How do I confront the source of my depression and anxiety?

Question

I'm 35. Growing up my dad was a serious drinker. Being an only child and having a mother that didn't want to talk about it I turned inward to escape the pain. To cope with the pain my brain would "detach" and I would space out. Its called Depersonalization. As an adult I still do this and it is ruining my life. This even happens in situations that are not threatening at all. It happens with my girlfriend and others that I love, and I can't turn it off.

I have been seeing a therapist and she says says the only way to deal with the problem is to deal with the source. She suggested I type a letter to my dad and spill my guts. I don't even have to give it to him. Its the process of opening the flood gates that helps.

The only problem I have is that when I try to type the letter nothing comes out of me. I think I am ready to confront my issues, but it's as if I shut down mentally when I try.

Any tips or suggestions that might help me???

Answer 1

Maybe you can try meditation and imagine yourself as a child. Think of the emotions that you are feeling then and what you really wanted to tell your dad then (as a child).