Feeling Heavy

[BlueSon808]

This is my first post here because I’ve been trying to reduce the amount of exposure to reassurance. I’ve been struggling with bad anxiety for over a year now and when I hear stories of people living with this thing for years, it honestly brings me down because I don’t want to live with this. I experience intrusive thoughts that trigger some of the worst anxiety/panic attacks I’ve ever experienced. I’ve even reached a point where I’m convinced these thoughts are true. Currently medicated and seeing a therapist twice a week, but I’m drowning as of late in my anxiety.

[Tara52]

I am so glad you reached out for support. Many here suffer from anxiety. It has held me back in a prison for years! I hate it! One therapy that helped me was CBT (Cognitive Behavior Therapy) Have you heard of it? It helps you to reject your destructive fearful thoughts . You can find more info on it on YouTube. Isolating yourself is the worst thing you can do. Get outside today and look for the good. Even if it is looking at a bird or a tree or the sky. Your mind will improve just don't give in to the fearful lies that keep bullying you. They are not real! Hugs!💗

[BlueSon808 in reply to Tara52]

Hi Tara52, I have definitely heard of CBT and have been extremely interested in trying it. Thing is I’ve been with my current therapist for a while now and the experience has been great. Often times I do wonder if a more targeted approach could help.

[012703060610]

Totally understand not wanting to read this at times. Many of us do have continued issues....BUT, most of us modulate between good and bad days. I'm so glad you are taking care of you by doing therapy and taking medication. I have a long sorted history with generalized anxiety. Interestingly, when I was young and then in my 20s, 30s, anxiety used to fuel me. I have had the same psychiatrist for over 20 years. Heck at this point he is like a Father to me. Finding that medical professional you can rely on is key. It took time but my psychiatrist and PCP talk and I trust them fully. I have had a physical health decline and forget it....I too isolate and know how bad it is for me. I ignore texts, calls .... even the door bell. I am frail, losing all of my hair, can't be in the sun. I was so extroverted and am afraid I'm becoming agoraphobic....especially with all the delivery service options!

Is there any one particular thought that you just can't get rid of? Is there the one thing driving you mad? I usually have to think hard what is fueling the true anxiety. Yes breathing techniques work as well as meditation....but it was never my thing. Once I realize the one or two things truly fueling this blame myself game...I take it to my therapist. Boy does she set me straight. I literally create random thoughts that make no sense and tend to blame myself for all. Last week I was talking about my parents and their lack of understanding of my illness and I was going to fly to see them. She quickly said..."This is not on you. Your parents feel guilty they spent all their energy on the other grandkids. Don't risk your health on a plane to go to a trigger point." I had no idea how much mental energy I was spending on my parents. Yes they are in poor health, but so am I. I need to love myself as much as anyone else!

Ok so back to you....things will improve. The thing about this site is that you do get more of the negative as we come here for support. I can go months not on here when I am doing relatively OK. Don't be afraid for the help. Heck you can tell from some of my posts if I am doing ok or totally in the dumps. I am just glad you are here and you are doing the best you can. Cheers!

[Chinaadventure]

Don't give up keep persevering. It takes a while but you will get there. We are all in this together and that is what this group is for. Just reading other posts makes me realize that I'm not alone. You just have to find the right thing that's going to help you get through and attack. And keep you going take it day by day minute by minute. Reach out if you ever need to chat.

[Agora1]

Hi BlueSon808, just because some people may experience longer bouts with Anxiety,

remember that they are not you. You are on medication as well as having therapy which

is helpful in addressing the issue as well as finding the right path back for you.

There are many other methods and tools that your therapist may be able to help you

with by introducing you to CBT, Mindfulness, Self-Hypnosis, Meditation, Breathing

exercises and more. Learning these extra steps can help reduce the adrenaline and

intrusive thoughts. YouTube has always been my "go to" in finding resources that

can help with Anxiety. (From Intrusive thoughts to Reducing Anxiety/Panic Attacks)

It's free learning. I'm glad you are with us. Welcome xx

[BlueSon808]

Thank you for the support and resources.

[Darkhouse]

I fought using breathing techniques for many years, but finally found one I liked. There are many to choose from, but a panic attack just cannot survive sustained deep breathing, I've finally learned. The other techniques people have mentioned will help them happen less often, but in the moment, a good breathing technique can pull you out of panic. I use the 4 square, I breathe in for a count of 4, hold for a count of 4, breathe out for a count of 4, hold for a count of 4, repeat until better. I tap out the counts on my hand to give a further tactile sensation to help ground me. It usually takes 3 or 4 rounds to pull me out of a full-blown attack... The fact that you're addressing this early on is a good thing. Many of us didn't seak professional help until much later in our illness... Each person has their own journey, I hope you find peace soon on yours...✌️❤️😊

[Agora1 in reply to Darkhouse]

Beautifully said Darkhouse in that each one of us must find our own path

to take in healing. xx

[BlueSon808 in reply to Darkhouse]

Thank you for the guidance.