1) don't use self medication recreational drugs 2) don't worry alone 3) 4:38 Don't spend too much time in future or futurizing. Come back to the present. Refocus your attention in the present moment. That future is not even real. Come back right here into your body and into the present. 4) avoid overexposure to the media. 5) don't over-think your symptoms or research them on the internet. Realise that you are spending energy on something that's not even real
I’ve been on Lorazepam for about 7 months now. Trying to ween off of it with my doctor’s assistance. Some days I wake up and know immediately that I need it. Other days I don’t so I see how long I can go. When the anxiety is there I cannot imagine life being normal or good. Everything seems unmanageable and I’m convinced I’m going to lose all I have (including my kids) and end up in a psych ward for months on end. When the medicine is in my system and I’m feeling completely normal I cannot imagine how life could be that bad. I simply cannot stand feeling like I’m losing the ability to cope with everything, like I’m losing my very mind. It’s a hellish way to live.
I’m the same way, but I TRY to make it into something funny, like the time I was light headed and dizzy, I thought for sure that was the tipping point, turns out I was just hungry then I made a sandwich and I was just fine. The Sandwich saved me! Praise the sandwich gods!!!
Yes i have this really bad and it ruins my life. I also have existential ocd and some other ocd(s) so it gets WAY too much and i think im done-zo for good. Like i finally snapped and I'll never come back.
"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." John 14:27
I, like many of us right now, have been suffering from pretty severe anxiety during Covid and this hostile political environment and you have seriously hit the nail on everything for me. Thank you!
All very good ideas. I had to stop watching/reading the news because it gave me bad anxiety. I've had to block people on Facebook as well for posting those horrible animal abuse and death stories. My anxiety is bad enough, and all those things just added to it. I hate anxiety attacks because they can feel like a heart attack, or cause asthma issues, or so many other things. Thanks for this video! Super helpful.
Yep that’s me researching my health issue on the internet to the point of driving myself crazy. There is so much contradiction and miss information on there. I will endeavor to STOP 🛑 Thank you 🙏
Thank you Douglas this helped due to my extreme anxiety that now has taken over my life.i can't be near people without physical symptoms taking hold of me.i often fear that I am developing a personality disorder due to anxiety (which is ridiculous) but that's because I have been abused by a narcissist who's my father most of my young adult life right into my early 30s but until recently I have gotten away from the evil beast
I’m guilty of over thinking my symptoms and researching on the Internet. At one point I thought I was about to have a heart attack because of a rapid heart beat caused by anxiety or that I was developing schizophrenia or psychosis. That was enough to cause me a great amount of anxiety. I really appreciate your videos, they’ve helped me a lot. I know it may take some time to get my anxiety/intrusive thoughts under control but I’m willing to do whatever it takes to get mentally healthy again. I’m glad there are people like you that are there to help those that deal with this mental disorder. Thank you.
Thank you Douglas. The cold water actually did help me, a lot. The ice packs were frozen solid and I couldn't stick my face in the water, so I took a wash cloth, put it in the cold water and put it across the top half of my face, repeated when it got warm and kept it there until I calmed down from my anxiety attack. It took about 15-20 minutes. I also put my back against the cool bathroom wall. It also helped to put the cold cloth on my shoulders at the bottom of my neck. It slowed my breathing down a lot. What a relief! I'm going to teach this to my nephew. Much appreciated.
i am an recovering alcoholic at the age of 21. I have suffered from anxiety, depression and worthlessness since i was a baby. thank you for these videos
I self medicated with alcohol for 20 years. When I ended up in rehab I was diagnosed with bipolar. These days I take prozac and go easy on the caffeine. Two cups of tea and I'm all over the place. I agree with you about not isolating. I recently met a lady who's also anxious, but when I'm with her, both of us are much calmer.
Hi James. When I stopped drinking 4 years ago, I went into a severe depression. I was put on Sertraline and went up to maximum dosage. In 8 weeks I went from Depression to Hypomania. Bang. Was diagnosed Bipolar 2. I know how tough it is to be a recovering alcoholic and live with Bipolar. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you for this! I have a fear/anxiousness about dying. My mother died when I was 11 years old because she was born with 3 holes in her heart she was also on the heart transplant list (obviously never made it) The last 3 years of her life I watched her struggle and she was deteriorating. She eventually died. Fast forward to me now (33 years old) I have been having heart palpitation issues. I thought I could have been anxiety however it had become worse. I would be relaxing and out of no where my heart starts racing (160-180 bpm) and would last anywhere from 5-45 mins. I would go to the ER but they said they couldn’t find anything wrong and it was anxiety. I finally went to see a cardiologist and he says it’s a short circuit in my heart that is causing this issue. There is surgery that can fix this and medication (that has terrible side effects and doesn’t stop it from happening completely) Every time this racing heart happens to me I really do feel like I’m going to die. I’m in constant anxiety and panic. I have reoccurring thoughts of dying and what if I end up like my mother (dead) What about my kids? And this this condition anxiety can make this rapid heart rate reoccur more. Literally, last year 2018 I was for the most part over all doing well (besides the occasional rapid heart rate) I was going to the gym, very social, worry free and now I feel trapped in this terrible place with my over all health and constant thoughts and feelings of dying 🤦🏽♀️
What happened to change your state of mind from doing well to ruminating about dying? There are psychologists and doctors that you can help you to change your thinking and brain chemistry. There’s also a book called brain lock by Jeffrey Schwartz that teaches a four step process to stop obsessive thoughts. Help is available.
I relate to this SOOO much; however for me, I just struggled without actual diagnosis and with a case of severe hypochondria. I really hope you feel and get better dear, it's just a miserable state of being and a mental ordeal to be so encased in that state of anxiety. For me personally, I trusted in God and over time my anxieties resolved a LOT, until I was just going along and didn't even realize I had gone immens long without being caught up in a shroud of anxiety. If you're open I'd love to encourage you to do the same ❤ You may even find healing for your physical issues. That's what happened for my mother 28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
Yes, all these tips are very helpful. I got rid of my tv 3 years ago and now I google the news headlines or articles about medical conditions only occasionally. That alone prevents triggering or aggravating anxiety. Apart from all the other useful tips Douglas gives in his videos, it's the state of mindfulness that works most efficiently for me. However, that requires regular practice and perseverance!
Thanks so much Douglas. Your videos are fantastic. One question though, what about too much "positive" media? Social media doesn't seem like a "bad" thing, but for a depressed individual, it can lead to a lot of insecurities and comparison. We only see the positive sides of other people's lives and therefore judge ourselves to be less worthy as a result. In addition, seeking validation can happen through notifications, wanting to be "liked", Tinder, Instagram, etc. I know I've struggled with this and many other people have as well, and I'm curious about your thoughts on it.
I agree with you. That is why I made this video called "Is Facebook Making You Depressed?" ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-1CRUd94Sjao.html
I am disabled with tons of health problems. I spend so much time worried about when my dad dies, will I be homeless, go crazy, or end up in prison. I think about this so much to the point of wanting to take my own life before these things happen. I just want to escape the future so bad.
Number 2 is tricky when you have social anxiety disorder. It's true though - I found that I was much happier immediately after I had been to see my therapist. I felt really happy and well adjusted, but it didn't last, it was gone by the next morning. I can't spend ALL my time with a therapist. It's not so bad at home because I have my parents to talk to (and the dog 😉), but it gets difficult at work.
I always know that I only live once and until today, after years of anxiety and depression, yet through a gradual process, I could be able to live by it. Thank you for those wise advice, especially the one don’t spend time in the future when worrying.
That's a good idea. There's a book that has been written on the subject called "the highly sensitive person" by Elaine Aron You might want to take a look at it.
I'm currently reading a book called The Emotionally Absent Mother, and learning that this issue (childhood trauma) can contribute to the extreme anxiety I experience as an adult. That said, have you written about this subject and/or posted a video? Thank you for this video, it's helped ground me during a very anxious time.
I did create a video called how healing old wounds can lead to depression and talked about childhood trauma in general. Here it is ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-ndwfWrhp4NA.html
I like watching you tube celebrity gossip, but sometimes I get bullied on there. Yesterday, after I was bullied some women started to get on my team for support.
I love the fact this comes from a place of knowledge. You have clearly experienced what you are talking about and it feels genuine. I have been watching your videos a lot lately. I don’t know if my problems are imagined or real as they cause physical symptoms such as fast heart rate, a feeling that I can’t breathe and back pain. I’m getting checked over by a doctor this evening but if this is my mind doing this - it really is a dangerous thing as you can get so wrapped up in what is going on in your head. I feel like I’m ready to cry at the drop of a hat too. Can’t wait to get better. My life has stopped. I wish everyone on here all the best, it’s nice to know I’m not alone.
There are many of us who are dealing with the same thing. Can you talk to people you know on zoom or see a therapist or counselor on zoom or some other video platform?
Yeah that doesn't work for me. There isn't anyone that I would consider talking about such things. Hardly anyone would care. I just try to suck it up and keep going forward... It's been harsh sometimes but I'm still here.
André Maccarini I am so proud of you and am thinking of you...wishing you the best. Maybe try joining a support group or even a club of some sort? Sometimes you may be surprised to make a connection with someone :)
@@andremaccarini1656 I understand when I was alone I joined a Facebook group called Christians & anxiety/panic attacks, depression, mental illness support group. It was hard to talk up but seeing so many people with the same issues have been comforting. It may be a good place to meet people there. I'm not sure if your a Christian or not, but there might be other non-Christian groups as well, hope you stay safe
you are so right Douglas to point out the pros and cons. What I really like is your non judgemental information. Its very true that those of us with anxiety and depression and those of us treating those with anxiety and depression often have to both observe and experiment with all these pros and cons as well as apply -where possible-the evidence or mechanism behind the experience. i loved the media expression. so very true.
Right on mark. Thank you very much for your valuable advices. I am so much tuned in about my future and medications side effects that cause me very anxious.
I'm beyond guilty of rule #5. I've tried to stop doing research, but it is harder than I thought.. I swear everything is wrong with me. I'm going to do my best to kick that bad habit..
This video really spoke to me. I suffer from GAD and I have tried several SSRI meds that haven’t worked or given me terrible side effects. My doctor recently prescribed an anticonvulsant at a very small dose. Of course the pharmacist gives me 4 sheets of paper with potential side effects. Well here comes my anxiety. I’m still trying to work myself up to trying the medication.
Douglas Bloch Lamotigine, is generic for Lamictal. He wanted to start me off at 25mg and I said no. My anxiety got better for two whole months. I didn’t even have to take my Lorazepam. Then all of the sudden my anxiety came back with a vengeance. I woke up out of a dead sleep with vertigo and my heart racing. Now he wants me to try it again and gave me a 5mg dose. I’m terrified I will have another bad reaction or it will make me a zombie.
9:08 The diagnosis can also be distorted by the doctor's incompetence. I'd rather google any medicine before taking it, because doctors like to play they know what they're doing, though very few do.
I have so much to be grateful for that I'm anxious I'll throw it all away. So I try to walk on eggshells, predict the badness of the future, even sabotage myself in case something bad might happen. Even considered suicide rather than let something bad happen. As if suicide would not be bad enough. My mind scares me.
Are you dealing and anxiety? If so, I have a video called how to rewire your anxious brain that might give you strategies for reducing anxiety. Otherwise you might want to consider going to a therapist or a counselor. Whatever you're going to can be helped with the right kind of support.
My anxiety was really bad a few months ago and I went through a major depressive state where I was imagining my families life where I was dead and it made it worse and scared me and caused me to think I am going to die. I’m afraid one day I’m just going to lose my mind and do it without being able to think clearly.
What I do when I'm severely anxious I drink a whole lot of alchohol untill I nearly go unconscious but it helps the drama in my brain somehow even though I'm drunk right now I'm somehow managing to type this sentence
I experienced anxiety then depression episodes this past five months. I slowly overcome my depression and take cognitive behavioral therapy to counter my negative thoughts and anxiety. This week, there is something trgiggering me. I can counter my negative thoughts ( which is part of my healing) but my problem now is that my feeling is not responding to my affirmitations and that influences my mind. I started ruminating again that what if i will always be like this. What if i turn myself having personality disorder like multiple disorder. What if i go crazy. What if i will hallucinate things ..... Please Mr. Bloch, what i should I do because im not feeling good right now.
The power of suggestion has been a stressor for me lately. The slightest thing and I freak out and obsess over it. It doesn't have to be relevant to me at all but I've become frustrated that I can't seem to inject enough logic based on what I know to be true that can make me feel better and regain control. I'm really trying but the anxiety and everything else is so overwhelming and quarantine isn't helping
@@DouglasBloch I hope to once things in my country open back up. Your channel has been helping a lot though so thank you for your content. I've actually come down off the panic a good bit since watching. I've been dealing with a lot of stress and gave into the feelings over the past week or two due to varying factors but I've surprisingly been digging myself out using your videos to understand why things happen and practicing your tips. I feel a lot better today than I did yesterday
Hi Douglas Very helpful thoughts! I like your analogy of worrying as being tantamount to visiting a bad neighbourhood without a friend! I wonder what your thoughts are about “brain wiring” for anxious and /or depressed people. I was told by a Dr many years ago “not to worry as anxiety usually strikes really sensitive nice souls”! My own thoughts are it is grounded in childhood, namely mothering/fathering plus individual personality (being a sensitive person).
I agree with your assessment. Our mental health is a combination of our inborn temperament interacting with thee environment in which we were raised. Nature plus nature. You might want to take a look at the book "The Highly Sensitive Person" by Elaine Aron.
I'm in a depression because I'm going through a divorce, am unemployed and miss my kids. I'm staying with family. Sometimes I feel these things not to do don't work because I'm constantly thinking about what life will be like until the divorce is final and some guilt for causing the divorce due to self medication. It's hard to balance all these things.
I am sorry for the losses with your family. We all make mistakes. Here is a video I made called "Forgive Yourself for Your Mistakes." I hope it will help. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-9eXh6gPnGRA.html
I hope your "no rec drugs" policy doesn't include cannabis CBD. Other than that, great advice! I have anxiety but except for cannabis would never take "downers" because the few times I have, they worked too well and made me become foggy which actually increased the anxiety! I know exactly what you mean about the depersonalization, I never knew what to call that disembodied feeling. Like I wasn't outside my body, but I would speak words and I couldn't tell if I was saying them or someone else was. Freaked me out! And that was only on 3mg THC. The funny thing was I was talking on the phone with someone and they told me later they didn't even suspect I was high. I found I could still perform cognitive tasks (I set aside a logic puzzle beforehand and passed it even when high). Nowadays I stick just to CBD oil.
Hi Doug how come when I get a symptom I always tell him my wife or my parents I'm sick it's starting all over again it's a cycle I ain't can't break any advice
Hi Douglas i waking up earl every morning 4.00-6-00 with anxiety and Shakes and it fels like a vacuum in my head, The back of my haed and i am afraid and craing take anafranil 10 mg tre weeks i dont fels like it help me im so tierd and i feling that i nerver get weel. Every Day its The same. Day after Day it The same .
When one is the depressed, every day feels like the same. Ask your doctor for a sleep medication that will help you with the early-morning awakening. There are three antidepressants that work for this when used in small doses. Remeron, trazodone, and amitriptyline.
Douglas Bloch I Douglas I been suffering from anxiety in the last monts I am on cipralex 20 for trees week now and I still have anxiety and side effect dizziness headache fell tired all the time hard time getting out bed everything is hard I think about my symptom all the time my head is spinning
It usually makes me paranoid, but feel great for days afterwards. Street weed is grown to have a higher THC content - that's the stuff that gives you strange thoughts (in my case, hallucinations) the other chemical (forgot the name) is far less than it used to be. I don't like the timbre of laughter people who do it habitulally. Alcohol is much worse, but you go off it and you're normal, but those who get high on pot are never the same afterwards.
@@DouglasBloch I have been ruled by fear ever since the first time I really smoked it. I'm not a habitual user. When I did this drug, a door was opened and something came in. Believe me or no. Thank you for replying. I'm watching your backlog of videos.
Something what helps me is to take a walk. As I walk I focus on the beauty around me like the sky or the trees. Sometimes I sing a song. I thank God that He has given me this day. I think about people I know who are struggling and pray for them. I ask God to guide my thoughts so that I may stay present and not be concerned about my past mistakes. Sometimes I just let tears come if they need to get out. Then I often just feel more at peace and more relaxed.
What if you hate "here and now" so much, that returning from past or future is actually very unpleasant? What is "here and now" is actually what helps your depression to stay?
There are different kinds of marihuana. Not all of them produce the same effect. A few of them make me quite anxious but on the other hand other strains relieve my anxiety such as Sativa or the ones high on CBD.
Futurizing IS my anxiety disorder. That’s what’s always coming next and it takes me to my death and then thousands of years after my physical death in this lifetime. Isn’t death the only future event one can be sure of?
Go to these websites and see if you can find a local chapter of Nami or DBSA in your area. www.nami.org/Find-Support www.dbsalliance.org/site/PageServer?pagename=peer_support_group_locator
