I am finding reading the posts here very helpful, especially the suggestions on how to cope with anxiety. I hope the request I'm about to make is okay.
I sense that there may be some here who have been through anxiety/depression and have "survived" it through any of the following: therapy, medication, self-help (breathing, music, etc.). They are perhaps here to share their hope and encouragement with those of us who are going through it. Although I realize that those with GAD may experience this often, I never had extended anxiety until about 8 years ago, and it finally cleared up in a few months and with a mild dosage of medication. Then I was hit with it again about 3 months ago. I guess I'm asking those who have "come out the other side" to share what helped you. Many of us stuck in the middle of it will appreciate it! Thank you.
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emmi331
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First off I suggest you get and read Dr. Claire Weekes book, Hope and Help for Your Nerves. Dr. Weekes was an Australian psychologist who suffered from panic attacks. She discusses the symptoms we all share regarding anxiety, depression and lays a path for healing. It's a simple path, but not necessarily easy. At least not for me. She writes as if she's speaking directly to you. It's an older book; however, in my opinion, it should be required reading for anyone suffering with anxiety and/or depression.
Second, I'm not sure we 'survive' anxiety. In my experience we simply handle it as best we can. And that involves good days and bad. It also involves facing the fact that we are anxious or depressed, allowing ourselves to be like that and using whatever tools are at are disposal to live our lives. For me I use tapping, labeling, some ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy) components and other stuff I have in my 'bag of tricks'. I'm not sure there is another side to come out of. At least not for me. I wish there was; however, I've found the search for that 'other side' to create more problems than it solves.
Being stuck isn't pleasant, but you don't need to remain there. What helps? Writing helps me. Therapy helps. Medication can help. Exercise is probably the biggest help for me. Being outdoors or exercising in the gym creates endorphins (our bodies natural opioid) that elevate our mood and outlook. A perspective change can make a lot of difference. Tough to do with the pandemic, but not impossible.
Things do tend to get better if we let them. Our body heals if we let it. Our mind does too. I find this sense of control is what trips me up. In the end, what is actually under our control?
Thank you so much....I am considering getting a copy of the book you mention. However, if the focus is on panic attacks, I might be wasting my time, as I have never had one. Just garden variety anxiety! Will this book help with that? Thanks.
She doesn't focus on panic attacks: that's simply her background. She simply goes over the causes, symptoms and what she deems a 'cure' for anxiety and depression. She's surprisingly frank. It was written in the 60's, so some of the style is dated; however, I've read and re-read it so many times I've lost count. It has been, far and away, the most helpful book I've ever read on anxiety and I've read a lot.
The first six chapters include: The Power Within You, How our Nervous System Functions, What is Nervous Breakdown (also not a focus), The Commonest, Simplest Form of Nervous Illness, Cure of the Commonest Form of Nervous Illness, Cure of the More Constant Symptoms and Cure of Recurring Attacks. There are twenty-nine chapters in all.
Great book.
She also has audio files available at many libraries for free or, if you're a subscriber, on Audible.
Thank you again! Don't worry, I lived in the 60s, and the prose won't matter to me! I just ordered this book on Amazon, in the nick of time to receive it tomorrow. I also have a workbook arriving that has writing exercises for those with anxiety problems.
Hello Emmi, sorry to hear that you are going through a difficult time. Let me summarise my journey with mental health issues. I was diagnosed with mental illness a decade ago. Until last year I managed to lead a RELATIVELY NORMAL life. I clearly had symptoms but I chose to ignore them due to the stigma associated with mental illness. A couple of months back, I went through a really stressful period in my life and ended up with a nervous breakdown. I finally found the courage to talk to my family about my mental health and met with a mental health expert. That was the beginning of my road to recovery. I was started on medication but things didn't improve immediately. I still thought I would be a burden to my family and would need to spend the rest of my life in a mental health facility. I also started making some life style changes. I started taking care of our pets on a regular basis which was a commitment I had to make on a long term basis and prove to myself that I could deal with little things in life. I started practicing spirituality which has been one of the biggest things that has helped me along with family support and medication. I know that I can turn to spirituality during my lowest moments in life. I feel much happier and enjoy the company of others these days. I have started exercising regularly which always improves my mood. Most recently I regained my passion for science which has been the pinnacle of my recovery so far. When I explore the world through science, I really feel more in control of my life. I sometimes feel mental illness is a way the universe gives us a chance to prove to ourselves and to others that we are stronger than we previously thought. Dear Friend, things will definitely get better. Please don't lose hope. YOU ARE NOT ALONE.
I came out the other side of a devastating divorce with counseling and meds and hard work. Had 5 years of pretty decent times, started having A/D again about 5 or 6 weeks ago. Triggered by my son moving, having nerve pain, having surgery, my other son moving. I know it will get better but I'm having a hard time. Back in counseling and I'm working hard-there will be happy days again
Thank you for sharing that....It's hard to have this return after several good years, in my case, nearly 8 years. I am wishing you all the best, RemySue!
Hello Emmi, I did quite well for a number of years after recovering from anxiety disorder, primarily social anxiety and c-ptsd because of it. After a lot of trial and error I found the right therapy and medication, mindfulness and self-compassion to heal.
Then earlier this year I had a setback with anxiety, fatigue and some depression, not sleeping well and was not sure what was going on for me. It turned out that my physical body was out of balance which affects the mental health. I found I was low in testosterone and started taking shots for it. I am hypothyroid and found out I was on the wrong medication and got that changed. I also found that I have a genetic mutation that keeps adrenaline and cortisol in my body longer than normal (CMOT and Mthfr genes) and that I don't tolerate caffeine well, so I added supplements that also helped. It took about 4 -5 weeks and I started feeling much better and have been doing well since.
So I think that when recovering from anxiety/depression, it's important to address the physical body and even diet to help heal the mental aspects since it's all related together.
Thank you so much for sharing this, designguy. I'm starting a new medication tomorrow, have only been on antianxiety until now, which has lost most or all of its effectiveness. Also Claire Weeks's book on recovering from anxiety has helped, with its practical and healthy take on this subject.
Fortunately I have been blessed with good physical health (knocking wood, of course!)....
You're welcome Emmi, I hope the new medication works for you, they usually take a week or so before you will notice changes. Incase you find it's not working, you might try a psychopharmacological genetic test (mine was from Genesight, but there are also other brands) to see what meds are best suited for you genetically. It's a good way to eliminate a lot of the guess-work and trial and error, it worked well for me.
There is also another good anxiety book that builds on Claire Weekes work called the DARE Anxiety book and program. It helped me through my last setback and also has good, practical solutions to anxiety, panic and even depression.
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