feeling low and tight band tension

[lorianxiety]

hi just finished a CBTintroductory course (cognative ,behavioural therapy)it was very nerve wracking as problems arose and my pc is not in synch yet(another story}have had a rotten day,started off sunny im in Scotland ,and it was bright and warm ,soon changed as the day went on,never ventured out now looking forward /or not really ,as the day ends.how many of us feel like this and the end result is I never enjoyed my usual tv programme;seems like my world is plagued by uncertainty live alone/cat,and believe it or not have never been accustomed to airing my feelings online /whatever....tight bands gathered around my head neck,ringing in my ears ,tv is just a babbling noise.just need a little understanding caring ;feel so alone,anxiety quite high ,Sometimes wonder why I carry on,.anyone identify.

[Orcidrose]

Hi lorianxiety . I can't comment of your therapy as not sure about that one but fully understand about the emotional side speaking out about your feelings .. I myself have been very low and it seems an feels like it will never change so much that I actually walked out of my home yesterday in confussion an anxious I can't see the light at the end of the tunnel.. I'm home now but sitting in my room alone unsure and anxious about tomorrow .. do you ever wonder why or will this ever go or be under control . Stay strong hold on in there hope things get a little better for you tomorrow

[lorianxiety in reply to Orcidrose]

yes,i can understand and feel your pain theres nothing worse than allowing emotions (overwrought)to dominate and rule our thoughts,i hope and pray that you will begin to feel better ,I did a few chores and im feeling a lot better -its thoughts that stick in our heads and we are weakened by the negativity or the futility,try and think of something nice-----hopefully your mood will shift it seems to affect every part of the body-take care.

[Orcidrose in reply to lorianxiety]

Thank you you are so right our mind over thinks at times but like you when the sun came out I thought maybe today is going to be a good day . Still plod on as we must battle with the thoughts inside our heads thank you for your reply may be I'l try thinking or planing what chores I can do tomorrow once again thank you

[lorianxiety in reply to Orcidrose]

yes,just doing a few things does bring about a feeling of betterment,so hopefully you will feel less alone and without hope---we cant allow ourselves to be swept away by the negative neverending cycle of despairing thoughts.

[mschloe]

Hii Lorianxiety,

Two years ago I admitted myself to a hospital for severe depression & anxiety; I was suicidal & feeling very lost. After my release I found a therapist who worked with me using CBT; I also bought a great book by David Burns called Feeling Good & used it as a CBT guide; I also used the worksheets inside it. CBT is wonderful & you will learn how to change your negative thinking, but you have to be very proactive & do the work. Several months ago a life event caused my anxiety to rear its ugly head, & because my former therapist was no longer available, I found a new one who has been using EMDR therapy; it also has had wonderful results & I am close to ending my sessions. It's easier for you to research EMDR than for me to try to explain it. If you can't afford to buy any books, I'm sure you can find something for free at your local library. I am 65 years old & have had many ups & downs throughout life, but there is hope & light at the end of the tunnel; you have to continue to want to fight to get better & be very proactive in doing everything you can to get there. Always know that you are not alone & there are many people out there who you can reach out to.

[lorianxiety in reply to mschloe]

hi ,So glad you responded to what I wrote.,your experience with CBT andEMDR.sounds like it was a Godsend for you ;will certainly look into this new therapy.and im so pleased you informed as im still pretty much getting to grips with all this and trying to find a Therapist too.had some feedback regarding the 1st session of Cbt. or rather gave the person some of my concerns.,that will be passed on to my Gp ….will checkit out and hope I can get something too;as you said you have to put into something in order to get positive results,Im older too and need a good person for feedback ect …...so keep in touch.

[mschloe in reply to lorianxiety]

Good morning, cognitive behavioral therapy & EMDR are actually not new, but what's new is that more & more therapists are finally using them along with talk therapy. My therapist has been using EMDR for post traumatic stress syndrome in veterans since 2002. I had various trauma as a young child, & the EMDR has helped me to move past it. So many of us who suffer from depression and/or anxiety have experienced trauma at a young age, & unless we can deal with the past, we have trouble dealing with all kinds of issues throughout life. If you apply CBT daily, you'll eventually start to automatically challenge those negative & destructive thoughts that we all deal with & the anxiety will not get hold of you. I hope you will dive in headfirst towards getting better because nobody can do it for you. The harder you work at it the stronger you'll get. It breaks my heart that so many of those who are suffering have no idea what to do & simply seclude themselves & hope to get better. There are endless groups & associations for depression & anxiety, forums, & info on CBT that can be accessed on-line, & your library is also a wonderful place to get info to take home & study. Be determined to fight for your life & eventually your good days will outnumber the bad. Good luck.

[lorianxiety in reply to mschloe]

I needed that pep talk as I know only too well that its oneself who is solely responsible for anxiety,phobias ect no such thing as a quick fix,I just wish in this day and age there are more support groups,you will hopefully enlighten me of anything that is supportive or helpful--still haven't looked up the other therapy cant remember the name .thanks for your reply.

[mschloe in reply to lorianxiety]

Hi lorianxiety, in-person support groups are also lacking where I live, so on-line support is pretty much all that is available. On-line support does help alot though to know that you are not totally alone in your struggles, & getting ideas from others can be extremely helpful when you just don't know what to do to get better. I've been very fortunate in finding a good therapist who uses newer techniques in therapy. I agree that it might be a good idea to try full spectrum light bulbs. I have thought about getting one & would have if sunshine was severely lacking. Make sure you research full spectrum light bulbs thoroughly before you spend the money for one. Meditation, visualization, & muscle relaxation are also extremely helpful & there is a huge amount of info on all of them on-line as well as downloads available. I hope your day is a good one.

[lorianxiety in reply to mschloe]

hi Mschloe, thanks for the info ,its good that you have found a good therapist ,it makes all the difference -are you in th USA,I have been meaning to try out both visualisation and meditation,no excuse as im desperate to find something that works ,its make or break time hope you remain well.

[mschloe in reply to lorianxiety]

Hi Lorianxiety, I forgot to mention two apps you can download with all kinds of meditation & visualization. I haven't used them myself but have checked them out & think they could be extremely helpful; some are free & others aren't. One is called calm.com & one is Headspace. Yep, I'm in the USA. I wish you the best too.

[lorianxiety in reply to mschloe]

Hi Mschloe,thanks for that information will check it out later---Im in Scotland,just for the record-lol

[Lazy_dog_lover]

Absolutely, most of us can identify with what you are going through. Couple of questions: 1) Does the dreary weather tend to being you down? If so, have you tried full spectrum light bulbs? A little exposure might help. 2) Are your favorite shows more happy, funny or sad, aggressive? I like police and medical shows, but I am taking a break and only doing Doctor Who right now. That is my reward for surviving the day. 3) What is a CBT course? Are you learning to be a therapist or is that what you call your sessions with a therapist? If it is your session, a first day isn't going to do much. That one takes time. 4) Have you ever done any reading or research on "shame"? It might help the CBT as you progress. 5) I used to foster disabled dogs. It was the most rewarding thing ever. So, if you have a cat that loves to be loved, go for it. Get your fur-fix, as we say in the US. Here is my longest and most challenging foster:. whitedogtheblog.weebly.com

Tomorrow is another day.

[lorianxiety in reply to Lazy_dog_lover]

Thankyou Lazydog lover,Cbt cognative behavioural therapy,is to help one focus on other things and to work towards goals,in order to overcome Anxiety and Depression......I love your enthusiasm.lamps yes,I am goverened by the weather and hate dull lamps of which I have 2---and I have a cat,but no cat a fix for me----your page was interesting ,love the dog sad that its left the physical world-you definitely have a flair for various things---wish I had your vitality for life ha..well did more walking than usual quite unfit need to find myself again,trouble is been lying dormant for so long ,don't know where to begin--photography,something has to spark off -Life-throw off Anxiety(health)heres to you my American amigo.

[Lazy_dog_lover in reply to lorianxiety]

In the US, CBT is the general name given to going to therapy with a social worker. We also work on venting, strategies to refocus, and get emotional support. Surprisingly, small group helped me more than 1:1 because I had to stay on topic.

Look for light bulbs labeled "Full Spectrum", but don't use them near where you sleep, because you don't want that stimulation right before bed. I have an app on my iPad called Brainwave Sleep Cycle Tuner that my doctor recommended for delta wave sounds and deeper sleep. It is supposed to be used with headphones, but I can't sleep with headphones. I just put it behind my pillow so both ears get equal access.

Do you exercise? When I had time and could do it regularly, I often found myself yawning while working out. My doctor said that was a sign of relieving stress. I never really did cardio, just resistance machines...bad knees. I walk a lot for work, though. Have a great day.

[lorianxiety in reply to Lazy_dog_lover]

You seem to have a good gp mine is hopeless treats me as in an age bracket.not happy because of him;what type of work ,is there any walking involved..Exceptionally sunny today for this time of year going for a walk...I will look out for those lamps you mentioned.hope you have a good day too!

[Lazy_dog_lover in reply to lorianxiety]

I have no support system. It is just me. Always has been. I screw as many things up as I do right. Snowing here near Chicago. Going to teach a night class, now, after a full day at work. Have a great day.

[lorianxiety in reply to Lazy_dog_lover]

very busy person,gosh the thought of snow makes me shudder,almost time for bed,what are you teaching!?