First good weekend in a while.

[Juanxiety]

Hi guys,

I’ve been battling anxiety/ panic disorder since I was 18 years old. I’ve been in SSRIs for ~20 yrs. Got to a really good place professionally last year and build really strong self confidence and decided to stop SSRI 3 Mo before the pandemic. Felt really great, no side effects, then the pandemic started. It has been very hard for me to adapt and to struggled like many of you with the “Corona fear”. I thought several times to get back to SSRIs and restarted therapy with a psychologist through an app. She helped me start questioning several of my anxieties and fears, it helped but maximum relief happened this weekend. Exercise, losing weight during this period helped me significantly. I have lost >20 lbs in 3 mo. But the best relief was brought by 2 things that I started to do this weekend: breathing exercises and meditation and hearing David Goggins talk: youtu.be/5tSTk1083VY(Not working as expected?). Life is tough and mental toughness has to be built up, at least for me. you will be uncomfortable in the process, but life is more beautiful when you start embracing a little of discomfort in your life. Stay hard. Relaxation techniques work, get your breathing exercises in and start sweating more, get outdoors for a walk or a jog and you’ll be over this in no time. The most difficult part is to accept uncertainty, but is very real and now is the corona, tomorrow could be cancer. We have to embrace what we have now and prepare for what is coming by building up resilience. God bless you all.

[Agora1]

Thank you for your post Juaniety

I agree with every word you wrote. I practice Meditation and Breathing

every single day. It got me to where I am today.

Unfortunately, it took years to find this simple method and believe in it.

The results met all my expectations in reaching my goal.

Thanks for sharing. xx

[Juanxiety in reply to Agora1]

True! I hope I paid attention when someone told me to try it when I was younger. But grateful I can appreciate it now. It really helps. Be well

[hstroller in reply to Agora1]

Do you have any good resources or links or information regarding the type of meditation you do? I have been listening to some guided meditation for relaxation, but haven't performed my own meditation.

[Gamechanger40]

That’s wonderful and a good way to look at things. I’ve lost quite a few pounds during this pandemic as well. 50+ due to stress. Not the way I wanted to but I’m embracing it and working hard to stay healthy. 20 years of SSRI You are the Victor! Wow! That’s why I’m nervous it’s only been a month and a half for me. I never liked taking medicine before and now I’m reading that Effexor is a long term drug. But anyway congratulations on the breakthrough! I’m praying daily for mine and that God continues to carry me through. His grace is sufficient and when I’m weak His strength is made perfect! God bless you and have a great day!

[Juanxiety in reply to Gamechanger40]

Amen! These drugs help in helping you feel better, but I feel that shouldn’t be prescribed forever. Because you have to be uncomfortable at some point and face your situation. It will be uncomfortable, but worthwhile. Pain isn’t always unavoidable, but CBT helps getting you there. God bless.