Brianlux, anxiety can be so paralyzing can't it? It's like a silent net that ties people up and darkens the world. Anxiety makes a person want to hide instead of getting out there like a free person would.
I've been thinking a lot about taking off the cloak of darkness lately. I've been trying to notice all the times that anxiety is keeping me from trying things or even doing things in a bigger way.
Have you been seeing a counselor about it or have you just been trying to deal with it alone?
Brianlux, anxiety can be so paralyzing can't it? It's like a silent net that ties people up and darkens the world. Anxiety makes a person want to hide instead of getting out there like a free person would.
I've been thinking a lot about taking off the cloak of darkness lately. I've been trying to notice all the times that anxiety is keeping me from trying things or even doing things in a bigger way.
Have you been seeing a counselor about it or have you just been trying to deal with it alone?
"Silent net" is an apt description, justam.
I'm not seeing a counselor. I worked in a counseling training program for a few years as program assistant in Human Services at our local community college. Our focus was based on Carl Rogers "client centered" therapy which (very generally speaking) deals with the here and now and guiding a client toward effective, lasting coping methods. This is all good and fine but the problem for me is that because I helped coach prospective counselors I find it difficult to not be critiquing a counselor if I go to one myself and I have yet to find one who does client centered therapy. It helps to see someone but only for a short time and going back and back again is like what the prof I worked with used to describe as "Hollywood counseling" which I suppose is fine if you can afford to keep going indefinitely. I'd rather seek a long-term solution.
But I don't know if I'll ever be totally free of anxiety so I work on managing it and that's a good thing.
i suffer from it often. it only started happening late in my teenage years. for the most part i am okay, so i don't take anything for it. never seen a doctor about it. but i do get those moments of extreme heart pounding anxiety (mostly when i am out in public) where i have to get away from other people and just sit and try to calm myself down. it's not fun.
It really is no fun, nothinasitseems. I hope you find something that works for you. This forum is a great place to come to for giving and receiving support and kind empathy. There are so many good folks here!
I wish you well.
“The fear of death follows from the fear of life. A man [or woman] who lives fully is prepared to die at any time.”
i suffer from it often. it only started happening late in my teenage years. for the most part i am okay, so i don't take anything for it. never seen a doctor about it. but i do get those moments of extreme heart pounding anxiety (mostly when i am out in public) where i have to get away from other people and just sit and try to calm myself down. it's not fun.
It really is no fun, nothinasitseems. I hope you find something that works for you. This forum is a great place to come to for giving and receiving support and kind empathy. There are so many good folks here!
I wish you well.
thank you, brian. i've only been on the forums for a bit over 2 years now, and don't nearly post as much as i would like but i have noticed there are a lot of kind people in the pearl jam community. good to know we're not alone. i appreciate the kind words and i wish you well as well.
i suffer from it often. it only started happening late in my teenage years. for the most part i am okay, so i don't take anything for it. never seen a doctor about it. but i do get those moments of extreme heart pounding anxiety (mostly when i am out in public) where i have to get away from other people and just sit and try to calm myself down. it's not fun.
It really is no fun, nothinasitseems. I hope you find something that works for you. This forum is a great place to come to for giving and receiving support and kind empathy. There are so many good folks here!
I wish you well.
thank you, brian. i've only been on the forums for a bit over 2 years now, and don't nearly post as much as i would like but i have noticed there are a lot of kind people in the pearl jam community. good to know we're not alone. i appreciate the kind words and i wish you well as well.
Thanks so much, nothinasitseems. I hope we'll see you around here often.
“The fear of death follows from the fear of life. A man [or woman] who lives fully is prepared to die at any time.”
It's great to know we can talk about stuff like this here. Anxiety is no stranger to me, that's for sure. I just read this today - I don't know if any of you know Guideposts, but it's a faithy-y magazine my grandmother read and my mother read and my mother always made sure I had a subscription, even though there were times I thought it was stupid.
This is a piece about a soldier with PTSD and how a therapy dog helped him. It was such a positive article I thought I'd share it.
It's great to know we can talk about stuff like this here. Anxiety is no stranger to me, that's for sure. I just read this today - I don't know if any of you know Guideposts, but it's a faithy-y magazine my grandmother read and my mother read and my mother always made sure I had a subscription, even though there were times I thought it was stupid.
This is a piece about a soldier with PTSD and how a therapy dog helped him. It was such a positive article I thought I'd share it.
I thought my anxiety would be better if I quit working, not true. Because of the nerve damage and ringing in my ears, I had to quit listening to music and going to concerts. I really miss being the concert queen. My sweet cat is like therapy to me as well, til he wakes me up wanting attention. I miss "talking" to pearl jam fans here. I'm on facebook but have found that many on facebook (non pj fans) are bragging too much and they don't even realize it...
9/98, 9/00 - DC, 4/03 - Pitt., 7/03 - Bristow, 10/04 - Reading, 10/05 - Philly, 5/06 - DC, 6/06 - Pitt., 6/08 - Va Beach, 6/08 - DC, 5/10 - Bristow, 10/13 B'more
8/08 - Ed solo in DC, 6/09 Ed in B'more,
10/10 - Brad in B'more
I thought my anxiety would be better if I quit working, not true. Because of the nerve damage and ringing in my ears, I had to quit listening to music and going to concerts. I really miss being the concert queen. My sweet cat is like therapy to me as well, til he wakes me up wanting attention. I miss "talking" to pearl jam fans here. I'm on facebook but have found that many on facebook (non pj fans) are bragging too much and they don't even realize it...
PM sent. Wishing you well!
“The fear of death follows from the fear of life. A man [or woman] who lives fully is prepared to die at any time.”
I thought my anxiety would be better if I quit working, not true. Because of the nerve damage and ringing in my ears, I had to quit listening to music and going to concerts. I really miss being the concert queen. My sweet cat is like therapy to me as well, til he wakes me up wanting attention. I miss "talking" to pearl jam fans here. I'm on facebook but have found that many on facebook (non pj fans) are bragging too much and they don't even realize it...
PM sent. Wishing you well!
Thank you. I received it
9/98, 9/00 - DC, 4/03 - Pitt., 7/03 - Bristow, 10/04 - Reading, 10/05 - Philly, 5/06 - DC, 6/06 - Pitt., 6/08 - Va Beach, 6/08 - DC, 5/10 - Bristow, 10/13 B'more
8/08 - Ed solo in DC, 6/09 Ed in B'more,
10/10 - Brad in B'more
anxiety has crippled me. it was the main reason I wasn't around here for a few months. I couldn't function. at first it manifested itself physically and emotionally....i was constantly shaking, my digestive system was not working properly, which caused me to basically stop eating and I lost 40 pounds in 2 months. I needed to anyway, but that wasn't the way I wanted to lose it. then I had the stress of people telling me I was "wasting away".
I was sleeping about 3 hours a night. Working full time. 2 kids under 10 years old. shit was exhausting. it didn't seem like life was ever going to be normal again.
I was very near suicide, to be honest. if I didn't have kids, I very well might not have chosen to keep on.
I finally went to my doc, got checked out physically, and when all of that was ruled out, he put me on meds (which I was on months ago, but went off). I can't believe I've still been able to work most days. Often I'd have to call in sick, but then I found I functioned even more poorly at home with nothing to do; I would sit literally in one spot for hours, thinking about death.
the dread: I was obsessing with the purpose of life. I couldn't figure out what the fuck we are doing here, what our purpose is, and why the hell I brought kids into such a horrible existence.
now the anxiety is pretty much gone, but now I have stabbing pains in my abdomen, sometimes lasting all day. it literally feels like someone is twisting a pair of scissors in my gut. it's awful. and no amount of pain relievers, legal and otherwise, do anything for it. got a CT scan, it came back 100% clear. my doc thinks it's muscle tension built up over time from all the anxiety.
My stomach gets all tied up knots when I have plans to go out or do something that is not at "home base" (close to a bathroom). it's been very limiting. I couldn't even go to a movie this past weekend.
we have a trip to Vegas booked in December. it was booked before all this went down. I'm terrified of going. My wife has been amazing through all of this. I don't want to let her down. the trip is for her 40th birthday, and another couple are meeting us there.
and anxiety is not actually a mental illness. mental illnesses cannot be cured. anxiety, or at least overactive anxiety, can be. it's a cognitive disorder. it's not a chemical imbalance.
anxiety has crippled me. it was the main reason I wasn't around here for a few months. I couldn't function. at first it manifested itself physically and emotionally....i was constantly shaking, my digestive system was not working properly, which caused me to basically stop eating and I lost 40 pounds in 2 months. I needed to anyway, but that wasn't the way I wanted to lose it. then I had the stress of people telling me I was "wasting away".
I was sleeping about 3 hours a night. Working full time. 2 kids under 10 years old. shit was exhausting. it didn't seem like life was ever going to be normal again.
I was very near suicide, to be honest. if I didn't have kids, I very well might not have chosen to keep on.
I finally went to my doc, got checked out physically, and when all of that was ruled out, he put me on meds (which I was on months ago, but went off). I can't believe I've still been able to work most days. Often I'd have to call in sick, but then I found I functioned even more poorly at home with nothing to do; I would sit literally in one spot for hours, thinking about death.
the dread: I was obsessing with the purpose of life. I couldn't figure out what the fuck we are doing here, what our purpose is, and why the hell I brought kids into such a horrible existence.
now the anxiety is pretty much gone, but now I have stabbing pains in my abdomen, sometimes lasting all day. it literally feels like someone is twisting a pair of scissors in my gut. it's awful. and no amount of pain relievers, legal and otherwise, do anything for it. got a CT scan, it came back 100% clear. my doc thinks it's muscle tension built up over time from all the anxiety.
My stomach gets all tied up knots when I have plans to go out or do something that is not at "home base" (close to a bathroom). it's been very limiting. I couldn't even go to a movie this past weekend.
we have a trip to Vegas booked in December. it was booked before all this went down. I'm terrified of going. My wife has been amazing through all of this. I don't want to let her down. the trip is for her 40th birthday, and another couple are meeting us there.
and anxiety is not actually a mental illness. mental illnesses cannot be cured. anxiety, or at least overactive anxiety, can be. it's a cognitive disorder. it's not a chemical imbalance.
wow, I feel for you!
Thank you fellow 10 clubber for saving my ass....again!!!
I thought my anxiety would be better if I quit working, not true. Because of the nerve damage and ringing in my ears, I had to quit listening to music and going to concerts. I really miss being the concert queen. My sweet cat is like therapy to me as well, til he wakes me up wanting attention. I miss "talking" to pearl jam fans here. I'm on facebook but have found that many on facebook (non pj fans) are bragging too much and they don't even realize it...
That is why I am afraid to go to concerts without earplugs. I got a bit of ringing in my right ear from years of loud music.
Adelaide 17/11/2009, Melbourne 20/11/2009, Sydney 22/11/2009, Melbourne (Big Day Out Festival) 24/01/2014
anxiety has crippled me. it was the main reason I wasn't around here for a few months. I couldn't function. at first it manifested itself physically and emotionally....i was constantly shaking, my digestive system was not working properly, which caused me to basically stop eating and I lost 40 pounds in 2 months. I needed to anyway, but that wasn't the way I wanted to lose it. then I had the stress of people telling me I was "wasting away".
I was sleeping about 3 hours a night. Working full time. 2 kids under 10 years old. shit was exhausting. it didn't seem like life was ever going to be normal again.
I was very near suicide, to be honest. if I didn't have kids, I very well might not have chosen to keep on.
I finally went to my doc, got checked out physically, and when all of that was ruled out, he put me on meds (which I was on months ago, but went off). I can't believe I've still been able to work most days. Often I'd have to call in sick, but then I found I functioned even more poorly at home with nothing to do; I would sit literally in one spot for hours, thinking about death.
the dread: I was obsessing with the purpose of life. I couldn't figure out what the fuck we are doing here, what our purpose is, and why the hell I brought kids into such a horrible existence.
now the anxiety is pretty much gone, but now I have stabbing pains in my abdomen, sometimes lasting all day. it literally feels like someone is twisting a pair of scissors in my gut. it's awful. and no amount of pain relievers, legal and otherwise, do anything for it. got a CT scan, it came back 100% clear. my doc thinks it's muscle tension built up over time from all the anxiety.
My stomach gets all tied up knots when I have plans to go out or do something that is not at "home base" (close to a bathroom). it's been very limiting. I couldn't even go to a movie this past weekend.
we have a trip to Vegas booked in December. it was booked before all this went down. I'm terrified of going. My wife has been amazing through all of this. I don't want to let her down. the trip is for her 40th birthday, and another couple are meeting us there.
and anxiety is not actually a mental illness. mental illnesses cannot be cured. anxiety, or at least overactive anxiety, can be. it's a cognitive disorder. it's not a chemical imbalance.
So glad you hung in there and you're still here!
“The fear of death follows from the fear of life. A man [or woman] who lives fully is prepared to die at any time.”
anxiety has crippled me. it was the main reason I wasn't around here for a few months. I couldn't function. at first it manifested itself physically and emotionally....i was constantly shaking, my digestive system was not working properly, which caused me to basically stop eating and I lost 40 pounds in 2 months. I needed to anyway, but that wasn't the way I wanted to lose it. then I had the stress of people telling me I was "wasting away".
I was sleeping about 3 hours a night. Working full time. 2 kids under 10 years old. shit was exhausting. it didn't seem like life was ever going to be normal again.
I was very near suicide, to be honest. if I didn't have kids, I very well might not have chosen to keep on.
I finally went to my doc, got checked out physically, and when all of that was ruled out, he put me on meds (which I was on months ago, but went off). I can't believe I've still been able to work most days. Often I'd have to call in sick, but then I found I functioned even more poorly at home with nothing to do; I would sit literally in one spot for hours, thinking about death.
the dread: I was obsessing with the purpose of life. I couldn't figure out what the fuck we are doing here, what our purpose is, and why the hell I brought kids into such a horrible existence.
now the anxiety is pretty much gone, but now I have stabbing pains in my abdomen, sometimes lasting all day. it literally feels like someone is twisting a pair of scissors in my gut. it's awful. and no amount of pain relievers, legal and otherwise, do anything for it. got a CT scan, it came back 100% clear. my doc thinks it's muscle tension built up over time from all the anxiety.
My stomach gets all tied up knots when I have plans to go out or do something that is not at "home base" (close to a bathroom). it's been very limiting. I couldn't even go to a movie this past weekend.
we have a trip to Vegas booked in December. it was booked before all this went down. I'm terrified of going. My wife has been amazing through all of this. I don't want to let her down. the trip is for her 40th birthday, and another couple are meeting us there.
and anxiety is not actually a mental illness. mental illnesses cannot be cured. anxiety, or at least overactive anxiety, can be. it's a cognitive disorder. it's not a chemical imbalance.
i feel for you Hugh i hope you know that caffeine sugar and alcohol just a little everyday can make it worse and i tried many things but found abstaining from caffeine is the best thing but i couldnt do it magnesium complete the great relaxer 4 a day i found works wonders and lifts your mood you should try it..peace..
Hugh, I'm happy not just for you, but also for your children that you stayed for them. Obviously an unnecessary statement, but they need you.
Totally get the tension (those fucking stomach knots too), and good that you've got help in dealing with this.
Sounds like you've made great strides; please don't beat yourself up when the footing slips. Sounds like your wife is something else too. Believe me, as a wife who spent her 43rd birthday with her husband at the ER, we know who and what's important.
I thought my anxiety would be better if I quit working, not true. Because of the nerve damage and ringing in my ears, I had to quit listening to music and going to concerts. I really miss being the concert queen. My sweet cat is like therapy to me as well, til he wakes me up wanting attention. I miss "talking" to pearl jam fans here. I'm on facebook but have found that many on facebook (non pj fans) are bragging too much and they don't even realize it...
That is why I am afraid to go to concerts without earplugs. I got a bit of ringing in my right ear from years of loud music.
I started wearing earplugs a long time ago. I was still wearing earplugs about 5 years ago and we had to leave concerts, too painful for my ears.
9/98, 9/00 - DC, 4/03 - Pitt., 7/03 - Bristow, 10/04 - Reading, 10/05 - Philly, 5/06 - DC, 6/06 - Pitt., 6/08 - Va Beach, 6/08 - DC, 5/10 - Bristow, 10/13 B'more
8/08 - Ed solo in DC, 6/09 Ed in B'more,
10/10 - Brad in B'more
anxiety has crippled me. it was the main reason I wasn't around here for a few months. I couldn't function. at first it manifested itself physically and emotionally....i was constantly shaking, my digestive system was not working properly, which caused me to basically stop eating and I lost 40 pounds in 2 months. I needed to anyway, but that wasn't the way I wanted to lose it. then I had the stress of people telling me I was "wasting away".
I was sleeping about 3 hours a night. Working full time. 2 kids under 10 years old. shit was exhausting. it didn't seem like life was ever going to be normal again.
I was very near suicide, to be honest. if I didn't have kids, I very well might not have chosen to keep on.
I finally went to my doc, got checked out physically, and when all of that was ruled out, he put me on meds (which I was on months ago, but went off). I can't believe I've still been able to work most days. Often I'd have to call in sick, but then I found I functioned even more poorly at home with nothing to do; I would sit literally in one spot for hours, thinking about death.
the dread: I was obsessing with the purpose of life. I couldn't figure out what the fuck we are doing here, what our purpose is, and why the hell I brought kids into such a horrible existence.
now the anxiety is pretty much gone, but now I have stabbing pains in my abdomen, sometimes lasting all day. it literally feels like someone is twisting a pair of scissors in my gut. it's awful. and no amount of pain relievers, legal and otherwise, do anything for it. got a CT scan, it came back 100% clear. my doc thinks it's muscle tension built up over time from all the anxiety.
My stomach gets all tied up knots when I have plans to go out or do something that is not at "home base" (close to a bathroom). it's been very limiting. I couldn't even go to a movie this past weekend.
we have a trip to Vegas booked in December. it was booked before all this went down. I'm terrified of going. My wife has been amazing through all of this. I don't want to let her down. the trip is for her 40th birthday, and another couple are meeting us there.
and anxiety is not actually a mental illness. mental illnesses cannot be cured. anxiety, or at least overactive anxiety, can be. it's a cognitive disorder. it's not a chemical imbalance.
I hope your stomach feels better! When I was 13 and my mom was going through another divorce, I would wake up so nauseated (probably dreading another day of stress at home), it was hard for me to eat my cereal. In bed, I would worry over the stupidest things now that I look back....but it was severe anxiety. It was great that my mom left my abusive step father, but then her next relationship involved alot of fighting :( My step father did not abuse me or my sister, his anger was directed at his son.
It's 3:30 a.m. and I don't know how I'll go back to sleep, this ringing in my ears is driving me crazy, it is so high pitched. At least I don't have to go to work but am meeting friends for lunch.
I have had knots in my stomach too when I was around people I didn't like and I was trying to still tolerate them.
Hugh, is the other couple your wife's friends?
9/98, 9/00 - DC, 4/03 - Pitt., 7/03 - Bristow, 10/04 - Reading, 10/05 - Philly, 5/06 - DC, 6/06 - Pitt., 6/08 - Va Beach, 6/08 - DC, 5/10 - Bristow, 10/13 B'more
8/08 - Ed solo in DC, 6/09 Ed in B'more,
10/10 - Brad in B'more
I thought my anxiety would be better if I quit working, not true. Because of the nerve damage and ringing in my ears, I had to quit listening to music and going to concerts. I really miss being the concert queen. My sweet cat is like therapy to me as well, til he wakes me up wanting attention. I miss "talking" to pearl jam fans here. I'm on facebook but have found that many on facebook (non pj fans) are bragging too much and they don't even realize it...
That is why I am afraid to go to concerts without earplugs. I got a bit of ringing in my right ear from years of loud music.
I started wearing earplugs a long time ago. I was still wearing earplugs about 5 years ago and we had to leave concerts, too painful for my ears.
That sucks. Sorry to hear. I use Quiet Please plugs by Flent. They are great they block out a lot. A drummer I jammed with told me they're the best he has used when I gave him a pair.
Adelaide 17/11/2009, Melbourne 20/11/2009, Sydney 22/11/2009, Melbourne (Big Day Out Festival) 24/01/2014
I thought my anxiety would be better if I quit working, not true. Because of the nerve damage and ringing in my ears, I had to quit listening to music and going to concerts. I really miss being the concert queen. My sweet cat is like therapy to me as well, til he wakes me up wanting attention. I miss "talking" to pearl jam fans here. I'm on facebook but have found that many on facebook (non pj fans) are bragging too much and they don't even realize it...
That is why I am afraid to go to concerts without earplugs. I got a bit of ringing in my right ear from years of loud music.
I started wearing earplugs a long time ago. I was still wearing earplugs about 5 years ago and we had to leave concerts, too painful for my ears.
That sucks. Sorry to hear. I use Quiet Please plugs by Flent. They are great they block out a lot. A drummer I jammed with told me they're the best he has used when I gave him a pair.
Really? I'll have to get some then, if they will fit my tiny ears. I didn't leave the 2013 Pearl Jam concert early though (I had them REALLY stuck into my ears, then a teen made fun of my bright orange ear plugs in the bathroom though with a left handed compliment by telling me she liked my earplugs.)
9/98, 9/00 - DC, 4/03 - Pitt., 7/03 - Bristow, 10/04 - Reading, 10/05 - Philly, 5/06 - DC, 6/06 - Pitt., 6/08 - Va Beach, 6/08 - DC, 5/10 - Bristow, 10/13 B'more
8/08 - Ed solo in DC, 6/09 Ed in B'more,
10/10 - Brad in B'more
I thought my anxiety would be better if I quit working, not true. Because of the nerve damage and ringing in my ears, I had to quit listening to music and going to concerts. I really miss being the concert queen. My sweet cat is like therapy to me as well, til he wakes me up wanting attention. I miss "talking" to pearl jam fans here. I'm on facebook but have found that many on facebook (non pj fans) are bragging too much and they don't even realize it...
That is why I am afraid to go to concerts without earplugs. I got a bit of ringing in my right ear from years of loud music.
I started wearing earplugs a long time ago. I was still wearing earplugs about 5 years ago and we had to leave concerts, too painful for my ears.
That sucks. Sorry to hear. I use Quiet Please plugs by Flent. They are great they block out a lot. A drummer I jammed with told me they're the best he has used when I gave him a pair.
Really? I'll have to get some then, if they will fit my tiny ears. I didn't leave the 2013 Pearl Jam concert early though (I had them REALLY stuck into my ears, then a teen made fun of my bright orange ear plugs in the bathroom though with a left handed compliment by telling me she liked my earplugs.)
These ones are white. Noise reduction rating of 29 decibels.
Adelaide 17/11/2009, Melbourne 20/11/2009, Sydney 22/11/2009, Melbourne (Big Day Out Festival) 24/01/2014
anxiety has crippled me. it was the main reason I wasn't around here for a few months. I couldn't function. at first it manifested itself physically and emotionally....i was constantly shaking, my digestive system was not working properly, which caused me to basically stop eating and I lost 40 pounds in 2 months. I needed to anyway, but that wasn't the way I wanted to lose it. then I had the stress of people telling me I was "wasting away".
I was sleeping about 3 hours a night. Working full time. 2 kids under 10 years old. shit was exhausting. it didn't seem like life was ever going to be normal again.
I was very near suicide, to be honest. if I didn't have kids, I very well might not have chosen to keep on.
I finally went to my doc, got checked out physically, and when all of that was ruled out, he put me on meds (which I was on months ago, but went off). I can't believe I've still been able to work most days. Often I'd have to call in sick, but then I found I functioned even more poorly at home with nothing to do; I would sit literally in one spot for hours, thinking about death.
the dread: I was obsessing with the purpose of life. I couldn't figure out what the fuck we are doing here, what our purpose is, and why the hell I brought kids into such a horrible existence.
now the anxiety is pretty much gone, but now I have stabbing pains in my abdomen, sometimes lasting all day. it literally feels like someone is twisting a pair of scissors in my gut. it's awful. and no amount of pain relievers, legal and otherwise, do anything for it. got a CT scan, it came back 100% clear. my doc thinks it's muscle tension built up over time from all the anxiety.
My stomach gets all tied up knots when I have plans to go out or do something that is not at "home base" (close to a bathroom). it's been very limiting. I couldn't even go to a movie this past weekend.
we have a trip to Vegas booked in December. it was booked before all this went down. I'm terrified of going. My wife has been amazing through all of this. I don't want to let her down. the trip is for her 40th birthday, and another couple are meeting us there.
and anxiety is not actually a mental illness. mental illnesses cannot be cured. anxiety, or at least overactive anxiety, can be. it's a cognitive disorder. it's not a chemical imbalance.
I hope your stomach feels better! When I was 13 and my mom was going through another divorce, I would wake up so nauseated (probably dreading another day of stress at home), it was hard for me to eat my cereal. In bed, I would worry over the stupidest things now that I look back....but it was severe anxiety. It was great that my mom left my abusive step father, but then her next relationship involved alot of fighting :( My step father did not abuse me or my sister, his anger was directed at his son.
It's 3:30 a.m. and I don't know how I'll go back to sleep, this ringing in my ears is driving me crazy, it is so high pitched. At least I don't have to go to work but am meeting friends for lunch.
I have had knots in my stomach too when I was around people I didn't like and I was trying to still tolerate them.
I use the flents air plane ones. for some reason they work great for me. I always forget I have them in. comfy, make the music clearer if that's possible, and cheap.
Thank you fellow 10 clubber for saving my ass....again!!!
One interesting fact about attenuating sound that my audiologist told me about is that the best ear plus or ear plug/ ear muffs combination in the world can only block out about 40 dBs. Anything beyond that goes to the ears via our skeletal structure... which is why going to the dentist and having hyperacusis not so fun! Another example...
One interesting fact about attenuating sound that my audiologist told me about is that the best ear plus or ear plug/ ear muffs combination in the world can only block out about 40 dBs. Anything beyond that goes to the ears via our skeletal structure... which is why going to the dentist and having hyperacusis not so fun! Another example...
One interesting fact about attenuating sound that my audiologist told me about is that the best ear plus or ear plug/ ear muffs combination in the world can only block out about 40 dBs. Anything beyond that goes to the ears via our skeletal structure... which is why going to the dentist and having hyperacusis not so fun! Another example...
What do you do when it hits? Know the cause, if any?
Sometimes I try to breathe, at least focus on the process of my body doing so, and other times just go with it and ride that wave best I can.
Hope it passes soon.
Thank Hedo. For me, some times it just comes out of the blue like some vague non-specific dread. Other times its caused more directly by things I can't identify like unusual sounds which is what got to me tonight. There was this weird metallic grinding going on in the dark just down from us- not that it was spooky, just that it was unrecognizable. Instead of just being irritating, for some reason it ignited some pretty intense anxiety.
Breathing is what I've heard most often is good to do. I'll have to try to remember to do that more. Usually I just try to engage my brain with something like computer card games or computer chess and wait for it to pass. I like the way you put it- "ride the wave best I can."
Thanks for the empathy- that helps!
Therapy and medication are the most effective. I put mine in remission about 6 years ago now, but had to do the hard work.
bright side of anxiety.. look at me i believe im a decent person if i didnt suffer anxiety i wouldnt be such a caring considerate sensative love giving person and i would instead be self centered and egotistical destroying every friendship i had because id be seeking attention from off every tom dick and harry and not considering how that affects me personally or others feelings... it also makes you appreciate family more and become more of a strong foundation and bond which makes you not allow other to penetrate and destroy and you value your member more and you get more satisfaction out of something ridiculously simple like a meal with family or a hug and kiss goodnight things we take for granted or abuse with strangers yes anxieties bright side..
Comments
I've been thinking a lot about taking off the cloak of darkness lately. I've been trying to notice all the times that anxiety is keeping me from trying things or even doing things in a bigger way.
Have you been seeing a counselor about it or have you just been trying to deal with it alone?
I'm not seeing a counselor. I worked in a counseling training program for a few years as program assistant in Human Services at our local community college. Our focus was based on Carl Rogers "client centered" therapy which (very generally speaking) deals with the here and now and guiding a client toward effective, lasting coping methods. This is all good and fine but the problem for me is that because I helped coach prospective counselors I find it difficult to not be critiquing a counselor if I go to one myself and I have yet to find one who does client centered therapy. It helps to see someone but only for a short time and going back and back again is like what the prof I worked with used to describe as "Hollywood counseling" which I suppose is fine if you can afford to keep going indefinitely. I'd rather seek a long-term solution.
But I don't know if I'll ever be totally free of anxiety so I work on managing it and that's a good thing. It really is no fun, nothinasitseems. I hope you find something that works for you. This forum is a great place to come to for giving and receiving support and kind empathy. There are so many good folks here!
I wish you well.
2015: Global Citizen Festival
2016: Philly 1, Philly 2, MSG 1, MSG 2, Fenway 2
2018: Fenway 1, Fenway 2
2024: MSG 2, Philly 1, Philly 2, Fenway 1, Fenway 2
This is a piece about a soldier with PTSD and how a therapy dog helped him. It was such a positive article I thought I'd share it.
https://www.guideposts.org/helping-others/our-returning-troops-vet-with-ptsd-comforted-by-therapy-dog
8/08 - Ed solo in DC, 6/09 Ed in B'more,
10/10 - Brad in B'more
8/08 - Ed solo in DC, 6/09 Ed in B'more,
10/10 - Brad in B'more
I was sleeping about 3 hours a night. Working full time. 2 kids under 10 years old. shit was exhausting. it didn't seem like life was ever going to be normal again.
I was very near suicide, to be honest. if I didn't have kids, I very well might not have chosen to keep on.
I finally went to my doc, got checked out physically, and when all of that was ruled out, he put me on meds (which I was on months ago, but went off). I can't believe I've still been able to work most days. Often I'd have to call in sick, but then I found I functioned even more poorly at home with nothing to do; I would sit literally in one spot for hours, thinking about death.
the dread: I was obsessing with the purpose of life. I couldn't figure out what the fuck we are doing here, what our purpose is, and why the hell I brought kids into such a horrible existence.
now the anxiety is pretty much gone, but now I have stabbing pains in my abdomen, sometimes lasting all day. it literally feels like someone is twisting a pair of scissors in my gut. it's awful. and no amount of pain relievers, legal and otherwise, do anything for it. got a CT scan, it came back 100% clear. my doc thinks it's muscle tension built up over time from all the anxiety.
My stomach gets all tied up knots when I have plans to go out or do something that is not at "home base" (close to a bathroom). it's been very limiting. I couldn't even go to a movie this past weekend.
we have a trip to Vegas booked in December. it was booked before all this went down. I'm terrified of going. My wife has been amazing through all of this. I don't want to let her down. the trip is for her 40th birthday, and another couple are meeting us there.
and anxiety is not actually a mental illness. mental illnesses cannot be cured. anxiety, or at least overactive anxiety, can be. it's a cognitive disorder. it's not a chemical imbalance.
www.headstonesband.com
and i tried many things but found abstaining from caffeine is the best thing but i couldnt do it
magnesium complete the great relaxer 4 a day i found works wonders and lifts your mood
you should try it..peace..
Totally get the tension (those fucking stomach knots too), and good that you've got help in dealing with this.
Sounds like you've made great strides; please don't beat yourself up when the footing slips. Sounds like your wife is something else too. Believe me, as a wife who spent her 43rd birthday with her husband at the ER, we know who and what's important.
Keep on keeping on, my friend
8/08 - Ed solo in DC, 6/09 Ed in B'more,
10/10 - Brad in B'more
It's 3:30 a.m. and I don't know how I'll go back to sleep, this ringing in my ears is driving me crazy, it is so high pitched. At least I don't have to go to work but am meeting friends for lunch.
I have had knots in my stomach too when I was around people I didn't like and I was trying to still tolerate them.
Hugh, is the other couple your wife's friends?
8/08 - Ed solo in DC, 6/09 Ed in B'more,
10/10 - Brad in B'more
I use Quiet Please plugs by Flent.
They are great they block out a lot.
A drummer I jammed with told me they're the best he has used when I gave him a pair.
8/08 - Ed solo in DC, 6/09 Ed in B'more,
10/10 - Brad in B'more
Noise reduction rating of 29 decibels.
www.headstonesband.com
...anyone remember "Bone Phones"?
http://www.retrothing.com/2006/01/the_bone_fone_r.html
It's great to see support here for those of us challenged with anxiety issues. Much appreciated, good people!
look at me i believe im a decent person if i didnt suffer anxiety i wouldnt be such a caring considerate sensative love giving person and i would instead be self centered and egotistical destroying every friendship i had because id be seeking attention from off every tom dick and harry and not considering how that affects me personally or others feelings...
it also makes you appreciate family more and become more of a strong foundation and bond
which makes you not allow other to penetrate and destroy and you value your member more
and you get more satisfaction out of something ridiculously simple like a meal with family or a hug and kiss goodnight things we take for granted or abuse with strangers
yes anxieties bright side..
8/08 - Ed solo in DC, 6/09 Ed in B'more,
10/10 - Brad in B'more