Does anxiety last forever ? ... - Anxiety Support

Anxiety Support

53,077 members49,185 posts

Does anxiety last forever ? ...

_sincerelynina profile image
32 Replies

Does anxiety last forever ?

Written by
_sincerelynina profile image
_sincerelynina
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
32 Replies
susannaylor profile image
susannaylor

I really hope it doesn't

_sincerelynina profile image
_sincerelynina

Somebody told me it does that her psychologist said it would be forever. . Im so scared now.

Goldfish_ profile image
Goldfish_ in reply to _sincerelynina

It doesn't necessarily but if you get anxious about getting anxious..........you can certainly create a forever future for your anxiety. You must work on it and apply the principles to control it.

Repeat to yourself "I will conquer and control this, I am master of my future and will control my destiny"

valachia-t profile image
valachia-t in reply to Goldfish_

Goldfish you are so right.

Cat33 profile image
Cat33 in reply to _sincerelynina

Oh my goodness please don't tell me that psychologist is still actually working ?

It certainly doesn't last forever

Just bought a fantastic book called Dare Response by Barry McDonagh its very very good

Good luck and hope you will be anxiety free very soon xx

Angep profile image
AngepStar

I don't believe it does!! I don't have anxiety everyday anymore!! When something bad happens which usually makes your anxiety go off the scale I can now manage to control it. I feel it!! Like someone's got there fist in the back of my throat!! My airways feel like they are closing so I can't breath!! My stomach is in nots and so much more!! But I've learned to take control of it!! I control IT now!! Not the other way round. Don't be frightened , if you believe you won't get better then you probably won't!! Try flipping it round and tell yourself you ARE going to get better😀 I just won't give into it now!! Believe me it tries to control me sometimes but my life and time is precious to me. Just as yours is to you and the people who love you. 😃🙏🏻

valachia-t profile image
valachia-t in reply to Angep

It's so great to see positive reviews and people that have positive attitudes. That's for your reply. It is good for all of us. We all need encouragement.

Angep profile image
AngepStar in reply to valachia-t

Hi Valachia, everyone on here needs support and if we can help each other through the dark times then that's all for the good👍 There's not enough help out there and often you go on a waiting list!! So it's left to ourselves to find some support. Thank goodness for forums like this where people can come when they're frightened and Lonley and need someone to listen.we all have our own experiences to share and hopefully pass on some helpful coping strategies. Take care😀

Wendymary profile image
Wendymary

You are in a very negative place right now to think that ., I remember it so well ., when you are in it, you think it's forever but it will go ., I changed a lot of things in my life., for one I stopped alcohol completely ., started eating healthy things & watching my vitamins levels ., b complex is a must., magnesium is another thing I take (read about this on Google) I am not sure which is the main thing that helped but I feel great now., do not wake up with that panic anymore ., it's so freeing ., I am not saying I am cured forever & we are all different but i for one do not believe its forever ., I wish you freedom from anxiety !

Cat33 profile image
Cat33 in reply to Wendymary

Fantastic news I'm at about the same stage and taken the same steps I've just started taking magnesium too after seeing so many people on here recommend it

I'm so pleased for you there are so many people on here who are so unhappy it makes me want to cry

Take care and wishing you happy days xx

Wendymary profile image
Wendymary in reply to Cat33

Well it makes you realise you are not the only one., because when you feel so low it makes you feel you are the only one feeling like it., I suffered on & off for years ., i saw a different doctor one day, mine was away., he said you are on the wrong tablets (I had been taken these for years venalfaxine) he switched me to sertraline ., I had to be weened of one & start the new ., within weeks plus taken the magnesium I was a different person ., my main problem was anxiety but they were treating me for depression ., some people do not agree with taking tablets, but if it gives you freedom from anxiety it's worth it, & I think now you only get one crack at life I am not going to waste another day worrying about things you cannot change or what people think of you ., I never had confidence now I have loads so if you want to buy any let me know 😂 You will be ok ., I was taught a saying once 'this will pass' nothing is forever ., let me know how you get on !!! X

Wendymary profile image
Wendymary in reply to Cat33

Thanks for your words yes it is great when you have been in such a nightmare place to get better., you appreciate more than most people who have never experienced it., but there is hope ., if you don't have that then you are in trouble., I used to drink to stop the anxiety but it doesn't work it makes it even worse took me a long time to figure that out., that's how stupid I was., good luck on your journey to happiness X

Agora1 profile image
Agora1

Hi Wendymary, I'm so happy for you. If you could pick one thing, what would you say is making you wake up w/o morning anxiety? Thanks and continued success. x

Wendymary profile image
Wendymary in reply to Agora1

Well who knows that's the problem I have to keep doing the things I am doing ., but if I am honest a close friend of mine lost his battle with cancer in France last September ., aged 44 he was a cabin crew & had a very exciting life ., we were very close friends he was always laughing & everyone loved him., he got me tickets to go to Sydney to see my niece & new baby, when I was there, he called to say he was in hospital in Nice ., it was such a shock ., I just wanted to come home to go to France to see him, but when I got home my anxiety took over again & I couldnt do anything I couldn't even get on a plane to see someone that needed his friend , I was paralysed with fear., could not eat sleep I was in total panic yet again., but he was then worried about me., my anxiety stopped me from being there for him., I was like it for months., did not want to go out even to the shops ., he came to see me & it was a shock , this handsome French man who all the girls loved had lost his hair was so thin & was walking with a limp., something snapped , I thought you have got no problems , I need to be there for him., I was with him in the hospital in Nice for the last 2 weeks & when he passed at 2am in the morning last September , I never left him., people could not believe I was the same person who could not go out the door a short time before ., everyone told me how brave I was ., which made me angry , he was the brave one ., he would smile at me when I woke up & say in his gorgeous French accent thank you for being here ., it was strange everyone that knew me thought O no she will go into meltdown but I didn't ., I was in shock but I think it was then I decided I am not going to waste another day ! life is so precious & he would be the first to say live life for me & don't be sad., so I guess it was a life changing moment , my sister said you had to think about someone else instead of yourself for a change & I think she was right ., we all moan but I think now when I do , nothing is as bad as what he went through for nearly a year., & when he saw me he still had this gorgeous white smile., & he never said why me., but I think another big thing also is going teetotal , alcohol causes anxiety & with some people you only need a couple of glasses., it changes the way you think ., so who knows what was the main thing that changed me ., just get healthy cut out alcohol & start thinking there is always someone worse off than you ., let me know how you get on ! 😚

Agora1 profile image
Agora1 in reply to Wendymary

Hi Wendymary, such a powerful story. You are right in that there were a lot of different components that attributed to your turnabout. Sometimes it takes a tragedy to turn us around, to make us realize we can't continue to waste another day of our precious lives. I've always admired people like your friend, who no matter what fate throws at them, seem to have the inner strength to smile for others. As tragic that it was for you in losing a friend, I'm happy it wasn't in vain. Some good came out of it by you regaining your life back and rid yourself of the anxiety monster. Your friend would be very happy for you. I wish you continued success and if you can just help one other person overcome their anxiety, what a gift you've given them. My best to you. x

Wendymary profile image
Wendymary in reply to Agora1

Aww! Thanks yes your right., thank you for your lovely words ! I hope you have spoken to a doctor ., anxiety is pretty common I think the world we live in ., but sertraline definately seemed to help me as well ., It's for anxiety itself they were given me anti depressants ., I know they are linked but mine was mainly panic & anxiety ! So they changed them ., I wish you all the best I know it can floor you ., take care X

shoppaholicsue profile image
shoppaholicsueStar

Hi,

I don't think it does. I depends on yourself. If you get into a downwards spiral of negative thoughts it's not gonna help. I was a lot worse a couple of years ago and I hardly wanted to leave the house for fear of a panic/anxiety attack. Now I have to make sure I have negated all possibilities of a panic/anxiety attack and off I go. If the worst happens (and it rarely does) when I have to deal with it.

When I had CBT they ask you to meet your fears and anxieties head on at your choosing. What you are fearing rarely happens and this gradually desensitises you. You then push yourself a little more.

I have tries this and it really does work and I hope you might too.

Sue

Aks00 profile image
Aks00

It doesn't have to. You have to chose whether to allow it to stay or not. I say this a lot, our thinking really has the power to cause anxiety. You have to change your mindset. I was free for 1.5yrs. From panic attacks and anxiety. I had a slip up and my negativity started and it was a downward spiraling mess. I'm finally free again (Praise the Lord). It's hard to change what you're used to thinking about. If you focus on completely positive things you can't get anxiety. Plus, a Negative mind set never made a positive life. When you start to get negative thoughts, immediately reject them, and replace it with something good. It's hard, but is possible.

daisychained profile image
daisychained

(In ref to someone telling you it never goes!) - In a way it will stay forever, because it's a feeling like sadness, anger, happiness. It's not that we need it to go but to calm it down. In depression you might find you cry unusually at anything, or in a manic disorder you feel dangerously fearless and euphoric. It's all just exaggerated which causes problems but ultimately all really normal feelings.

The thing is we may well understand this, but the anxiety and panic is soooo horrible we do wish it completely away, and then if we experience anxiety in a completely reasonable situ, we are terrified of it. So it takes, I think, patience, awareness and time to learn about it. Learn about your own anxiety rather than try to get rid of it because it won't go while you're alive you'll feel this very human feelings. It's about turning it from a disorder level into useful normal level.

I'm still trying hard, we all are, but you will get there and it wont be a problem anymore :) x

Imworrieddotcom profile image
Imworrieddotcom

It doesn't last forever. Sometimes, it will, if you have it really bad. But you can't really tell if it's going to last forever or not. Maybe change the things around you to stop your life being so stressful and what not. If that doesn't work I don't know what to do. I'm not the best at advice but I'm always an ear to listen 😘

valachia-t profile image
valachia-t

Don't claim tha anxiety last forever. I believe in change for everything and everybody. Think positive, you get positive results. Power is in the tounge, are power is in what you speak.

valachia-t profile image
valachia-t

Change the way you think. Supplements are helping me, multi vitamins, B vitamins with b12, vitamin d, and Magnesium. Deficiency in vitamins can cause these symptoms. Sometimes doctors don't test vitamins levels, neither do they mention vitamins, they only suggest drugs, but I guess that's how they make their money. I'm not speaking bad about doctors. I love my doctors, but I have to be proactive to also help myself through prayer, diet, supplements, etc... I'm always on the internet trying to find out wants wrong with me, and how to fix it.

It does not last forever but you need to be proactive. If you have general anxiety disorder, then it is a condition that is most likely going to follow you all your life. However, you can make steps to control it.

1- make sure to avoid any kind of alcohol, smoking, refine sugar, soda drinks, caffeine, and to have a fairly clean diet. Too much sugar, alcohol and caffeine will trigger anxiety.

2- make sure to stay hydrated throughout the day. Drink plenty of filtered water. To are it more appealing, I add organic lemon juice.

3- make sure to exercise everyday. If you can't, walk at least twice 30 minute per day and don't check your email or phone during that time. It is a down time to focus on your breathing and let your mind absorb your surroundings.

4- avoid stressful situation like driving during traffic, toxic people and don't engage into confrontations if you can. We are not perfect and it will happen.

5- check the Internet for mindfulness meditation for anxiety. Even 10 minutes per day can make a big difference in the way you feel.

6- anxiety or anxious moments will come but I can tell you, I am 60 and have suffered all my life from anxiety. I am still learning how to accept that it is NOT a permanent state. People with chronic anxiety don't have the tools to accept some life situations and usually go into panic mode. However, anxious stares do not last forever. I have had plenty good moments in my life. People with anxiety need to look after themselves and care for themselves first.

7- another big one : go to bed at about the same time every night, avoid eating at least 2 hours before going to bed and sleep with no lights and no tv and not electronic devices on your night table. People with anxiety usually have poor sleeping patterns and suffer insomnia.

Take care

valachia-t profile image
valachia-t in reply to

Wow Capucinie 1, thanks for taking the time to feed us the information. It's good to hear about ways to help ourselves. Thanks again.

in reply to valachia-t

You are very welcome. Sharing info validates what I am doing and also, I love getting inputs to improve my own condition. Have a peaceful night filled with soothing dreams.

Agora1 profile image
Agora1 in reply to

Excellent advice Capucine1! Thanks... xx

in reply to Agora1

Agora, you are always so supportive and kind. Good night.

Cat33 profile image
Cat33 in reply to

Amazing advice thank you so much for taking the time to share it x

in reply to Cat33

Thank you Cat33. Anxiety is such a beast. When you are in its claws, it feels like you will not be able to free yourself :(

Cat33 profile image
Cat33 in reply to

Well it's brilliant I'm 65 and have suffered since my early 20s not constantly and Im nearly there now but Im always looking for ideas and yours are great

Wishing you all the very best Yes anxiety is such a beast xx

in reply to Cat33

Another thing that I forgot to mention is to do activities to keep your mind form racing into negative mode. To help myself, I join Taoist tai chi group. They are run all around the world. They also are kind and compassionate. Senior fees is 130 can $ for 4 months and you can attend as many sessions as you want. They also will make exception financially if you cannot afford to pay. Tai chi is extremely gentle physically but also emotionally. Sessions are 2 hours long with a 30 minutes break for tea and cookies. If you can add it to your lifestyle, you can take it anywhere, even waiting in the airport, you can do it to help you relax and release anxiety. I also do yoga but I find it more challenging to keep a routine though, each time I do a session of kundalini yoga or a gentle stretch session, I find I am calmer and can fall asleep more easily. When hubby is being moody and reactive, I try now to just walk away and not try to be right or to prove him wrong or try to fix his issues, I just walk away and give him room. Learning to recognize your triggers has been the most challenging thing to do but help in the process of feeling better, one breath at a time. Sometimes when I am stuck in traffic in a bus or in the subway, I close my eyes and breath in an out through the nose counting my breath up to ten and starting again. It helps to get the mind disengaged from the stressor.

Now, I would love to know what you do to help with your anxiety. Btw, I did not come back with all these ideas, I was to taught most of them. A lot of them through an MBSR program that was create in the late 70s by John Kabat Zinn.

Lamoretti profile image
Lamoretti

Anxiety might only be present in hard times and for some people it might always be there but if you learn to accept it and not feel scared of it you can gain control of your life and self. I have a panic disorder and when I have severe episodes I can dissociate and it causes more anxiety and it becomes a cycle. If I can break the cycle and use positive reinforcement to gain control back then anyone can!