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I've had a bout of severe anxiety that's leading panic attacks over the past 5 months. I never had anxiety before that, at least not to that extent. I don't know what happened but something is triggering it. I feel anxious for ABSOLUTELY NO REASON. My fight or flight system is always on. I'll have anxiety just from DRIVING... wtf!
I'm looking into food allergies, specifically gluten/wheat. I tested high allergies to wheat so I cut that out as an elimination challenge. I haven't been super strict with it and kept adding it back but I feel like everytime I added it back, I got anxiety and when I stopped eating wheat, It was reduced.
Just remember that anxiety can be a SYMPTOM of a bigger problem, it's not necessarily the problem itself. There are so many things that can create chemical imbalances in your brain and cause anxiety, try to think about it that way. Vitamin / mineral deficiencies (especially magnesium) can cause it as well. You know what I suggest? Doing a food elimination challenge. It's a huge pain in the ass but... I'm willing to do anything at this point. Don't eat anything but fruits, veggies and rice (I personally cut out rice as well) for a few days. See how you feel.
Thank you so much. I truly appreciate this. I think I'm going to try it cuz I really don't know how long I can stand to feel this way any more.
Yes i been struggling with anxiety as one of my mental illnesses
for many years..
How i deal with it? I take deep breathing
exercises, watch you-tube, take medication
called Klonopin
I like to talk to people i just started a 2 hour group
that i attend on every Tuesday.
That's great. Thank you so much for sharing. Today was not a good day for me (anxiety wise) and it's really helpful to hear how others deal with anxiety.
Aww Your Welcome and I hope you feel better ;-) :D :p
Thank you :)
Your Welcome
I have it but I'm on medication now because I started developing panic disorder - frequent panic attacks, fearing another one, on the verge of avoiding things.
You just need to ask yourself what exactly is causing it and if it's actually a danger, because that's what your body is thinking. Then breathe and tell yourself there's nothing to be anxious about. Do not avoid situations which cause anxiety, it'll make it worse and you could become a recluse.
If anxiety is really bothering you, having cognitive behavioural therapy and/or medication may help. Don't be embarrassed or afraid to get help. So many people suffer from it and it's the most common problem put to doctors each day.
Yeah it's made me sick before. When you are alone, you are alone. Seriously.
Even when someone is with you you feel alone.
What helped me is not fighting the feeling. Sitting down, breathing techniques, doing things I enjoy that distract me from focusing on my body, exercise and eating better helped. Also sleeping 8 hours or more really helps.
Drinking water too.
Thank you for the advice :)
I do really need to get more sleep!
Thank you. That is very sweet of you to say :)
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5Opinion
I suffer anxiety and depression and I find that I usually will sit down and write a story or a poem.
I wish to go to university to take up a course in creative writing and get my degree in Psychology so I can help people who suffer either or to do the same thing.
Writing in my opinion is an outlet for all emotions sports and music also helps I've found
Wow that's awesome. That's a really great thing yore doing to handle it and that you want to help others. I think I will try writing.
Aww thankyou and yes I find it to be quite soothing and its got me winning a few competitions so its a good thing to give a try.
Aww that awesome! You go girl! What an inspiration! :D
I struggle with anxiety all the time, although I just have to go through it with no help whatsoever. I have a lot of phobias too though and I'm anxious about so much that it's an integrated part of my life now so it isn't necessarily as bad as it was; it's more bearable.
I'm sorry to hear that :(
Ah thanks but don't be, everyone has their own problems. Hope you're holding up ok. :)
True, but still. It's tough. Good on you for having that sort of perspective though. And thank you. I'm okay. I mean, I'm still alive :)
I agree :) and good, if you haven't tried it already there is some medication you can take for anxiety attacks that also reduce stress.
What exactly happens when you get an anxiety attack? Could you describe it as accurate as possible?
Also, when do you get them? And what do you think triggers the anxiety attacks? And how long do they last on average?
I feel panicked. I feel like I'm dying, really. My chest feels like it's burning... but it's just from the anxiety, no heart problems. Although, sometimes (most times) I notice my heart beating faster. I feel like I can't breathe. I just want to be alone. And if I look in the mirror at my eyes I notice my pupils dilating.
They can happen both when I'm alone and I'm not sure what triggers it, or when I'm with others.
I don't sweat, but sometimes my body does get a bit warm. I do feel light headed sometimes. But mostly I just feel what I described earlier.
Lately they've been happening more often. But I think getting a better amount of sleep and changing my diet might help out! :D
Hmm, try to breathe in and out very deep for about 3 times when the anxiety attack comes. Breathing is everything, if you do it slowly and controlled, it will help a lot. Sleeping and eating well should help a lot too.
I really think breathing is key. Maybe you can do some meditation, maybe it'll help (meditation is clearing your mind, becoming very peaceful, having no stress, look it up on the internet if you like to).
Maybe at first try to get yourself under control when you have an anxiety attack. Try to think about the good/positive things.
How long do they last actually?
Actually breathing slowly for me makes it worse. I try holding my breathe sometimes. It doesn't really help but in a way makes me feel better... not sure if that makes any sense.
Actually, I was just starting to feel very anxious today after talking about a bad memory to someone and I forced myself to think of things I'm grateful for and for once, it actually worked!!! I need to remember I have more control than I think.
I can get very anxious, especially before exams or big social events. I take some relaxing pills sometimes. And I take a lot of walks in the forest.
I think walks are a good idea. They don't always help me though.
What triggers your anxiety? Are you on any medication?
I'm not really sure what triggers it. I guess I need to be more observant. But no, I'm not on any medication... maybe I should be.
That's not what I meant to suggest. I'm personally very sceptical of psychiatric medication based on personal experience, observation and reading.
So do you think it's what they call generalized anxiety: you just get anxious whenever, wherever?
Honestly I'm not sure. It seems so random at times. I guess I used to always be really anxious all the time. But over the years I just learned to deal with it. I thought everyone was always as panicked and anxious as I was. I never really knew it was a condition.
How is your relationship with other people?
Good. Really good. But I never worry people with my problems so if I ever have an anxiety attack I just go somewhere along and ride it through. Only my family knows about it.
So how well do other people know you?
I guess not that well... wow, this feels like therapy.
Haha :)
So do you have anxiety as well?
Yes. I mostly get it in social situations, but I have also felt like all of life was a bit harrowing at times. It helped me (in a way) to get off my medication, and start trying to solve my problems rather than numb them. But yeah, it's still there.
How do you feel about yourself as a person?
I see. I agree with you in disliking medication. It's disappointing to say that least that it only "numbs" as you said. I used to take medication for depression. I was really against it.
Wow, these are some serious questions. How do I feel about myself as a person... hmm. I feel like I have a lot of potential, actually I know I do. But I just feel lost at the moment. And just upset with myself.
What about yourself? How do you feel about yourself as a person? And do you feel like your struggle with anxiety has hindered your relationships with people?
I know the feeling. But it is normal to struggle at some point. I feel like some people are like crumpled maps that have to smooth themselves out to find their way, so to speak.
I'm still debating whether the world would be better off without me. I'm tempted to throw in the towel. But I used to be more lost, think I'm making progress. The anxiety has really been problematic e. g. at parties and just in interacting with people in general. But I don't know if the anxiety is the cause of these problems, or if it is just a symptom.
May I hear about the potential you see in yourself? :)
That's a really great analogy! I think you're right. We're all like maps and sometimes we get crumpled. But all is not lost, we just have to find a way to smooth ourselves out... and pray to have the patience to do so.
If you believe in your analogy as much as I do then you can't "throw in the towel". If you find yourself crumpled at the moment, don't give up, you just need to smooth yourself out ;) This may time time, energy, endurance, patience, and even help from others, but all is never lost :)
Hey, plus, the world does need you! (I need you). You're like my personal therapist right now and it's already helped me so much by just chatting with you. Imagine how many others you can help with your wisdom and experience.
It seems that with mental illness there are peaks and there are dips. When you find yourself thinking it's the end of the world, from personal experience, I have found that when you hold on for just a little but longer, you finally get out of the worst and step into the sun (so to speak).
And, sure thing :)
As long as you can tell me in return the potential you see in yourself as well!
Today (about 3/4 of today), sucked. It was terrible. Every moment felt as if it was getting worse and my anxiety was really bad. For me, when I get anxiety it's like every little thing that I would usually be able to brush off is a million times worse and it sets me into a panic... like even small noises. Anyway, it was so bad today I was even thinking some suicidal thoughts (not that I was planning to act on them). I actually cried three times today. But knowing my potential, and what I have to give helps me hold on. I know I have a good heart. I know that I know how to love people and make them feel loved. I know there are people who need me, and that's reason enough to keep moving onward. I also know life isn't easy, especially dealing with anxiety, but also that it's not something that can beat me.
Aw, thanks, your comments are so kind :) <3
I'm sorry you feel like that, it sounds really tough. How long have you had that
I'm having a really strange experience right now. I tried something called the "slow carb diet" yesterday; essentially I just ate vegetables and proteins. And I felt taut like a wire. I had energy to spare. I also felt tired and hungry at times, but I felt so good. Then I got to bed late, but this morning when I woke up, I just felt cured. I felt like I was no longer mentally ill. It's so fucking weird and I haven't a clue if it will last, but... Well, weird.
Regarding potential, I guess I just feel like I have some creativity and some idealism that I hope I could use to benefit the world. I'm also a horny fucker and sort of considering working in the porn industry. Anyways...
Well, I'm just being honest :)
My whole life I've had anxiety. But it only got worse over the past two years. I've never had anxiety attacks before then... or now, I guess.
Really? Wow! So basically what you're saying is I NEED to try this. I'm going to start today. I really will do anything at this point. My anxiety makes me feel physically ill and it's really tearing my down from the inside out. I'll let you know how it goes. So... veggies, fruit, and protein?
So obviously you have a lot of good things to give :) thanks for sharing with me. Really though, a porn star? Hmm, I would be careful about getting into that industry. I've heard a lot of stories about the effects of working there. I wouldn't want anything to happen to you. Although, it is your choice. But hopefully if you choose to go into it, have more of a reason then just being horny. It's a lot to consider. It's a lot to take on mentally. You might not think so... but it's really broken a lot of people down.
If you're truly interested, I would suggest making some home videos first and then posting them on sex sights just to get a slight feel for it. But even then, it's not the same as being in the industry. You have a lot more control if you produce your own. Also, you have control over taking down videos. Whatever you do, just be careful okay? Maybe that's something you don't want to do as a job but rather a hobby.
Hey :)
I crashed totally at the end of day two. So I binged on carbs :) I'm not sure if I should be recommending this diet, partly because I haven't researched it that well, and partly because it aims to boost testosterone, which I don't even know if women benefit from? Anyway, if you want to read about the diet (from the guy who invented it), here's a link. But probably a good idea to check independent sources...
fourhourworkweek.com/.../
But let me know what happens (if you try it). Just please don't hurt yourself.
Regarding the porn thing, think I might be an addict. So a bit confused right now. Thank you for your kind and compassionate advice.
What (if anything) has changed in your life/environment in the past two years?
Hi :)
I guess I'll have to do some more research on that first before I try it. Thanks for the suggestion though, I'll be careful! :)
An addict to porn or to sex? Or both? Do you think it's you anxiety that has caused you to become addicted? When did this all start? And you're welcome. Really, please be careful with whatever you choose. I wouldn't make any huge decisions at this point since you're in a state of confusion (as you mentioned). That's something to seriously consider.
Nothing in my environment changed, it was just me. I was diagnosed with depression and I never brought it up but I also had increased anxiety and anxiety attacks... I guess I figured having depression was enough of something to focus on.
Good :)
Porn. But I think it has "screwed" up my brain, so way focused on sex. I guess the anxiety might play a part, don't know what came first, but escaping into the universe of porn is calming while it lasts.
Thanks for your advice. I told the guy who hired me that I feel weird about it. I don't know what will happen now.
He was about to hire an actress, and I'm thinking: Why does she want to do it? For the money, right? Because would anyone really want their body online like that? I guess maybe some people do, but are they of sound mind? Do they realize the ramifications
I don't know, what's your perspective, because I find it really hard to judge as a guy
Can you describe how it feels to have an anxiety attack?
Hi. Sorry for such a late response! :)
My thoughts on pornography... it does mess with you. And I'm only talking about being a viewer of it, not producing it. It's calming like you said, but it doesn't last long. If you did begin to escape your anxiety through porn (like me) then I can tell you that although it's a quick and easy escape, it's not a long lasting solution. It's merely a distraction.
Whoa. You already got hired? I thought you were going to wait and think about if this was really something you wanted to do. Why did you jump into this so quickly? don't mean to sound so harsh towards you but this is coming from a place of love and concern. I know I have no claim on you whatsoever but I feel like I just let a kitten out into a lions den and I'm anxiously flailing my arms about trying to call you back to safety.
Shouldn't you be asking yourself the same questions as you're asking the female actress? Have you thought about the ramifications?
My perspective: don't do it. I'm not trying to be close minded or anything. But I don't want it to ruin you or change you... or make you become so numb to what you're doing that you lose pleasure from doing it... eventually trying things you never would have before just to feel some sort of excitement again. I just want you to be aware of the decision you're making. I'm worried about you. Are you sure this is what you really want?
I described it to someone above, but basically it feels like this: You know that feeling you get, when you're underwater and you've run out of breath? You feel this pressure in your chest and panicked feeling... yeah, that's what an anxiety attack feels like. Accept for when you're underwater, you know once you reach the surface you'll be freed of this feeling. With an anxiety attack, you never know how long it will last or what you can do (if anything) to make it go away. At the same time, every little thing like small noises could make it worse.
Hey, thanks for your kind and thoughtful response :)
I told him I felt weird about it, so it's off. It just didn't sit right with me. If I can find a way of pursuing this that doesn't hurt me or others, then I still want to.
But you're right about porn as an escape, I think. I just ordered a book on porn addiction, hope it is useful.
Anxiety sounds horrible :( I'm really sorry you have to experience that.
You seem like such a compassionate person.
Hey, any time :) I know this might sound strange but I care about what happens to you.
I can't tell you how relived I am. I'm really happy you chose to follow your gut since it didn't sit right with you. And hey, that's fine, as long as you're really sure it's what you want. Can I ask you, what exactly are you looking to accomplish or fufill in your life by doing this if you choose to find a job like this again?
Well it sounds like you have a good head on your shoulders. I'm glad you're responsible enough to take care of yourself :) let me know if there's any useful tips in there you could share with me.
Its okay. It is sort of horrible. But everyone has their challenges.
Aww, thank you! If I can help ease anyone's pain it is a very fulfilling thing for me. It's what makes me the happiest I think.
Thank you. I have a tendency to disappoint people like that, though. But thanks, you are really kind.
Some years ago I was having a crisis over what to do with my life, and I came to the conclusion that porn and beautiful women are the only things that can really hold my attention. And I sort of feel like that runs in the family. So I guess I was blessed with the talent of being a dirty old man. It also meshes a bit with the fact that I like aesthetics and creative stuff and teamwork. I like art and stuff, but it just seems too grownup and self-important to me at times. I like the fact that porn is vulgar and stupid, to an extent. I don't know. Maybe I just need to get laid more. So what I want to accomplish is to either make a career of it, or get it out of my system.
Thanks, I don't know about that. But I will. Do you really struggle with that as well
Yes they do, but you aren't everyone :) Is there anything I can do re: the anxiety attacks?
That is awesome. I sort of know what you mean.
What do you mean? Like, you make reckless choices that tend to hurt yourself, which in turn, hurts others that care about you? Thanks, I try to be at least :)
Hmm, so it sounds like this isn't really something you truly want but a last resort sort of thing. Or at least, it should be for you. You're settling. Of course porn and beautiful woman hold your attention. It's biological. Porn and beautiful woman hold almost every man's attention. You should do something you love, but I don't think porn is what you love, I think art is. But you seem afraid to try. Porn/woman seem more like your hobby. Don't settle for that as your job. You seem like a smart guy. why not persue something a bit more challenging. What type of art are yoh interested in? Like painting, drawing, photogrpahy? Also, maybe dating someone would help your craving? Maybe you just feel like you're lacking that in your life but I would try seeking out a girlfriend before becoming a porn star. Maybe she can fufil your needs.
Yes, I do struggle with it. It's been hard and I've been trying to quite but I just keep coming back to it. I guess that's why they call it an addiction :/
Thank you for such a sweet offer to help, but no, there's nothing you can do. There's not much anyone can do actually. It's more a mind over matter sort of thing I suppose.
Thanks. I think you do know what I mean :)
by the way, sorry for the late reply. I've kind of been out of it lately. How have you been?
Sort of. I'm suicidal and bad at honesty. So I'm really self-centered and self-destructive, but also lead others on.
I don't know. Tbh I can't really relate to people in other fields. I can't relate to the fact that artists are so into their art and not as obsessed with sex. I've tried to pursue all sorts of other things, but I end up feeling lonely because I feel different. I've done a little photography and songwriting and painting and some poems, but I just dabble.
Regarding a girlfriend, that is actually part of the reason I'm pursuing this: I don't think I could settle with one person, sex-wise. Not atm. I've been in relationships where I loved the person but attachment just seemed terrifying.
Have you heard of this book? I've just started reading it:
www.amazon.com/.../0415691915
It covers porn addiction too.
You wrote in your question that you have to be alone to get through an attack. How come?
Could we pm? It would make it easier for me to follow the thread.
Take care :)
yeah, I just kinda disconnect from everything when the anxiety becomes overwhelming
Yeah, I know what you mean :(
Inaction is the best action
Hmm... sometimes I feel that way. But I think there is a lot of things we can all do to help our anxiety and that means being proactive. I'm gonna try eating and sleeping better :)
I meant that to be a little sarcastic, yeah, you need to be proactive, nobody will help you if you won't help yourself
yes and i don't deal with it.
It's hard to deal with.
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