A setback

Am in the midst of a setback with anxiety and emotions.

This has been a very intense 24 hours with anxiety and at times it has been scary. Difficulty with sleep doesn't make it any better. I'm worried that I won't get past this. I am finding it hard to practice what I preach (acceptance, letting time pass...all the Claire Weekes advice), but I know that I'll get on the other side of this episode by simply going through it.

I needed to take the day off from work and I'm also feeling guilty about that. The worst of this is the lack of compassion and understanding I have for myself. It's an effort to let myself have these feelings without fearing the disapproval of others.

Thanks for listening.

Bat.

[Beevee]

Learn to accept those feelings too. Easier said than done but practice makes perfect.

[Hidden in reply to Beevee]

Thanks Beevee...I'm trying. You're right, practice does make perfect. Sometimes a day off or down time helps to take stock. It was a trying day, but am feeling better. I really appreciate your reply. It helps to not feel isolated with this. Single and live alone, so support from here is much needed.

I have read your posts and I always benefit from what you've written. I need a little encouraging from time to time and your posts are helpful with that. Thanks so much.

[Beevee in reply to Hidden]

You are very welcome. Just happy to help in any way I can.

I’m sure you know by now that acceptance is not something you do or try. It’s your attitude towards the symptoms that count. It’s all about resigning yourself to the way you currently think and feel and simply going with the ebb and flow. If you feel rubbish and stressed, just learn to allow yourself to feel that way without resistance. As Dr Claire Weekes said in one of her brilliant books, bending like a willow during a storm...and passing through it time and again. The more you allow yourself to pass through those storms, the more your brain learns that there is no threat and tones down your fight/flight response which floods your body with adrenalin, cortisol etc to make you run from the perceived danger. Those storms will gradually blow themselves out, leaving peace of mind and body.

[Hidden in reply to Beevee]

Exactly. And I know that I am the cause of my anxiety. By that I mean, I know it is how I respond to feelings, emotions, and to stress. And one step further, it's how I also create stress for myself in many ways.

Yes, it is the attitude. I have a long commute each day and most times I don't think about it. But when I'm out of sorts, it becomes one more thing I stress out about and I end agitating myself more.

My boss has a "just get the work done" mentality and not only I, but my colleagues also, complain of stress, fatigue and general unhappiness at work. I have a few more years to go before I can retire, but also I'm learning to not let the nonsense bother me so much.

It's a journey.

I appreciate you being here.

[Beevee in reply to Hidden]

You will probably find that learning to not let the nonsense bother you so much is a by product of learning to accept. There is a a lot to be said about the phrase “not sweating the small stuff.” Onwards and upwards my friend, even if the steps are small and expect setbacks. They are an important part of the recovery process. I treated them as a sign of how far I had come on my journey, not how far I had to go.

[pink83737]

“Storms dont last forever, soon the sun will shine again.” Please don’t feel guilty about taking off from work, I’m sure you needed it! Have you tried taking melatonin? I find that it helps me sleep. You will get through this rough patch! You are not alone!! Listen to the song “I am not alone by Kari Kobe” it’s a wonderful song and it makes me feel less alone

[Hidden in reply to pink83737]

Thanks Pink! I so appreciate your words of encouragement and optimism. Haven't taken melatonin, but will see about using it. I used to have great sleep, but with the recurrence of anxiety, I have been having less restful sleep. This too will pass.

Thank you for recommending that beautiful song. I just listened to it. It's always helpful to be reminded that He loves us and keeps watch over us. Everyone of us.

[Naliegha]

Dl the Dare app, its helped so much with my anxiety and panic attacks. God bless friend!

[Hidden in reply to Naliegha]

I did yesterday. Will spend some time this weekend to get acquainted with it. Thanks for the reply!! Peace and blessings to you!

[Hidden in reply to Naliegha]

Hi Naliegha...thanks for the recommendation! I downloaded the app, bought the kindle version of the book, and the audible version of the book too so I can listen to it in the car and when out for walks. I just listened to a couple of chapters and am glad you suggested this!

When I read about it a few months ago some reviews said it was just like the Claire Weekes books, so I passed. But I'm glad I bought it. It says the same things, but it's nice to have another voice to listen to. Barry is just as empowering as Claire...and that is a great thing.

Hope you're doing well!

Bat.

[Naliegha in reply to Hidden]

That made me cry, im so glad i was able to help! Its funny I always pray for help and for me to help others in some way, and God totally led me to Dare app, and he clearly wanted me to share it and share that God led me to it! Its been such a blessing and empowering. Im so glad you liked it and it helped you! I'd love for you to tell me how it helps after your done!

[Hidden in reply to Naliegha]

Big hugs for you!

[Indigojoe in reply to Hidden]

how are you today?

Did the anxiety of the past 3 days subside?

[Hidden in reply to Indigojoe]

That is so kind of you to ask. This touches my heart. Yesterday was good. Slept better overnight from Friday to Saturday. However, today hasn't been as good. I didn't sleep well last night, but today has been up and down with stress and nervous exhaustion. I listened to a few chapters of DARE and I found it helpful. I'm doing my best to accept and not to scare myself. Went out with a friend to run some errands and have a bite to eat.

To put it simply, I'm scared, I'm learning to accept, and I'm going to be fine.

Thanks for stopping in and checking.

[Hidden in reply to Naliegha]

Naliegha,

I just wanted to say thanks again for recommending DARE to me. I listened to it while driving to and from work today and it really spoke to me. While the concepts are the same as Claire Weekes, his delivery is more compassionate. Not that Weekes' isn't, but she can sound like my cranky Grandmother. Barry sounds a little more relaxed and his encouragement strikes a friendly tone.

I really really really am glad to have this now.

Bless you!!!

[Naliegha in reply to Hidden]

Im so glad! You have no idea. How much that warms my heart and makes me smile. I knew what I was foing through was rpugh and that helped so much, and I don't even have the book or dl! I just have the app, but the book is on my Christmas list! I'm so glad I was able to help you and that God helped me to help you and us. I'm so happy for you too to experience freedom and relief! Keep me posted whenever. Its funny aomeone had originally recommended the book to me and i put it asids like I'll get to ot later, and then i was on the app store looking up anxiety apps and it was one of the top appa, and I thought whoa! This is a sign? It obviously was!

[Sabio77]

hi battersea922,

I am sorry that you are going thru this season of anxiety and lack of sleep. I know it is a difficult. Have you tried to focus on positive things in your day at the moments the anxiety attacks come upon you? Shifting your mindset from concentrating the troubled issue to focusing on the positive aspects at that moment can help you.

I want to tell you that I am proud of you for noticing the good methods to try by recognizing that you want to "practice what you preach". That is half the battle, recognizing. It sounds like you are a good person. I think that if you can shift, or train your mindset to focus on positive thoughts at the very moment of these anxiety attacks, it will begin to help you. The best part, you will be an overcomer my friend.

A suggestion for loss of sleep, one hour before bed, lay quietly picturing only things you like and things that are peaceful. no tv, no phone, no laptop or table, no electronic devise, only exception is music and it should be of relaxing or calming type. as your body relaxes, your mind relaxes and then you can have a better nights sleep. this all will take effort and a little time to get into the habit. but it is very doable.

last thing I would like to point out to you that I noticed. I think that possibly if you forgave yourself and was easier on yourself, the anxiety may not be as intense at times. For if you forgive yourself, you open the door for positive thinking about yourself and ultimately, opening the door to positive actions. Remember, positive thoughts turn into actions, bringing a better moments in your day. Believe in yourself my friend. You are an overcomer!! I keep you in my thoughts and prayers.

[Hidden in reply to Sabio77]

Thank you Sabio. You're very kind and I greatly appreciate your thoughtful reply!

[Sabio77 in reply to Hidden]

you are very welcome my friend. You can reach out to me anytime. I actually have anxiety attacks and separation anxiety. What I have suggested to you is what I do myself. I believe in you and that you can be an overcomer. Look, you already have reached that goal. So, together lets keep going and do some more and claim victory. [e-mail]

[Krn210]

One of the “joys” of the continuous roller coaster we’re on. 😉 Check into weighted blankets. I finally broke down and got one. I’ve had it about 7 months and have nothing but great things to say about it. I fall asleep easier and stay asleep all night. An app that I use daily is the Calm app, and I listen to the Anxiety Guy podcasts. Both help tremendously as well. It’s ok to take a day off. We all need down time to recharge. You’ve got this!

[Sabio77]

how are you doing battersea 922. iv been thinking about you.

[Hidden in reply to Sabio77]

Doing well...thanks!

[Sabio77 in reply to Hidden]

you came to mind today

r u getting any sleep and eating ok... concerned friend. hugs

[Hidden in reply to Sabio77]

As I said, I'm doing well. No need to be concerned.

[Sabio77]

I'm happy for you. If you ever want to talk. Im here.