How To Live With My Anxiety 

HI Tomo thanks for talking about this. I am a physician and had always thought anxiety was just a mental state until it happened to me. I was about 40 years old, and was getting a patient ready for a procedure interviewing him. He was there with his wife and looked a little like me and was my age. He had a newly diagnosed cancer (lethal) and was there to get a vascular line put in by me in order to receive chemo. As I was talking with him I started feeling dizzy. So I went into the other room where the beds were and lied down. Started shaking and had trouble breathing. My mind immediately determined I must be sick probably sepsis from some infection. I ordered my resident to draw blood to send for culture. was giving orders telling the nurse start an IV on me and get an ecg. I thought I must be really sick. Had them wheel me to the ER . I explained to my colleague the ER doc I was septic with some strange infection, He looked at me and said "maybe, yet let me give you a little benzodiazepine like drug to at least relax you while we figure out what is wrong ". As soon as the drug went in I was completely normal. He told me I had just had a panic attack. What was so surprising to me was the physical component. I wasn't thinking at the time about anxiety or being anxious. It is almost like having a seizure run through your body. Only in retrospect did I put two and two together that seeing the patient that looked like me being so sick created inner, below the level of consciousness extreme anxiety. I then looked back at my life objectively and realized I had this thing "anxiety" all the time. I remembered sometime when I walk into a large store with a lot of stimuli I get a little dizzy not nervous. I always had thought I must have some strange medical condition when that happened. Everyone has worry and anxiety it is normal. The difference with anxiety disorder is it is a biochemical predisposition to having this release of adrenaline or sympathetic response inappropriately. I am very thankful you created this video as sometimes being different in anyway is very isolating as there is no one to share your story with making you feel isolated.

Such a powerful video and thank you so much for having the courage to share. I, like many others, have also dealt with this and I think more leaders like you should be discussing it.

living with autism and social anxiety disorder is a challenge every day. The worst part is when people think I have overcome the disorder because I have done things like travelling around the world by myself. Anxiety disorders aren't something you overcome, you just learn how to deal with them. I explain to people I am able to do the things I do, not because I have conquered my anxiety, but it is more like the person who has a fear of heights who takes up sky diving. I refuse to let it stop me

If your mind is in the past, you are depressed. If it´s in the future, you have anxiety. If you´re living Now, you´re ok. Good man Mr Fujita..wish you all the best.

I developed anxiety when I was 14, now 19 it hasn’t exactly gotten better but I am so very grateful for music and my guitar, it has been one of the few things that helps me release all of that tension. If you have anxiety I would absolutely recommend trying to find an expressive outlet, I hope you may find some help there.

Tomo you're always so good about reducing other people's anxiety. "Be kind to yourself. Don't expect too much too soon. Practice slowly and be patient"- guitar wisdom.

Hi Tomo, I am 72 years old and I am also a cancer patient, so anxiety lives permanently inside me. I try to fight it with small things but that personally help me a lot, like improving my guitar sound with the few things I can afford, or composing my own music, but also listening to you ( having you as a teacher and friend would be a dream ) makes me feel better. Thank you very much for this video, a big hug🤗

Very interesting story. I have a very similar life to yours. I retired and gave my recording studio equipment to the local high school. Sold 90% of my instruments. I play everyday at least 2 hours. I play only finger style now. And I have never felt better. I have emphysema and sense Covid I’ve been isolated. This has only made me play better. I only have to please me, and my dogs and not to forget my wife. So free. I enjoy your talks, please don’t stop. Thanks

This is probably one of the most important lessons you'll ever give. It's a life lesson that will relate to many people and its really good to hear that no-one is alone in their trials and tribulations. It's also really good to hear that you learn to manage these situations and clearly you have because you are so well respected in your musical field. Thanks for your honesty and sharing your experience. I'm sure it will benefit others. As for the piece where you say legend on the left, legend on the right......I think you missed the fact that there was a legend in the middle and yes that is Tomo Fujita.....Music is the best therapy for anything in my opinion. Whenever I'm low, pick up the guitar and immediately feel better.

Hey Tomo! First of all great video, I think it’s really helpful to hear that even someone as positive and a great player as you also has dealt with anxiety. Thank you so much for sharing Tomo, these videos you’ve been doing discussing topics have been amazing!

Thanks so much for making this Tomo. The sensation you described (heart beating too fast, feeling faint, etc...) are symptoms of a panic attack, a very acute form of anxiety. I once heard a singer talk about how he had his first panic attack in the middle of a performance and since he'd never experienced anything like that, he really thought he was dying. Your advice about living with it, sleeping, eating well, and thinking about positive things are really valuable advice.

You have been a major inspiration for me to pursue learning how to play the guitar. While I was in the army I would always watch your videos whenever I could. Thank you so much for your content and always remember there are people on here who really appreciate everything that you do!

Thank you very much for sharing, Tomo! You are a true inspiration, not only as a musician, but as a human being!

I've been struggling with very severe anxiety for quite a while now, and it's always nice to hear a story like this from someone you look up to. Makes me feel more normal, thanks.

Ohayo Tomo-San I live with anxiety as well and it could literally ruin one's life and turn it upside down ( in my case ), especially when you have a family , kids and things going on .. I've been living with anxiety for like 7 years now , there's a lot to tell about it , it's such a "special" journey , all i've learned through the years i've been dealing with it , it's that most anxious people live in their heads , that have lost control on their emotions and just believe whatever the mind tell them , in short we gave full power to our mind on us and we just follow whatever it tells us , remedy ?! well the only way to get better it's to get the control back , and to remind yourself that not every thought you get in your head it's " true " and it's a "fact" , in a matter of fact , 90% of your thoughts it's pure imagination and fiction , so what's the solution you might ask , all you can do it's to simply ACCEPT any thought or feeling that comes with , you and me have been programming our minds to fear the fear and to fly when things gone out of OUR "control" and such .. trust me i've been through this for many years i've been failing many attempts to get better , i've read LOT of books , watched like thousands of videos about it , only way that works for me at least .. is not giving a damn and accept whatever it throws on my , anxiety just fires for 10 minutes then it's gone when my mind notice that i'm not giving a f*** it just leaves me alone , so whenever you feel anxious or about to get a panic attack in some situation like you're in public or something that trigger it for you , just tell yourself this " i don't care no matter what happen to me i just don't care so there you go anxiety do your thing it's not like the first time anyways" ( you'll feel anxious and you'll feel like you're about getting a panic attack and that's completely OK and normal ) and last thing i'd like to mention , i know most of us people that deals with anxiety , thinks that their life is ruined forever and that they will never be happy again and that you're alone , you're NOT alone , there's millions of people like us around the world , we're just so GOOD on hiding it , you'll be alright , anxiety and it's feelings it's just a bunch of chemicals chaos happening in your body , you're not weak you're not crazy , you're just caring too much about everything your head telling you , wish you all a good health it's a war i know a scary one indeed , but you'll WIN anxious people are very brave warriors i know that because i see it . BE THE MASTER NOT THE SLAVE.

Great post Tomo. Anxiety is more common than most would imagine. You’ve helped a lot of people here. ♥️🙏🏻🌅🎵🎶🎸🎼

Ever since experiencing a home invasion, managing anxiety has been a real part of my life and, like you said, it is a hard thing to talk about with people. As a musician/performer, it’s a tough thing to reconcile, because you always have to meet and work with new people, new situations. The anxiety is always there but as you say, it’s like a roommate that I pay less and less attention to as the years go by. Life sometimes can be hard but it is always beautiful. Thank you for sharing your story Tomo

Hi Tomo, I’m struggling with anxiety for about 8 years now and it stems from a trauma in my childhood. As a kid there was I time I experienced panic attacks as well but no one around me took it for serious or knew what it was, therefore it was left untreated. I’m going to therapy for about 2 years now and I must say it helps a lot. Of course most of dealing with it and healing lies within oneself. I’ve learned so much through it and try to live with it as best as I can. I realized by taking care of myself helps me best and heals my inner child. I’ve just started learning guitar, because it was something I’ve always wanted to do as a kid but didn’t had the resources to do so. Now that I’m older I want to live without having any regrets and being more confident. That’s why I think me learning the guitar helps immensely with my healing journey! Thank you so much for sharing your experience and opening up about your past to your community! That just shows how much you trust us and I for myself appreciate it a lot. Thank you!!

Many times in my life there have been upsetting events and hard times that I had to work through. Playing my guitar has always been a positive way to deal with stress and anxiety. I also enjoy playing the blues to help me through those times since it really makes you feel like you're not alone. The artists who played these blues are all linked in that we are human and we have good times and bad. Stay strong out there and just try to be as positive as you can. It really does make a difference.

You have anxieties too? Granted I only know you from your videos but I see you as one of the chillest dudes in the world. Well it’s always nice to find commonalities with others!

Thank you for sharing your struggle, Tomo. I'm sure there are a lot of us that can relate.

One thing that you mentioned in your video hits home. Sensitive people are prone to anxiety. I went through a terrible time for years and didn't understand why me. I was fisically fit, raced motorcycles, traveled cross country, restored old houses with my wife. Then it started. The same symptoms that you described. I got so bad I couldn't drive my car to the doctors. I fought taking meds. Maybe that was a mistake, not sure. My wife's support and constant reassurance to try various methods to deal with it eventually allowed me to get back to almost normal. This world has become very unkind and it hurts to see others suffer. Thinking too much about the negative can make my anxiety flare up. Like you I try to focus on the good. Best advice I received was surround yourself with happy kind people. I'm 68 years old now and just learning to play guitar. Thank you for your videos.

Suffered through it my whole life.. breathe man...breathe..thanks for having the courage to talk about this...it will help a lot of people 😁♥️

I have anxiety, if I dwell on the past I can drift into remorse, if I think too much about the future I can get fearful. If I practice living in today and minding my own business and just to do the next thing in front of me things usually go well. If I focus more on fixing my own problems rather then bitchin’ about someone else’s my life in better. The last thing I try to remember when something or someone upsets me I ask myself “Do I want to be right or do I want to be happy?”. Stay strong Tomo, sometimes I forget “Life is fair, it’s hard on all of us”. Remembering this helps me avoid feeling like a victim.

Anxiety is a very complex ailment for many people. Some people who have never suffered from it may ask questions like, how can someone like this who is such a great guitar player and musician, who seems to have it all get anxious about things? Listening to guys like you is a great medicine for other sufferers, and talking about it can only be a positive thing and help yourself too.

Thanks so much Tomo! I’ve had anxiety/depression in the past and thankfully have learned to manage it- talking about it was really what helped me even though it was the absolute last thing I wanted to do. Hopefully you’ve encouraged others to talk and realise they aren’t alone. I always appreciate your positivity and your open handed teaching through Guitar Wisdom, thank you so much and lots of love as always from bonnie Scotland! 👍🎸💥🤘

In my 20s I developed severe anxiety. It got so bad that on three occasions I hyperventilated to the point of passing out. I went through numerous medical and psychological tests. They looked for blood sugar. They looked for hormonal levels. They ultimately found nothing. At the time I was a pilot, when I reported these occurrences to the flight surgeon, I was immediately grounded and lost my flight physical. That was that. As you might imagine, this made my anxiety even worse. Then one day I was driving on the freeway and began to feel anxious, I really panicked as I thought I might pass out and cause a major accident. I exited as fast as I could and as soon as I was out of danger, my anxiety disappeared. I mustered up the courage, told myself that I was in charge of myself, and got right back on the freeway. My anxieties never came back.

During my hs years I was a very good wrestler and still got tons of anxiety during my matches even when I knew I’d beat the opponent. I’d take multiple shits before I was up on deck it’s a terrible feeling to deal with school should teach kids how to manage anxiety so many deal with it in different areas of their life.

To hear a master of positivity share this sort of history is a profound experience. I am now 68, and although I have learned how to manage the anxiety and depression that have always been part my my nature, I still have room to learn from the experiences of others. Thank you, Tomo, for caring enough about other people to share the lessons you have learned. You are a great man.

It's hard to explain what it's like to have anxiety attacks to someone who has never had them. You are not alone. I'm still learning to deal. Thanks for sharing some of your story. From Brazil.

Thank you for opening up like this. I agree with your point that when we are tired things can do downhill quickly. I had anxiety attacks as a youngster, then really bad after combat service in Vietnam (1967). After a lot of searching I have found a great resource from Japan to handle it. It's the study of the writings of Ichiro Kishimi and Fumitake Koga.

Great video. Nutrition and overall health helps with anxiety as well. Anyone struggling will want to read a book called Brain Energy. The mind effects the body and the body effects the mind. Gut health is key as well. Get good at one thing and you will get more confidence. When your brain runs low on energy, lot's of bad stuff can creep in e.g., anxiety, ocd, depression, mania, etc. As humans, we get into what they call feedback loops. These can be good or bad. Get obsessed on your career, education, health= Good. Form habits around drugs, partying, crime, etc.= Bad. Guitar=always GOOD! Thanks Tomo!

Tomo, your story is almost identical to mine. I struggled for years with anxiety attacks. They started when I was 18 and I couldn’t control them. Then just thinking about having an attack would make me have one. It was really horrible and led to drinking and drugs to try to deal with it, but that just made it worse. It took a long time for me to learn how to control it. Just like you I recognized that it was all in my head and I needed a mental tool to help. Now I’m 55 and I very rarely have any, but if I feel it coming I can control it very quickly just by using the mental tool I learned and by using a breathing technique. People who don’t have them usually don’t understand and will say things like “what’s wrong with you? Why can’t you just relax”, and they get rude or angry. People need to learn more about it so thank you for sharing your story.

"Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God's peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and mind." .

Another great lesson. Your passion inspires me daily Fujita San, I hope whenever you feel anxious or down you can reflect on how many peoples lives you improve daily! ❤

Omg...now i know why i like you. Anxiety ,and what if? crippled me. Everything you're saying in this video could have come from my own life. When i was 19, i decided to try guitar. I've never been to concentrate on anything long enough to learn. But the guitar was different. I taught myself cowboy chords, and in about 3 months, i found myself playing with some neighbors. They told me i was very talented. The kid taught me Norwegian wood. I still remember like yesterday. He said you're playing that better in 15 minutes than i could in 6 months, and i need to pursue music. I was so full of self-doubt i almost thought he was making fun of me. I never saw him again, and i put the guitar down and didn't pick it up for years. Then i tried a few years later, and my girlfriend would sgame the songs i would pick, and i would get self-conscious .so for the last 25 yrs I'd play for a few weeks and put it down. And not touch it for years. So, 23 years later, i get sick. Like death sick. So i refused to die without learning to play some of my favorite songs. Because of how i felt about myself, i surround myself with very negative ppl. My now ex told me i wouldn't make it more than two weeks playing the girl. I tried everything drugs .they didn't work, so i stopped no real issue. But it still almost killed me. I eventually just locked myself away whenever possible. So the only way i could play the guitar is when im calm, and because I'm autistic or something, i see patterns. But that only happens when im calm. My life was literally the worst it ever was . But i was happy. Why? That freaking guitar lets me be me. Because i got into a car accident, i had to relearn what I learned the previous year. I would choke the hell out of the neck. After a two lvl acdf surgery, i couldn't hold the guitar while standing. I'm only just starting now. But because i lost all my strength, i had to learn to have a light touch and proper form. So i had to learn to breathe . I had to correct my posture. I started stretching. This guitar gave me peace. I've only ever had in fleeting moments. Real peace. I feel good about myself now. My god, to think i could have just played the guitar . That's why i was so grateful for your tiny bit of help. I live youtube because i can be honest. I could have never said any of this in the real world. So again, what you have helped me with in my life is priceless and can't be put into words. Im going to stop trying and just say thank you for the last time. I think you get it.

Dear Tomo, that was comforting . Appreciate it so much for what you've share.

Tomo, thank you for your honesty. It is amazing how many of us have dealt with, or are dealing with anxiety. It does help to talk about it and how each of us deal with it. You will never know how many people that you have touched and helped, but I am sure it will touch many.

Been there many years ago; hospital etc.. For me, making sure I get enough sleep is paramount to dealing with my anxiety. Unfortunately anxiety may disrupt good sleep. "When the demon is at your door, in the morning it won't be there no more, any major dude will tell you." - Steely Dan. Another thing that always helped my anxiety was recognizing how many millions of people also deal with the issue. That concept removed some of the teeth of my anxiety. I wasn't alone in my situation. Another quote that helped me was "Nothing is neither good nor bad, lest thinking make it so." Understanding my perspective on things was making them positive or negative. Thank you for making this video - your experience with the mystery of anxiety was just like mine; exhausted and overthinking and overanalyzing. I'm your age and as the years have passed, I've been able to come up with tools that help me - and lately I almost never have anxiety attacks.

I take an Ashwaganda supplement, and that combined with de-escalation techniques helps me a lot. Thanks for talking About this friend 🙌🤙

Hi Tomo! I've been following your channel almost since the beginning. You are a huge inspiration to me! When I was applying for the highest level of music school in my country, I had an anxiety attack during my audition. It meant everything to me, to get into that school. But because of my anxiety attack, I performed at the lowest perfomance I could've done, even though my skill level was about good enough to get in... I even had to stop my second song, mid song, because of the anxiety... And afterwards I had to speak with the teachers. And even though I told them I had an anxiety attack right in front of them, they still told me I probably never should pursue music in my life... They told me that music is not for everybody... It crushed all my dreams of becomming a guitar teacher, which was what I always wanted to do. It's been about 6 years since that day. And my anxiety made me give up on ever trying to audition again for music school... I learned that I didn't want to be in environment, where the teachers and students all had a perfectionistic mentallity. It was too much pressure... So I gave up on my dream, even though I probably could've pushed through... Seeing you succeed so much with music, even though you suffered with so much anxiety is really inspiring. You truely are one of the worlds greats! Keep up the good work!

I'm sorry you had/have to deal with that, Tomo. My flavor is rumination. Guitar helps pull me out of my thoughts.

Hi Tomo ! I had you as a Lab/Ensemble teacher at Berklee during the 90’s. I had the same anxiety issues while I was there. It’s great to hear you talk about it.

I'm from Los Angeles (born and raised there) I started having anxiety attacks in my mid twenties it almost always happened when I was waiting in line at the bank or grocery store It felt like I was hyperventilating my heartbeat increased and it would trigger a fight or flight reaction (so I have been told by my doctors) at the time I was given Xanax but you can't rely on pharmaceuticals and have to find a permanent solution. My problem was stress related like yours from my job, my wife's illness and trying to raise two young children this went on for years until I was laid off from my job and had to move out of state to find a salary we could all live on. ( I worked in Aircraft Mfg. ) It still happened on occasion but not as often being alone for a while I started to take long walks and joined a gym as well as playing guitar with new friends. Long story short my wife died I ended up raising my children alone and along the way I learned how to relax and realize that we are not defined by what we do for a living but rather how we treat others and deal with life's challenges. Your mantra of Don't Worry" and "Be Kind to Yourself" really resonate with my own way of life. Thanks for sharing :) Mr. Fujita.

Very Cool, Thankyou for sharing your story. I too suffer Anxiety and Depression. But find getting lost in music helps me. All the best.

Thank you so much for sharing your story. As with much of your work here your knowledge and generosity along with your heightened ability to clearly explain highly complicated materials and communicate a method for others to begin to understand and learn is very much appreciated. You bring light to some dark places for me the value of cannot be comprehended by myself and most probably much of your audience. You are a great musician and a very good man .

Thank you for sharing this, Tomo! I can completely relate. I have been suffering from anxiety and panic disorder since the 80's and maybe before (not sure). It has kept me from experiencing and being a better person. It also keeps me from playing guitar with other people. The anticipation leads to such intense feelings that I just stay away from it. I have been to a therapist and that really helps. The only way that I can take the edge off is by taking anxiety meds. Again, thank you so much for sharing your story. It does help others 🙂

Thanks for this, Tomo! I read somewhere that you need to focus on what you can control (the way you react on things outside your control) since that is the only thing you have a power over to choose. Another thing in that book mentioned that let it all happen and accept that things happen for a reason. Ease up and think of the things you can control and deal with the situation you're in. I am not a master yet but I am using this and when I saw your video just now about dealing with anxiety, it validates that we are all going through something. Again, thanks for this one, I really do appreciate it.

Firstly, I want to thank you for having the courage and candor to share something so deeply personal! I am no stranger to anxiety and while I have only had 1-2 full-blown anxiety attacks in my life, it's been a part of my life and increasingly so in the last years. It seems like a more recent decision to be more open about personal things (if the video about gear is any indication) and again I applaud you because responses on social media can be tough to deal with. I always had the stupid notion that Japanese culture is very buttoned up in this regard: one does not ever share one's feelings and innermost personal thoughts. How wrong I was! Apologies. You are a special human being, Tomo-San. I appreciate you. 共 ありがとう ございます

You are great. You have taught me so much about music. Now you are teaching me about life.

I've had anxiety attacks since I was a kid, and I'm older than you. I really appreciate hearing about your experiences and what's helpful for you. I'm not a guitarist, but I love music; your playing, teaching and philosophy are great! Very glad you're here!

Dear Tomo, thank you for sharing your experience. I had a similar experience where I ended in a hospital as well. I believe it was a break point for me. I kept avoiding everything that causes stress, yet I was experiencing it nearly every day. I can easily say I missed a wonderful life. Reason I am writing because I am coming back. After all these years. Music is helping me. I wanted to play the guitar, but I never had the courage. I am 46 now and practicing everyday. I don't scare to fail anymore, I just t-want to learn. I have an excellent teacher who genuinely support my progress. You are also one of very rare people who feels me more enthusiastic about life and especially music. Thank you for that. I wish you all the best.

Tomo you are the best, always stay positive!

私は中国でひどい不安を抱えていたため、昨年の8月に中国から日本に来ました。 私は日本で私の平和を見つけたいと思っています。 今は仕事も兼ねて、日本語を勉強したり、ギターを習ったり、自分のやりたいこと、自分にできることをやろうとしています。 少しずつ良くなっているのを感じますので、先生にも良くなってほしいです。 あなたのビデオを見ることは、あなたと顔を合わせてチャットするようなものです、ありがとうございます。😁

The same introspect we rely on to thoughtfully improve ourselves often puts people at odds when we focus on something we cannot understand, control, and resolve. It is hard to cope with, hard to look inward and ascertain you have something from your Id ringing your alarm bells, and hardest to articulate the ask for help. So I salute you, Fujita Sensei, for having the courage to very publicly share your struggle. Anyone with crippling anxiety or depression is encouraged to find a person or a place to get these thoughts out of your head and into daylight, where their power to control you diminishes as dialogue develops. Ive certainly had anxiety, fear, and true despair from work, personal loss. Enjoying music really has helped cane it out of me, even when someone else plays it. Singing also profoundly helps me purge an emotional blockage. What you mentioned about sleep, karate, health; all of that being consistent has similarly + positively affected my ability to navigate this life. At any rate, anyone who struggles with something they cannot understand or resolve is encouraged to share their demons in a safe space where we can talk-out the power they exert over you. It is a normal part of the human experience to feel not great and together we can work it out.

I have certainly been down this road. Thank you for sharing.

Thank you for sharing your experience. Shared pain is half the pain, shared joy is twice the joy

Thank you Mr.Fujita.(Tomo san) Life is difficult,but we have to live.(mental,economical,relationship,, too much problems..) Artists have more sensitive soul,I think. I have hard time (cause of money,health,family,age issu.) But I have to say thank you, your site (music &talking& your succes)help and save my soul. (And I follow ”Markus K world music busking release my soul.) Thank you Mr.Fujita again. You are honest parson.

I have your same problem Tomo, and I am developing many antidotes. All your tips are great: get prepared in advance, sleep, healthier living...Also conscious breathing and meditation help!

Tomo San, you are DA MAN. I use some good cannabis to handle the anxieties I encounter. That, and now I have you to calm me and keep me learning my music. Teach on Brother!

I really appreciate your sharing. I deal with the same thing. Some days are better than others. Guitar helps, the gym helps, quality diet, and I study Stoicism. That is the biggest help by recognizing that I am in control of my thought process. I could go on and on…. Thanks again❤

Thanks for sharing this Tomo. It takes courage to share vulnerabilities and you made the decision to face that so that others could learn. Again. A great teacher. I've suffered anxiety myself. More when I was young but every once in a while still. Stage fright was a huge problem for me but I learned a big lesson when I was asked to sing for the band I was in. The first night I was terrified but the moment came for me to sing and I realized that this fear and anxiety was energy. All emotion is energy. I realized this at that moment and refocused the fear and turned it around and let that energy power my voice. It was an amazing moment and a life lesson. Fear is energy. All emotion is energy. If you are aware of that you can use it. Thanks again for sharing.

Fighting anxiety my whole life. The worst was bad case stage fright, performing on stage. Now older and retired it's getting worse. I hear you my brother it's rough. We can stand together to fight it. I am here for you and you are here for me, thank you for this. Yes guitar helps.

thank you for sharing your experience Tomo you have given me some tools i can use for my own anxiety issues

Truly amazing and such a brave person you are to share. I suffer from anxiety also. It can make you worry and it can hurt physically sometimes. It does pass with time and learning how to control it and live with it gives you your power and life back. Awesome vid and hoping it helps someone! 🤘🔥

Thank you for the video! Your experience of living with anxiety is interesting and is important for me to know. It seems that I've met with anxiety earlier in my life and it was stronger and impact on my life more. The first thing that you reminded me - is that we really should accept what we have and who we are. Every one of us is unique anyway. And even if we have in mind the standards, the ideals, the expectations of others and of our own - we should live our life our way, based on our own real needs. And not blame self for not being a superhuman perfect in any situation in any activity. So, we need to live accepting who we are and find the way to live pleasantly. In my life it seems to detour me to avoid some activities and some conversations, contacts with active people that I really wanted to be with. So, maybe finding the way to make it possible to be in some activities you want, finding the way to explain the people that are important to you what shocking you in some situations they unintentionally create and why your anxiety goes up - rather than just avoid this activities, situations, people - is perhaps a kind of art, and maybe we can grow in this art to live more full life. Ok, we can live with this. But can we do something to change anxiety reactions? For a long time I thought that I cant do anything, and can only adapt to it more, or someone else free of such anxiety problem can help. But now it more and more seems to me that something is possible to do by myself, and maybe only by myself I can truly deal with it. Your approach for willing to clarify the things is close to my filing about that. P.S. I've tried to be as clear as possible in writing out my thoughts, but English is not native for me - so that is how it is : )

Thanks for sharing, these are important topics. What I've learned is that the harder I fight anxiety, the harder it hits me, the more I accept anxiety, the less it hits me. It's still there, and sometimes almost feels incapacitating, but it's definitely become something I can live with since I stopped fighting it. Meditation was instrumental for me in this. I would love the hear what your anxiety "sounds" like if you had channel it through your guitar, as my anxiety is often a source of inspiration. I can find do so cathartic.

Good morning Tomo. Just wanted to send you some love and I hope you have a nice day today and get to share some music. Your impact continues to ripple out to the world. Thank you for doing so much to make the world a better and more joyful place for so many people!

Thanks for sharing, Tomo. The most powerful drug in the world: SLEEP.

I've admired your playing for years, little did I know you were such a good, honest, kind, and sensible person too, Mr Fujita. I hope soon I'll get the chance to subscribe to your program to learn guitar, it would be an honor to have someone like you as a teacher. Thank you for what you do and for sharing your stories. I'd love to hear more conversational videos from you.

One love tomo , I too have attacks and it is as scary as a heart attack or watching my guitar hit the floor , helplessly. We as brothers and sisters should learn to love one another and empathize with each others short falls. Peace, love and granola✌️

Great story! Everyone has their own baggage that they carry, and it is that baggage that makes that individual special! The baggage that you carry has made you an amazing guitar player, as well as an amazing teacher and human being! Don’t worry about what people think about you! Not everyone is perfect! You have taught so many people many things that they will carry with them for the rest of their lives! You just keep being you and keep doing what you do, because that’s your thing and you do it extremely well!! As your shirt says “Don’t worry, be kind to yourself “!

Hits home more than I often admit. Subscribed. (THANK YOU!!).

Hi, I think you're a very nice person (and good guitar teacher and player as well), not so many people share personal experience and thinking in a sincere and honest way. I'm pretty sure that your thinking and advices might help other people. Music and guitar, like many other human activities, may be very stressing, so the key in the life is to be capable of dealing properly with stress, not an easy task sometimes. Keep on an good luck!!!

My anxiety comes from my hearing impairment dealing with communication challenges. Having so many bad experiences communicating I get anxious when I know I’m going to challenged. The last few years have been really difficult with face masks. I was so stressed and drained at the end of the day I would have no energy to learn or play guitar and I couldn’t tolerate jamming with other veterans. Even when I tried to learn it wasn’t productive as I found myself all over the place on RU-vid and not progressing. I’ve found medical cannabis to be helpful to stay focused when learning and assist me socialize in noisier environments; reducing the anxiety and isolation.

Great video indeed; I know anxiety very, very well indeed and I had to learn how to deal with it throughout my entire life and that's why I feel tremendous respect and admiration for you. And just like you, I've never allowed this "wild beast" to wreck my life or stop me from doing the things that I want. Thanks a lot for sharing your experience and setting such a precious example.

Just under 3 minutes in, I was thinking.. why is Tomo telling my story .. anxiety probs all my life, musical mother showed me the mouthharmonica and opened up my ears; without karate, played waterpolo .. Carlton etc, .. did Larry cause a trauma in me😊? wonderfull open, honest and helpfull story, TY Tomo.🎉 great teacher and rollmodel you are. Even for a 63 year old greyhound.. finding out to live with myself , still have 'm , acceping it: wise man You are. TY, no compare.😊

I so much appreciate this conversation. I have been overcoming anxiety issues my whole life (I am 53). A couple of times I ended up passing out and in the hospital. People in my life tried their best to understand but they didn't. Thanks for sharing a very personal and misunderstood issue. Every person has something they are dealing with, we should be compassionate and respectful of that.

Thank you for this, Tomo. You've helped me very, very much, I appreciate you.

My favorite thing about this channel is that you always take your time to help us and answer our comments and questions. Thank you Tomo you are very positive influence to a lot of people on here.

Thank you for this Mr Fujita. When someone who’s skills and craft seem beyond attainable reveals their vulnerabilities and struggles, it inspires people beyond their self imposed horizons.

i can no longer enjoy life because of anxiety. it has taken everything from me. good video though

I’ve been on a hiatus from my musical career for the last 4 years because of high anxiety. Anxiety, along with the other issues that it brings, have the potential to totally drain the joy out of your life. Thank you for sharing your story and I hope you’re doing well!

Hi Tomo, thank you for your openness, humility and honesty. I am glad to hear you have found a technique that helps to control your anxiety. I have not heard of that method before but, I am going to borrow your idea the next time I have an episode. I usually try mindfulness or anchoring. Even pressing my toes to the floor to shift my focus to something else. Take care and best wishes to you and yours ✌🏻

Tomo, thanks for sharing your story. This will help others understand that you can look happy on the outside with a great personality but inside dealing with anxiety. More and more popular RU-vidrs are discussing mental health and how the last couple of years has taken a toll. This help their followers know they are not alone and nothing is wrong with them. Always that stigma with the general public that depression and anxiety was brought on by individuals lifestyle/behavior. That’s far from the truth. It can be triggered by any major point in time of someone’s life. That’s usually the case imo. Bless you Tomo.

Thank you for sharing Tomo 😊. You are a truly great person and it shows. I am 43 and have struggled with depression and anxiety my whole life. Currently having a really bad couple of days so this is nice to hear that I am not alone. Btw I attended Music Tech/McNally Smith in Minneapolis around 2000 and we had some teachers from Berklee too. I am really enjoying your videos. Thank you! Much ❤

first！！

人様の死を軽く見ている方がおっしゃっている言葉は全く本心に聞こえないですし嘘にしか聞こえないです。大きなお世話ですがもう少し分別のある金儲けをやるべきだと思います。

Thank you Mr. Fujita. Your story is not only very inspiring and powerful but you have such a lighthearted approach that brings a smile to my face. Thank you for sharing it with us. You are not only an incredible musician and teacher but also a person to look up to as a human being. Best wishes from Colombia.

Such a good lesson that you have contributed even beyond music that is very valuable. Thank you for sharing.

Thanks for sharing, Tomo I make a joke of almost everything, that is my main 'defense mechanism' , and some people hate me for it, so I can relate to being a loner of sorts, that and growing up in the country. Music and comedy are my medicine, and a little smoke once in a while. Now my anxiety is when I worry about my 11 year old mini pincher that is crippled giving up on life, but he's still loving life, too :) I feel like I just turn my back when it happens and walk on, like walking through fire, if you don't mind, it don't matter :) Now my biggest anxiety is if I'm getting back to work before bills swallow me , I make pretty good money when I get jobs come in, so I can catch up quick Thanks again, Tomo, for some normal abnormalicy ;) jus' funnin' Thanks for not making me feel like I have to chase something that I'll never catch Now if I could just write a song about some of this stuff... ( I Edited out the touchy stuff now that it's been read)

I get anxiety as well from some child hood experiences. Meditation, music, outdoor exercise, zazen meditation, self love, freinds familly and my dog Ted relieves it. I hope you are doing well. 😀

Thank you for sharing. Your experience is likely very common, but often unspoken. A few opinions I can think to add. These are just my personal opinions. #1. As an outsider here in Japan, and being somewhat sheltered from much of the usual pressures, I have observed anxiety and fear is especially prevent here. ( The virus added tremendously to this. In America, very few people wear masks 😷 But over here, I see nearly everyone wearing them, even when they are alone in a car, or on a motorcycle. I believe the news media has people living in fear and anxiety. I believe the media is greatly exaggerating the danger of this current mutated less dangerous virus, causing unnecessary anxiety. ) I have observed in this amazing ancient culture there is pressure to conform to whatever is the societal norm. Individualism is ( to a large degree) not encouraged. A Japanese expression here is loosely translated to English as this; The nail that sticks out gets hammered down. 出る杭は打たれる。 Bullying in school is often prevalent because of this mindset. This also creates pressure, and gifted artistic people ( especially kids) who may think differently than most often feel great pressure to conform. This is especially difficult for them, and hinders their God given creativity, which adds so much to society. #2. The passing of guitar great Jeff Beck has had an effect on guitar players. I have seen musicians quite emotional talking about their shock and sadness on RU-vid. A death of those we know causes us to look at life’s big picture, and realize how short our time on this earth is. We often suppress those thoughts as we are busy living our lives, then when a death of someone close to us occurs, it can be quite difficult to process it, and deal with it emotionally. I am not sure that anyone is fully reconciled with this difficult reality of dying, and the thought of it causes anxiety. I have heard it said, death is a part of life. I respectfully disagree with this. I believe death is not natural, but is the consequence of the world being under the curse of sin and death. It was not always like this, and thankfully will not always be this way. So, fear and anxiety about this is part of what can also overwhelm our thoughts and cause anxiety. #3. My faith in God helps me greatly with anxiety. The Bible tells us not to fear many many times. God has an ultimate plan. God will make all things new in the future, and He loves us unconditionally ! I truly believe this, and when I became a follower of Jesus it opened a new and more positive way of understanding the world God created, but is fallen. Here is a verse I like that applies to the topic. Thanks again, and keep up the wonderful inspiring guitar music ! Philippians 4:6-8 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable-if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-think about such things. 4:6どんなことでも、思い煩うのはやめなさい。何事につけ、感謝を込めて祈りと願いをささげ、求めているものを神に打ち明けなさい。 4:7 そうすれば、あらゆる人知を超える神の平和が、あなたがたの心と考えとをキリスト・イエスによって守るでしょう。 4:8 終わりに、兄弟たち、すべて真実なこと、すべて気高いこと、すべて正しいこと、すべて清いこと、すべて愛すべきこと、すべて名誉なことを、また、徳や称賛に値することがあれば、それを心に留めなさい。

Hello Tomo. Thanks so much for sharing. I really enjoy your channel. I am learning some cool things to add to my guitar playing. You may know my cousin George Russell. He has taught Berkley for many year. He is a Piano player. Please continue with the great content.

Sawadee khrap Tomo, thank You so much for sharing a very valuable lesson in life. You are a great teacher. Greetings from Bangkok.

I have personal experience with this. If your eating vegetarian or vegan you should stop now. You need to eat saturated animal fat especially grass fed but it doesn't have to be. Anxiety is a neurological condition and your neurological system needs to be fed correctly. Once you do this you will find your anxiwty will decrease dramatically. Try fasting. You'll see that you won't have any anxiety attacks while you do that. It's because you are burning your own saturated fat. BTW, throw out all your processed oils. They're poison. Good Luck.

Thanks for sharing this Tomo, I have had the same thing happen to me on about 10 different occasions, some worse than others. When you talked about having an anxiety attack on the freeway I remember when exactly the same thing happened to me, I thought I was dying. People who have this problem will learn to deal with it in their own way once they realise what is actually going on. I got to a point where I would have to breathe into a bag and re-breathe my own breath to get the co2 levels rightin my blood as suggested by one of the doctors I saw about it. It feels like you are suffocating and heart is beating like crazy for no apparent reason. Hyperventilation is part of it too. It's hard to mentally slow down your breathing when you feel like you are not getting enough oxgen as it is. I was so bad with it a few times that when I felt it coming on I would just get myself to my bed then lay down and wait until I passed out from hyperventilation then fall asleep and wake up an hour or so later. It's a debilitating thing and terrifying at first but once you know how to deal with it and you're not going to die, it gets a bit easier to deal with. Still an unpleasant experience but you know what's going on and you will be OK. The last few times it happened to me I just found somewhere to lie down and let it run its course without freaking out about it. Since I learned that, I haven't had a panic attack for years. I think the monster lost it's power once I didn't fear it anymore. I'm glad to see you learned how to deal with it in your own way as well. Many thanks for sharing your experience.

Hello Tomo, first I have to say it takes a Man to allow others witness this vulnerability. I appreciate that you are willing to do this to reach out to others experiencing this anxiety attacks. I can super relate to your life growing up as my life experience was also similar. I still to this day struggle with these attacks. Man, you talk about stage fright... Maybe one day they will go away.... These are awesome video's keep up the great lessons!

Social anxiety is like a gravity, a pull away from the situation. Your entire body going “leave Leave LEAVE.” Now I’m a public speaker for a living but it was a long road.

My anxiety went away after I stopped drinking alcohol. What’s that white guitar behind you? A bass VI?