Persistent fear

Hey everyone!!

I'm looking for some help....My anxiety has been much less for this past week (thank God) but I keep having a persistent fear. I've had a really hard time waking up lately & I've dreamed getting ready for work etc. & then I wake up frantic & rushed because I am late. BUT my fear is "what if everything really is a dream & I'm not really here/there?!" Because I suffer from depersonalization pretty constant unfortunately, so it plays into it. How can I "ground" myself to prove I really am in the moment? Is this common with anxiety? Thanks for any help!

Hi JPE,

I understand this fear...I have had it myself when my anxiety was at a high point.

The dreams at night do not help. I have had moments during the day when I am not able to distinguish between a realistic dream, and what really has happened!

Some things that you can try for grounding yourself are of course the breathing and relaxation exercises. I know I sound like a broken record...but these really do make a difference. They will not only keep you in the moment, by stilling the anxious mind...but they will lower anxiety symptoms...a win-win!

Exercise, like a good cardio blast can really clear the mind as well. You don't have to run a marathon. A good walk, maybe with a couple of hills for extra challenge can make you feel very alive and present.;)

Journaling can also give you a written history of your experpiences. Keeping a record of your days should make them feel more real. You can look back and recall what was going on, and how you were feeling...this helps you to stay connected, as well as see a correclation between your feelings and your anxiety/symptoms.

I second Kitt that you are indeed here...and posting with us!;p

Best wishes for a 'present feeling' day!

S.C.

Thanks everyone! :) I've been feeling pretty good lately! Not sure how long it takes for anxiety levels to come down, but I haven't had my usual severe anxiety for about a week!!!! :) *happy dance* I have recently joined a new church & it has seemed to help me just by having faith. I have felt sort of "numb" lately though and I'm fighting this fear. Its almost as if I don't know what to do with myself if I'm not in a panic since its what I have been used to for so long. Its an incredible feeling though!

I am still going to therapy once a week, practicing constant positive self talk and doing deep breathing (though I need to do more). Thank you everone on here for support as well. This is my "go-to" place when I'm anxious. Gets me through every time! I can be in the worst state of panic and log on here and make it!

It just takes time...and it will come and go. I am wrestling with some symptoms at the moment...since I have so much going on right now.

New life experiences, responsibilities, hormones...you name it...can brings on anxiety and its symptoms.

Even when no discernable triggers at all can be found, stress just builds and happens.

Keeping up the exercises and coping skills will really help. Consistency and persistence is key.

A lot of people stop if they are not feeling results...but if you press on and keep working at these...they will come through for you!

Hugs,

S.C.

Hello,

I also feel the same that "depersonalized syndrome" but i wasn't diagnosed with it heck i don't even go therapy for it too and i know i should. I hate this feeling espescially when i'm not occupied with something to do i constantly zone out and sometimes it freaks me out but others i'm over it. I want to be myself again because i'm only 17 and i'm still young and living life.

Stay positive and smile :)