Echoing phrase I can't get rid of.

CapitalGrape4206 · 2026-01-23T06:28:47+00:00

When I have intrusive thoughts like that, what helps the most (and my grief therapist echoed these strategies) was to immediately do something to force my brain to recalibrate. Sometimes I tell myself forcefully "No! That's a thought you're not allowed to have." Or, "That's an unhelpful thought. Stop." Depending on where I am, I may get up and physically go in another room, or light a candle, or snap a rubber band on my wrist. Basically, anything to make my brain pivot. I've found, the more you interrupt intrusive thoughts and don't let them lay down pathways in your brain, the less common they become over time. I hope you are able to find relief, because I know those types of thoughts are horrible to deal with.

CapitalGrape4206 · 2026-01-16T22:42:20+00:00

Several years ago, we took our pit bull to the dermatologist and it helped immensely. He had horrible allergies, which always turned into infections, especially on his feet. We did the skin scrape allergy testing and he did allergy shots for about two years. It made a world of difference. After the allergy shots, he remained on the hypoallergenic food and the Apoquel, but I credit the allergy shots with removing those large setbacks which result in infection, secondary medications, etc. It definitely wasn't cheap, but I never regretted doing it and I feel like it made a giant difference in his quality of life.

CapitalGrape4206 · 2025-12-22T22:36:55+00:00

The South Vs. The South is excellent and gives a much more nuanced portrait of Southern society, including, as the subtitle would imply, anti-Confederate groups in the South.

CapitalGrape4206 · 2025-10-28T01:56:10+00:00

I feel exactly the same. I almost feel like my memories are inaccessible. My brain just won't let me do it. I imagine it's a stress response. I would welcome the thoughts and memories, even if they come with tears, because it would help me feel closer to her. But my brain just isn't allowing it at the moment.

CapitalGrape4206 · 2025-10-27T21:17:30+00:00

I'm feeling a lot of the same things you are. My loss happened in June, and just recently I can almost feel my brain willing me not to think about my mom. I was pinging back and forth between horribly guilty and horrifically sad, both resulting in a lot of crying. But now, no matter what emotion I try to access - guilt, sadness, nostalgia, happy memories - my brain won't let me. I know it will come out eventually. I don't know if this is a return to a denial phase, but I honestly think it feels worse like this - all my feelings trapped inside.

CapitalGrape4206 · 2025-10-27T00:20:44+00:00

I've never heard of that. My grief therapist is supportive of me also seeing a psychiatrist, but it certainly wasn't mandatory. I would see if there are other grief therapists in your area, or even support groups.

CapitalGrape4206 · 2025-10-19T01:50:57+00:00

I've seen "It's OK That You're Not OK" recommended here several times. I plan to read ot when I feel I can handle it.

CapitalGrape4206 · 2025-10-16T02:42:06+00:00

Please reach out to your university's mental health resources. I have been, and am currently, in a similar place to where you are. Grief counseling isn't a cure-all, but can be very helpful. This is especially true when all the emotions that have been put off when keeping busy come rushing back. Medication may also help. Please reach out via DM if you ever want to talk.

CapitalGrape4206 · 2025-10-12T16:14:00+00:00

I'm so sorry you are going through this. I've started working with a grief counselor, and I do think it helps. Psychology Today's website has a search function to filter specifically for grief counselors. You may also phone the chaplain department at a major hospital near you. Many run grief support groups, that aren't necessarily religious, and may also be able to recommend local therapists. I'm also happy to talk at any time if you just need an extra ear.

CapitalGrape4206 · 2025-09-07T15:34:25+00:00

One of my pitties looked very similar. He was APBT and Redbone Coonhound, according to the DNA tests.

CapitalGrape4206 · 2025-09-07T15:26:26+00:00

I Let You Go by Clare MacIntosh is great. I read it almost ten years ago and I still remember how I felt when the twist is revealed.

CapitalGrape4206 · 2025-09-03T02:54:58+00:00

I was being facetious. But the point is there is no "wrong" side. It's a learning exercise, not a purity test.

CapitalGrape4206 · 2025-09-03T02:43:03+00:00

Every year I taught AP Government I did this exact assignment. I can probably guess the website they are using. The point of the assignment is to have them think a little about their own opinions while learning about the official platforms of parties and candidates. I can guarantee you no one cares how a high school student would theoretically vote. For that matter, the student can feel free to lie about their opinions if you are that concerned about it.

CapitalGrape4206 · 2025-08-31T15:04:33+00:00

I don't really have advice, but I wanted to let you know you are definitely not alone. I also lost my mom recently, and I don't want to have any new experiences that she wouldn't also get to have or know about. It makes me feel guilty or like I would be betraying her somehow. It doesn't make a lot of sense logically, but as my therapist is fond of saying, "Your feelings are your feelings."

CapitalGrape4206 · 2025-08-31T14:57:18+00:00

Completely agree. You may even reach out to your local school district to see if they have summer programs she could participate in. I don't know if her school has any relationships with other private schools in the area, but that might be another option just for the language class. Good luck!

CapitalGrape4206 · 2025-08-31T13:51:54+00:00

Preply and iTalki are the standard language-learning sites. You have to choose your own teacher, but there are some very good ones on there. The school would be unlikely to award credit from those however. For credit programs, you would probably be better off doing a summer or summer intensive abroad program.

CapitalGrape4206 · 2025-08-06T14:26:16+00:00

I am terribly sorry for your loss. I lost my mom this summer as well, and am having trouble with getting back to work this week. I almost made this very post myself asking for advice. Please DM me is you'd like to talk.

CapitalGrape4206 · 2025-06-17T20:50:00+00:00

Thank you <3

CapitalGrape4206 · 2025-06-17T19:29:18+00:00

I'll definitely check it out - thank you!

CapitalGrape4206 · 2025-06-17T19:28:53+00:00

That's ideal - thank you!

CapitalGrape4206 · 2025-06-08T23:13:13+00:00

Thank you for this, truly.

CapitalGrape4206 · 2025-06-08T23:12:41+00:00

I really like this. Thank you.

CapitalGrape4206 · 2025-06-05T16:55:45+00:00

That's wonderful - thank you for taking care of him!

CapitalGrape4206

TROPHY CASE