Moving further forward with anxiety.

Mental health
1

Hello all,

I started having anxiety attacks when I was back in school almost 10 years ago. It sparked from a specific event, when a troubled young man decided to take some frustration out on my face a couple of times. Not nice for me, but in reality it wasn't really a big deal.

Anyway, 10 years later and having tried various methods to rid myself of the disorder including therapy, hypnosis and medication (when I was 14/15) I have found the best way to deal with my irrational mind has been to put myself in the 'worst' situation I could be in and just get on with it! 

My 'fear' very much steams from feeling unsafe in unfamiliar places with a dash of irrational fear of 'what people might do to me'. Of which, my anxiety feeds off. When I was younger I really struggled to go anywhere without becoming extremely overwhelmed in trying to cope with something I really didn't understand. However, within the last 6/7 years I have pushed myself through enjoying the local night life in my teens through to travelling the world in my twenties. These are acheivements I am extremely proud of and I think I have learnt exactly what my mind is doing when I fall victim to anxiety. That being said the phycological and physiological affects are still very much in play. 

My question is, now that I understand why I have anxiety attacks to the point I am more than aware I am being irrational, how do I move forward? Or perhaps personal experiences you have had to overcome similar situations? Although I am in control, or certainly a lot more than I was, I would like to truly overcome this to a higher degree.

Thanks so much in advance. Any advice is greatly appreciated.

Matt

2

Have you come across a book by Paul David called a life at last? I think you would find that really useful. 

I think you just need to carry on doing the things that you want to, anxious feelings or not. You know you are in control. 

3

Mindfulness is supposed to be very good. 

4

I am very proud of you for being able to recognize your problem, and at least know what is happening and are in control...that is more than half the battle...I have found that if I put my hands straight forward and shake them, saying I will NOT let this panic attack happen, that it disappears most of the time...For some reason your body likes to be in control of your thoughts, like a mind of it's own...You have to show it who's boss....HUGS.

5

I haven't no. I will look it up. Thanks very much.

6

Hi Carole,

That's quite interesting! Do you feel like the hands are significant? 

Thanks for replying.

Matt

7

Matt:  There are a lot of nerve endings in the hands...Shake them as hard as you can unless you have any injuries or reasons not to, medically...while you are shaking them, repeat it over and over again...I will not have anxiety, I will not have depression, etc....Good luck!!

8

Ah. That's a great idea. It sounds like something that would help become more mindfull and present in the current situation. Whatever that might be. Thanks for the tip!