Anxious Being Anxious

[ChiJenn]

Hi Everyone! I'm new here. I've fallen in a trap in which I feel anxious, it's all consuming, but the more I try to talk myself down the more it sticks around. So basically acknowledging that I'm anxious is causing more anxiety. Does anyone have any tips about how to climb out of this anxiety vortex/loop?Thank you!

[Drummer88]

I’m in the same boat as you slowly working my way out. Here’s my advice: you yourself just said you’ve recently fallen into a pit. In that sentence it also implies that previously you were not in the pit. Realize that it’s not forever. Realize that you living your life out of it is entirely possible because you’ve done it. You were just doing it. And therefore you can do it again.

[ChiJenn in reply to Drummer88]

Thank you so much! It's so comforting knowing that there are people out there who get it.

[designguy]

Good for you that you have gained the awareness of whats happening with your anxiety. What you are describing is called "anticipatory anxiety" and it is actually those anxious thoughts that fuel your anxious feelings. The reality of anxiety is that it is a paradox and the more you fight it or try to deny it or out think it the more it persists so the answer is to surrender to the anxious feelings and try to not feed them with more anxious thoughts and desensitize yourself to the anxious feelings. It takes time and persistence but is definitely possible. Educating yourself about what anxiety really is and how to constructively deal with it helps take the fear out of it. I suggest checking out the DARE Anxiety youtube videos and book and the youtube videos of Paige Pradko for learning more about it.

[ChiJenn in reply to designguy]

This was sooooooo helpful! I especially loved the idea of not feeding the anxiety. When I felt myself getting anxious, I stopped my thinking and would literally tell myself "I'm not feeding you" and it really helped. I still have a way to go but everyone's comments have made a huge difference for me today!

[designguy in reply to ChiJenn]

That's great, you are heading in the right direction.

[Cat33]

Hello ChiJennI'm sorry that you are suffering and really do understand as I've been there

The trouble is the more you try and fight it the worse it gets

The very best thing to do is let it come it will wash over you and it will go

If you can lose your fear and know that you won't come to any harm and your worst fears will not happen life will become peaceful and calm again

If you keep a diary you will see it always follows the same pattern every time The adrenaline pumps around your body it peaks and dies down

The DARE books and videos are excellent can't recommend them highly enough

Good luck you can and will get there

[ChiJenn in reply to Cat33]

Thank you Cat33! Today I've been following your advice about not fighting the anxiety, I still have a way to go but it is helping.

[Cat33 in reply to ChiJenn]

Oh I'm so pleased to hear it it is hard so hard but I promise the more you practice the more you will lose that fear There is a wonderful video on You Tube by Dr Harry Barry called Flooding for Anxiety about how when you feel the feelings rise just pretend your feet are glued to the floor and you can't move - I know that sounds horrific- but trust me it works the feelings will flood your body but then they subside and go

It takes about 10 mins and follows the same pattern every single time Once you start to realise that's what has been terrifying you and that nothing awful has ever happened it will get easier and easier and in the end you will lose your fear

Hope today is the first day of your recovery Baby steps each day it won't happen overnight and you will get setbacks but you will also get well and live a relaxed happy life

Please look into The DARE Response by Barry McDonagh it's great

All the best please keep me posted

[Agora1]

Hi ChiJenn, I'd like to Welcome you to a caring support group.

People who really understand what it's like. Acknowledging that you

have anxiety is the first step. Accepting and not fighting the feeling is

the "key". I struggled myself with Anxiety and Agoraphobia. It was once

I stopped struggling (fighting) that I became stronger in gaining control of

my life again.

It can be done. You are in a good place here in taking hold of our hand and

allowing us to walk the walk with you. xx

[Celtic27]

Hi there chijenn anxiety can linger around you may may need help from your doctor for your anxiety as it sounds as if its ruling you life at the moment ! Have you not got any family.or friends that can help you at this time as its another layer of help you could be doing with ! I hope you get well soon God bless 🙏

[ChiJenn in reply to Celtic27]

I'm doing much better. I've gotten a lot of support from the online community when I really needed it. I also spoke with doctor yesterday and feel better. I still have a way to go but I'm definitely on the right path. Thank you so much for reaching out to me!

[Alershot1]

I am so sorry and I think we all know what you are going through. Please try to accept you are anxious not keep trying to fight or climb out of it. I am anxious but I will do it anyway. After a few times you will find it easier. Easy to say I know but it is tried and tested!!! Love and good luck