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[Wunray]

I used to scoff at those who suffered from it, I would think just get over it, it's not that bad. But after going through what I can only describe as the worst weekend in my life has changed my view. My dad also used to have it and now I suffer from them to. I'd rather not have to take medication for it so my gaf family, how do you deal with anxiety?

 

[Putonahappyface]

Hiking, weight training and Krav Maga help me with my long term issues. I've been dealing with mental health problems for over thirty years now. I can't fix my problems with medications, but I can learn to live with them as best as possible.

 

[dr_octagon]

learn from past experiences, talk to people who can help, build a strategy/plan to cope with stress, good diet, sleep and exercise

 

[MachRc]

I usually play out what is going to have to happen ahead in my mind like a movie. I forsee the events taking place, make a small movie out of it, and then play it out as I have visualized it.
I do this with alot of things(maybe everything) and it helps me cope.

It doesnt always play out the way you visualize it in your future mind tunnel..
Most of the time its less ...intense, or less complicated then the way you pictured it.

I always prepare for the worst too, no matter how good or bad, I imagine its going to be the worst, like being in the box before sentencing, expect to do 10 years in jail, but end up only getting probation.

No abel or baker row for me.


develop your future vision.

 

[TheDreadBaron]

Yeah, having an eye opening experience like that can be spun into an opportunity to better understand our fellow humans. I used to be so pissed at my mom for how anxious she was about silly stuff but now i realize i was feeing a sympathetic anxiety because I’m anxious too and that didn’t feel good so I felt a lot of anger.

A lot of people act in very strange ways, and there’s probably a very real reason inside their brain. Even asshole bullies are usually just scared children inside. Sounds like you’re taking steps to understand yourself and others in a more compassionate way and that’s really great and to be applauded.



oh, P.S. I take antidepressants and smoke a ton of weed which helps I think? Exercise is the best thing for me but I find it incredibly hard to get motivated and then I feel guilty and it's a vicious cycle. As others have said it can be a struggle to find what works for you, but there are a ton of resources and just recognizing the issue is a huge first step.

 

[Celcius]

Are you religious OP? Maybe look for some answers there.
But also, deal with it up front instead of letting it linger and then once you've done all you can do, then do something else you enjoy to take your mind off of it.

 

[TheMan]

Cognitive behavioral therapy

 

[ranmafan]

I know how you feel. I saw a tv show when I was young and I laughed out the idea of a panic attack that the person in the show was having. The concept seemed ludicrous to me. However what I didn’t know, and what I would soon learn is that not only were they real but due to my own anxiety I was suffering from them as well. Unfortunately they got worse over the years and I still suffer from them.

the best thing that happened to me was that after years of being told to “get over it,” “let it go,” or “grow the fuck up,” by so many people I finally had a doctor who stopped looking at other reasons for my immense physical pain that I had been suffering from and asked simply “hey, do you suffer from anxiety?” And from there I finally got the help I needed for my anxiety and depression. I got the medicinal treatment for my pain. I started seeing the right doctors. And I started going to therapy which has been a huge help in talking about my issues. Also I have a great family who supports me and friends too. Sometimes I still deal with the bad people, and I have bad days in my life, but overall I’m fighting back against my anxiety and depression and winning.

but yeah the most important thing is to have support, don’t be afraid to see a doctor or take medication if needed, see a therapist if you can. But most of all, remember that anxiety is a fear but a fear that can be handled with the right tools and support.

 

[Bitmap Frogs]

I used to scoff at those who suffered from it, I would think just get over it, it's not that bad. But after going through what I can only describe as the worst weekend in my life has changed my view. My dad also used to have it and now I suffer from them to. I'd rather not have to take medication for it so my gaf family, how do you deal with anxiety?

Hands on experience tends to change one's views about whatever topic it is and this one ain't no different.

There's no real cure for anxiety, it's just who you are - the way you process things generates anxiety. It's a tough fixin' that's for sure. For actual attacks there's techniques you can learn that are very effective at killing the feedback loop that pushes the attacks up to 11. For the day to day anxiety? I don't know, I'm still working on that.

 

[Ownage]

If at all possible try to avoid getting IBS. It's a beast and a real motherfucker. Mine is caused primarily by anxiety. My diet has slimmed down to clean Asian and South African foods. I miss pizza, burgers and beers greatly, but I look 500lbs from bloating due to an anxious GI tract. Yoga also helps me relax.

 

[Taxexemption]

Exercise is important. Please keep in mind that for people that suffer from anxiety alcohol, and nicotine use can worsen symptoms. It's one of those things, if you've never experienced it then it's a foreign or strange concept, but once you really start to doubt yourself, you need something deep down in you to have confidence again. You can overcome this, but it's not easy, and whatever steps you need to take are particular to your situation, unless that is one of the following things is related to your anxiety disorder,

Alcohol
Nicotine
Marijuana
dehydration


That is to say there may be a physical component to your issues, and you need to look at the above list to determine whether there might be a cause thats more related to your body than your life circumstances.

 

[SpiceRacz]

Exercise and medication. I got on Zoloft and it's helped tremendously. Also, booze can help if you're not going off the rails with it.

 

[crozier]

Propanelol helps a lot with the physical symptoms of anxiety. One thing I would recommend: stay the hell away from benzos.

 

[Joyful]

cold therapy helps, like run your hands under cold tap, or a cold shower, that'll take your mind off anxiety p quick

and I take benzos, they are like magic for anxiety.

but I take as little as possible cause doctor be prescribing insane amounts

like 0.25/0.5mg is enough for me but they be handing 1-20mg out like candy and wonder why ppl get hooked on this shit

 

[GeorgioCostanzaX]

Experience is the best cure in my experience. Like I used to be terrified of talking to people on the phone but then my first post uni job was advertising support so I had to get used to it or under perform. I used to be super freaked out by small talk or speaking up in meetings by realized it was limiting my career so I just kept doing a comment hear or there and got used to it. The worst thing you can do is avoid the things that trigger the anxiety.

 

[Scotty W]

 

[Peggies]

Medication helps a lot to take off the edge. The rest is hard work and focusing on not loosing your shit.

Also know your triggers and see them coming. Try to find coping strategies.

 

[Lanrutcon]

Apart from what people have mentioned in the thread, people are very important. Friends and family (of the supportive kind). Someone to talk to when things get dark, someone to tell you you're not crazy and that things will be ok. Hell, even a pet. The unconditional love of a cute furry animal can help you mellow out.

 

[GeekyDad]

I used to scoff at those who suffered from it, I would think just get over it, it's not that bad. But after going through what I can only describe as the worst weekend in my life has changed my view. My dad also used to have it and now I suffer from them to. I'd rather not have to take medication for it so my gaf family, how do you deal with anxiety?

Get an MRI, I say...just in case. I thought I had anxiety disorder as well. Turns out it was something a lot different.

That being said, if my Focal Onset Aware Seizures are anything like anxiety attacks, yeah, I don't believe it's anything to scoff at. It's horrifying. Truly.

 

[Bernd Lauert]

Cognitive behavioral therapy

This. You can even do it yourself. Get a workbook from Amazon and start going through it. It helps.

 

[Wunray]

My anxiety has something to do with my dad's passing recently, and because I've been stuck home in the same place where he used to live with my mom who is grieving which makes me feel guilty and that is creating a cycle and I wish I could just stop it. I tell myself it's ok it's not my fault but my body won't listen.

 

[M1chl]

You can't deal with it, I know a lot of people are saying this, however it's just impossible by natural means. Especially when you have anxiety, when you feel like you are going to faint, survival instincts is running in parallel to that and it fuck you up. My recommendation is go to doctor. If you would to get Benzos (Xanax, Ativan, Klonazepam), be very carefull with them, it's far better to get something like a Pregabalin (Lyrica), which not only have sort of euphoric feeling to it, but also it helps massively long term. There is an anxiety which feels in a mental space and then there is the anxiety which feels "physical".

As a person with GAD (Generalised Anxiety Disorder), I have a lot of things to say about this and one of the main contributor why I lost my liver and needed a transplant. Also be wary, that some agoraphobia, probably be present as well in current times (fear of open spaces)

And depression is manageable to an extent (non-chronic), however anxiety is something which actively attacks and it hardly can be beaten by thought.

 

[Daciral]

It's easy to say "get over it" not knowing it's just physically impossible. It's not like people like that can control the anxiety they feel. If they could there would be no problem. And anxiety and panic attacks can hit even the strongest people. My mom never acknowledged any mental illnesses until she started getting panic attacks that had to be subsided with emergency shots.

 

[INC]

I've never suffered from either, then I had something really bad happen in my personal life, and starting getting both, I think I have something else wrong with me tho, since these panic attacks and anxiety are also bundled in with what can only be described as mania

Theyre fucking horrible, to the point it makes me not wanna be here, or my life would be easier if I just wasn't here

Not a cry for help lol, just what they do to me, I lose all sense of reason and go full mania, so yeh they're a thing and horrific in some cases

 

[shoegaze]

I used to scoff at those who suffered from it, I would think just get over it, it's not that bad. But after going through what I can only describe as the worst weekend in my life has changed my view. My dad also used to have it and now I suffer from them to. I'd rather not have to take medication for it so my gaf family, how do you deal with anxiety?

I'll tell you what really works no matter who you are and what your mental problems are. If you want to feel strong and steady there is only one thing you have to do and that's weightlifting.
You've probably heard that a million times, but most people have retarded reasons why. It's not strength, muscle volume, aesthetics or resulting confidence that gets your head straight, but attention control. You can forget things like meditation, because you already do it if you train properly. The indication you are doing this right is a feeling of calm and present attention when lifting big weights under which you'd be crushed if not performing.
Squats are the go-to exercise for this. Any sweat-producing activity, which includes just sitting in a sauna, would absolutely solve your problem, but you'd still be reliant on the increase of stress to trigger a clear mindstate, while heavy squatting is going to teach you attention control with no triggers given enough time under the bar.

And yes, I'm saying things like anxiety are a lack of attention control, or habitual attention anchoring to self-damaging parts of yourself. And I'm presuming you're not an American that is looking for his seventh pill to down with Mt. Dew, instead, want to solve a problem which requires effort.

 

[Keihart]

I usually play out what is going to have to happen ahead in my mind like a movie. I forsee the events taking place, make a small movie out of it, and then play it out as I have visualized it.
I do this with alot of things(maybe everything) and it helps me cope.

It doesnt always play out the way you visualize it in your future mind tunnel..
Most of the time its less ...intense, or less complicated then the way you pictured it.

I always prepare for the worst too, no matter how good or bad, I imagine its going to be the worst, like being in the box before sentencing, expect to do 10 years in jail, but end up only getting probation.

No abel or baker row for me.


develop your future vision.

 

[MilkyJoe]

I used to scoff at those who suffered from it, I would think just get over it, it's not that bad. But after going through what I can only describe as the worst weekend in my life has changed my view. My dad also used to have it and now I suffer from them to. I'd rather not have to take medication for it so my gaf family, how do you deal with anxiety?

You find out what your source is and either remove it from your life or power on through. Drugs are not the answer though

 

[TheDreadBaron]

You find out what your source is and either remove it from your life or power on through. Drugs are not the answer though

I know OP says they don’t want drugs, I don’t think any anxious/depressed people want drugs, but sometimes they are part of the solution. This sounds like the classic “just get over it” response. Cultivating inner strength is great but when that fails people they do need help and they’re ashamed to ask for it when people tell them to just power through.

 

[HarryKS]

Thought I had one for the first time in my life and changed my mind about it. Then found out it was not a panic attack but rather an embolism and changed my mind to my original assessment.

 

[MilkyJoe]

I know OP says they don’t want drugs, I don’t think any anxious/depressed people want drugs, but sometimes they are part of the solution. This sounds like the classic “just get over it” response. Cultivating inner strength is great but when that fails people they do need help and they’re ashamed to ask for it when people tell them to just power through.

It's not the get over it response, you're just culturally indoctrinated to think that drugs are the solution to everything, you'd be amazed how the rest of the world learns to cope.

 

[Putonahappyface]

You can't deal with it, I know a lot of people are saying this, however it's just impossible by natural means. Especially when you have anxiety, when you feel like you are going to faint, survival instincts is running in parallel to that and it fuck you up. My recommendation is go to doctor. If you would to get Benzos (Xanax, Ativan, Klonazepam), be very carefull with them, it's far better to get something like a Pregabalin (Lyrica), which not only have sort of euphoric feeling to it, but also it helps massively long term. There is an anxiety which feels in a mental space and then there is the anxiety which feels "physical".

As a person with GAD (Generalised Anxiety Disorder), I have a lot of things to say about this and one of the main contributor why I lost my liver and needed a transplant. Also be wary, that some agoraphobia, probably be present as well in current times (fear of open spaces)

And depression is manageable to an extent (non-chronic), however anxiety is something which actively attacks and it hardly can be beaten by thought.

From my own experience with diagnoses of GAD, CPTSD, CD and BPD, medication is a short term solution not a long term solution. I've tried various anti depressants over the years holy shit the side affects are fun) and CBT and DBT etc and they were useless! Useless for me anyway, which doesn't mean they won't help others just giving my own personal perspective. I'm prescribed 1mg of Clonazepam a day but barely touch them, maybe once or twice a month when I go off like a hand grenade.

I find interaction with people face to face incredibly difficult especially in the work place as I find it difficult to read people if that makes sense (previously a tree surgeon now semi retired). The only thing that has helped me overcome or atleast reduce fight or flight and many other issues was to put myself in the deep end, by doing something that would 100% terrify me and thats where martial arts came in to it.

I'd recommend martial arts to anyone wanting to conquer their inner demons regardless of which disydiscipline! It was an incredibly big step to take and I did have the luxury of my friend being an instructor, so I could get my foot in the door with four people. Once I trained with a small group for about six months I bit the bullet and joined a club when I moved house and words can not express how debilitatingly terrifying it was walking in to a huge hall with roughly thirty people in there with all there kit on!

Best decision I ever made and I'm genuinely happier because of it.

 

[BigBooper]

In a way, I just get over it. Some people just keep thinking about bad and unwinnable situations wishing that things had gone differently or that they could change something that they cannot.

I have a very stoic take on that. If you wish it had gone differently, figure out what specifically you wish you'd done differently and make sure to learn from it and do it the next time.

If you are thinking about unwinnable situations or things you cannot change, stop. Make the determination in your head that you could not have made that situation better, so there's no reason to waste time and energy on it.

There's a lot of wisdom behind the serenity prayer, and I especially like the original version. Father, give us courage to change what must be altered, serenity to accept what cannot be helped, and the insight to know the one from the other.

Insight is the difficult part, but it comes with time and unfortunately experience. I am Christian as well, and I believe it has a great benefit to my well-being.

 

[Aesius]

My anxiety has something to do with my dad's passing recently, and because I've been stuck home in the same place where he used to live with my mom who is grieving which makes me feel guilty and that is creating a cycle and I wish I could just stop it. I tell myself it's ok it's not my fault but my body won't listen.

I’m in the same boat. My dad has been gone almost a year and my mom hasn’t gotten any better. In fact she’s worse now. It’s like I lost both parents when he died.

 

[QuantumZebra]

Hobbies and healthy activities. Keep your mind occupied.

I'd be an absolute mess if I didn't have my family, friends, music, outdoor activities, etc.

 

[MaestroMike]

eating food all the time, a lot of low-intensity cardio (walking) and resting.

 

[ramuh]

I used to scoff too, until the Army gave me hep c and I had to spent a year of chemotherapy to get rid of it. I developed general anxiety, insomnia and panic attacks. Before that nothing. It made no logical sense. For example, how could sitting in a class just getting boring cyber instruction build a panic attack. Out of the blue? That slowly crescendos. Best way to describe it was like all the tracks on an album were playing in my head at the same time, so I couldn't focus on any one thing. Whew.

 

[M.W.]

It sucks, like religion.

 

[Ritsumei2020]

I never had either,

What does it feel like?

 

[mekes]

It’s really helpful for when you start feeling bad to try and shift your attention onto things that are external rather than internal. Simple attention focusing practice like paying attention to the different noises you can hear or how many things you can see of the same colour. Actually being able to remove your attention away from negative thoughts regarding the way that you feel is a big win.

Every bout of panic is not a panic attack, so don’t go changing your plans or turning down invites etc thinking it’s the smart decision. Try to give the fact that you struggle in this way as little say over your planning and decision making as possible. Actively try to find the little thing that helps you cope better. Sometimes you could worry about an upcoming event for weeks, push yourself to attend and only feel a little nervous for 1 minute. And that’s another reason you want to push to continue on as normal. The more positive reactions you can gain from confronting these situations the.better.

 

[RoadHazard]

It's impossible to understand until you have experienced it yourself. How it's not just feeling a bit down or anxious, but a very real physical reaction that feels like you're literally dying from a heart attack and suffocation all at once. It's impossible to "get over it", because it usually happens for no discernable reason, so there's nothing to get over. You just have to suffer through it and tell yourself you're not actually going to die this time either, even though in the moment it feels like it will never pass and you really are dying.

I suffered pretty badly from this a few years ago, which I think was triggered by a very stressful year or two at work. At its worst I had panic attacks almost every day, and in-between I was constantly anxious because I was waiting for the next one. I started avoiding places where I wouldn't be able to escape, and had some of my worst episodes on buses and planes when I had to get on them. Was diagnosed with panic syndrome, was put on SSRIs, and it helped. I got fewer and fewer attacks, and they got less and less severe when they did happen. The meds took the worst edge off. What also helped me a ton was just talking about it with family and friends. Never had therapy though. I had an "assessment" meeting with a psychologist, but she didn't think I needed it. Today I'm off the meds, and I very rarely have panic attacks anymore. Still some generalized anxiety, but I can now handle it on my own.

Alcohol is bad. It helps in the moment, yes, but the anxiety will be even worse the next day instead, and hungover panic attacks are probably the worst I've ever felt.

 

[M1chl]

Wunray how you doing buddy?

 

[Armorian]

I usually play out what is going to have to happen ahead in my mind like a movie. I forsee the events taking place, make a small movie out of it, and then play it out as I have visualized it.
I do this with alot of things(maybe everything) and it helps me cope.

It doesnt always play out the way you visualize it in your future mind tunnel..
Most of the time its less ...intense, or less complicated then the way you pictured it.

I always prepare for the worst too, no matter how good or bad, I imagine its going to be the worst, like being in the box before sentencing, expect to do 10 years in jail, but end up only getting probation.

No abel or baker row for me.


develop your future vision.

Huh, i do exact the same thing. Before any important event i prepare few different future scenarios.

 

[Wunray]

Wunray how you doing buddy?

Cant say if im fine or not, I have been tested for covid through the rapid antigen and PCR method and both were negative. But I still feel fearful that im sick, it feels like a weight on my chest and it get's tight from time to time. Went to the hospital and they didnt find anything and I have been like this for a week now, is it supposed to last that long, idk if I should just tough if out or go back to the hospital, I just don't know what to do. People say it'll pass but I can't say if it's anxiety or something else.

 

[RoadHazard]

Cant say if im fine or not, I have been tested for covid through the rapid antigen and PCR method and both were negative. But I still feel fearful that im sick, it feels like a weight on my chest and it get's tight from time to time. Went to the hospital and they didnt find anything and I have been like this for a week now, is it supposed to last that long, idk if I should just tough if out or go back to the hospital, I just don't know what to do. People say it'll pass but I can't say if it's anxiety or something else.

Anxiety typically comes and goes in waves, although it's pretty common to have some level of it more or less constantly. Either way, chest tightness and feeling like there's a weight or pressure is an extremely common symptom of anxiety. It COULD of course also be something else, but if they found nothing wrong at the hospital that seems unlikely.

And that's the thing with anxiety/panic syndrome, it FEELS like something else, like something is physically very wrong with you. It's a psychological issue that is completely harmless, but that manifests as very real physical sensations.

 

[Northeastmonk]

A big thing I see are TikTok and FaceBook videos creating this false sense of reality. That’s probably always existed to some extent, but I think it’s gotten much worse now. I can’t imagine someone trying to find themselves when they’re basically trying to either copy or replicate the life of someone else. It’s so easy to go down that rabbit hole and I am somewhat dealing with that. I deleted the YouTube app because I’m starting to see how that’s not helping me with my own goals, it is distracting me. I’ve got somewhat mental fatigue going on where I don’t feel like I get a break. Usually things like YouTube and TikTok are time killers or just something to make you laugh. Instead all I see are kids making money the easy way or spending it on whatever. People fascinated with the rich and wealthy. None of that is beneficial to your own life. I think everyone should have their own form of relaxation, but I don’t think it’s found watching other people online.

 

[Davey Cakes]

One day last October I pulled myself from the brink of having a panic attack. I almost went over the edge. It was scary. Thankfully I was at work and could distract myself for long enough to ease the feelings.

I can’t imagine dealing with that on a normal basis.

 

[Ionian]

It's impossible to understand until you have experienced it yourself. How it's not just feeling a bit down or anxious, but a very real physical reaction that feels like you're literally dying from a heart attack and suffocation all at once. It's impossible to "get over it", because it usually happens for no discernable reason, so there's nothing to get over. You just have to suffer through it and tell yourself you're not actually going to die this time either, even though in the moment it feels like it will never pass and you really are dying.

I suffered pretty badly from this a few years ago, which I think was triggered by a very stressful year or two at work. At its worst I had panic attacks almost every day, and in-between I was constantly anxious because I was waiting for the next one. I started avoiding places where I wouldn't be able to escape, and had some of my worst episodes on buses and planes when I had to get on them. Was diagnosed with panic syndrome, was put on SSRIs, and it helped. I got fewer and fewer attacks, and they got less and less severe when they did happen. The meds took the worst edge off. What also helped me a ton was just talking about it with family and friends. Never had therapy though. I had an "assessment" meeting with a psychologist, but she didn't think I needed it. Today I'm off the meds, and I very rarely have panic attacks anymore. Still some generalized anxiety, but I can now handle it on my own.

Alcohol is bad. It helps in the moment, yes, but the anxiety will be even worse the next day instead, and hungover panic attacks are probably the worst I've ever felt.

This is a perfect summation of what a panic attack can feel like, you honestly feel like you might be dying and the fear of it happening again can actually raise anxiety to the point that you begin to avoid situations which were previous normal and that can cause it to get exponentially worse.

standard anxiety is relatively normal in certain situations but panic attacks are no joke to experience. Cognitive therapy is one option that can be explored as well as ssri's. It's unique to the individual and the best idea is to seek help ASAP before they worsen.

 

[Wunray]

This is a perfect summation of what a panic attack can feel like, you honestly feel like you might be dying and the fear of it happening again can actually raise anxiety to the point that you begin to avoid situations which were previous normal and that can cause it to get exponentially worse.

standard anxiety is relatively normal in certain situations but panic attacks are no joke to experience. Cognitive therapy is one option that can be explored as well as ssri's. It's unique to the individual and the best idea is to seek help ASAP before they worsen.

Who can i speak to, whats the name of their profession?

 

[Ionian]

Who can i speak to, whats the name of their profession?

Honestly you need to seek the advice of your doctor first to see how the perceive the level you're at, the best course of action to begin as adjustments may need to be made as each person is different and respond differently to medication, counselling etc.

There isn't one way that works for everybody but simply doing that first step should put you on the road to finding a solution best for you and even speaking to them about it will be a massive weight off your shoulders and will give you the confidence to deal with it further.

I Wish you the best, its a scary thought to think about seeking help but trust me that it's the best thing to do for your own sake as early as you can.

 

[INC]

I never had either,

What does it feel like?