Hello

[Slickrock]

Hi. My name is Dave. I am new to this group but not to anxiety. I don’t always feel anxious but there is always a propensity to feel severe debilitating anxiety if the situation is right. It’s like my fight or flight system will go off and then I am in an anxiety storm. Usually related to work. Would love to chat with people who might have the same issue? One of the biggest issues with anxiety is feeling so alone with your fears.

[Laykonyde]

Hi Slickrock,

Welcome on board. Its really nice to have you here.

If you wanna chat, hit me up!

[Slickrock in reply to Laykonyde]

Hello Laykonyde! Thanks for the welcome! Would love to chat sometime.

[Hallyhooyou]

Anxiety is my best friend that I never asked for. My constant companion. I’ve learned a few tricks over the years to deal, but it’s a battle that is fairly constant with me at least. That fight or flight is a terrifying feeling. Are you seeing a therapist of any kind?

[Slickrock in reply to Hallyhooyou]

Hi Hallyhooyou! Thanks for the reply. I am seeing a therapist but I feel most therapists can deal with regular anxiety but lose effectiveness when dealing with severe anxiety. What kind of tricks have you found.

[Hallyhooyou]

I agree. Most mental health professionals are not equipped to treat anxiety. I’m tired of hearing that I just need to meditate. Have you read Claire Weekes’ book about anxiety? What a game changer! What I learned is to stop trying to prevent the anxiety from happening, which is our natural instinct, and learn to float through it. The book I mentioned helps a LOT with that. Let it happen. Don’t be afraid. I also use other things like chamomile tea and and a diffuser with lavender oil. Those help for nighttime anxiety. Exercising as soon as I feel the fight or flight response coming on helps a lot. It’a not easy to overcome anxiety, but you can lean to live with it and even lessen its impact on your life. Read the book I mentioned if you haven’t already.

[Slickrock]

Which one of her books are you referring to? She has several?

[Agora1 in reply to Slickrock]

Slickrock, excuse me for cutting in, I just got on a few minutes ago and saw your post.

I did experience severe anxiety for many years that led to Agoraphobia. I am now free

of the fear through the help of many methods and tools. (including Dr Claire Weekes' book

on "Hope & Help for Your Nerves" which is also on video on YouTube.

Welcome to this amazing group of people who relay their journey as we help each other

take that next step forward. I am here to pass on my success with Anxiety and you can

too. xx

[Slickrock in reply to Agora1]

Hi Agora1! Thanks so much for your reply! I can go a long time without anxiety and then something usually work related will trigger the storm. I have had several breakdowns where I ended up in a treatment center (these places are only good for two things, being safe and getting meds if you have severe anxiety). I am going to look at that book. My Father took his own like 27 years ago with severe anxiety. Unfortunately it’s runs in my family. Most therapists haven’t a clue and yes say have you tried meditating or KavaKava? I am like wha?!

[Slickrock in reply to Slickrock]

I have also experience agoraphobic reactions when the anxiety is at its peak.

[Agora1 in reply to Slickrock]

Slickrock, I am sorry to hear about your father's passing.

When push came to shove regarding my anxiety and agoraphobia, I did enter

in-patient treatment which helped me immensely in working on myself. It was

basically a break from life's issues. It was the beginning of my healing.

You are in a safe supportive place with this forum. We all understand and most

of all we care. xx

[Slickrock in reply to Agora1]

Thanks Agora1! One thing about anxiety and fear is that most of the time you feel very alone with your fear and anxiety state. That makes it even scarier. They say that anxiety is the most common mental ailment yet when you ask people if they have anxiety most will say no. I started reading that Claire Weeks book. Very good so far! Thanks everyone for your help so far!

[Slickrock in reply to Agora1]

If anyone has any great books to read that are helpful with anxiety that would great!

[Agora1 in reply to Slickrock]

Hi Slickrock it's me again.. when it comes to anxiety, there are so many tools

out there, it just depends on which one your respond to.

My "go to" has always been YouTube. I type in what I may need help with for the day and up pops several videos spoken by therapists and even psychiatrists. It's been a

learning experience each and every time. There are many books out there as well,

that other members will probably suggest to you.

Just remember, nothing works unless we take action in going forward. xx

[Slickrock in reply to Agora1]

I was just curious if there were any books that people have found helpful for working with severe anxiety?

[Agora1 in reply to Slickrock]

Hi Slickrock, there are so many books on the market. At one time I would purchase them but found that my anxiety was so severe that I couldn't really concentrate

while reading. That is when I turned to YouTube, put on my headphones and tuned in. There's something to be said about videos where the people are talking right to you (so it feels)

If you prefer books, do a post and you will get loads of responses from our virtual family of friends. We each have our own selections as to what works for us.

I hope others reach out to you and refer you to there favorites.

Just don't forget YouTube...Type in "Severe Anxiety" and you may just find more videos than you can handle on one night. xx

[Chubbers]

Welcome! You will love the support and caring here! We do understand! I’ve been dealing with anxiety for at least 30 years!!! Dang that’s a long time! Anyway I just wanted to say hello 😊

[Slickrock in reply to Chubbers]

Hi! Yes, I have had anxiety most of my life. I think I was born with an anxiety condition. I learned how to compensate for it when I was younger. For me its a lot of fear. Somehow certain events, usually around work, trigger off my fight or flight and then I have a really hard time with what I am support to be doing. The harder it is for me to think and process information the harder my job becomes to where it can become almost a standstill ie paralysis. I started reading that Clair Weeks book yesterday and it makes sense. My anxiety will also really interfere with my confidence. If I am confident about something I am doing and then have anxiety I am usually ok. If I am not confident or say new at a job and then I get overwhelmed, very anxious then it kills my confidence and I start to seem my job performance go down in a big snowball....Hope that makes some sense and thank you for listening!