worked on myself and found joy in the little things.
Now, about six months later, I can say that anxiety disorders and panic attacks are in the past! I am grateful that I found my way to MER Biofeedback® therapy because, without balancing negative emotions and the therapist’s positive guidance, I would not have come out of the anxiety pit!