You only get what you put in

So I have been seeing my psychologist for a little while now, and she is agreeing with the borderline diagnosis from the psychiatrist (she didn't at first) and is teaching me techniques to deal with my escalating emotional moments. I don't call it "triggering" because unlike what I read from most people on this forum, I don't really get triggered by a standard set of things. For me I believe it is just about learning to dissipate these feelings before they start to control me.

She made a good point that I hadn't thought of, that if you allow others to affect your mood, (e.g. trigger you etc) then they have the control over you. Even if you honestly believe you are in control, the fact is you are not. You are giving other people the power to manipulate your emotions (even unintentionally) and who wants that? I'm taking the power back. We are going to work on my ability to calm myself when I get angry, upset etc.

Has anyone else tried the CR breathing technique? I really like the idea, I have been trying it and it even helps me sleep. If I can stay cool in the face of adversity, then I'm on my way to a cure! Haven't been able to test it when I am tense yet, but it calms my road rage a little
Also, does anyone get that adrenaline rush to their arms when they are angry? That almost unfightable urge to punch someone in their stupid face? She told me that when the chemicals that cause that feeing float around in my body too long, they can build up, thus creating a larger problem. So using that energy constructively is the best way to deal with it. It will lessen each time you have what I like to call my "RageFits", because you are getting rid of those chemicals. I hope that made sense, I am terrible with words!

Something else I really find is amazing, when I am having those empty feelings, or just very depressed for one reason or another, and start getting too introspective, I ride my bike somewhere or distract myself with something physical. It has been a great help. I'm happier in general, I am getting along with everyone better and my attitude is better than it has been.

I'm not "fixed" yet, I still have my moments, but I feel like I'm on the right path. Any input is fine, whether you disagree or agree. I just wanted to share my good experiences and hopefully find out if anyone else has had similar outcomes!

I would love more details on how you learn to calm yourself when angry/upset, as that is one of my biggest frustrations with myself lately. I fully am aware that I have no control in these situations, and that upsets me greatly. I unfortunately in those moments am not even willing to do things like stop and breathe, I instantly just need to resolve whatever is going on, perhaps I need to work on my mental impulsivity? I don't even know where to begin.

it's so nice to see so much positivity in your post

Pffft. Your hope and optimism remind me of me earlier this year. I hate you.

Only joking. Good luck, seriously. Though you do remind me of me before. Not "fixed' yet, but on the right path and everything. But I'm back to black with the addition of disillusionment and despondence.

Anyway, in all seriousness, good luck.

@Rainbow Sparkles
Yeah, it's really really tough controlling those impulse emotions! I haven't mastered it yet, but I think it's basically just practice makes perfect. Basically this is what I'm trying to master:

A few times a day, whenever you have time, find a comfortable place to sit or lay down, and try to get your body as loose and floppy as you can. You have to feel kind of heavy.
Breathing in slowly from the diaphragm through the nose and then out (again through your nose) while thinking the word you want to respond to. Mine is thinking to myself "reeelaaaaax".
Apparently doing this relatively frequently will, over time, cause a conditioned response in your brain that your body will react to your chosen word and relax. I'm not sure how well it will work, but I'm willing to try!
Also, if you are too tense that you can't relax (panic attack etc) she recommended another cool exercise that involves; starting with your feet, tensing your muscles tightly for 10 or so seconds, then slowly releasing them. Your body has a natural reaction to this, you will find that the muscles involved will relax and have that "heavy" feeling again. Which gets rid of that tenseness.

These exercises are only proven to work over time, so don't expect immediate results lol. I think some countries train their police to do them though, to help in high stress situations

@Z1392539hgohgq
Haha yeah, I figure everything is worth a try. I can't start DBT till March, so this will have to do. Part of me wonders how long I'll stick to it...

So how old are you? Male or female?

Female, weeks away from 22.

Dope, well welcome.

Ansiedad - hehehe I love that you used the word floppy I'll try to remember to try this stuff I just feel like in a heated moment it's not gonna seem important or I won't even remember. gah my pessimsim sucks lol

Ansie, well done

And you are right, you only get what you put in. It's a lot of work but it depends on how much you want to change.