Musings from the Sanctuary: neuroplasticity
I was reading an article in Time magazine about “rewiring the brain”. It seems that the brain physically changes depending on what and how we are thinking…something the neuroscientists call neuroplasticity. In the past, scientists were convinced that once you were a teenager your brain no longer changed; it was wired for life. This “hard wired” theory is no longer considered accurate. It seems that if we can learn to control our thought processes, we can affect how our brains develop which, in turn, affects our ability to accommodate our life’s experiences in a positive or negative way. So, why should we care? Well, I’m convinced that stress and fear are significant factors in triggering RA and increasing the severity of the symptoms. And, it’s a vicious cycle, as the symptoms become worse, our stress and fear increase even more. Stress and fear dump cortisol into our systems, which can stimulate inflammation. We have two choices to try to alleviate the stress and fear; more drugs to reduce anxiety, or to teach our minds to handle stress and fear differently and break the cycle. The article in Time describes a study done with people suffering from depression, comparing one group that took Paxil, and another that was taught cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), a technique that can be used to teach a person to change how they respond to life circumstances. The two groups were monitored with brain imaging techniques to see how the brain changed. CBT calmed activity in the part of the brain associated with logic and reasoning, and increased activity in the part of the brain associated with emotions. Paxil did just the opposite! So the two choices are to teach ourselves to think more calmly and realistically about the truths of our lives rather than dwelling on our negative circumstances, or to dull our emotions so we don’t feel the anguish and pain. I realize that statement is a rather grandiose generalization, but…maybe it will stimulate some interesting discussion. As for myself, I’m convinced I can improve my health by practicing what is often called “mindfulness” meditation…striving to see things in my life as they really are, staying in the moment, and not trying to change things that I have no control over. I’m not saying it’s a cure, but it may be a way of reducing RA symptoms. Who knows; it may even be as effective as some of the drugs we take without the negative side effects.
I hope you find peace and joy in your life,
Alan
Alan, I know stress has made me sick. I'm currently attempting to get help from the depression that has set in because of all I am going through. I hate the thought of putting another pill in my system. I feel like I am one monster cocktail right now with tons of side effects. Maybe I can opt for cognitive therapy instead of pill. I would much rather do that. It always seems they are trying to dope a person up. I'm glad you posted this as I didn't know that might be an option. Yes, mind control....heehee....my own. This could get dangerous people.Alan,
Great post. I'm new to "rhupus", under a ton of stress and then I get his with this....which is more stress. I know stress isn't good for AI diseases and I'm trying to control my thoughts and relax. haha. Oh so hard. Tai Chi, Yoga? A Martini? I wish I knew the answer...Alan, this has been brought to my attention over the years and my Dad
used to say "It's mind over matter" and that just about sums it
up. Some people have such a hard time doing this, but it can be
learned with a little training.
Thank you for reminding me about our wonderful brain.
Deanna,
CBT can work wonders for people with depression. I was in CBT for a year and a half and it taught me how to think realistically, rather than negatively, by looking at my thoughts and weighing up the evidence for and against them. It also made me look at my behaviours and how my thinking influenced them. I am positive that without my CBT training I would have fallen apart when I was diagnosed with RA, so if you think it can help you, go for it!
Laura
Thanks Laura. I am going to ask for it. If they don't offer it, then maybe my primary will know of something. I doubt he wants to see me on any more drugs. However, antidepressants can reduce the pain of FM. But I might need both. I have no problem with learning new ways to handle my thinking patterns.CBT is merely a method of counseling...talk therapy. There is no special class or activity. Any trained counselor or therapist has learned about Cognitive Behavorial Therapy (CBT). It's all about changing your perceptions about events which changes your outlook on life and can rewire your brain.
The problem is some people are so enjoying their status as victim or patient they're not going to want to try to change their perceptions. The client will have to be open to change.
I've mentioned this book here and on RA Sushi, but a great example of CBT is Stop Being Your Symptoms and Start Being Yourself.
I think many of us spend too much time researching, discussing, analyzing and reading about RA and related symptoms, and not enough time putting our thoughts somewhere else. It's not healthy to focus on disease and limitations too much time. I'm including myself in the catagory of too much attention paid to the wrong things, and I really appreciate this thread as a reminder.
Unfortunately, right now I am being forced to deal with my disease on a great many levels. If I had my way, I would be reading and writing as is possible and trying to go the library or art galleries, even try to socialize some. But there are so many tests and specialists with some really bad news. And, then the disability process forces you to focus on all the negative issues. Who wants to think about how sick they are? But you have to write on form after form, in conversation after conversation.
Before I got so sick in June, I would not say I was despressed. But after all these months trying to work, failing to be able to, filing all the paperwork, on and on....I am so sick and there is no help. Most people do not care. The few that do light up as angels. But the pain wears on me and I start to think how wonderful it would to die because I have no fear of dying. While I would never take steps that way, it is tempting to let the illness win to in essence give up the fight.
I would love to turn my mind to other things and sometimes I am able to when I work a story in my head. But right now, I do need some kind of help. Unfortunately, I was told that the only way I am going to get any help is to allow myself to be labelled SMI (Seriously Mentally Ill). When I objected to that label as I know how hurtful it has been to my daughter because people do treat you awful, he said that people asking for help should not be so picky. This made me angry. I stood up and said, how dare you say that to a person in my position. I am a human being.
But the only way I can get help through them is to get a diagnosis, get a Psych evaluation, submit to taking medication. I cannot get counseling or any other moral or physical support. I had asked for Case Management to help me navigate all the things that I need help with. The only way that I can get that is to be referred to the horrible mental health provider that I have complained so much about. Then I might get a Case Manager. It was this or nothing. It was a horrible, demeaning experience. The worst part is that they are not doing the Psych evaluation until end of March. I don't get help before that because since I'm still willing to fight for my life, I'm not sick enough.
The system really does treat you bad. You get slammed every damn day because you are no longer seen as a equal citizen now. Your baggage or worse.
I wasn't even going to tell you guys about this because this almost hurt worse than all the other things.
Deanna,
My heart bleeds for you. I know what it's like to fight against a label you don't want, and yet without which you would not get the support you need. A few years ago I was very ill and my GP wanted to section me under the Mental Health Act. I was lucky in that my parents fought his professional opinion and took a lot of time from work to care for me at home.
I admire you immensly for fighting that label - you should not have to be stuck in box to get the support you need. Sadly systems like boxes and forget that people don't fit in them.
Laura
Thanks Laura for understanding. I think I'm going to call a few more numbers and see if I can get some kind of immediate help. In the meantime, I'll see if I can make a trip to the library to get the book Scout suggested. I am starting with a new counsellor in 2 weeks who does cognitive behaviour therapy so I am really looking forward to that. I think it is hard not to focus on RA because it absorbs every aspect of our life, mind, body & emotions are all affected as well as what we have often mentioned, family, friends, finances etc. My previous counsellor who was wonderful in so many ways believed that because of my life circumstances CBT was