Since We Are All Complaining

I felt like crap longer than you, and most here, and it's my opinion that talking about feeling like crap makes you feel like crap more. I used to feel great after feeling like crap, really wonderful, so I gave more thought to the great feeling after that crap feeling. So, you may not like my opinion, so be it, I won't lose any sleep over it.

If all of you keep harping on that panic, OMG feeling, of course it will keep you company because fear breeds fear, breeds fear, and so on, and so on. Yes, it's nice to know there are others who have the same fear of fear, but doesn't that feed what you are feeling. I used to scare the sh*t out of myself for a hell of a long time, I identify with most of you. But I learned to recognize the total BS that I was putting myself through. Maybe I'm one of the few that stopped believeing in the boogy man that I kept alive for my own reasons, and all of you have your own reasons, try to identify with them, try to be a detective, and find why it is that you gave "Captain Howdy" life, I found mine,

Yes you can have your opinion, but if you have fended of your demons why are you on this site?

Why am I on this site? Well, to prove that there is light at the end of the tunnel. No one can be completely free, I get the occasional twinges, it's the way we're wired, I hate redundancy, so I won't repeat my opinions, but I'm sure the more you think about tension, the embers keep hot, then that flame appears, and the fire starts, for some it's a fire storm, I empathize for them, being trapped in the middle of that pretend storm that feels real. However wouldn't it be great to hear from someone in a cancer forum that survived, I used to be in cancer forums, I used to talk to cancer patients, I was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2005. So, whats the problem with me being in an anxiety forum, just because I survived doesn't mean I shouldn't be here, right, stressed2thdmax?

Hey i get what your saying, I aint saying you shouldnt be here but just try and remember when you were at your wits end and you just needed comforting words and reassurance from others who could relate to where you were coming from, maybe im misreading your comments but to me some of them are quite harsh, im glad you have survived as we all will im sure, but in our darkest moments we just need someone to chat to and this site is great for that.

The reality is, at least for me, I opened the door to panic, it began in the early 70's. I lived with the onslaught for many years believing it was necessary, a part of me, I was conditioned. The more it happened, the more the conditioning process took hold. Yes, comforting words can be helpful, but IMO they're like bandaids, the real causes are still active.

I know how difficult it can be to interrupt the conditioning, but in doing so, it can begin the healing process. 

 

I empathize for them, being trapped in the middle of that pretend storm that feels real. (From my last post).

I do empathize with those that are afflicted with anxiety, and I do understand the comfort of others identifying with similar problems. I'll always remember the panic, it's like being an alcoholic, that never changes, even though the drinking has stopped. I guess I just became very bored with scaring myself, and realizing it was a conditioned response, and I had better things to do than play Holloween 24/7. I'm not making light of this panic thing, I'm saying it plays a big joke on our selves mimicking real physical problems, now thats really boring.

Here's what works for me, I visualized what I feel like after an episode, I said to myself it's over, and I realized there really wasn't any need to go through the feeling. Now, there will always be the memories, the mind cannot wipe it all out, but again, for me it's like a bully that is fat, flabby, and weak, it's the false importance I gave it, it's not worthy of giving it any significance because it's a paper tiger, lots of bluster, but nothing to back it up. Think about it, I'm going on 77, I've had it for many years, I fought cancer, and ironically I didn't have any anxiety when I was going through the treatments. Even the doctors asked if I needed sleep aids, I told them no, I accepted what I had, thought positive, and followed the advice of the doctors.

It's thinking positive that helped me, it's knowing that those bad feelings are just that, "bad feelings" that is like a small bump in the road, you pass over it. and the road is smooth ahead, even though, there could be other bumps, your suspension is strong, and your momentum is never interrupted.

hi Tracie, even though its genetic, it doesnt mean we have to accept it. There is so much more knowledge and info about illnesses now.  You can get better, - counselling CBT, self help, its possible and the sooner you start the better.  All these things will help to change how you cope with feelings and react to life events. As trikkerguy and i have said, we cannot change the past but we wish we could, so many years of suffering.  I found and still do find meditation helpful,(concentrating on breathing and pushing thoughts away, also helps me get to sleep. journalling..writing down my thoughts and feelings (dont need to do it now), distraction, for me tin whistle, sudoku, ....just to illustrate, I went to an art class today, feeling pains in my arm and hot and a bit anxious.  i got so engrossed in what i was doing, when I came out I realised I hadn't had a pain the whole time.  Work at it, you will get there. I also loved the painting and have found something i can't wait to do again.