Comments on: Living with anxiety http://anxietynomore.co.uk/blog/2009/07/08/61/ Anxiety no more Helping sufferers overcome anxiety and panic issues Thu, 09 Sep 2010 03:55:05 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 hourly 1 By: Sandeep http://anxietynomore.co.uk/blog/2009/07/08/61/#comment-10015 Sandeep Sun, 21 Mar 2010 09:55:41 +0000 http://anxietynomore.co.uk/blog/?p=61#comment-10015 All the overanalyzing confused me. I have 2 questions that have me stuck: 1. When I feel adrenaline coming on, I say ok and then quickly force my attention to the present. While this really helps most of the time to distract me and gets rid of the adrenaline rush quickly, I feel like its still an "avoidance" behaviour. Sometimes I'm just not able to get to the present and the attention keeps coming back to me. Can someone help describe specifically how they practice acceptance at the moment an adrenaline rush comes? I know one has to practice telling your mind that you dont need to fear the symptoms and Paul mentioned something about this not having to become a "do" but I do think it takes a lot of retraining in the beginning. 2. The whole concept of not introducing more fear itself sometimes keeps me in the loop that oh no, what if I do introduce more fear? I'll never get better. Its a strange loop and I'm almost doing it because I know I'm not supposed to. I tell myself so what but I still get bogged down by it. Any responses will be very helpful. All the overanalyzing confused me. I have 2 questions that have me stuck:

1. When I feel adrenaline coming on, I say ok and then quickly force my attention to the present. While this really helps most of the time to distract me and gets rid of the adrenaline rush quickly, I feel like its still an “avoidance” behaviour. Sometimes I’m just not able to get to the present and the attention keeps coming back to me. Can someone help describe specifically how they practice acceptance at the moment an adrenaline rush comes? I know one has to practice telling your mind that you dont need to fear the symptoms and Paul mentioned something about this not having to become a “do” but I do think it takes a lot of retraining in the beginning.

2. The whole concept of not introducing more fear itself sometimes keeps me in the loop that oh no, what if I do introduce more fear? I’ll never get better. Its a strange loop and I’m almost doing it because I know I’m not supposed to. I tell myself so what but I still get bogged down by it.

Any responses will be very helpful.

]]> By: Sara http://anxietynomore.co.uk/blog/2009/07/08/61/#comment-6445 Sara Mon, 21 Sep 2009 18:40:13 +0000 http://anxietynomore.co.uk/blog/?p=61#comment-6445 Thanks, Christina. That makes sense. I've always come thru previous bouts of anxiety, too, but this time my anxiety was more severe and I had new symptoms that I'd never had before. It sort of freaked me out a bit and I was a wreck for a little while. I'm trying hard not to be afraid of the symptoms and to just let them go, though. Good luck to all of us that are currently struggling! :) Thanks, Christina. That makes sense. I’ve always come thru previous bouts of anxiety, too, but this time my anxiety was more severe and I had new symptoms that I’d never had before. It sort of freaked me out a bit and I was a wreck for a little while. I’m trying hard not to be afraid of the symptoms and to just let them go, though. Good luck to all of us that are currently struggling! :)

]]> By: christina http://anxietynomore.co.uk/blog/2009/07/08/61/#comment-6437 christina Mon, 21 Sep 2009 03:49:34 +0000 http://anxietynomore.co.uk/blog/?p=61#comment-6437 Sara, this is not a stupid question. I've wondered it myself. I know I've always come through previous bouts of anxiety. It really is about losing your fear of all the physical and emotional symptoms of anxiety, giving them less and less respect, and thereby regaining interest in the world outside of you. At the same time there might be things you need to understand about yourself, for instance the way you deal with stress, that may set you up for future anxious periods. It would be beneficial to learn more effective life skills that can keep you in a more calm state. Just my thoughts. Sara, this is not a stupid question. I’ve wondered it myself. I know I’ve always come through previous bouts of anxiety. It really is about losing your fear of all the physical and emotional symptoms of anxiety, giving them less and less respect, and thereby regaining interest in the world outside of you. At the same time there might be things you need to understand about yourself, for instance the way you deal with stress, that may set you up for future anxious periods. It would be beneficial to learn more effective life skills that can keep you in a more calm state. Just my thoughts.

]]> By: Sara http://anxietynomore.co.uk/blog/2009/07/08/61/#comment-6415 Sara Thu, 17 Sep 2009 19:16:51 +0000 http://anxietynomore.co.uk/blog/?p=61#comment-6415 Hey all, I just have a question regarding "living with anxiety". Maybe Paul can answer this question, or anyone else that knows. I've been unable to order Paul's book for some reason, but have read Claire Weekes book on 'Hope and Help For Your Nerves'. Anyway, I know that the things I've read, especially on here, state that complete recovery from anxiety and panic is possible. Is it only possible if you know the exact cause of what started the intial anxiety and panic in the first place? Or can you fully recover even if you don't know the exact cause of your first experience of anxiety and panic? Maybe this is a stupid question, or one that doesn't matter, but I just thought I'd ask. I think I know what started my initial anxiety and panic, but now (obviously) the anxiety and panic appear for other reasons beyond the first initial reasons, if that makes sense. I just want to know if complete recovery is possible for everyone and anyone, no matter what the initial cause. Thanks! Hey all,
I just have a question regarding “living with anxiety”. Maybe Paul can answer this question, or anyone else that knows. I’ve been unable to order Paul’s book for some reason, but have read Claire Weekes book on ‘Hope and Help For Your Nerves’. Anyway, I know that the things I’ve read, especially on here, state that complete recovery from anxiety and panic is possible. Is it only possible if you know the exact cause of what started the intial anxiety and panic in the first place? Or can you fully recover even if you don’t know the exact cause of your first experience of anxiety and panic? Maybe this is a stupid question, or one that doesn’t matter, but I just thought I’d ask. I think I know what started my initial anxiety and panic, but now (obviously) the anxiety and panic appear for other reasons beyond the first initial reasons, if that makes sense. I just want to know if complete recovery is possible for everyone and anyone, no matter what the initial cause.
Thanks!

]]> By: Mo http://anxietynomore.co.uk/blog/2009/07/08/61/#comment-6390 Mo Sun, 13 Sep 2009 18:41:37 +0000 http://anxietynomore.co.uk/blog/?p=61#comment-6390 Hi Everyone, I have never posted on this site before. I read Paul's book back in December 08 and have read his blog, which has been really enlightening. I didn't realise until today that there was a comments section and have spent most of this afternoon reading all your posts!! I have been suffering from anxiety this time round since December 08. I suffered a period of around 8 months back in 2006/07, however at this time my main problem was depression and I seemed to respond very well to anti-depressants. I have had physical symptoms of anxiety throughout my life but these would be very fleeting and I never really got hung up on them. I have an extremely supportive family and partner. My mum has suffered anxiety over the years but is a huge inspiration to me. She accepts it so well and just gets on with her life whether it's there or not. I just seem to be less able to do that. I want it all to be better and feel so frustrated with myself for not just living alongside it. Like you all I have numerous different symptoms, both physical and mental. Fortunately I have always known that these symptoms are just anxiety so you would think that I would be able to just accept them for what they are. But I just really struggle with this? I even still feel frightened about the way I feel. So, as you can imagine I wake up feeling anxious and spend most of the day thinking about my anxiety. I still do things, go out, go to work etc but I am always thinking how much better these things would feel if I was not anxious rather than engaging with the activities, if that makes sense? I seem to have this 'brick wall' in front of me that wants to block me from doing anything. Does anyone know what I mean? It is like I say to myself "go on, go and do some gardening", and then this brick wall feeling appears to try to get in the way of me doing anything? I am probably not explaining myself very well? I am very aware having read comments that positivity on this site is really important. So, I just want to say to you all that I have been inspired by your posts and, although reading Paul's book was great, it is also useful to hear other people's experiences of anxiety and progress. I can't say right now that I have had many good days at all but am hoping to. It would be great to get a few replies for some support and encouragement ... and hopefully I can start supporting too. Thanks to you all. Hi Everyone,

I have never posted on this site before. I read Paul’s book back in December 08 and have read his blog, which has been really enlightening. I didn’t realise until today that there was a comments section and have spent most of this afternoon reading all your posts!!

I have been suffering from anxiety this time round since December 08. I suffered a period of around 8 months back in 2006/07, however at this time my main problem was depression and I seemed to respond very well to anti-depressants. I have had physical symptoms of anxiety throughout my life but these would be very fleeting and I never really got hung up on them.

I have an extremely supportive family and partner. My mum has suffered anxiety over the years but is a huge inspiration to me. She accepts it so well and just gets on with her life whether it’s there or not. I just seem to be less able to do that. I want it all to be better and feel so frustrated with myself for not just living alongside it. Like you all I have numerous different symptoms, both physical and mental. Fortunately I have always known that these symptoms are just anxiety so you would think that I would be able to just accept them for what they are. But I just really struggle with this? I even still feel frightened about the way I feel. So, as you can imagine I wake up feeling anxious and spend most of the day thinking about my anxiety. I still do things, go out, go to work etc but I am always thinking how much better these things would feel if I was not anxious rather than engaging with the activities, if that makes sense? I seem to have this ‘brick wall’ in front of me that wants to block me from doing anything. Does anyone know what I mean? It is like I say to myself “go on, go and do some gardening”, and then this brick wall feeling appears to try to get in the way of me doing anything? I am probably not explaining myself very well?

I am very aware having read comments that positivity on this site is really important. So, I just want to say to you all that I have been inspired by your posts and, although reading Paul’s book was great, it is also useful to hear other people’s experiences of anxiety and progress. I can’t say right now that I have had many good days at all but am hoping to. It would be great to get a few replies for some support and encouragement … and hopefully I can start supporting too.

Thanks to you all.

]]> By: Tracey http://anxietynomore.co.uk/blog/2009/07/08/61/#comment-6320 Tracey Fri, 04 Sep 2009 01:20:32 +0000 http://anxietynomore.co.uk/blog/?p=61#comment-6320 I'm definitely where you're at Jason. I had like 3 panic attacks for the first time starting the end of last October and from then I thought I was crazy, dying, etc. I would get thoughts stuck in my head and wonder why they were there and try to not think them and get frustrated, mad, sad, etc. but now after months of back and forth being scared of thoughts, I can totally say i have more confidence now just because I can finally tell when I think those old thoughts its due to habit. Of course I still have off days where the memory tries to bother me but those bad days aren't as often anymore and it is truly freeing. I’m definitely where you’re at Jason. I had like 3 panic attacks for the first time starting the end of last October and from then I thought I was crazy, dying, etc. I would get thoughts stuck in my head and wonder why they were there and try to not think them and get frustrated, mad, sad, etc. but now after months of back and forth being scared of thoughts, I can totally say i have more confidence now just because I can finally tell when I think those old thoughts its due to habit. Of course I still have off days where the memory tries to bother me but those bad days aren’t as often anymore and it is truly freeing.

]]> By: alyssa http://anxietynomore.co.uk/blog/2009/07/08/61/#comment-6316 alyssa Thu, 03 Sep 2009 20:00:44 +0000 http://anxietynomore.co.uk/blog/?p=61#comment-6316 Thanks Christina you are right I was so happy before I had anxiety. And it feels like its trying to make me into something that im not, and dont want to be. It feels like when i comes its like Pay attention to me, like you said and thats exactly what I do I just analyze it and obsess over it. Its so frustrating but you are not alone I also struggle but we can make it and we will be happy! :) Thanks Christina you are right I was so happy before I had anxiety. And it feels like its trying to make me into something that im not, and dont want to be. It feels like when i comes its like Pay attention to me, like you said and thats exactly what I do I just analyze it and obsess over it. Its so frustrating but you are not alone I also struggle but we can make it and we will be happy! :)

]]> By: christina http://anxietynomore.co.uk/blog/2009/07/08/61/#comment-6301 christina Wed, 02 Sep 2009 03:36:18 +0000 http://anxietynomore.co.uk/blog/?p=61#comment-6301 Hi Alyssa thank you for responding to my post. It was encouraging. Now I want to bring you something that's uplifting. These feelings are not you! Not even close. Too much stress hormones, namely adrenaline, on your tired, sensitized nerves and mind. Just think about a time, maybe even recently where you had, whether a day or maybe even an hour, when you felt more like yourself. You didn't feel the same way- scared, anxious, worried, sad, etc., etc. Deep down we know it's not us, but it's just that the symptoms scream, "pay attention to me!". You said you were feeling better earlier (that was definitely more you) Anxiety almost always feels like more than it is. And when you feel more like you, you can see more clearly the imposter it is. Let's just try to ecourage each other with the truth. Take heart, this will not last. Hi Alyssa thank you for responding to my post. It was encouraging. Now I want to bring you something that’s uplifting. These feelings are not you! Not even close. Too much stress hormones, namely adrenaline, on your tired, sensitized nerves and mind. Just think about a time, maybe even recently where you had, whether a day or maybe even an hour, when you felt more like yourself. You didn’t feel the same way- scared, anxious, worried, sad, etc., etc. Deep down we know it’s not us, but it’s just that the symptoms scream, “pay attention to me!”. You said you were feeling better earlier (that was definitely more you) Anxiety almost always feels like more than it is. And when you feel more like you, you can see more clearly the imposter it is. Let’s just try to ecourage each other with the truth. Take heart, this will not last.

]]> By: alyssa http://anxietynomore.co.uk/blog/2009/07/08/61/#comment-6299 alyssa Tue, 01 Sep 2009 20:23:56 +0000 http://anxietynomore.co.uk/blog/?p=61#comment-6299 I was feeling better earlier but now I feel terrible for some reason :( I let it come over me again. God I just want to know whats wrong with me! im always searching for answers looking for someone thats like me that has anxiety, I cant find them? I feel like im bad, I think im a murder or that im going to harm someone I REALLY dont want to im so scared and am crying right now I cant take it, I feel like its true. I love my family so much i just want to be good. Please anyone help me I was feeling better earlier but now I feel terrible for some reason :( I let it come over me again. God I just want to know whats wrong with me! im always searching for answers looking for someone thats like me that has anxiety, I cant find them? I feel like im bad, I think im a murder or that im going to harm someone I REALLY dont want to im so scared and am crying right now I cant take it, I feel like its true. I love my family so much i just want to be good. Please anyone help me

]]> By: alyssa http://anxietynomore.co.uk/blog/2009/07/08/61/#comment-6295 alyssa Tue, 01 Sep 2009 17:12:46 +0000 http://anxietynomore.co.uk/blog/?p=61#comment-6295 Hey Christina anxiety does this to you it does it to me too. Im always on a rollercoaster I cry cant sleep and am scared. the thing that sucks for me is that it feels as if i question everything i say, i feel as if i doubt myself all the time, and feel hopeless at times.What helps me is to look at the positive things in your life , and trust me i know these things are hard to do. But it gets easier with practice :) And try to not associate these things with yourself, just know that its your anxiety not you these are some little things that help me, maybe they will help you also, keep in touch, and get well soon! :) Hey Christina anxiety does this to you it does it to me too. Im always on a rollercoaster I cry cant sleep and am scared. the thing that sucks for me is that it feels as if i question everything i say, i feel as if i doubt myself all the time, and feel hopeless at times.What helps me is to look at the positive things in your life , and trust me i know these things are hard to do. But it gets easier with practice :) And try to not associate these things with yourself, just know that its your anxiety not you these are some little things that help me, maybe they will help you also, keep in touch, and get well soon! :)

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