Does anyone battle fear?

[kama24]

I feel like a fool, but I battle an overwhelming feeling of fear on a daily basis. Yes, I am on medication and go to a therapist and physciatrist but I cannot stop the constant feeling that something bad is going to happen, mainly death. I try so hard to get a grip but to no avail. I just want to enjoy life again. I guess I am curious to know if anyone else is like me? Thank you.

[nkotbjoeymc]

I have the same exact thing.

[kama24 in reply to nkotbjoeymc]

Then you know what it feels like & trying to get through the day. I guess we are never alone totally in our struggles.

[nkotbjoeymc in reply to kama24]

Yes, It’s a nightmare.

[Anxiouslulu]

Yes, me too. It's horrible isn't it

[kama24 in reply to Anxiouslulu]

When we have tried everything suggested to no avail it actually make you have more fear.

[Hallyhooyou]

Oh yes. I struggle with fear of death every single day. Keeping busy with work or fun things helps. But it’s all part of the health anxiety struggle.

[kama24 in reply to Hallyhooyou]

Thank you for replying. I try to keep busy with little chores. It would be wonderful to be free of it.

[marsbarr]

Yes I know exactly too well what you are talking about. Out of the blue thoughs pop in. What if plagues me daily. Just to let you know you are not alone in this feeling. I don't t have any answers to offer. I'm looking.

Take care

[kama24 in reply to marsbarr]

Thanks for replying. I know all about the "what ifs". I just wish I could turn off my mind and be normal again.

[juzme]

Yes. I do daily. It's annoying and exhausting. I need to concentrate on my breathing and it does help at the time. I listen to mindfulness or read about it. Only things that get me through the moments.

[kama24 in reply to juzme]

I find if I try deep breathing I get more out of breath. I just wish I could overcome the fear. At least I now know I'm not alone.

[juzme in reply to kama24]

Try to breathe in slowly count to four hold count to four breathe out slowly counting to four.

[kama24 in reply to juzme]

I can do that......thank you for the suggestion

[Kamgal5]

If you have not read Hope and Help for your Nerves yet, by Claire Weekes- I strongly suggest it. You can also listen to her on youtube. OR read DARE by Barry McDonoghue. He also as an app.

[kama24 in reply to Kamgal5]

Yes, I bought the book by Claire Weekes & read it. It's awful when you try so hard to gain control over your fears and fail. All we can do is keep trying.

[inlandsmog]

Yes, every day.

[kama24 in reply to inlandsmog]

You know what I'm talking about then! Maybe one day we will overcome it.

[Ryanlion]

I feel for you all, i suffer anxiety & depression but as i am alot older i dont fear death, i welcome it sometimes because these illness are terrible. You are all strong and amazing individuals having to battle fear. I read somewhere ,THE MORE YOU FIGHT SOMETHING THE BIGGER IT GETS. FEAR stands for False Evidence Appearing Real. The thoughts are not true, they are just thoughts in your head. For years i believed my thoughts when in fact they are more than often lies. I would also recommend reading Claire Weeks. Self help for your nerves. Something else that helps me is having a believe in some kind of spirituality or Higher Power you can turn to. It takes time to build a relationship with a God/Angels what ever you prefer to believe in. Just talk to it as you would a beloved friend and day by day look out for little changes, synchronicities because we are never alone. I can promise you that. Why we suffer like this i dont have the answer yet but i believe it has something to do with what we hold in our subconscoius. Sorry if this sounds like bull shit but my hope is that it may help somehow and may you all be free and full of joy one day

[marsbarr in reply to Ryanlion]

Great answer. Love FEAR meaning

[kama24 in reply to Ryanlion]

Thanks so much for your reply. I have read Claire Weeke's book. It all makes perfect sense but as of yet I'm still living with fear. I do talk to God and my gurardian angels daily. If I do get a "not so bad day" I thank them. I am in my mid 70's and the fear has gotten worse with age. I hear of so many people in much worse off health conditions than what I have and I feel ashamed that I am so full of fear. I also think it's something in our subconscious. Today is another day and here I sit battling. I often wonder why I even bother to take medications as I have yet to find one that gives me relief.

[seb74820]

Every day. It's exhausting.

[LilyAnnepuppy]

Battling my fear doesn’t work for me. The fight is exhausting. I try to live with them and realize they’re not facts. I use my thinking for entertainment purposes only. What I’m thinking is not real. Living in the moment helps considerably. And my psychiatrist has found the right mixture of meds that work. Hang in there.

[kama24 in reply to LilyAnnepuppy]

Thanks so much for responding. I never win in my battle against fear, I just keep trying to keep occupied. I take 3 different meds daily for the past 6 yrs....I keep crossing my fingers one day they will help.

[Blue_81]

Hello KamaI have fear every time I wake up. Fear that im loosing my health and things will get worse. That I wont be able to provide for my family. It gets better as I get to noon but those initial hours are very painful. I would like to enjoy life again as well.

[kama24 in reply to Blue_81]

I hear you! I am in the worse state when I wake. If I'm lucky things start to calm a bit by noon but still haunts me. I worry about health issues and death. I try very hard to reason with myself but sadly I have yet to win

[Blue_81 in reply to kama24]

Thanks for your reply. I’ve tried reasoning with myself, logically it all makes sense. However, I can’t get my emotions under control, cant stop myself from feeling anxious and having this overwhelming fear that is eating me away. I feel shame with my family for them to see me like this. All I can do is hope and dream of better days.

[kama24 in reply to Blue_81]

I understand when you say you feel shame. I do too. I keep waiting for a miracle when I wake up. We have to keep our hope up but it gets depressing when things never change.

[Ryanlion]

Never give up no matter how old you are or how long you have been ill. And never never feel ashamed of it. You have an illness and its a tough one. There will be a medication out there. If you can afford it. Pay privately for a good psychiatrist but choose wisely. They can offer different meds than a Gp. Also look on youtube about Faster EFT. BY ROBERT SMITH & other practioners. They use tapping to tap away fears, anxiety,addictions . There is a lot out there now in natural health to help but you have to pay for it. Good luck & keep going with hope.

[kama24 in reply to Ryanlion]

Thank you so much for your input.

[Lovefrance in reply to kama24]

Hi Kama. Looking at these posts on here I am glad in a way that there are so many of us fighting this awful problem. But of course so sorry for everyone who has this problem. I am in AF at the moment and am scared out of my wits. We know this is all in our minds but trying to control these thoughts are exhausting and have a major impact on our daily lives. I guess we are all different and cope in different ways, some people being stronger than others. Unfortunately I am not one of those. I don’t know what I would do without this site. People are so understanding and will always give us support. Thank God for that.

[kama24 in reply to Lovefrance]

I am not a brave nor strong person. I'm a senior and I noticed that as I aged I felt more fear, (thinking about death). It really irks me that I cannot control my own thoughts and be happy. I always had some anxiety but it never flared up really bad until I hit my 60s. Now in my 70s I'm a "mess". I won't give up trying to fight the fear. Yes, this forum is a very helpful place to come to.

[Lovefrance in reply to kama24]

Same with me. I am in my 70s and didn’t worry like this until my 60s, when I had to have open heart surgery. Yes, we do have to fight the fear I guess but what a struggle. I wish you well and do hope we can get through this. Take care.

[kama24 in reply to Lovefrance]

Oh my you were so very brave, not that you had a choice about surgery. I hope you are in good health now. We have to fight this!!

[Lovefrance in reply to kama24]

I am in good health now,except for my AF and this awful worry! I do hope you haven’t any other health issues and am managing to cope. Please take care and perhaps we will talk again if we feel the need.

[kama24 in reply to Lovefrance]

So glad your health is good now. I have a minor heart irregularity and when it starts up so does the fear. I go back to the cardiologist on the 24th to hear the results of the halter I wore for 2 wks. We can only take it one day at a time. Take care.

[Lovefrance in reply to kama24]

Thank you for that. It’s good to talk.

[Fallin77]

Hi Kama24, what you said really struck a chord with me because that is how I feel I won't say all of the time but, yes a majority of the time. My situation is different than yours because I had cancer and once that happens you always think you are going to die or that it is going to come back etc...I feel like I am losing so much of my life being scared and it's something that is hard to explain to anyone because they don't understand what you could be afraid of when nothing seems to be really happening to you. I am afraid to be looked at as a hypochondriac and not taken seriously. I am at my wits end and have tried everything. The only thing that ever helped me was falling in love a few years ago and that was the 1st time I was distracted enough that I didn't remember my fear. Strange, I know. Nothing lasts forever unfortunately. I would say that you need to find a distraction to your fear and that is what I am searching for as well. Take care and I hope you find some relief soon. I am truly sorry you are going through this.

[kama24 in reply to Fallin77]

Thank you for your understanding reply. I have often said that if I ever did have something serious wrong with me, I'd never live life to the fullest again.......I'd live in worry and fear. I too feel like I've lost 6 yrs of my life to fear and worry. Yes, if there was only a permanent distraction to the daily fear. I do on line auctions for a local pet rescue & that helps but its all done from my home. I seldom go out because "what if....". I try to logic my thinking out but the mind is very powerful. Some days I'm just totally fed up with myself. I feel totally alone yet I'm not. No one can truly understand unless they've walked a mile in my shoes. All I can do is take it one day at a time. I hope you find some sunshine in each new day!

[Fallin77 in reply to kama24]

Hi, thanks for your reply! I love what you are doing for the animals. I was just wondering...your fear is it health related? Do you worry about your own health? or is it a fear that something horrible will happen in the world or to one of your family members? My fear is towards a lot of different things. I can't hear about or even imagine an animal suffering. I love dogs so the thought that dogs are suffering out there in the world is something that constantly creeps into my head. I worry about this all the time. I don't know if other people have thoughts like these that paralyze their life. I try to help the same as you and I have given so much money to pet organizations but I don't know how to stop these thoughts. Thank you for listening.

[Dixie9326]

I’m 74 and feel the same way…anxiety is growing in leaps and bounds as I age..I’ve tried everything…meds, psychologist , reading self help books, etc. I ride my bike for ten miles everyday, that helps with the anxiety for a short while and then it returns with a vengeance..I do light weights, stretching and balance exercises, take care of my health from dental, biannual physical exam with labs, gastroenterologist, gynecologist, and every other specialty for each body part!!!! If everything turns out okay I get a few days of reprieve and then I start with the fear all over again..I have arthritis and muscle pain all of the time so between the pain and anxiety I’m a train wreck..I live in a beautiful house with my husband and have a supportive adult daughter but I’m driving then both crazy..we go out with friends and I just dread getting ready but somehow end up having a good time most of the time ..I get up in the morning and do all of my regular chores, prep for dinner, etc. and can’t wait until I can lie down on the couch with my heating pad …IPad, a book and TV..I’m wasting hours and hours everyday just waiting for the other shoe to drop. What an awful way to live and I’ve not been able to overcome the misery I live with. I’m a retired Emergency department RN and I consider myself quite intelligent and thoughtful but this curse has taken over my life:(:(:(🤦🏻‍♀️😱🤦🏻‍♀️.. I feel so awful when I see very young people feeling the same and know what a long life of dread is ahead of them. It makes me cringe. I’ve tried everything so I just muddle my way through each day ….hoping and hoping it will improve:)🥰🥰🥰 YES, one day at a time!!!Good luck to everyone who is on this journey and may you find that sunshine that we are all searching for:)🌞🌞🌞./

[kama24 in reply to Dixie9326]

Thank you for resplying. My life sounds a bit like yours in that I have an understanding husband and adult daughter. I know I rattle them at times. I too have tried everything suggested to no avail. I normally find that the fear starts to ease off later in the day and I watch the clock waiting. I commend you for the exercise you do. I'm a failure there! We don't socialize much because my mind will think...."what if...." yet I know it is highly unlikely . Our family dr. just retired last June and there are none to be had in our city. That scares me too. I agree, its a horrible way to live. I have 2 teenage grandaughters who deal with anxiety and other mental health issues. My heart goes out to them. I pray that God will give me courage each new day and that eventually something will help. What a way to live! When I read about others dealing with horrible medical issues I try to tell myself to smarten up....again I'm still waiting. Take care.

[b1b1b1 in reply to kama24]

Not having a family doctor may be contributing to your anxiety. Try neighboring towns if there is none in your town. I know it can be difficult to find and adjust to a new doctor when you are used to the one you have had for many years. I am in a similar situation having just moved from NY to Washington DC. I badly miss my former doctors and am struggling to find new ones that I feel are as good and that I like.

[kama24 in reply to b1b1b1]

Yes, we had gone to our doctor for over 40 years. There was an article in our local paper and apparently there are over 5000 people in this city with no doctor. The chances of getting one are slim. I even told my physciatrist that I was worrying about it! I hope eventually I'll call one and they will be taking on new patients.

[Blue_81 in reply to Dixie9326]

Hello DixieWow you are so active! Thats so cool. Sorry to hear that meds, books, and being active does not work. I usually walk and my anxiety does go down significantly but once I stop it comes back. Would like to be walking all day but I have to work and im pretty sure with time my mind will learn how to make it not effective. I’ve read positive books, listen to positive podcasts, turn off the news, be active and my anxiety doesnt go away completely 😞. I guess its just managing our symptoms. Again Just want to say congratulations on being so active.

[Dixie9326 in reply to Blue_81]

It is all about managing our symptoms..I know I’ll never be totally free from anxiety but the intensity can be controlled at times..I consistently fight it by doing my ten mile bike rides and dragging myself out of the house to be with others, shop, etc. It’s not easy at all but I know if I stop, anxiety will take over…one day at a time, one foot in front of the other and most importantly just push forward.

I also ride horses when I visit with my daughter..Not a great rider but I keep on trying I’ll always have this demon on my back ..trying to live with is difficult

Normal lighting

[Blue_81 in reply to Dixie9326]

Nice! You should feel very proud of yourself that you are so active and willing to keep on trying. The scenery looks amazing to go horse riding. It is a daily fight and even when you are having fun, anxiety is always around the corner. I dont how it came to this maybe negative thinking, genes, circumstances, learned behavior . I know im predisposed as my mom suffers from it too. Anyways, great job keep up the work. 👍🏼👍🏼

[Dixie9326 in reply to Blue_81]

If I don’t keep trying I’d be housebound and in bed and I CAN’T let that happen..I always feel sick before we go out but I just get dressed and muddle through it…most of the time it works out fine..

I’m 74 so I realize every day is a gift so I have to push , which is not easy, but the alternative is worse..

Exercise does help so I just do it, like it or not..I guess I’m pretty self motivated and that helps..anxiety and depression are the worst!!!

I think all of the reasons you mentioned are very likely but I think genetics plays a very big part ..

“KEEP ON KEEPING ON”:)🥰🤷🏼‍♀️🥰

[Mtnghost20]

It sounds like you are making a positive effort in many areas. What do you do spiritually?

[Jsteve36]

All day every day, I battle the feeling that im dying every day all day since mid November. Because of the feeling I have found I have a hard time eating, I'm losing weight etc.It's like a prison from which there is no escape. I just want to be normal and happy again

[Leah36]

Every day! It’s so unbelievably exhausting. I too take medication. I feel like it probably keeps me from having a full blow mental breakdown, but it hasn’t helped much with the obsessive thinking of death and dying suddenly.

[kama24 in reply to Leah36]

I totally relate. I've been dealing with the same feeling for the past 5 yrs and it's not "living" I have tried everything suggested by both professionals and friends. Nothing has deleted it. I wish there was an on/off switch in our brain. All we can do is take it one day at a time. You are not alone Take care.