Light bulb moment

[Msheatherlady]

Last night i was in a state id been In for days, I couldn’t stop thinking about my purpose in life, why I’m here and those types of questions. Researching what this was I found there was a name for it, Existential Anxiety. Through looking it up I was having some negative thoughts finding out it’s not easy to treat and felt hopeless until I found a comment that recommended a book that addressed anxiety and how to cope with it. This book is called At last a life by Paul David. I haven’t finished the book yet but just from what I have read there was so much I could relate to and so much that made me feel like I wasn’t crazy. The biggest thing i got out of it thus far is that anxiety isn’t something that will go away overnight. There’s no miracle pill or antidote that will make it all better, what it takes is letting go and allowing the anxiety to be. The more you fight with it the worse it will make it. You have to accept the anxiety for what it is and live life without fear or letting the anxiety stop you from living from how uncomfortable it can make you feel. I’ve been putting some effort into not feeding into my anxiety today and it hasn’t been easy. When I get a wave of it I just sit there and try not to feed into it and let myself feel anxious and not try to push it away or avoid it. So far by letting it be I’ve felt okay. As I said before it’s not going to fix itself over night. Anxiety, over thinking, all that stuff is a habit, and in order to stop a habit you have to start a new one. My new habit it living, not letting my fear of getting a panic attack or fear of not living with a purpose stop me from doing just that living. I’m also on day 5 of upping my citalopram from 20 to 30mg and i feel like that’s been a help to, but some day I hope to be off of citalopram and able to live without it and feel okay. Also if anyone else has read the book I’d love some of your insights as well!

[onthetrail]

Thanks for sharing. These are powerful truths you've learned. I learned some of them the hard way, through trial and error. And the book "Dare: The New Way to End Anxiety and Stop Panic Attacks" also helped clarify a lot for me.

My new mantra when I get emotional/physical pain is: "So what? I accept and allow this anxious/painful feeling..." Then I try to go right on living my life in spite of it. I have to make small adjustments, yes, but anxiety is not the disability it once was for me.

Best wishes and be well. I believe you are on the right path!

[Caseopia]

Sounds like a must read book for people with anxiety. I’m going to check it out. I don’t know how to accept my anxiety and I fear it. You gave great points. Thank you. I keep myself busy with hobbies when I’m anxious. Mine in art. It helps keep my mind busy.

[MARYRD27]

I haven't read David's book, but I have read and recommend to everyone The Anxiety and Phobia Workbook by Edmund Bourne. I'm so glad you have found something that has helped you. I take Escitalopram (just 10mg), but my doctor said it's nearly identical to Citalopram (20mg) which I had been taking. But I found the Workbook to be of the most help with my anxiety.

Finding purpose has been a big issue for me as well. People who are religious seem to have a better time with this. But if you aren't a believer, you can't make yourself become one. I think people like us live too much inside our heads. We think too much. I'm working more on doing and less on thinking.

[Kirsty1989]

Iv read this book when I first had my breakdown a couple of year ago. I thought it was great and I'm actually thinking of reading it again! Always good to go over things like that to bring you back. I'm starting on 30mg of citalopram tomorrow after being on 20 for 3 months. I'm worried about side effects 😫 again. But I also want to be citalopram free in the future 🙌 xxx