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General Category => Help and Advice => : Owl June 27, 2015, 08:56:15 -06:00

: Dealing with anxiety
: Owl June 27, 2015, 08:56:15 -06:00
I have a big problem with anxiety. And it's gotten worse as I've grown older.

It's to the point where I get a lot of anxiety and stress over some of the most mundane situations. Like if I have to return an item to a store. Or if I have a disagreement at work with a co-worker.

I've contemplated seeing a therapist or getting prescribed anti anxiety medication but I wanted to ask if anyone has successfully dealt with anxiety and how they accomplished it.
: Re: Dealing with anxiety
: Tegir June 27, 2015, 09:22:32 -06:00
if it is that bad, you should go see someone about it. anxiety isn't really a therapy thing, it's more psychiatric. i freak out at some pretty simple stuff too and it is not worth the consequence of what i might do. medication is so much better.
: Re: Dealing with anxiety
: Sasha June 29, 2015, 09:42:56 -06:00
Potentially any medication can train your body that certain every day environments need not be stressing, when finally off them, as I notice when some moments really click in normal environments they are better the next time around, but yes it is very difficult when they are very mundane things.

I'd had rounds of therapy before and they can be a well rounded measure to see what is wrong, but going further than just talking is a valid course and it might be the right thing you need and hopefully the phase will be lifted in a few months.

Sasha~

: Re: Dealing with anxiety
: Tegir June 30, 2015, 01:28:28 -06:00
: ppakky  June 29, 2015, 02:03:38 -06:00
What ever happens in this life, is minuscule to; the experiences that will happen after you die, and, the ones you remember from before you lived........but that's all part of the experience. Learn and Love.

im sorry, but i have done the new age metaphysical stuff for a few decades now. ive also learned that it really doesnt help at all. if one has anxiety or other similar issues, then rational thinking is pretty much the farthest thing from their mind. otherwise wouldnt they be thinking clearly and not having the problem at all. thats like telling someone who is suicidal to just stop and ponder life for a moment.

i know what comes after life, and i have even seen my past lives, so if this life is miniscule and doesnt matter in the grand overall experience, then what is the point. no one is meant to have to go through these kinds of things willingly, and those people that think that its some kind of choice or switch they can flip clearly dont understand at all. i have much experience in the area you are talking about and what he is talking about and it just really irked me. really. i am not a total asshole, ive just heard this so many times that it kills me to see these situations not thought of a little more seriously. a lot of people go through so much unnecessary pain for no reason, and it certainly isnt to gain any grand insight in to life or learn anything that if worth that kind of trouble....   i can also argue for your side as well to an equal conclusion in your favor, but ive seen where that leads.

if the moderator can delete this, that would be great.
: Re: Dealing with anxiety
: Wereman October 01, 2015, 12:23:19 -06:00
Interesting viewpoint Tegir and thank you for sharing. I assume having memories from your previous life gives you a different picture what life is and how to value it.

While a therapist and medication helps in this situation it comes handy in the short term (few years maximum). Looking over a decade or two you find solutions for your challenges, anxieties and stress. You find activities that help you to overcome these situations, be it a walk in the wood or even reading a book. Yet for other challenges you also learn to cope with it, come to terms with it. As you move through life with everything things don't get better or they do. It is the constant balance between the good and the challenging (or bad if you will).
: Re: Dealing with anxiety
: Fuzzy Wizard November 24, 2015, 02:00:07 -07:00
   Face your anxiety. I live with terrible anxiety when it comes to other people as I am constantly trying to review every situation from their point of view.
   I lived in Drumheller which is very much a Religious town. I was with my male partner and would always suggest side street so nobody would see us walking. In my mind I was terrified that someone I know would ask about it and then I would have to explain to them. This got worse until I almost didn't want to go outside with my partner which made him feel bad like it was his fault. I finally just said I don't care and went down center street on purpose. Everyone was very accepting and all that fear and anxiety over other people was unwarrented. It still bothers me to goto clubs, meetings, busy parks, and anywhere there is more people. I even have to pee before I leave usually, That is how stressful and frightening it is. The trick is to remind yourself you don't care (doesn't always work), but you just keep working at it and know your boundaries and make sure your friends know your boundaries. (Nothing worse then getting yourself into a Panic with friends). Oh and do not Drink to try and reduce the feeling it will just make it worse over time.
: Re: Dealing with anxiety
: ppakky December 05, 2015, 06:20:07 -07:00
Sat by a river filling my pockets with rocks. When I realized I couldn't cry for myself, I decided I was determined to do something more then worry about my own being.
: Re: Dealing with anxiety
: Keitsu December 24, 2015, 12:52:54 -07:00
Hi Owl, how is the anxiety going? I understand how you feel and I absolutely hate returning items to stores.

I have been diagnosed with General Anxiety Disorder by two different doctors this year. I found that a few things helped reduce the amount of anxiety I experience.

For me, I believe these things helped:
- Talking to a professional psychologist (A doctor gave me a list of psychologists in the area)
- Talking to friends and getting support from them
- Experiencing and getting used to more social interaction
- Becoming independent (I only just moved out of my parents place earlier this year. Before that, I had very little social interaction with strangers; and I was a very shy person)
- Leaving an abusive situation (the main cause of anxiety)
- Finding something you can do to feel accomplishment (for me that is art and cooking; though I hardly do art anymore. I guess currently learning french is something that I am doing as a daily goal)

When my anxiety first got really bad (I also had Depression) I tried to take some anti-anxiety/anti-depression medication. It was a drug in a class of drugs knows as SSRI's (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor). These drugs have been shown to be no better than placebos and drug companies have lies about their effectiveness for a long time. I don't see how you can treat emotional problems with a drug.

My experience with being on SSRI's is that they made me feel emotionally numb. I couldn't feel happy, or sad. I felt emotionally dead. I also had an unpleasant sexual side effect of not being able to feel orgasms; which seems to be a common side effect.

I would highly suggest you trying to take a non-medicated route to recovering from anxiety.

*hugs* good luck, and I wish you a speedy recovery.
: Re: Dealing with anxiety
: 00ACE00 January 07, 2016, 05:04:34 -07:00
I have really bad anxiety, some of it has gotten better while some of it has gotten worse. When I lived alone I used to not be able to go across the street to the grocery store  for food even though I had the money for it, I would rather starve than go out and a bunch of things like that. My current situation of being at home has caused more problems unfortunately. Anxiety is possible to get over but you have to try and figure out what causes it first. It could be a mental problem but be careful with that. Often doctors misdiagnose mental problems and even a lot of mental problems are caused from a lack of something in your body that can be fixed better and more safely with supplements or vitamins than medications. I agree with other people too saying that to be more independent helps. I found that when I lived on my own most of my anxiety did go away until I went to college. That's just stuff that worked for me though. I hope you can find what works for you and probably to seek counseling would be a great help. ^.^
: Re: Dealing with anxiety
: Gizmo January 07, 2016, 05:17:12 -07:00
I am not qualified to give any therapeutic advice on this subject however, what I can tell you is that you have found the right community to help deal with your anxiety. There are many in our little community that suffer from similar issues and having people around you that understand will help you tremendously. Sometimes, talking with others who empathize can be more therapeutic than a pill. You may want to try that before taking any further steps.
: Re: Dealing with anxiety
: Doink January 25, 2016, 01:54:15 -07:00
I'm not being sarcastic but alcohol helps. If that dosnt help umm.... ability sure fixed me but its really expensive like 5 dollars a pill once a day
: Re: Dealing with anxiety
: Kit February 23, 2016, 05:02:32 -07:00
its not for everyone, but sure worked for me, my doc gave me some anti depression pill without even sending me to a psychologist, I researched them online and thought ummm no, so I went on my own search for medical marijuana. I smoke every day all day and it helps me so much, its all in the dosage, and if u prefer taking it orally or smoking it.

Also I try and get as much exercise  as I can through swimming and martial arts, also taking my dog for a roller blade  :) when you exercise very hard it releases chemicals in the brain that help with anxiety.
: Re: Dealing with anxiety
: Dru March 09, 2016, 09:18:12 -07:00
: Doink  January 25, 2016, 01:54:15 -07:00
I'm not being sarcastic but alcohol helps. If that dosnt help umm.... ability sure fixed me but its really expensive like 5 dollars a pill once a day

Dude, where do you get this info from? If you resort to drinking to get rid of depression then they can become an alcoholic and that makes more issues. No one wants to drink to be happy, that's not a good way to fix it.
: Re: Dealing with anxiety
: Freezie March 09, 2016, 09:21:49 -07:00
: Sparkle dog  March 09, 2016, 09:18:12 -07:00
Dude, where do you get this info from? If you resort to drinking to get rid of depression then they can become an alcoholic and that makes more issues. No one wants to drink to be happy, that's not a good way to fix it.

He gets it because he does it himself. Check other threads, he posts this information often.

Anyhow, I already pm'd you OP. You know my skype. I can give you legit advice from experience. lmao.
: Re: Dealing with anxiety
: Doink March 09, 2016, 11:00:57 -07:00
: Sparkle dog  March 09, 2016, 09:18:12 -07:00
Dude, where do you get this info from? If you resort to drinking to get rid of depression then they can become an alcoholic and that makes more issues. No one wants to drink to be happy, that's not a good way to fix it.
depression and anxiety are different alcohol takes away anxiety but makes depression worse
: Re: Dealing with anxiety
: Owl March 09, 2016, 11:03:04 -07:00
: Doink  March 09, 2016, 11:00:57 -07:00
depression and anxiety are different alcohol takes away anxiety but makes depression worse
I don't see how that's a solution
: Re: Dealing with anxiety
: Doink March 09, 2016, 11:05:27 -07:00
: Owl  March 09, 2016, 11:03:04 -07:00
I don't see how that's a solution
I had anxiety about wearing a costume in public  and Freezie pointed out there must be something wrong with me if that's the case. Nobody here is perfect remember that
: Re: Dealing with anxiety
: Doink March 09, 2016, 11:06:18 -07:00
: Owl  March 09, 2016, 11:03:04 -07:00
I don't see how that's a solution
it was a question not a solution
: Re: Dealing with anxiety
: Freezie March 09, 2016, 11:09:50 -07:00
: Doink  March 09, 2016, 11:05:27 -07:00
I had anxiety about wearing a costume in public  and Freezie pointed out there must be something wrong with me if that's the case. Nobody here is perfect remember that

You're great at twisting words around doink, as I never once said there is something wrong with you. I did say it shouldn't be that hard as I do it with ease (and have social anxiety - wasn't said though on the thread), but never said you are imperfect and had issues. Please do not twist my words.
: Re: Dealing with anxiety
: Owl March 09, 2016, 11:10:52 -07:00
: Doink  March 09, 2016, 11:06:18 -07:00
it was a question not a solution
You offered drinking alcohol as a solution

: Doink  March 09, 2016, 11:05:27 -07:00
I had anxiety about wearing a costume in public  and Freezie pointed out there must be something wrong with me if that's the case. Nobody here is perfect remember that
That's not what she said. She mostly said it wasn't that big of a deal to dress up in a costume in public. Not that there was anything wrong with you for feeling uncomfortable doing it.
: Re: Dealing with anxiety
: Doink March 09, 2016, 11:12:18 -07:00
: Freezie  March 09, 2016, 11:09:50 -07:00
You're great at twisting words around doink, as I never once said there is something wrong with you. I did say it shouldn't be that hard, but never said you are imperfect and has issues. Please do not twist my words.
you also,said you don't start drama in public forums and you have yet to message me in privet about this
: Re: Dealing with anxiety
: Freezie March 09, 2016, 11:13:57 -07:00
: Doink  March 09, 2016, 11:12:18 -07:00
you also,said you don't start drama in public forums and you have yet to message me in privet about this

Doink I am not starting drama here i'm simply making sure the communication error of which you thought I said you had issues about suiting/because of suiting in public was corrected.
: Re: Dealing with anxiety
: Dru March 09, 2016, 11:17:26 -07:00
: Doink  March 09, 2016, 11:00:57 -07:00
depression and anxiety are different alcohol takes away anxiety but makes depression worse


Sooooo not true dude. Just stop. please.
: Re: Dealing with anxiety
: Doink March 09, 2016, 11:37:34 -07:00
: Sparkle dog  March 09, 2016, 11:17:26 -07:00

Sooooo not true dude. Just stop. please.
your suit is not ugly and neither is my cars it is defiantly time to stop arguing
: Re: Dealing with anxiety
: Dru March 09, 2016, 11:39:36 -07:00
: Doink  March 09, 2016, 11:37:34 -07:00
your suit is not ugly and neither is my cars it is defiantly time to stop arguing

http://puu.sh/nBhoJ.png Really? did you just? You did
: Re: Dealing with anxiety
: Freezie March 09, 2016, 11:42:01 -07:00
: Doink  March 09, 2016, 11:37:34 -07:00
your suit is not ugly and neither is my cars it is defiantly time to stop arguing

Maybe you should apoligize doink for running around insulting people giving you legit advice. We are not trying to argue. Sparkle's suit is worth alot of money and is well-made, insulting him about it was not mature of you as a 35yo proffesional 'head maker'. Please try to remain civil. We gave legit advice.
: Re: Dealing with anxiety
: Roady_McLoyart March 10, 2016, 03:33:32 -07:00
Whoa, whoa, whoawhoawhoawhoa...WHOA!!!  Time-out!

Let's get back on topic here, people.

Having dealt with anxiety quite a bit throughout my life, in particular relative to OCD, I've found that certain perscription SSRIs can actually help a lot.  You'd have to be careful if you want to go off of them though.  I've tried a couple of times and it REALLY messed with my head.  I'm talking paranoia on the levels you'll never be ready for.  I honestly don't want to go into the details, but I legitimately thought a particular guy I knew was going to hunt me down and kill me.  Thus resulting in a collapsible baton in my possession.

Vices really aren't the way to go unless you're going with medical weed.  The human body is practically built for utilizing various types of THC and CBD combinations with no withdrawal effects and no negatives if used moderately.  Nicotine?  It's a bitch to quit and never quite felt the same after getting hooked on it.  Four months clean, thankfully.

I highly advise against alcohol, as one who struggles with a drinking problem can say, you wouldn't want to reach a point where you start getting Delirium Tremens or DTs.  That's when things really go south for both your body and your mind if you try to quit.  Been there before and almost got disowned in the process.

All in all, when it comes to anxiety, we all have to find our own way by confronting it with constant exposure to the cause.  You will always feel that rush of adrenaline, the increase in blood pressure, and as the years go by the things that bothered you the most will seem like nothing compared to what lies ahead.  When all else fails, stay determined!
: Re: Dealing with anxiety
: Owl March 14, 2016, 06:49:05 -06:00
In less dramatic news one thing I started to do was manage my time a lot better.

Like I bought a white board some time ago where I organize my time on and list goals. I came up with a way to trick myself into looking at it every morning by making sure to write the current date on it each day.
: Re: Dealing with anxiety
: Shadow_AraƱa April 13, 2016, 09:19:53 -06:00
It's been around a month, how has is the anxiety doing?

I know the feels. I have huge anxiety when it comes to leaving the house, so much so I can't leave. So I'm agoraphobic now. I do go to conventions, but I need my mate with me first. Slowly be able to do things by myself.

Pills might help, but I'd look into therapy, or groups first. :) I hate pills personally, I have seen what they do, and they can work, but they also can have side-effects. Some may cause withdrawal, so best to do research, and ask your doctor about options! :) oh! I'm also a listener! So I can always listen to problems, or issues, or anxieties!

OWLS ARE AWESOME!!!!