Try the Wim Hof breathing method. It saturates oxygen into you’re bloodstream which in turn pumps blood to where it needs to go, extremities and all. Like in ice baths or extreme weather, Wim uses it to fight the extreme cold in the limbs, circulating the oxygenated blood and regulating temp. This may help you in the fact that since vasovagal syncope is a drop in blood pressure, this can help “regulate” it and keep the blood circulating throughout the body. It’s also helped me with the anxiety/panic attacks. I know you can feel those creeping up, start the breathing and it helps control your racing mind. After you Wim Hof your way into feeling better, in controlling yourself; shrooms. A psychedelic mushrooms trip may help with the OCD. Not recommended if you still taking or on medication, but a good last resort possibly further down in your healing.
THANK YOU sooo much fore sharing this 😭😭 You’re the only person/video I’ve found online that’s described how I feel exactly. Although my syncope isn’t as sensitive, I get it more for an extreme stomach cramp or blood draw, but still just fainting even a few times can bring on such an obsessive phobia of it happening again especially in public and ESPECIALLY with driving. I used to love driving especially on the highway, but I can no longer - it’s been 7+ years, and I struggle to drive on main roads but as long as I stay on the outer lane with room to pull over I can manage. I can completely relate to how the anxiety/adrenaline rush can feel so parallel with a syncope episode, it’s hard to know or trust what it is in the moment. You’ve given me so much hope and perhaps I will try seeking therapy again. In my experience I feel like therapists don’t understand Vasovagal Syncope…and the trauma/phobia loop stemming from that.
Vasovagal syncope is rough. Im a cardiologist have seen alot in clinic and got close to full syncope myself a couple times in the past. Dealing with it is complicated but its easier to abort it if youre taking care if yourself (sleep, stress management). Sometimes meds help also. Hang in there man it will get better. And I admire your strength sharing that. Enjoy those beautiful whips💪🏻💪🏻
Bruce Leeroy its both. Its caused by a conscious or subconscious stimulous that results in an adrenaline surge with a complex physiologic reaction. Feels terrible to be honest.
Dealt with anxiety my entire childhood but was ignorant to the fact.. Officially was diagnosed in 2019 and been battling with it everyday. Never really goes away. My OCD is based around super irrational fears so I totally relate to you. Some days are just way easier. Great video, Matt.
Saw your video pop up as a recommendation. I’m incredibly grateful that it did. I have almost identical issues, mine hits hard if I’m standing in line somewhere(getting chipotle in line to order for example) or even driving over a long bridge - even though for decades I never had those issues. I love to drive and it’s crippling my enjoyment of driving. Currently on lexapro. Currently looking for a therapist. I deal with a lot of daily stress - sole income for family of 6, etc. it’s good to know I’m not alone in this. Keep plugging away man.
I've been dealing with anxiety this year more than I ever have in my life. I moved to a new city for a new job and so what started as new job anxiety has since become a daily struggle to maintain focus on my work and not spend too much time looking back at the mistakes I have made so far. Thank you for sharing this video with the world, it helped me understand that others know how I am feeling and that everything will be just fine.
Thanks for this honest video. Makes me feel better knowing that others are experiencing similar problems. Cars & detailing is my enjoyment also and it’s one of the best ways for me to relax whenever I’m experiencing extreme stress or anxiety.
I've always felt not fearing anything was a curse in some aspects in my life. .. hearing about what you battle with makes me kinda happy I have what I have. Much respect Matt, thank you for sharing.
We must protect Matt at all costs. He is the most down to earth guy, and I respect him so much because of what he shares with us. We love you and we got your back Matt.
I love when you post these videos it reminds me that I’m not alone and that I can have a life living with anxiety. Just need to stop caring what everyone’s thinking all the time.
Thank you for posting this video. I too am OCD. Mine manifests in some body twitching, having to touch corners of items. If I scratch my left ear, I must scratch my right. These types of things. Pretty much sucks. But I think of the positives. How I take pride in my work, cleaning cars, fitness. Those types of things. I wish you the best brother. And anyone else reading this that suffers from a form of OCD.
I appreciate this. It's so easy to watch your videos and wish I was you without all my anxiety and worry. This video helps make me feel less alone with it. Mine seems to be worsening as I age and I need to get a handle on it. If that's even possible.
Glad to hear you say you're seeking professional help. Life isn't easy and it's only getting more difficult by the day, with current events. I hope you can enjoy your family, cars, and your overall life in peace. Good Luck!
Thanks for sharing Matt, I actually have Vasovagal Syncope as well. My first time was simply getting a cast cut off my arm at the doctor and it triggered it. Now anything medical, surgeries, getting my eye's dilated, anything related seems to trigger it. It's a scary thing and i too try to avoid putting myself in any time of scenarios. Luckily I have never had a trigger that was not in the typical scenario. I hope your coping mechanisms help and that you find more peace in your days, I agree it can be extremely tough. Best!
Matt- I’ve got the same gig. My wife’s OB always gave me crap as I’d pass out when we’d go in for her appointments when she was pregnant. My triggers are anything white coat just like you! My worst one was passing out just watching grays anatomy. Best of luck love your channel and your gear. I’ve found focusing on breathing techniques & avoiding white coats is how I deal - it’s a marathon not a race.
The older you get the less you will care about things and the less you care about things the more relaxed you will be , I think and hope with time this will slowly start to melt away
i feel your pain as I have also have VS for about 20 years now. At first I wasnt sure what was going on then after a tilt table test the doctor's determined that it was VS. It wasn't till about 5 years ago that i only got dizzy or passed out when my anxiety was high (never when i was a home or just chilling). My VS only shows its head when i am in a loud crowd, shopping center, sporting event, sometimes driving in the city, doctor's office, or sometimes at work during meetings. I have learned that if i take a 1/2 of a 10MG Valium pill that it will give me about 2hrs of time where i really dont have to worry about getting dizzy. I have tried CBD and it does work also but it takes too long to take effect as the 1/2 of a pill works quicker. I know my triggers so i know about when to take the pill. Good luck and stay strong!!
Isnt odd that the thing you love, cars, can cause this problem. Whenever i get anxious, i immediately go to what I love. Maybe start thinking about the projects your involved in, hell think of washing the car. I know its not easy but you can conquer it. Think success
I had this condition in my early twenties. Got diagnosed when I passed out and fell through a glass table. Woke up in an ambulance and spent a week in the hospital. I want to say I outgrew this condition. I don’t remember it being triggered by fight or flight. You may want to check your diet etc.
Hey Matt, all the best with your recovery and health. Does music help you while you drive, I see you have a passion for high end audio, curious if this creates a distraction for your mind while in traffic or a light?
I had a blood test this week Tuesday and something triggered this reflex when they were getting the blood and I was 90 percent passed out. Not fun. They said it was bc I hadn’t eat and was dehydrated but I think the lady hit a nerve that triggered it. I felt pain in my arm and then i started seeing stars and couldn’t talk.
Holy crap...I deal with the same exact thing as you.. I passed out while driving my girlfriend home after her wisdom teeth surgery and she was all loopy. That was back in 2016 (senior year of high school) and I’ve been on Lexapro ever since, but doesn’t help much. Right after that incident I passed out at the eye doctor, and almost passed out at my orientation to get my own wisdom teeth taken out when they started describing the procedure. After that I couldn’t leave the house for anything or I would freak out. I’ve gotten better and I can usually drive wherever now, but sometimes I need a copilot. And I’ve still got severe anxiety. The fear and anxiety that messes with your head is just too much, I wish I could figure out a way to stop it. I’m also much like you when it comes to medical things. I’d love to talk to you about it sometime if you can, I’m only 23 and would love to end this sooner than later! Thanks for sharing, I had no idea, been watching since Adam LZ introduced me to your channel back in the day.
Hey Matt, Everyone has an opinion on this stuff, take these opinions (including my opinion) with a grain of salt: Get off the meds and take one of two (or a combination of) these approaches: 1. Shock Treatment - Expose yourself to all of the stimuli that cause the problem and muscle through it. (E.g sign yourself up for surgery you have been putting off, dentist; watch gross surgical videos on the net 2. Meditation - I had great anxiety over a shoulder injury, and used 'Falun Gong' style meditation to get through it (and purportedly healed up the injury in the process of doing so) Do reach out if you wanna talk about it.
the brain is the most powerful organ in the body, i've dealt with crippling anxiety that manifested itself into a physical disruption in my head and in turn affecting my body...its easy to look back and just say to yourself " just chill out and ignore it" but I know the feeling of being in that anxious fight or flight zone and thinking the world is coming down on you...take it easier on yourself Matt you're going to overcome this!
I was diagnosed with a Vasovagal syncope after passing out at work, on my eldest daughter’s birthday, 2 weeks before my youngest daughter was born (15 years ago now). Although I have felt the symptoms come on a few times since then, sitting down immediately, has prevented me from passing out again. Bigger picture for me at least, was getting more sleep (I used to get 4-5 hrs during the week), eating more veggies (was never a fan 😙), and keeping hydrated (I still have to remind myself to drink something after finishing a 2 hr ride 🙄). Loving your transparency! I think that you doing wonders 👍
My son has this VS but the doctors say he’ll grow out of it. Started when he was 18 and now 21. I didn’t know it could continue later into manhood. He went to the hospital 5 times last year. Sometimes the smelling salts don’t snap him out of it. Ambulance and firefighters always think he’s on drugs when he’s never done any before. He now has a heart monitor to track what triggers him. Things work him up and down he goes. Doctors, Dentist, etc. are all triggers yet he loves to speak in public (go figure). Going to FAU to be a History teacher and doing well but he missed an entire year of colleges due to VS. it’s been better now but man this freaks us all out. Thanks for sharing.
I’ve battled PTSD and anxiety for almost a decade. It ebbs and flows like you said. It really requires work to manage. Thank you for sharing your journey and creating the OG community. It means more to us than you may realize. 👍🏼
I actually have the same condition, I'm pretty good about being mindful in the moments, so I've learned how to deal with it pretty well. Mine is triggered almost always by tension in my left leg. I have IT Band syndrome and piroformis syndrome too. Those both play a heavy roll in it for me. So it can be internal or external tension. Dentist chairs trigger it bad. Essentially though it is an actual physical spot in my body that triggers the same fight or flight reaction and fainting. The next time you feel it coming on, get down on your hands and knees and relax and breath. For me the simple act of standing or sitting can trigger the spot and give me all the emotional and psychological reactions you're having. But after a rough teens and twenties mentally, I'm pretty able to step outside of my emotions and stop my mental issues in their tracks... So when I had these extreme reactions preceding the events of fainting I put two and two together and realized there had to be something physical triggering the emotional reactions. Rolling on a foam roller to release tension in your legs, and getting derp tissue massages, might make an enormous difference in your life too. Being high energy and constantly thinking and worrying takes a physical toll on the body, you have to work at allowing your body to relax which will help your mind relax. Good luck, feel free to message me if you want more detailed suggestions. There's a real good chance you can be rid of the worry associated with the problem too. I've found you can't fight it, but you can work on letting it go, and learning to feel it coming early enough to stop an event.
Matt, you’ll be fine. You’re a great man and God always takes care of good man like you, by the way you’re doing a heck of a job. Keep up the good work 👊🏻
Be open about it! What you will be certainly surprised to find out is more people struggle with it than you would think. The beautiful part is that when you’re around others who suffer from it as well you’ll benefit from the mutually shared experiences.
Open up about it! I struggled with this for the longest time and until I started to open up I never got better. Cry about it even if it doesn’t feel manly, it releases endorphins. Everyone needs a good cry now and then
Because the driving behavior is abysmal and dangerous. But in this day and age we aren't allowed to judge anyone..only they can judge us. Makes no sense.
I hope you have seen a cardiologist to rule out any heart or vascular conditons. A vagal response that causes blacking out/fainting can happen to anyone. For example, if you are constipated and try too hard to have a bowel movement you may have a vagal response that lowers your heart rate and blood pressure causing you to faint........If your vasovagal response is truly from emotional issues maybe behavior therapy can help you. I always tell myself that 99% of the things I worry about never happen, or I ask myself " what would happen if I didnt worry so much about this problem?".........Another thing that helps me is to live in the moment. Focusing on the here and now instead of letting my mind snowball into a storm of worry. You could also work on desensitizing your triggers.........Just know and truly believe this: NO MATTER WHAT HAPPENS IT WILL BE ALRIGHT.......good luck and drive safe.
Matt great way to articulate everything you've experienced. I am one of the lucky ones. Went through very stressful time several years ago and out of nowhere thought I was having a heart attack. Was watching a TV show in the media room and had to jump up out of the recliner. Ambulance came. I was fine... then movie theaters started triggering it. Then driving my corvette once I had to jump out of the car... It hasn't happened in about 4 years. But living with it for about 2yrs i understand feel and know what people like yourself are going through. I have no idea how I got myself out of it. One day I just let go of that stress and as quick as it came in? It was gone. But I'll never forget that feeling. God bless hope you make progress. I'm sure you've done this 10000x but just let it the hell go.
Dude, keep up the great work. My brother was ocd level 3 and has some similar stories. But he doesn’t have any cool cars to drive. I think one of the biggest things in life is taking our weaknesses and turning them into our strengths. The fact that your OCD has created a multi million dollar business is awesome. Plus you’ve made it so much more, helping, inspiring and entertaining. It’s on my bucket list to drive the dragon road in something crazy fun. I never knew it existed before your vids. One day at a time. Sometimes one minute at a time and don’t give a single second to what others think.
At my loneliest, most anxious and stressed time of my life; my car was my savior. Taking road trips from Hudson Valley, NY to University of Connecticut to Springfield, MA. The long drive soothed my anxiety
I too have been suffering from panic attacks on the highway. Two years now. It’s really limited my life and hurt my passion which is cars. I do fine on backroads but it’s highways that make me panic. Especially at night too. I can manage highways I drive daily but that’s it. Never put a label on it and not sure it’s the same as what you are facing but sounds familiar! 😔
I have a similar thing except it developed into being bad when I leave the house. So I haven't left the house much at all in years. I'll definitely check out A.R.T. Thanks
Thanks for sharing about this again Matt. I have been diagnosed with vasovagal syncope myself. Not easy to deal with but it can be controlled. Hang in there buddy.
Had the same exact feelings for 40 years. Your handling it very well because your fighting it and not giving into it. You da man. I’m off all drugs for the past 4 years and doing well
I had attack of syncope in may its a pill. Seeing you drive gives me hope. I Scared the hell out of two in front of me. My trigger is heat. Im very thin 35 kgs trying to gain muscle. Bad sleeper will be happy with any gains at this stage though needs to be lean. Hearts good as im very slight framed. It was a hot day and couldnt regulate. Im lean and get too hot. I carry a fan and wear lighter clothing when i start overheating. I also wear padded gloves just in case i do fall again as nearly broke a wrist. Like you im nervous. Fear does me no favours i sympathise.
Thank you so much for sharing this. Everything you said mirrored how I feel. About 3 years ago I had a "vertigo" episode at work then after that always had this weird, lingering feeling of dizziness. I avoid highways as much as possible and ask my wife to drive sometimes. About 4 weeks ago I woke up to take the dog out, started feeling weird, heart racing then I passed out on the kitchen floor. I woke up to my wife there. I was shivering and just sat on the floor for awhile until I could feel my legs. Went to the hospital. They said I was in great shape but just had a vasovagal episode. I always feel my best when I'm running or working out which is great. The issue seems to be at night time. It started happening last night. I went back to bed, my legs were trembling. I forced myself to count slowly to 100. I made it to 398 before I felt normal again and went to sleep. Just trying to tell myself if comes from my thoughts. If I start feeling off I'll watch some car videos on youtube or something to distract myself. It always feels like it's there though for sure.
My Dad would say “ don’t take anything too serious- none of us get out of this alive”- I remind myself of his wisdom when silly stuff happens- like my new car gets scratched. In fact - better to scratch it yourself somewhere so the perfect is gone already. And I keep in mind - I can buy a new one - they keep making more of these physical things. Your a perfectionist- which can make you an unhappy anxious person. Oddly your detailing fanaticism is what makes your website viable for your customers as it is obvious you could never front fir a product you didn’t truly believe was worth using. None of us will ever be as obsessed with our cars smallest details but your focus helps us know what is the best way to take care of our cars easily Ian’s effectively. You probably should not buy brand new cars- buy vintage that is already been violated.
yo bro, listing to you is like my life 2.0 flashing just like you telling youre story just the same 110% , has some bad shit in my life and now its taking controle , cant go out to for diner , shopping is hell , work meetings, everything needs to be planned or i avoid it like you said . i had a time i stayed home for 2months could not eat , drive a car could not even exit my house . doctor here doctor there .... you know the deal . i was planning on buying the taycan but after i had a black-out in the car driving i'm not that sure anymore 😅. oh man i wish we could meet-up and talk about this stuff i feel so alone in all of this so few people understand !!! thanks for posting you life experiences i hope youre well . im not a follower but now i will click subscribe and a bell ;-) you have an update on how youre feeling now after that covid thing , feels to my covid have accelerated my anxious !! TX men for sharing
Sorry for your struggles BUT...apparently no fear of being caught violating traffic law after traffic law. Wonder whether or not your neighbors feel you are a menace (one instance of intimidating a driver to pull over for you). Your driving behavior is a clear sign of difficulties. Might want to ease up, especially with these kinds of meds on board as well as judgment issues. Losing you license would be a haymaker. Good luck.
Acute pain can also cause vasovagal syncope, ie fainting. My wife broke her knee cap, and fainted after getting up in the middle of the night due to the intense pain --> ER visit. My personal experience is from severe leg cramps. So severe last time, that I everything went black, ringing in my ears, cold sweat, and passed out. Vasovagal syncope is 100% real.
I never quite understood what your issue was, and how it would manifest in someone's life. It seems to me it all stems from the fear of anything medical related, whether it's the doctor, hospital, any medical issue you might have or fear you could have. You passed out while at the hospital when young, then during your child birth, then at a dentist appointment... There's a pattern. My uncle has the same issue, and never dealt with it, always avoiding doctor appointment, avoiding taking care of his health at all cost. Now that he is older, and has some major health issue, he can't avoid it and it might be really difficult for him. Thankfully in his case, it's something major (tumor) and he can't run from it, there's no choice. On top of that, there's your fear of actually passing out, now that you have experienced it. I've had one episode of passing out multiple time in a short amount of time, and i totally understand the fear of it. You have no power, it happens and you can't control it, you feel like you're dying each time. But in my case, when i passed out for the second time, i started to understand it, to feel when it was happening and be more confortable with it, not as scared. It never happened since (3 years ago) but i'm more aware of conditions that would make me have the same episode (crazy exhaustion, heat and alcool). I know i must take care of my body, not push it to that point that my brain would switch off, trying to save itself. Hope you can work through your fear, it might take some time but you can do it.
Really interesting video, I’ve had several instances around doctors where I’ve passed out or came very close to passing out. Wonder if it’s in relation to the syndrome. For me it’s particularly bad health news or before getting stuck by a needle. Out could and thinking about those triggers makes me feel faint...
I have vasovagal too. Thank you for sharing, not alot of people talk about their vasovagal it was veryhelpful to hear another persons story so similar. Your story is very close to mine. Frequent problems of passing out with medical procedures. Your discussions of anxiety are exactly mine so many times sitting at stop lights worrying. I have had many problems associated with stomach pain triggering my vasovagal. I actually passed out while making a left turn when i was about 20. I then developed a ptsd kind of situation form that I ended up selling my favorite car due to having flash backs about the turn, still miss that car but i couldn't drive it. I have a lot of anxiety of driving especially on expressways where there is no way to exit as you know the feel of having control in every situation is very important. I will frequently take the long way to work especially when tired because falling asleep or being tired is very similar to the feeling of passing out. Some of the things i have learned is to be well rested and alert then drive through the area that causes so much anxiety, over enough times doing so I have defeated that area and it is no longer a concern. Hope you have a successful journey
A very candid video. Thanks for sharing. Like most other people suffering some type of anxiety I practice mindfulness to cope. And yes just like you I also go out and drive on the back roads just to get my mind off negative things. Best of luck and keep on making great contents.
I have it also Matt. Started when I was in the room when my mother in law passed away. Then about a month later my father passed away. The smell of hospitals triggers it now for me. That was back in 2003. It’s horrible.
I have something similar related to Panic syndrome, would have panic attacks driving everyday when id hit the freeway feeling like I was gonna dieing going to pass out, getting better now, Wish you all the best dealing with it, keep up the great content, also look into Carnivore diet/meat diet, helped me a lot with anxiety. its worth a try.
See this is very interesting because I think I’ve sort of had the same issue hard time driving places I don’t know where I’m going but what has helped me is researching and looking on Google maps to see where I need to go, sometimes at work I think I’m starting to get anxiety so much shit that needs to get done etc. my heart races uncontrollably and then I think to myself just slow down you idiot lol I have a very close friend and his name is Matt and he has anxiety as well, wish I could get you two guys together and talk!
I have horrible anxiety attacks ever since my grandma passed and seriously waxing and washing cars and even doing paint corrections Is what has always helped me thank you god, so glad there’s other people that deal with there problems with car stuff it’s so much better than drinking or doing drugs.
I have had this happen a few times but only sometimes when I have had to have a needle or a cannula for a drip. It is apparently more common then what we think. The last time I had it was while having Laser surgery to repair a tear in one of my retina's. The constant burning pressure of the Laser into my eye was enough to cause it and I was sitting in a chair. It has something to do with a sudden drop in blood pressure. Thanks for sharing this Matt.
Always helps to know we’re not alone, my anxiety gets so bad it causes migraines or daily headaches and like you I have been on some of those meds as well. Thanks for sharing.
