Dear Anita,

I think what you said is very interesting and it helps.  I tried it a last night and it seemed to help diffuse tension…However, I don’t think I really am “type a” after reading about it more. I don’t think I’m much of anything, I feel most of what “personality” I have is a reaction to the person I am with in the moment. When I was a kid it was my “job” to emotionally caretake my mother and keep her proud of me and cheer her up…. So I mostly identify as a caretaker with others. My type a traits/behaviors are due to my belief that I need to survive by having a job, making money, taking care of my family. I also have creative life force energy that needs an outlet. I’m going to try painting I think.

When my daughter is suicidal it triggers strong fear and urge to take action, problem solve, come up with alternate ideas…I don’t say these things outloud anymore because I know giving advice to depressed people is wrong but the fear of what is happening to her is so strong I have to fight it internally  to stay in this world and keep doing my day to day jobs.

Anyway I’ve tried several therapists but feel more intrigued by what I read here. Thank you so much.

Sincerely,

Melissa