So, there I was sitting I the waiting room at the hospital waiting to go in for my second detached retina operation to replace the oil with gas (first op reattached the retina and filled the eye with oil). I had been apprehensive about the op having gotten quite used to my oil filled eye which was not uncomfortable and usable enough to be able to drive. I wasn’t looking forward to another period of not driving. To say I was anxious might be excessive but I’m a relaxed type of guy; I can believe that others would be very anxious. So, why did I feel safe?
I pondered this question as it occurred to me. I reckon this is because I’m doing something with purpose and I know what is happening and where I’ll be for the next 24 hours. Essentially, it is out of my control, but I am willing accept this. So, I feel safe.
Panic, anxiety and even depression are related to a feeling of being safe. Where panic and anxiety relate to the immediate feeling of safety, depression relates more to the feeling of hopelessness that comes from not being safe and not being able to do anything about it. The “safe” here is relating to the accumulated conditioning of surrounding events that have occurred with a person over a period of time. Having confidence in my surrounds and environment and people that they all have my best interests at heart even though I don’t know them all personally.
In treating these conditions, the immediate task is to introduce a sense of safety for the client and then to promote this into their life and lifestyle outside our sessions.