Anxiety

[Big Dan]

I've searched and haven't found a thread on this

I suffer from this and can feel its almost controlling me more than i'm controlling it. I'm Taking Vitamin B Complex on the recommendation from my mum and it helps a little.

Is there anyone in KBland that suffers or have suffered from this

What are some things i can do to help control this more

any help would be appricated

Big Dan

[lb99]

are you stuck in a rut you cant get out of?, are you worried about the future but are unable to change it?, are you worried about making the change incas its worse than not changing?

Don't panic dude, I have/had serious anxiety and depression issues, there is help available, go to your doctor.
Pm me if you need a chat.

:niceone:

[Laava]

Do not smoke dope!
Serious, I speak from experience. [Just in case you do already, I just put in my 2c]

[spudchucka]

I've searched and haven't found a thread on this

I suffer from this and can feel its almost controlling me more than i'm controlling it. I'm Taking Vitamin B Complex on the recommendation from my mum and it helps a little.

Is there anyone in KBland that suffers or have suffered from this

What are some things i can do to help control this more

any help would be appricated

Big Dan

Someone close to me suffers from anxiety that has been quite severe at times. The best thing has been counselling with a view towards behaviour modification through cognitive behaviour therapy.

There's a book out there too that was useful, it was called "Fear Less" from memory and I think the author was a Wayne Frogget or something similar.

[BiK3RChiK]

I've searched and haven't found a thread on this

I suffer from this and can feel its almost controlling me more than i'm controlling it. I'm Taking Vitamin B Complex on the recommendation from my mum and it helps a little.

Is there anyone in KBland that suffers or have suffered from this

What are some things i can do to help control this more

any help would be appricated

Big Dan

Hi Dan,

Try Omega 3 tablets. Take about 3 when you feel anxious and then maybe 2 around 4 hours later. I take these for anxiety and back pain. I find they help heaps!

[BIHB@0610]

Read a book called "The Power of Now" by Eckhart Tolle. Life changing. He teaches you a technique whereby, when your thoughts start racing and your chest feels all funny, you "watch the thinker" - it's almost like you are rising up above your mind and watching the thoughts racing around. Sounds completely whacko I know, but I think it works.

He also teaches you how to be fully present in every single moment so you're not worrying about a future event or obsessing over a past one - when you're walking, you should try to enjoy every footfall. When you're washing the dishes, try to enjoy every bubble popping on your skin. If you're fully present you can't be anxious about the past or the future.

Take baby steps and be kind to yourself :hug:

[Sharry]

Overestimate the threat + Underestimate our ability to cope = Anxiety


Recognising anxiety
Anxiety can affect us primarily in three ways:

Physical effects: Racing or pounding heart, sweating, breathlessness, dizziness, shaking or trembling, chest pain or tightness, nausea and stomach pain.
Thoughts: Thoughts are often repetitive, with a fixed view of a situation that may bear little relation to reality. Thoughts often escalate, eg. from "Oh no, a traffic jam, I'll be late for my meeting," to "And if I'm late I might miss this sale, disappoint everyone and be fired."
Behaviour: Anxiety affects how we behave and what we feel able or unable to do, eg. avoid situations.
Panic attacks
Feelings of severe anxiety that start and finish quite suddenly are called panic attacks. The uncomfortable physical symptoms of intense anxiety can make people feel they are about to die, collapse or lose control of their minds, and these frightening thoughts in turn intensify the panic. Panic attacks are common, with one in 10 people having at least one attack during their lives.

Getting help
Sometimes people need more help to manage anxiety. Adults and children who are constantly anxious may have trouble with sleeping, concentration, feel restless or irritable and fatigued. For some, anxiety causes such sustained discomfort and disruption to their everyday life that it is called an 'anxiety disorder'.

There are a number of diagnoses of anxiety disorders including generalised anxiety, agoraphobia, social phobia, panic disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder. Symptoms may vary but they all have in common persistent feelings of high anxiety, causing discomfort and disruption to everyday living. If you experience this level of anxiety constantly you should consult your GP or health service.

Managing anxiety and panic
Have a physical check-up to make sure there is not another physical cause for your symptoms. Your doctor may refer you for specialist help
Avoid substances that aggravate anxiety and panic. These include caffeine, alcohol and cannabis.
Learn to breathe more slowly and deeply when anxious. Breathe with the bottom of your lungs rather than from the top, ie. when you breathe in your stomach goes out, not your ribs. Learning meditation can help with breathing.
Stay active - walk, jog, swim, garden or do regular exercise that you enjoy.
Relax regularly. Try a relaxation CD or yoga. Sleep is the most important relaxation, so try to establish a regular sleep routine.
If you experience a panic attack, remember it is anxiety that causes the awful feelings. If you do nothing, the attack won't harm you it will pass. If you find yourself thinking catastrophic thoughts such as "I'm dying," remind yourself this is not true. Remember that you have survived previous attacks.
If you can, you should resist leaving places or situations because of panic attacks. If you leave or avoid places you will find it increasingly hard to return there.
Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) is a psychological therapy that largely focuses on overcoming unhelpful beliefs and has been proven to work well with anxiety and panic.
Self-help books are usually based on cognitive techniques. Support groups and talking to other people who managed anxiety and panic can be useful.
Your doctor may prescribe medication, including tranquillisers or antidepressants, mostly in conjunction with other strategies for managing anxiety.
Tell family, whanau, friends or workmates you trust about your experience. You will feel more comfortable if they know you might have to stop to 'wait out' a panic attack.
Shrink your worries
For day-to day anxieties, the following can help:

Question
Is it really a problem?
Talk it out
Share with someone you trust.
Write it out
Put it on paper. It's easier to see it in perspective.
Shrug it off
Raise your shoulders, and then drop them. Relax your whole body.
Breathe it away
Inhale deeply; exhale with a sigh a few times. Let your tension go as you breathe.
Set an 'appointment with worry'
Give yourself 15 minutes to concentrate on your worry, then firmly leave it behind.
Work it off
Do something physical. Give your tension an outlet.
Laugh it off
Look for some humour in the situation.
Distance it
Imagine it a few years from now. How much will it matter then?
Balance it
Find a good side as well as the bad.
Exaggerate it
Picture the worst that can really happen. How likely is it?
Hold it
Say 'stop', pause and steady your thoughts. Now take a fresh look.
Plan for it
Get up earlier to prepare to face it.
Make it positive
Surround yourself with joyful colours, sounds and use your strengths.

[slimjim]

far out man,,,,,,,, i'll be wondering how you'll handle a sudden fright while out on the play feild's of the tarmac ,,,, sound's like you're still a long way yet, all the best in finding what work's for ya

[Big Dan]

It only really bothers me when it comes to my health.

Its like one small thing that is wrong i can turn into mt everest. I'm a big man which doesn't help but i'm taking steps for that by going to the gym. This does affect my sleep which sucks

[Sharry]

Hiya Dan,
The Phobic Trust should be able to help you with this.
Also google it for explanations of symptoms and methods of controling anxiety.
Dont give yourself a hard time as many people suffer from anxiety and related issues.

[Toaster]

I wouldn't know.... too busy and stressed out tossing all night worrying about all the pressure to notice.

But seriously. Work on understanding the cause or causes, then you can start on a strategy to work on a solution to it/them.

[Big Dan]

Hiya Dan,
The Phobic Trust should be able to help you with this.
Also google it for explanations of symptoms and methods of controling anxiety.
Dont give yourself a hard time as many people suffer from anxiety and related issues.

Hi Sharry

Thanks for the info

from what i can work out is that the trigger for this becoming a problem was when i lost a mate almost 18months ago

[Sharry]

Hi Sharry

Thanks for the info

from what i can work out is that the trigger for this becoming a problem was when i lost a mate almost 18months ago

It is possable for a truamatic event to bring to life an underlying disorder that is lying dormant waiting for for the said event.
It is also sounds like that you might need to find a counsellor that can work with grief issues, and that you are comfortable with, to find resolution with losing this friend.
Take care and be kind to yourself mate.

[Big Dan]

It is possable for a truamatic event to bring to life an underlying disorder that is lying dormant waiting for for the said event.
It is also sounds like that you might need to find a counsellor that can work with grief issues, and that you are comfortable with, to find resolution with losing this friend.
Take care and be kind to yourself mate.

regarding the loss of my mate i've moved on from that

[Mike748]

Big Dan, sounds like you have done well to identify anxiety as an issue and find ways to deal with it.:niceone:
I say this because an ex girlfriend made 2 trips to hospital with servere stomach pain which was diagnosed (after heaps of tests) as anxiety attacks.
She had to be treated with morphine which worked a treat.:shifty:

[FJRider]

Someone close to me suffers from anxiety that has been quite severe at times. The best thing has been counselling.


What he said.

Counselling is the best non medicated way, but takes a few sessions to get the best out of it

[Wingnut]

I have found that St Johns Wart is ideal - I take one every day now and it has worked a treat for me!

[CookMySock]

Heya Big Dan my Man,

you need some "Omega3 essential fatty acids" pronto. If you know a NuSkin dealer get some "Optimum Omega" coz its the best, or ask at your chemist. If you are indeed a big fella, then take a big dose of 4-6 grams, and feel the chill set in in about 15mins.

If you take it all the time, after 6-8 months it won't feel like its working any more, just like any drug does, so you should only take a big hit of it when you really feel you're not coping, and not take it continuously.

Also, after a month or two you will be quite shocked if you stop taking it "wow was I always this jittery?".

As usual, one day you will have to ask yourself "what was I so worried about? was it real?" and not reply upon pills or capsules, but in the meantime Omega3's can knock the edge off it for you.

best best regards,
Steve

[fliplid]

I have found that St Johns Wart is ideal - I take one every day now and it has worked a treat for me!

St Johns Wort is the herbal remendy

[Wingnut]

St Johns Wort is the herbal remendy

Oh thanks for correcting my incorrect spelling! How careless of me...

[Laava]

St Johns Wort is the herbal remendy

Remedy?:lol:

[Jorja]

I've searched and haven't found a thread on this

I suffer from this and can feel its almost controlling me more than i'm controlling it. I'm Taking Vitamin B Complex on the recommendation from my mum and it helps a little.

Is there anyone in KBland that suffers or have suffered from this

What are some things i can do to help control this more

any help would be appricated

Big Dan

Sounds stupid but I get like that if I don't get enough sleep. When I am really tired and run down the small issues that always crop up in life seem like hugh things that I just can't cope with.
Also there is a executive stress one you can take.

[lb99]

Do not smoke dope!
Serious, I speak from experience. [Just in case you do already, I just put in my 2c]

yep, that worked for me.
dumped the drugs and a little hard work and I am a new man.

...not judging smokers, just saying its not for me anymore

a little bit sad :innocent:

[Blossom]

Hey Dan, I have OCD tendencies and have been diaognosed with post trumatic stress disorder which is medically based, so I hear ya. Hang in there my friend.
I have tried most of the therapys out there and starting with a good gp is the beginning. Meds can work too. I use antiphsycotic meds (watch everyone stop talking to me now...lol)when its really bad (trips to hospital etc)but am able to function normally pretty much most of the time.
PM me if you want to talk further. I feel a little exposed airing anymore of myself on here but I do have a little experience in this area and am on the road to recovery.

Oh and one more thing. If you are on antidepressants you should not take st johns wort. The two cancel each other out my dr tells me.

[BiK3RChiK]

I have tried most of the therapys out there and starting with a good gp is the beginning. Meds can work too. I use antiphsycotic meds (watch everyone stop talking to me now...lol)when its really bad (trips to hospital etc)but am able to function normally pretty much most of the time.
PM me if you want to talk further. I feel a little exposed airing anymore of myself on here but I do have a little experience in this area and am on the road to recovery.

Oh and one more thing. If you are on antidepressants you should not take st johns wort. The two cancel each other out my dr tells me.

I'll keep talking to you Blossom!:hug:

Excellent point about taking stuff which can conflict/cancel out other meds. This can even happen with prescription medication. +1 from me!

M

[Big Dan]

Sounds stupid but I get like that if I don't get enough sleep. When I am really tired and run down the small issues that always crop up in life seem like hugh things that I just can't cope with.
Also there is a executive stress one you can take.

sounds like my case is a double edge sword cause this affects me getting to sleep

[Blossom]

I'll keep talking to you Blossom!:hug:

Excellent point about taking stuff which can conflict/cancel out other meds. This can even happen with prescription medication. +1 from me!

M

Thanks BiK3RChiK!!!
I really am mostly normal:blink:

[vifferman]

I've had anxiety/panic attacks occasionally in the last few months. I have a suspicion they may be related to too many years on antidepressants, especially the last one I was on (venlafaxine), which I was prescribed the wrong dose of, so it was actually toxic rather than therapeutic.
Usually, like Jorja said, I tend to get them if I'm really tired, and have to make a decision about something when I don't have enough info to help me with it. It could be summat as simple as deciding what to buy at the supermarket, or in the most recent case, making 'regular coffee' for some Mrkn visitors, when I hadn't used the filter coffee machine for SO long, I couldn't remember how much ground coffee to put in, how much water, what setting, etc.

It Sux!

I have no intention of ever going back on antidepressants if I can help it, so apart from watching my diet, I'm trying to cope with it by "self talk" - saying things to myself that will calm me down. Like others have said, 'brain food' helps too, so things like oily fish (salmon is good), lecithin, and other things that boost the acetyl cholines in your brain all help.

[BiK3RChiK]

Moderate exercise helps too...

M

[Big Dan]

First i want to say thanks to everyone that has PMed me with advice and offers to talk and help its been overwhelming - thanks heaps

I know putting such a personal thing on a public forum was a risk. I feel i've gained more knowlegde of this. Even just posting this thread has helped by talking to others with the same problem.

Thank you KB
Big Dan

[Guitana]

Hi Dan
Sometimes just talking to someone helps you get all that shit that's burning you up inside and let it out! You can call Youthline they cater for everyone their counsellers are great and they have access to all the info that you need to get yourself on the right track! I've lost a couple of mates in tragic circumstances and sometimes a sympathetic ear is as good as pain killers.

Youthline 0800 376633 or free txt 234

Good luck big fella!

[Big Dan]

Does anyone know where i can find a good cheap or free counseller for PTSD and or Anxiety

[alanzs]

Does anyone know where i can find a good cheap or free counseller for PTSD and or Anxiety

I'm new to these parts, so I don't know much in the way of good doctors, but being aware of having a problem is the biggest step in your recovery. As many people have mentioned, there are many ways to get better. Between diet (no caffeine), plenty of exercise, proper medication (be it natural or pharmaceutical) and a good therapist, you can get a better life than you ever knew possible. I know. Hang in there and if you need to talk, feel free to pm me... :mellow:

[BIHB@0610]

If it's PTSD - and I don't know the circumstances, so am not even sure if this is relevant - you might get ACC cover. That brings decent counsellors (who charge say $90 an hour) down to around $20 an hour. ACC have lists of approved counsellors - if they are on the list, they're fairly reputable.

Worth investigating .....

Oh, and have another hug :hug:

[Big Dan]

If it's PTSD - and I don't know the circumstances, so am not even sure if this is relevant - you might get ACC cover. That brings decent counsellors (who charge say $90 an hour) down to around $20 an hour. ACC have lists of approved counsellors - if they are on the list, they're fairly reputable.

Worth investigating .....

Oh, and have another hug :hug:

i had a close mate die almost 2 years ago never really dealth with it till now

thanks for the advice and hug

[Kittyhawk]

Anxiety comes with a combination of things, its almost anxiety/panic attacks are the physicial release of feelings the subconcious mind is dealing with. But it can be related to the past or some sort of a neurologicial imbalance.

If there is an underlying past issue which wasnt delt with then, it usually surfaces quite some time later. In some cases many years. Its just the mind took longer to process the event and is ready to deal with the next stage facing it dealing with it seeking that closure and moving on.

When it comes to expressing/therapy there are a number of ways to channel it. Example if you feel horrible opening up during therapy go for a walk after in the sun, cuddle a pet, or go to the gym. Do something to get those endorphins going and take control. Or write an e mail, save it in your drafts like a personal diary.

The assistance of mild medications may be a positive thing to help get through a challenging chapter of your life, but you wont need to take them forever. Its better to avoid medications where possible but if worse gets to worst then they are there.

Call Acc they will give you a list of registered specialists and direct you with further contacts to make enquiries. Your GP can put referrals through depending on case by case.

[sinfull]

i had a close mate die almost 2 years ago never really dealth with it till now

thanks for the advice and hug

Condolences for the loss of ya mate , never nice !
Call me a freak (wont bother me at all) but how have ya been this week/now ?

Do you have times where you go flat (like depression) then build again to a point where your stamping yr feet and unable to sleep ?

[BiK3RChiK]

Dan, Community Mental Health Services will assist you. I went years ago when I was going through particularly tough times... I can't remember if I had to pay or not though. Worth a call. Check the phone directory in the front of the white pages under Hospitals and Other Health Service Providers.

:hug: Mavis

[Nordy]

I learnt something new today that my socialphobia was an anxiety disorder (which makes perfect sense). Its alot better than it used to be thanks to help from friends and family. I got so bad the supermarket would freak me out, now its just huge crowds and only if I am by myself. (like a fire drill at work).

My parents have been great at getting me through it (even though they are far away they are always able to help in someway) but also talking to friends helped alot. Sleep is good to. If you cant sleep at night and feel youself getting bad see if you can take a day off work and just use it to catch up on sleep. Or even just take a weekend day to stay in bed and sleep (even just resting in bed with a book is better than nothing.

[kiwifruit]

Do not smoke dope!
Serious, I speak from experience. [Just in case you do already, I just put in my 2c]

+2
worked for me too :cool:

[Usarka]

Drink shitloads of piss.

...is not the answer!

[Naki Rat]

Find a good naturopath before you start using herbal and other natural remedies randomly. Herbal remedies taken incorrectly can well aggravate the problem as much as 'white man's drugs' taken piecemeal.

A good homeopath is worth searching out as from my experience the deeper level that homeopathy works on covers physical, mental and emotional levels and can work on those levels individually as required while you progress to wellness. An experienced homeopath will also often have other natural therapy skills or be able to recommend complementary practicioners (e.g. osteopath, shiatsu, acupuncture, herbalist, etc.)

And take the plunge and try a few yoga sessions if you haven't already tried it. Yoga is great for improving fitness and flexibility on the physical side but more importantly it will enable you to gain self awareness, control your breathing and relax (zone out) both physically and mentally. Most offer beginners sessions so you aren't intimidated by the human pretzels and these beginner classes can be a great social opportunity too.

I know from experience that anxiety/stress can be a scarey place but given the right adjustments to your lifestyle, personal situation, diet and attitude it can quickly be turned around to an easily manageable level.

Hang in there and look after you.

Cheers

[Edbear]

I wouldn't know.... too busy and stressed out tossing all night worrying about all the pressure to notice.

But seriously. Work on understanding the cause or causes, then you can start on a strategy to work on a solution to it/them.

I'm sure you meant to write "tossing and turning"....:whistle:

Some good advice here Dan, all the best!

[vifferman]

Find a good naturopath ... good homeopath ...osteopath
All these "paths". :confused:
You forgot to mention a good psychopath, or a level footpath...

What's wrong with established medicine? Do you think double-blind testing, established procedures, thorough testing, clinical trials, etc., are not up to hocus-pocus, plotting the phases of the moon, and pseudo science? :crazy:



Seriously though, while some benefit can be had from 'natural' solutions, whatever you choose, be careful and do some investigation of your own. Just because someone says that treatment X worked for them, doesn't mean it's any good. Just because something's 'natural', doesn't mean it's safe. Arsenic occurs naturally, as do deadly nightshade, marijuana, opium, many very deadly alkaloids, tobacco, cocaine, etc etc.
By the same (but slightly different token), be very wary of prescribed drugs - they're OK for life-threatening illnesses or short-term cures, but make sure you find out the long-term situation, any side-effects, contra-indications, results of trials, etc etc. While I really like my GP, and I believe he did his best when treating my 'clinical depression', I wish now I'd done some research of my own before agreeing to anything. The lack of info provided made me do a heap of research, and eventually quit all medications (even St Johns Wort). It took me over a year to get the drugs out of my system. I'm still brukt, and in some ways worse than I was, but at least [I]sometimes I feel like me. (I kinda like that manic depressive / schitzo thing that happens sometimes too....)


...given the right adjustments to your lifestyle, personal situation, diet and attitude it can quickly be turned around to an easily manageable level.
Indeed. :niceone:
My issue with our "quick fix" society is that too often we look for something to take or do that will easily fix the malady, when it may be something that is merely a symptom of a deeper or more complicated issue, or some basic faults with our lifestyle, attitudes, diet, etc.

There's also a distinction to be made between a malady that's mostly situational (like short-term anxiety or depression brought on by situation circumstances) and that can be treated by counselling and medication, one that's physiological (mostly meds), one that's chronic, one that's entirely psychological, etc etc. Each of these needs to be treated in a different way. I wonder sometimes if some (like mine) are just due to a lead deficiency...

Whatever. The key things are diet, exercise, healthy thought life, sleep, etc. Where these don't 'fix it', then get some professional help.
Or be like me, and ignore all of those. HTFU or summat...

[DarkLord]

Hey Dan

As hard as it may seem I think you really need to explore your anxiety, identify the causes/triggers, find out the depth of what you are really feeling. I used to get terrible anxiety (and still do at times) but if there is one thing I have learned is it is too draining to try and make the effort to live with it, it is something that really needs to be dealt with. The only way out of it from my experience, is through it.

There are often underlying things causing it subconsciously that we are not even aware of. Finding a good mental health counselor may do you some good as well.

I hope this is of some help to you, just PM me if you need any more info.

Cheers and good luck

JG84.

[Big Dan]

Just an update

I've been to my Dr and got a referrel to a mental clinic which i had to fight for the Dr wanted to give me drugs but i told him "I DONT want drugs i want to treat the problem and not mask it"

I've made calls to Acc and they told me to get Dr to fill in an ACC45 asked the Dr about this and he said they cause i wasn't the one that had the accident i wouldn't be covered if anyone here is in the know and want to correct me on this by all means.

I'll be making a call to Winz to see if they have any advice also

I want to thank all that have offered and given me help i greatly appricate it and would still like advice coming in

I hope by starting this thread has helped at least one person apart from me and would like to keep adding to it to help others out there with theses issues cause i feel there needs to be more awareness of this so there is less ppl out there suffering


Take care All

Big Dan