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Dealing with Anxiety Questions for You ??

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Posted 12/31/2010 9:47 PM (GMT 0)
I thought it might be good to share some of our issues in this thread so I have questions for you to respond to.  cool

Do you believe that anxiety attacks, and the fears that come with it, are a learned behavior?

 

I find that I am always analyzing what other people must be thinking about me and I think that creates a great deal of anxiety. Do you experience that, and if so, have you found any particular techniques that are effective in combating it?

What would you like to do if this condition were not holding you back?

 

Since recovery comes to those that use a combination of tools such as CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy), anti-anxiety medications, support network, and other types of therapy,  can you determine which was the most vital aid for you in your recovery?

 

Remember there is no right or wrong answer  smilewinkgrin

Kitt

Posted 12/31/2010 10:05 PM (GMT 0)
Kitt's responses:

1.  From my experience I feel we  learn our fears and our responses to life.  I can trace my anxiety back to my childhood however anxiety and depression do seem to run in some families.

2.   I find this to be evident in most sufferers, we are so into control, and at the same time feel so out of control inside, that we try to control the universe. We wish to appear in perfect order at all times, and we scan for this constantly. With much work and the help of others we learn that we do not have to be perfect as we are fine the way we are.

3.  I would love to travel on my own without the anxiety taking over.  Before I head out on the freeway I start worrying that I won't be able to make it and that I will break down in tears miles from home. 

4.  I think learning how to comfort myself with positive, truthful inner dialogue was my most vital aid. Then learning the relaxation response was a close second.

Thank you !

Next up !

Posted 12/31/2010 11:55 PM (GMT 0)
Jim's responses.
1. Anxiety for me was never an issue until my health problems arose. I find more anxiety over what is being done and the way patients are treated. Just another chart that they allow themselves 5 minutes to review before they even sit with you. That makes me anxious for sure!!
2. I always wonder what "they" must be thinking of me. Everytime I tell someone my saga with tension headaches and no sleep and downward spiral in all aspects of my life...I wait to see their eyebrow go up and they kind of laugh you off. It's coming to these types of forums that has really helped me and console me in that there are so many people out there with the same ailment!
3. Just to know that I can plan or NOT PLAN a day and do something fun and relaxing while not having to wonder when IT is going to strike and how far from home will I be.........me and that couch..what a team!!!!!
4. I am in therapy and using OTC meds and some relaxation music and just try to fight through this. Even forcing myself to just get outside and be a part of the smells and sights of the holiday. I know it's been tough on my friends and family as I have literally started to close myself in and isolate myself from them.
I just get tired of trying to explain and so tired of heaing "You need to just snap out of this and get back into the ballgame man!" I WISH AND PRAY WITH ALL MY HEART AND SOUL I COULD do just that!!!!!

Thanks KITT
Posted 1/1/2011 12:12 AM (GMT 0)
You are so very welcome.  My favorite hate phrase " Get over it" !  I am glad you took a chance here and answered the questions.  :-)

Kindly,

Kitt

Posted 1/1/2011 12:22 AM (GMT 0)
Traceys answers:

1. I feel like I have always had major anxiety, even as a kid. I grew up in a very abusive home, so that might be the cause. anxiety, i have learned to live with for the most part its the darn panic attacks and fear of them that holds me back from so much.
2. I have always worried too much about what others think of me. I will make a decision,( like choosing or not whether to continue with school for example) and agonize over whether i have made the right or wrong decison. I always ask people what they would do... i need to quit doing that.
3. I have been prescribed meds, but dont take them. If I ever get my state assistance for medical back( they count my boyfriends income for some reason so i may not qualify, just because he got a slight 1.75 raise)...i iwll seek therapy. we have a clinic here in town that goes on a sliding scale, but lo and behold as far as counseling and such...taking no new patients
4. If I could do something differently... I would just be able to do whatever I wanted to do w/o letting my mind take over every situation,and accept that what will be will be.
Posted 1/1/2011 12:25 AM (GMT 0)
Very welcome! It's knowing that so many others are going through the same things that really keeps things in perspective and gives hope that something out there will find it's way to all of us and end all of this misery.
Happy New Year to all!
Posted 1/1/2011 2:04 PM (GMT 0)
Join in as it is 2011 and time to understand our anxiety. Thanks to those who have shared here.

Kindly,

Kitt

Posted 1/1/2011 5:12 PM (GMT 0)
Is anxiety a learned response?

Obviously our bodies are hard-wired with the fight or flight capacity which allows us to stay safe and promotes self-preservation.  However, I think that with the pressure of modern life (which includes so many factors good and bad) we have become overburdened, overstimulated, overbooked...basically it's overload!  Frankly, I'm suprised that there aren't more people suffering with A/P!

Do I analyze what others think of me, causing myself anxiety?  What have I dont to combat this?

This is one thing that has gotten so much easier for me as I get older!  If there is a bright side to 'getting old' then I'd say that self-confidence (and having more 'stuff' ;P) is it.  I used to constantly question my interactions with others.  I would even replay conversations in my head, wondering if I said or acted the 'right' way.  One day I told myself 'You're almost 40 yrs. old, when are you going to think about/and for yourself?'  I realized, that as long as I was treating others well, I could and should give up the self-scrutinizing!

What would I do if this condition wasn't holding me back?

Nothing, I don't let it hold me back (okay, I could NEVER work as an EMT, ER nurse/doctor, or mortician...but I don't want to either, so does that count?)

What were the vital tools in  my recovery?

Therapy-two courses, self-determination to have my life back, necessity-I have a family to take care of, love of my job, stubborness, eliminating the B.S. from my life, healthy living, letting my feelings OUT, H.W and all of you:)!

Good thread K-thanks!

S.C,

Posted 1/2/2011 5:00 AM (GMT 0)
St. Kitt,
Difficult but good questions to answer....

"Do you believe that anxiety attacks, and the fears that come with it, are a learned behavior?"

I think my anxiety attacks are caused by refusing to freak-out during a crisis. This used to happen to me in competitive sports. In one race, I broke a hand and bones were sticking out. I completed the race, won first place and set a regional record. Now a days when I plow ahead with the "finish the task at all costs attitude," I have an anxiety attack. The attacks make me feel an overwhelming amount of shame, fear and guilt. It feels like they happen when a learned behavior no longer works.

"I find that I am always analyzing what other people must be thinking about me and I think that creates a great deal of anxiety. Do you experience that, and if so, have you found any particular techniques that are effective in combating it?"

Yes, I do experience this often. How I handle it is pretty warped. If it is a public occasion, I dress myself so people and reporters treat me like an object-noting my shoes, clothes and companions. I do not have any substantive conversations and try to come across as a figure not a person. I try to avoid private social settings as much as possible. I find them very painful. The last few days have been very hard. I find I m even trying to avoid my family. At work I simply smile, smile smile. I keep the focus on other people not myself.

"What would you like to do if this condition were not holding you back?"

I would go back to school for my dream graduate degree. I would go back to my favorite career and start my own business. I would try to make more friends and be a better community asset.

"Since recovery comes to those that use a combination of tools such as CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy), anti-anxiety medications, support network, and other types of therapy, can you determine which was the most vital aid for you in your recovery? "

So far. the anti-anxiety medications have helped the most. I have just started CBT. I am at the worst level of anxiety/panic/depression that I have had in a while. My therapist is on vacation. Time to buy a mid-life crisis pair of outrageous red 4" heels. My end of year bonus turned out to be much larger than I expected. Cheaper than therapy and will make me smile every time I look at them. LOL!

Post Edited (Subzeromambo) : 1/1/2011 10:06:28 PM (GMT-7)

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