Positive self-talk

[Clarita83]

Hi again. Lately I've been actively implementing the late Dr Weekes 'Floating' method. I've also been doing my own self talk and am curious if others share the same self talk I do.

I suppose this is for those of us struggling with extreme anxiety symptoms and can't seem to get back to "normal". The days aren't like they were just weeks or even months ago and all you want is to get back there.

The following are some things I tell myself to remember especially when I'm feeling stuck and scared.

1) I've felt "normal" and down to "earth" the majority of my 33 years of life, I'll get back there again. This is temporary.

2) I've been here before, I know what to expect and what I have to do.

3) My bed is not a scary place. I've been sleeping comfortably in it for many years in peaceful bliss. This irrational fear will pass.

4) I was never afraid of sleep until I get to this point in anxiety, so it doesn't make sense for me to be afraid of it now. ( I believe my jolt and breathing night time symptoms caused the fear. I'm convinced my body refuses to let me sleep ever again and it throws me into a panic. By the way, sleep aids will help).

I guess it's a feeling of getting back to the normal sense of self that is innately inside all of us. Almost as if these reminders will help us in some way. When I think this way, I even feel that sense of being "back".

Anyone else?

[jessiejakes]

Hi Clarita83 I also read my Dr weeks book when I'm having bad days.I also talk myself down when I'm feeling panicky and tell myself you been here before and you got through it.its difficult at times and I live on my own so no one to talk to.but I have some nice friends but I don't like to keep telling them when my anxiety is bad.do you live on your own ?

[Clarita83 in reply to jessiejakes]

Hi Jessiejakes. I can definitely relate to having nobody to talk to.I moved to Australia 8 years ago and I don't have family or very close friends here. I do live with someone but they aren't equipped (supportive/emotionally) to handle it which makes it a little harder this is why I go back to see my therapist this Friday after 2 years of not seeing her. There is a sister I have I communicate with through email that knows which is a bit comforting. I don't know, do you think it helps or benefits those like us to open up to close family and friends about this?

[jessiejakes in reply to Clarita83]

Hi I think sometimes its best to open up to a few friends.I was having a really bad day back in February and rang a friend who although she dosent have anxiety herself has a daughter who has had it and she is knowledgeable about how it can make you feel.plus I have artiral fibrillation ( get fast heart rate) and she also has this condition so she can relate to this.which can make you feel anxious when it starts up.its a shame you don't get support from you partner.my x husband didn't understand anxiety at all and was no help hence I left him over 3 years ago.I have a sister who I don't speak to who lives in same town.but don't have anything to do with her and my sons live miles away.

[Clarita83 in reply to jessiejakes]

That's the thing with my partner, he doesn't understand it. He understands soldiers suffering PTSD, he understands some of his friends having it but when it has to do with me and my anxiety, it's like too much pressure on him or something. It just makes it harder. I might run it by him though because he notices I'm not myself.

[jessiejakes in reply to Clarita83]

I live in England by the way where did you live before moving to Australia ? Do you get general anxiety ? Do you get panic attacks ? Do you have some really great weeks or days of NO anxiety then BAM !!!! You get a terrible day full of what its and feeling panicky ?

[Clarita83 in reply to jessiejakes]

I'm from California and moved away to Australia nearly 9 years ago. Even back home I had anxiety issues but not full blown panic attacks, that started here 3 years ago. I've only had two, I think. I was diagnosed with GAD. I find it strange though that the panic attack occurred a week after grandma passed. I thought I was dealing fine with it, intellectually I know it's a part of life and that she was sick but I guess my mind had a different idea. I'm dealing with inner struggles other than that though. That was probably the straw that broke the camel's back. Oh yes I had a real good afternoon yesterday then late evening came and my nerves took hold, quite literally out of nowhere. =( Are you on medication? Last time I was on it it helped a lot but I'm trying a more natural approach this time.

[jessiejakes]

But everything you say is so true and I can relate to what you are doing.we want to be anxious free.

[Agora1]

Clarita83, You are doing all the right things which will lead you to success. I started reading Dr. Claire Weekes book long ago but it was more recently that I examined and heard each and every word she was saying. That is when "floating" and "acceptance" took hold of my thoughts. Positive self talk is another tool I had used. Meditation and deep breathing have also worked for me and continue to carry me through any rough patches.

It may have been a long journey but I finally reached my goal. Anxiety free is there waiting for everyone. Find what works best for you and implement it in your daily life. You will be back again better than ever. Stay strong. x

[Clarita83 in reply to Agora1]

Hi Agora1. That rings a bell. The first time I read the Claire Weekes book it took me a while to have the correct headspace to understand it. I keep a journal dedicated to this anxiety beast, I check into this website daily and contribute, I practice Floating technique, positive talk, I view happy photos from things I've done when I was feeling myself and they all seem to help. I think knowing I had that wiggle room to turn to meds as a last resort is comforting.

How pleasant to hear about your success =) How did you overcome and how long did it take you? Did you rely on medication as an aid?