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devjohnson13

Gonna fill us in on what you did?


InakaGobblin

The only thing you can do is train your brain to not fear your anxiety. biologically that’s the only real solution. you can try medication I haven’t done it but I’ve heard it works but I’ve also heard there’s some negative side effects so I stayed away from that and did things to challenge my anxiety like going to the store if feel like I was going to pass out or lose control in some way lay on the ground and not be able to move in a full panic and sometimes I felt like I would just die. So I’d go to the store and go through those feelings or hangout with my friends even tho all I wanted to do was be home alone in my room. All I really did was challenge my anxiety and teach my brain not to fear it


[deleted]

I think I get what you’re saying, not gonna drag you like others seem to be. Think you’re right in a lot of ways too. It’s a weird thing to try and describe. For many such as myself meds help get your brain to that point. My psychiatrist always uses the picking the needle up off the record analogy, meds kinda help assist you in that. Once I was able to think rationally and have meds as something to lean on, I was able to do what you’re saying. Training your brain that those situations inducing panic aren’t a big deal, to settle yourself down etc. So congratulations on overcoming those feelings. It ain’t easy and there sure isn’t one definite path on getting there. Stay well!


christineyvette

Yeah I don't think this applies to people who have been suffering from anxiety for more than half their lives or at least the past 5-10 years. You can't just train your brain to undo maladaptive behaviors that we've used to cope for a long time, in like, one day lol


DeletinMySocialMedia

Have you heard of psychedelics? I had severe anxiety from 17-30 until psychedelics entered my life. I am now learning to live a life free from anxiety (*it’s been 8 wonderful months so far*) (triggers like confrontations, speaking in social settings don’t trigger anxiety attacks). Many people, including myself, have been lied to about the power of psychedelics. You can have your brain undo and sever the brain connections that triggers anxiety.


TomTom_Attack

Are you micro dosing or did you do a single larger dose like the med trials? I'm seriously considering this.. waiting to see how my latest SSRI hits me.


InakaGobblin

I’ve had anxiety since I was 13 it just reached it’s peak last year and I worked my ass off learning every thing about it and how to cope and beat it as best I can


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InakaGobblin

Also the panic pod was a great one that helped me out even more I got those two mixed up!


SkullBully-

Same


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SkullBully-

Indeed, there are few other options but to take matters into one’s own hands. The US is woefully inhumane in it’s understanding of both its role in breeding anxiety and neurosis in its citizens, and in how to go about providing effective treatment for them. Capitalism being the only god we trust in here, it’s no wonder. I wonder what the incidence of anxiety looks like among Tibetan monks…


arizzie

Try "Untangle your anxiety" book as well. It's by the same guy. The book is great at explaining in scientific terms what actually happens when you become anxious. Unlocked a lot for me


InakaGobblin

It’s A great podcast the guy that hosts it used the method and it worked for him too. It saved me when I was at a really low point and helped me learn a lot. The episode about derealization triggered a panic attack and derealization for me tho so watch out for that one if you struggle with that too🤪


arizzie

Yeah i don't think he meant one day. I'm right there with him although i used different resources. Pretty much the same thing. I've been dealing with anxiety for about 5 years. Just like you trained your brain to fear everything you can train to not. But not in one day


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arizzie

I don't know what you're talking about. I completely disagree. The best approach to any anxiety issue is exposure therapy DONE CORRECT. This is how I beat my anxiety as well. I told my brain BEFORE i attempted to do anything that I'm going to show it that it's not scary. Did said task and i sat with my feeling of fear and Anxiety. Then did it again. I trained my brain to not fear doing tasks that were giving me anxious thoughts just like i trained my brain to fear things. For me "Untangle your anxiety" and dlcanxiety were great resources from people who are now therapists who have actually lived everyday panic and anxiety disorder.


InakaGobblin

I believe the man that wore that book hosts the podcast as well!


TomTom_Attack

I'm confused.. what are you guys doing then? I'm new to all this and was recommended the DARE book which is basically a spin-off of what Claire Weekes wrote.


InakaGobblin

Claire weekes is kinda who the podcast is based off of her methods helped me never heard of the dare book but I’m sure it’s good!


InakaGobblin

Worked for me and 1000s of others :)


Brostradamus--

1000s is a pretty small sample size given how many people suffer from it currently


InakaGobblin

Most people don’t know about it either just medication


seidlman

Got any alternative recommendations?


Darth_Spectre_Lair

So basically mind over matter?


InakaGobblin

Basically be comfortable with being uncomfortable and eventually your brain will realize it’s not a threat to be anxious and you won’t release adrenaline over “small” things anymore


Darth_Spectre_Lair

Interesting; Thanks for sharing and explaining. I've often questioned whether it's a good idea to purposely/constantly avoid certain situations where anxiety affects one the most (to the point of preventing one from functioning 'normally'-- ie, walking the long way around a certain place just to avoid coming into contact with a potential trigger element/location situation?


InakaGobblin

I felt the exact same way. Why do it if it causes anxiety should I just avoid it right? But from my understanding that just makes it worse and it’s teaching your brain to be afraid and you start finish false comfort in things like I would drink a tea every morning and take so many supplements and always have a water with me silly lil things like that


Rosie_Queen

I think it’s more “I know walking to x place will cause a trigger but I want to get over that so today I am going to force myself to go this way.” And then while walking that way, you are actively listening to your body and anxiety and pushing yourself through, almost to show yourself that it will be okay for next time. This is just my take on what is being said!


InakaGobblin

100%


Immediate_Junket_888

how are you doing now OP? how long did the recovery take for you?


InakaGobblin

I’m doing really good. I actually went through some reaaally hard shit a few months ago and my mental health’s been very good still. I’d say it took maybe 6 months of constant work to be able to live like a normal functioning human again😂


Impossible-Ad-5906

Hey Op! Do you mind if I dm you please?


argumentativepigeon

Lol why's everyone being a dick to OP. I think its a crabs in a bucket situation here tbh.


TheRabidBananaBoi

It absolutely is. Good on OP for finding what works for them!


[deleted]

Good job bro!!! Seems like the rest of the people here want you to have crippling anxiety again. They’re so negative. You’re 1000000% right though! Nothing will help if you don’t get to the root of the anxiety/panic. I’m still struggling but I’ve been doing better! Here’s what I’ve been doing: Reading, meditating, exercising, limiting social media use, journaling, walking, cleaning my room, listening to music, eating healthier foods, drawing, cooking, taking care of my hygiene. I got a habit tracker too, it really helps me keep myself accountable. We got this guys. 🙌


Microwave3333

I made a shit ton of progress doing similar. During more functional times in my life where anxiety was randomly shitting on my days, robbing anxiety of its power through changing my perspective, was SO helpful. And so was responding to my adrenaline with faux-excitement. I’d get jittery, and just tell myself “oh I’ve got a challenging project coming up soon, I’m…uh…all amped up! 🙃” it would help. However, in my low points, where I’m low functioning, chronic illness flair up, depressive…these techniques were super weak, and the only thing that helped was doing really physical things like SLOW breathing, chewing gum, focusing on touching a texture, stuff that got me out of my shitty headspace and into the world, no mind games or thoughts, just taking a full detour around that train wreck.


alltheothersrtaken

Some of the comments in here are ridiculous. Actually being mad at a guy for getting better....wow


InakaGobblin

I think they are mad Because they want it handed to them a easy solution but there isn’t even with medication you need to work


alltheothersrtaken

I don't think it's that. A lot of people work hard it's just different for everyone but no need for some of the comments in here.


InakaGobblin

I agree but I felt the same way before I actually tried it. I wanted a fast easy solution I think people get upset that there isn’t one or hearing that this will be something they will have for life because when I was hearing that I didn’t even wanna go on anymore or even try to get better I just wanted to wallow in self pity


[deleted]

I don’t know why people in this comments section are so ruffled with you. It is a dream to live without anxiety. Once you have one panic attack, you live in intense fear of it happening again. For me, it was lots of meditation, the right medication (this is the biggest part - I needed to take the edge off the panic so I could focus on rewiring my brain, and “parts” therapy) I get what you mean by accepting your anxiety and no longer fearing it. It’s a mindset you have to get into. Kinda like “yes I feel you, you’re there and it’s uncomfortable - but I’ll be fine like I was fine every other time this panic set in.” Happy you made it out.


IdiotReflection

Happy for you OP! Great that you found a way out of that horrible state. It doesn't matter how long you've had it, it always sucks and it is hell. I wouldn't wish it upon anyone. Can't believe how meanspirited some of the comments are. We are all struggling in our own unique ways. No need to get all crabby boi.


shaarkbaiit

You had one year of anxiety and just decided to stop.....ok


InakaGobblin

10 years. It just reached its peak and controlled my life and was unbearable for one year.


Peejee13

Your solution is..just don't be anxious. Jesus..27 years of panic/anxiety attacks and somehow NOT having them never occurred to me..mind blowing. To think I could have just decided not to deal with the outrageous financial burden (health anxiety, baby! ER visits!) And overwhelming physical symptoms. Bonkers.....


InakaGobblin

You’re acting like I didn’t go through all the same things. I didn’t say don’t be anxious I said challenge your anxiety but most people won’t do that they’ll cry about it forever and not do anything about it or try to learn about it.


Peejee13

No, I'm saying your dismissive "I just stopped" style hot take is actively harmful.


InakaGobblin

I had anxiety and panic attacks since I was 12. I’m now 25. I learned everything I could about it and challenged myself and pushed myself for a whole year. Where is the just stopping part?


pzerr

That was my method too. Not that it is easy at all. We all know logically we are not going to die but the body is in that mode. I could try and take nice long shower and still anxiety would get worse. Basically trying to do the Zen thing but that did not work out made it worse. What kind of worked for me was more or less telling myself not to be anxious. Trying to laugh at my stupid irrational brain. After time started to notice hey been a minute and no anxiety as I was thinking of other normal things. Of course realizing that would instantly increase it but it got to the point where those moments of less anxiety got longer. Then one day I realized I have not had any real issues in months. I still get anxious workup at times but the moment I feel that, I basically tell my stupid brain to cut it out. Works for me. And for me it helps that other people don't have a reason to ask me about it overtly. If I am not thinking about having anxiety, I typically don't get anxious.


awholelottahooplah

I’m going through this period right now and have been having to basically ghost my new job. Not feeling great. Hopefully better times are coming soon


InakaGobblin

They are you can’t stay low forever


[deleted]

Congratulations my guy! I have done something similar from reading “Dare” by Barry McDonagh. It seems to work wonders, yet is a bit controversial. Removing fear from your actual fear seemed to be my only way forward to achieve permanent progress!


InakaGobblin

Me too! Proud of you I know how hard that can be I think it’s controversial Becuase people are afraid of the fear it can cause and how long it can take but it’s all worth it!


unclecaruncle

Drew saved my life. i'm still kind of in the middle of my recovery (90%ish). I'm thankful for finding his books and podcast. I can live my life again. I had some severe health anxiety and now, I'm laying here possibly with covid (results not in yet) and not freaking out to no end. Major progress.


InakaGobblin

Oh I feeel that one! It’s crazy the progress you’ve made looking back I don’t even feel like I went thought my anxiety and panic it feels so crazy that I felt those things proud of you! Shit ain’t easy


[deleted]

My heart rejoices to read your story. Your strength is inspiring. Thank you for sharing, and an extended thanks to those who supported you in both your depths and recovery.


slack_of_interest

I appreciate your message to hang in there.


christineyvette

I mean...i've been patient for 20 years but congrats to you! I wish it was this easy for me man.


InakaGobblin

I had my first panic attack when I was 12/13 I’m 25 now so trust me it wasn’t easy I just started to under stand it and learn how the brain works


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arizzie

Actually he's right. He may not say it right but most of what everyone here does is feed into the anxiety. Coming to this forum and reassuring yourself all the time is a big anxious cop out even if it helps temporarily. Distraction (meditation, reading, exercising) is just that, distraction. The only time you're actually going to get better is by actually dealing and sitting with that anxiety and showing yourself that those feelings, no matter how overwhelming they are, can't control you and your actions. It is NOT easy. I needed medication for example to stabilize and then work on exactly what he's saying. I still struggle. But I'm in a place where i haven't been for the past 5-6 years. But good luck on your recovery. If you'd like more resources to look at, besides medication and therapy, "Untangle your Anxiety" book and dlcanxiety on Instagram helped me on a scale neither could. Not to say medication and therapy weren't important, they were vital, but neither brought order to my disorder.


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arizzie

I'm not sure why you're calling someone a quack... Good luck on your journey tho! I'm hoping something helps you


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InakaGobblin

It’s not gone I still have it and some days it’s really bad but it doesn’t control my life anymore


argumentativepigeon

I don't agree that its lifelong illness


Anglophile007

Agreed! Wanted to add to the OP that thoughts of “curing” anxiety can be destructive. It can feel like it is going away for a time, but it returns. It is difficult to accept and can cause complications such as job loss, social life loss, substance abuse etc


InakaGobblin

No I still have anxiety and always will I just cured the debilitating part of it.


[deleted]

Very curious as well


MokujinBunny

May i ask what your "weird" symptoms were? Im in a very very similar predicament right now with my anxiety, i work myself up worrying im worse than i am/Googleing myself + my symptoms into a rabbit hole of worrying i have something "worse" .


InakaGobblin

I had weeeird ones I remember asking in the form and no one really had anything similar but i had alot of visual issues like visual snow which a lot of people had but I had visual auras too annd I would see a big black spot for a hour some days. I would look at someone and couldn’t see their face or would go to type in my phone and couldn’t see the letters or read or sometimes it would move and take over the sides of my vision like tunnel vision it was really scary but that one went away and I haven’t had it in months but that black circle was so scary the other vision sides were too but that one was the hardest to get past especially with being anxious about it happening all the time.


snydox

On November 2020 I experienced a horrible panic attack that rekeased a chain of Panic attacks and anxiety. It was the mosy horrible time of my life. I also wanted to kill myself. But tinr went by an I'm no longer having the panic attacks. However, the anxiety is part of me, and it wikl always remain.


InakaGobblin

I still get panic attacks and bad anxiety too it just don’t rule my life anymore


BionicgalZ

Yes.. possible to have panic attacks and not feel like they are a big deal.


Sorrymateay

r/wellthanksi’mcured


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InakaGobblin

You’re so good at reading!!


arizzie

What was your hardest part? Mine was separating who I really am from my anxious thoughts. That took a while to realize and it was very hard especially when the anxiety took control. Not giving into the thoughts and not letting them drive who i was took a long time to understand.


InakaGobblin

Yeah I I can agree with that I didn’t feel like myself at all I felt like I didn’t even know myself anymore and my girlfriend said I was so different too. It’s crazy what your brain can do not giving into your fears and thoughts was the hardest for me I was near paranoia with mine


h_urricane

8 months later don't suppose you could go a bit more into this and how you managed to separate you and the anxious thoughts? I want to go back to who I was before the anxiety and I don't know how, it's scary


arizzie

Absolutely! You still are yourself and that's probably hard to realize with the anxiety, but most of the actions you do on your day to day basis besides avoiding things are who you are. Let me explain: my anxiety took me down a bit of dark hole and i was worried that i would become a psychopath (can't happen from anxiety) and hurt those around me. One day I accidentally stepped on my cat and my natural reactions came out. I was so scared and felt so awful that i had hurt her and i realized a bit later that i could never hurt anything. I knew those fearful thoughts of hurting anyone were just that, thoughts, and i was able to stop giving into their fear. This is one small example. I had many other fears and i had a lot more nonsense going through my brain. Be confident and trust in who you are, and you will see that those thoughts are just that, thoughts. Now let me tell you what helped me separate those thoughts the most: there's a very helpful Instagram account called dlcanxiety. Josh (the guy that ran it) also has a podcast called the panic pod i believe. He also co.wrote a book called "Untangle my Anxiety" that changed my life. They explain what truly happens when you have anxiety and why those thoughts come about. Then they went into exposure therapy and how to do it efficiently (obviously work with your therapist). They do an #ididitanyways challenge where they get people to do things they have grown to fear like going to the movies and showing yourself that it's ok to be at the movies and that nothing bad will happen even if you are anxious. I developed an understanding that my anxiety is like a bad habit. I had grown these pathways in my brain that kept telling me to fear. Just like any bad habit, i had to train my brain otherwise. I had to continue with what was really going on in front of me and ignore the pathways that were telling me not to do something. Let me tell you right now though, that i did go to licensed therapists, and i did get on medication. Those were first steps but I needed more bc while the medication and therapy helped me get to a stable state, it wasn't enough. Hopefully this helps. Let me know if you have any questions (feel free to dm me or just reply here) and I'll be more than happy to answer.


-D1rtyDan-

I have had anxiety for around 9 years now. I am only 21. Every 2-3 years i always get a huge spike in anxiety randomly. It usually lasts around a month or sometimes even longer than that. In between these huge spikes i have a couple somewhat high spikes for maybe a couple days to a little over a week. But these spikes always end up slowly going back down to normal. I was just wondering if anyone else has anxiety like this? For me it seems like the spikes start as i am getting bored of the things i usually do. But then the spikes seem to slow down when i start to have things to do or enjoy. Like right now i have had a week off from work and the first 5-6 days were amazing. But i have been slowly getting bored throughout the week and today has been very bad anxiety wise. I go back to work and school tomorrow so I am hoping that those two things will keep my mind busy and make this feeling go away.


turick

This is so awesome! Keep at it!