anxiety - it's my turn now

[JoseLuis25]

it's crazy because I'm the one usually trying to help everyone and now I'm the one with the anxiety and tightness in my chest. It's such a bad feeling and this is why I help others... because I understand... but who helps me....

[blackcat64013]

Hi JoseLuis25,

I will because there is nothing worse than trying to see anxiety through on your own.

The tool I use to see through the anxiety is called wave surfing.

Anxiety attacks are intense but short lived usually 10-15 minutes in duration. They feel like they will go on forever but in fact will reach a certain point and start to weaken by themselves - just like a wave in the ocean.

Anxiety surfing involved letter the anxiety build, peak and dissipate on its own, without trying to stop or change it (accepting the physical sensation) - just like riding a wave to the beach.

If you are keen to see how you manage the anxiety waves, you can plot the anxiety strength (1-10) over time (1-15 minutes).

I carry a picture of a wave on a card covered in plastic so that I can record the score and time and then wipe it off.

If you keep a record of each anxiety wave in a diary it's a good way to see how you are going in between sessions with a counselor.

Everybody has been surfing at some stage. Acceptance takes practice and you will feel better for it.

[Hidden in reply to blackcat64013]

I feel like God helps you, me and all of us. Second we have to help ourselves and with the support of all of us we can. It's a little easier. I have more good days than bad but we survive another day. Im here to help with however I can. Hope you feel better and this too shall pass 💕

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Also if you're not a believer I apologize and to anyone else who I may offened. There are many beliefs, to each their own. ☺

[HearYou in reply to blackcat64013]

Hello Jose and blackcat6403

I am sorry Jose that anxious is hitting you hard and I appreciate the description of the ocean movement by blackcat. and will remember that allegory.

Jose, there are many people willing to help you in any way that may help if you can believe it's ok for you to reach out and spell it out. People worth knowing do not forget those who helped them. Because you always seem to be the one helping, maybe you forget you are the one who can also ask

When my anxiety hits, I feel as though something very hard and squeezing is reaching inside me. Can't do much more than walk sometimes rapidly as I can until I use up the energy the anxiety needs to exist. I like also like the idea of using a metal baseball bat and hit a very strong large oak tree until I am too tired to hit it anymore. lol I can't physically do that, but I bet you can lol

(Just make certain the neighbors don't see you....they may not understand)

[JoseLuis25]

Thank you both so much for that... I know that evey little bit helps. Sometimes I get consumed trying to answer to everyone and I know its because I know how that feels. I already feel better reading these. It means so much that you took the time to drop a line or two. Thank you.

[HearYou in reply to JoseLuis25]

Hello, Jose.

You are a wise man to notice may be you don't reach out and ask for help, maybe the people with a heart want to help fix anything they can. Been there, done that.

I don't post often as sometimes I see in a reply on this venue a suggestion that helps me already.

When I did reach out, others reached back and I grasped their hands as tightly as I could. And they didn't let go. That's new to me as I hesitate that no one will reach back and hold on tight enough.

I'm here, but like you, forget no one can spread so thin as to try and answer every post. But I'm glad you think you can. Tha means if I really need help and ask for it, you'll be there. And I'll hope I'm here if you reach out.