Computers, Forums and the Amygdala

[Carrigan]

Just a quick point on this topic which I think is important...

I was going to post this on the "False Posts" thread but realised it would be a threadjack


In my experience, computers and the amygdala don't mix well.

I can handle anything from 1 min to 1 hour a day in front of a computer during which symptoms will build to a crescendo, and there's always a period (two mins to two hours) of the symptoms gradually abating after sitting in front of a computer.

Symptoms are much worse if I'm sitting using the machine for no good reason: ie chasing a lost cause (eg trying to figure out if something REALLY works based on forum posts!) or just wasting time (reading football news).

In the past I was a computer programmer and spent far too much time staring at screens trying to solve very complex problems so I expect my Amy is extra sensitive to computers, but I expect most CFS...sorry Retrainers(!) will have the same thing going on to some extent. Humans are not evolved for extended computer use.

Raymond Perrin of the Perrin technique points out in his book the connection between computer use and CFS, reasoning that it's very hard on the spine (the basis of his CFS thesis). I'd add the Amygdala-baiting side of computers to that.

Aside from all that, the depersonalising and in fact pathological effects of internet forums, blogs, chatrooms etc have been academically studied.

Bizarrely, I find I have a similar problem with newspapers! Well i guess if I wanted to think about about a bunch of lies, omissions and deceptions I'd just listen to my thoughts...

[m1she11e]

I have to say that I completely agree wtih you. I always feel awful (yet here I am again) when I have been on the computer for extended periods.
It is always chasing a "cure" and I have never figured out if it was the dissapointment in not finding one, and all of the others out there not finding one and writing about it, or the actual computer itself being draining. The only time you find positive posts are when there is somethintg to be sold. That is stressful too becasue you so want to believe but you dont want to get your hopes up and your wallet lighter AGAIN.

Accidentally, I did an experiment and have not spent more than 15 minutes a day for about the last 5 days on the computer and even had some days I wasnt on it at all. I started feeling better, looking better and had a more positive outlook on life. I better get off this thing soon!!!

I think the Gupta programme recommends not being on these posts and "searching" for the cure. Oddly, there are alot of people on these sites on the program still posting. ???? I thnk it is addicting but a very harmful addiction.

Thank you for the post. I am signing off for the day!

[neil_l]

I also agree. I work in IT and can manage quite well, but spending time on a computer at home and late into the night makes me much worse.

I avoided going down the computer route in my home recording studio for many years but have had to go down that route as computers are much more flexible than old style gear, which is a shame.


-----------------
BTW If anyone wants to check out the sort of music my band records there's some free tracks on the net here...

http://www.300ftgorilla.com/newreleases.html
Recorded, mixed produced and bass played by me - full of CFS

Can't wait to start recording post Gupta with energy to spare

[cfs_since_1998]

I think computer use can worsen CFS by inducing stress and also using up a lot of mental energy. I have found that laying down on a bed with a laptop helps me stay relaxed as compared to sitting upright at a desk.

[Chronicfatiguetreatments]

[quote="cfs_since_1998"]I think computer use can worsen CFS by inducing stress and also using up a lot of mental energy. I have found that laying down on a bed with a laptop helps me stay relaxed as compared to sitting upright at a desk.[/quote]


i agree with this. I think its just having to pay attention for extended periods of time that can make you feel temporarily worse.
I havent had this problem for a while because of my supplements. But before i found the concoction that im on now, i noticed this alot.

[Ashok Gupta]

Hi everyone

Interesting topic. I have noticed that patients tense up their body when working at a computer terminal, because it is what I call a "lean-forward" experience, you are actively involved. Maybe being at a computer reminds the mind/body of being at work, and you have to work hard to maintain focus and concentration. The focus can be difficult because the amygdala "arrests" thinking circuits in the cortex, these latter circuits seen as less important.

In my programme I make the following comment on working at a computer (it needs to be taking within context of other aspects of the programme):

I find that patients, and even ex-patients, often get stressed out and tense at a computer. It’s like the computer is just not working fast enough to keep up with them so they get frustrated…or they work really hard and intensely and don’t realise they are getting worked up. If this applies to you, very simply just become aware of how you feel as you are working at a computer. If you find you are getting tense, stressed, etc, then STOP and take some time out. If you keep working like that, you trigger off those stress patterns again subconsciously. If you’re hunched over a computer getting tense, you’ve got to relax and enjoy the work you are doing. This is simply another form of attachment to results…you might be in a such a rush to get it all done. To overcome this, relax and use the slow motion technique we spoke about earlier. Be at your computer, but doing everything slowly step by step, methodically, and smiling through it.