I have been struggling lately with dizzyness, headaches, and neck tension. I used to have shortness of breath all the time and that symptom has for the most part subsided so i felt like I was getting better. But it seems as though the moment something starts to get better another symptom comes along and beats me down. I was feeling lost and beaten last night which only scared me more. I hold onto a shred of hope that this will all go away and I will be myself once again but the longer an longer it goes the smaller and smaller the hope becomes.

So I guess I am groping for something, an experience with anxiety that someone has beaten, an encouraging story of strength, courage, and happiness at the end. Are there any people here who can do this. I feel that although this may be the lowest a person can feel that if I could beat this it would make me an unbelievably strong person (although I think anyone who faces anxiety like this day after day and still functions and goes on is a strong person). Are there any here who can say "Yes it can be done, I did it"?

Well I don't know about cured, more like under control. I have had anxiety disorders for 18yrs. The first year was pure hell. I felt like I was going crazy and I was going to die. I would sit in my closet (the darkest place in the house). I was unable to watch tv or listen to the radio because of the noise, and forget about going out to a busy store. Way to much noise. It was like there were thousand of sounds going on in my head. I was on overload. Finally when I was sitting in my closet one day wanting to cut my skin off because it hurt so bad and I felt if I could get my skin off it would not hurt so bad. I knew then I needed to get medication. I have been on meds pretty much since then. I have tried to go off, but each time the same symptoms come back. So I feel normal on meds. I still have days that things do not go right or sad days, but they feel more normal now. Are you on meds? Are you talking w/ a couselor. Sometimes just talking w/ someone helps alot. I hope this has helped. :)

Wow, thank you for replying but that actually made me more scared. I know you did not intend that but I suffer from a little hypochondriasis and hearing how severe your story was only made me imagine myself slipping into a similar situation. I appreciate your story and I wish you well. I know I shouldn't let that stuff bother me but unfortunately it does.

If anyone else replies I guess I should request that the story more addresses how positive you feel instead of how bad it was, especially spare me from the graphic details as they only scare me.

do you feel dizzy constantly? i do. its not so much dizzy but just detattched and out of it and lightheaded. i just started treatment and hopefully it will go away.

do you feel dizzy constantly? i do. its not so much dizzy but just detattched and out of it and lightheaded. i just started treatment and hopefully it will go away.


I would say what you described is accurate enough for me. It's sometimes dizzy, but more often it feels like I'm hungover and drunk at the same time. You know headache, bodyache mixed with the sensation that the room and my eyes aren't quite "working together" like my head is turning faster than my eyes can focus.


But I was hoping to not get into this kind of stuff. I really was hoping that we could get some uplifting stories instead of focusing on symptoms.

Jonev11,

I don't know if I can say I am cured of my anxiety but I can definitely say that I now have it under control. When I could no longer tolerate the symptoms of anxiety, I knew I needed to seek the help of a psychiatrist. I also have a good counselor that I have been working with for over a year now.

My doctor put me on medication and I have been able to work with the counselor to move on with my life. The medication has allowed me to function under a great deal of stress on my job, with my daughter, dealing with finances, and taking care of my home. I am a single parent so I have to be the strong one.

It is really amazing to feel free of the symptoms of anxiety. I have much more confidence. I no longer have the social anxiety and am able to interact better with people at work and express my ideas. I am also engaging in social relationships. Medication may not be for everyone, but I would much rather take it than deal with the anxiety.

I would suggest you seek the help of a doctor. You can get your anxiety under control. :wave:

Jonev11,

You have an excellent attitude. To feel you're about as low as a person can feel, but at the same time feel that this can make you an unbelievably strong person, tells me that you WILL become that strong person. A few months ago, I also was feeling about as low as I could feel...things seemed hopeless with no way out. I was very scared and in a highly sensitized and suggestible state of mind which seems to be the case with you and so many others during the difficult times. The whole time though, I felt as you do, that to get through it would make me incredibly strong. All I could do was take one day at a time and see where it led. I started exercising regularly and watching my intake of foods and beverages, avoiding ones that were high in sugar, which overstimulated the mind and nervous system. If you're not exercising, get started now!!!

I also learned that thoughts are only energy, and if you don't feed into them, they will diminish in frequency and will also have less ability to make you anxious. I started practicing "mindfulness" which keeps the attention more on the present moment and away from negative thoughts. When a unwanted thought comes into your awareness, gently return your attention back to the present moment. This was the most important thing I did in order to get where I am now. You will become very mentally strong and more peaceful in your life. I now rarely feel any anxiety and when I do I look at why I'm feeling that way, everytime it comes down to the simple fact that I let my mind wander and dwell on something negative. I then know that I got a bit mentally lazy and got away from my mindfulness practice. This mindfulness practice goes back thousands of years and you can find lots of info on it by doing a search. The best book I've seen on the subject is called "Mindfulness In Plain English". The "Anxiety and Phobia Workbook" is a book I would also recommend and it has a chapter on mindfulness as well.

EVERY anxious moment is an opportunity to learn and grow and become stronger. If you don't view your upsetting moments as opportunities for growth, but instead you see them as something that you just want to get rid of and get back to how things were, then no growth is going to occur and the upsets are probably going to continue. As many say, things happen for a reason. We can "turn the tables" on these seeminly negative moments and make them something that we will look back on and say, "Man, I'm sure glad I went through that hell. Look how much stronger and peaceful I've become. Look at how much more caring and understanding toward others I've become. Look at the personal growth I've obtained".

I feel I've come a long ways in a short time. I never went to get any counseling and never started on any meds. (nothing against any of that, but I sensed the mindfulness, exercise and change of diet was going to work and it has) I feel I have this under control now, and every day I just seem to get mentally stronger, more confident, more at peace, and thus more able to deal with the occasional old thought patterns that creep in, but are becoming less and less as the days go on (remember, thoughts are only energy - don't feed into them and they WILL diminish).

The more successes you have, the more your confidence grows, which in turn brings about even more successes and thus even more confidence. Expect some rough spots along the way, but by seeing them as an opportunity for growth, you will not only obtain that growth, but you will also be taking the "edge" off of them - in other words, their power to cause you anxiety will be diminished because you're no longer viewing them as some sort of scary monster, as I used to.

One day at a time Jonev11, (or actually one moment at a time)
Steve

Wow great post. That is exactly what I was looking for.

I absolutely agree with the "mindfulness". I have been realizing more and more that I am losing track of the present, little things I forget here and there, due to spending a huge amount of energy and time on negative thought patterns. And I have had a lot of thoughts similar to what you talked about. I realize that the only way my thoughts really screw with me is by me "playing along with them" and giving them energy to grow into worse and worse things. I have known that I must starve them. Take away the power that I give them. I know that I am ultimately the one in power and I give these thoughts the power to screw with me. I have recently decided to make a listening tape of things that I want to get done or I enjoy doing so that I can play it and remind myself through the day of the things I should be spending my energy on.

And by the way for everybody, I have been seeing a therapist for 10 months now as well as a psychologist for equally as long and have been on: Zoloft, Paxil, Abilify, Lamictal, Remeron, Klonopin, Ativan, and a Beta Blocker 9in no particular order). So I have been getting professional help and I think therapy has proven to be more useful than any meds. It's just good to hear from someone who "has been there" as opposed to listening to people who might not have the real world experience.

Thank you all for posting. :) :)
Joel

Jonev11,

You're definitely on your way to recovery. You have a good attitude and show good mental skills. Staying strong and positive during the challenging times is one of the biggest keys. The greater the challenge, the greater the learning experience. Be thankful for them, even while they're occurring (not always an easy thing to do). Think of the things that frighten you as your teammates or allies, instead of the opposition or enemy, because ultimately they're doing you a favor by keeping you on course with "mindfulness" and other practices such as proper diet and exercise. Also, the frightening stuff won't seem as scary when you view them as your ally and see the life long good that they're doing you. Stay the course and reap the rewards!

Good job,
Steve

I have been on meds for over 20 years, but there were some years that were very good. I wasn't bothered by anxiety or depression. I was back to my "old self." I went places and everyday I was up by 7:00 a.m. I showered and got dressed right away, and then I was ready to start my day. I ran the house, took care of the kids, went to stores, and was always happy when weekends came around, because my hubby would be home and we were able to do things as a family. There is a lot of hope for you. Take Care......Connie

Hi, Yes I am totally free from all depression and anxiety and fear. I suffered with it for 25yrs. I tried everything I knew to feel better, but nothing worked. I was just miserable to say the least, with no hope for improvement at all. I finally turned to God for help and he helped me. I asked God to forgive me of the sin that I had lived with for so many years, and He forgave me. The joy that filled my heart that day was wonderful. I got saved that day after watching TV evangelists for awhile (month) as they told me who Jesus really is, then I went to my knees while praying a prayer with one of them in my own livingroom. My life changed that day and still is, after all these years of Bible study and going to a good Church. Your life can change too. Jesus has a brand new biginning for anyone who will listen to Gods Word and be obedient to what it says. Jesus Christ is the Son of God and He loves you very, very much... Randy

I was never on medication for my anxiety because I have a fear of taking pills (side effects). I use to have really bad panic attacks, but I have been doing the relaxation CD's along with a breathing technique, and WOW I can not believe how WONDERFUL I am doing. I use to have 1 to 5 attacks a day :eek: , now I am on week 3 with maybe 3 to 5 spells in that entire span of time. I can not believe how much our attacks are brought on by ourselves just jumping the gun on a few small symptoms, then our brains over react and make us go haywire. Once you get the FACT that you are NOT going to die from this, and it is controllable, WOW what a difference it makes in your life. I have went out to eat, gone 4 wheeling, went to a large store and even went to a house party in the last few weeks.... IT HAS BEEN YEARS SINCE I HAVE DONE ANY OF THAT.... Now look at me I am so happy and over joyed that Medication was not the ONLY way out of this :angel: . So please by all means, if you are able and you do not take meds and don't want to start, please be sure to try the Relaxation CD's with the breathing technique.
Please let me know how it works for you, OK. I would love to see people have results like me :wave:
Of course I am a firm believer in Jesus as well, and thanking him every morning for one more day, and being excited about it helps. I use to wake sore and still tired, but now I am thrilled to wake and start another day. My trust in god has made me strong enough to take my life back.... Thank you to my Heavenly Father.

Get a relaxation CD that you prefer, one that you like (soft water falling, birds, a soft voice etc.)
Breathing technique is: Inhale through your nose expanding your abdomen for the count of one -one thousand two one thousand, and exhale through your slightly separated lips for the count of one -one thousand to four one thousand.
If you BELIEVE in the power of prayer, as I do.... you will cure yourself, it's a fact.... God doesn't want his children to suffer, it is just a test, you have to make the rite move (to God). Just remember you will be fine, you will NOT die from this, it will NOT hurt you, it will pass. We make ourselves get all anxious.....We don’t have to be this way, don’t give up! God Bless us all :angel:

Thank You all. I agree with all you've said. It is a very tough test and when you slip it knocks you back down. Sometimes you just need to hear a good story to perk you up.

Jonev11,

I was diagnosed with panic disorder in 2002, and the first 3 months were miserable...I finally went on light meds (enough to stabilize), and started group therapy. Group therapy was really good because you hear other "normal" people talking about the same crappy symptoms that you went through, and it gives you strength and confidence that you will make it through. I had 3.5 good years, but lately the beast has come back to haunt me, probably because i've moved to a new country and have a new job with long hours. I know I will get through it though.

One thing to keep in mind....millions of people have overcome anxiety, BUT those people aren't generally on the internet talking about it. They have moved on with their lives. Its easy to get down on yourself because every single forum is full of people who are having a rough time, which further bums you out. I really appreciate the support of those that ARE feeling good, but post to give encouragement to others.

Bottom line, you will get over it....but limit your internet time. It will make a hypochondriac out of you! :-)

Jonev11,

Bottom line, you will get over it....but limit your internet time. It will make a hypochondriac out of you! :-)


This is so true. I am a hypochondriac already :rolleyes:

And It's also true that millions of people have overcome this, I just wish more of them would stick around to help, but I respect the idea of moving on with life. :)

:) ;) After suffering with anxiety for over twenty years I have finally found what I will term a "cure" for me.
Many years ago, an amino acid called Tryptophan )pronounced TRIP toe fan) was being imported. ONE SHIPMENT became contaminated , 37 people died and the FDA stepped in and ALL tryptophan was banned. Until recently.
Now you can buy it. Please try one bottle. Take 1,000 mg at bedtime for one week and you should suddenly, out of the blue, be a changed person. That is usually 2 capsules. It has worked a miracle in my life.
I finished half my first bottle and ordered a new bottle today so I won't run out. I have NO side effects. It is terrific for depression AND anxiety AND insomnia due to anxiety and depression.
I do hope this helps someone out there. TRYPTOPHAN :bouncing:

:) ;) After suffering with anxiety for over twenty years I have finally found what I will term a "cure" for me.
Many years ago, an amino acid called Tryptophan )pronounced TRIP toe fan) was being imported. ONE SHIPMENT became contaminated , 37 people died and the FDA stepped in and ALL tryptophan was banned. Until recently.
Now you can buy it. Please try one bottle. Take 1,000 mg at bedtime for one week and you should suddenly, out of the blue, be a changed person. That is usually 2 capsules. It has worked a miracle in my life.
I finished half my first bottle and ordered a new bottle today so I won't run out. I have NO side effects. It is terrific for depression AND anxiety AND insomnia due to anxiety and depression.
I do hope this helps someone out there. TRYPTOPHAN :bouncing:


Tryptophan is in turkey. It's supposed to be the reason why you get sleepy after eating a lot of it. It sounds interesting, but I think I will hold off on adding another supplement/medication until I lose all hope of beating this a more convetional way like with my mind. I think the ultimate solution comes from the mind and not a pill, although I would give almost anything to feel well for even a whole week again. It almost sounds like a magic pill to me and I told myself long ago there are no magic pills, but who knows?

Anyway I appreciate your suggestion and I am super excited and happy for you! :) :) :bouncing:

Another note on Tryptophan, it is supposed to raise seratonin levels which in theory are what affect your mood. Doesn't St. Johns Wort claim to do the same? Has anyone therefore had any effect with St. Johns Wort?

St John's Wort is effective in depression (mild) for SOME. Tryptophan is effective for anxiety,depression and insomnia.
I only wish that we could "talk ourselves out" of anxiety, reasoning with ourselves that there's No Reason to feel this way. I suppose some have had success with it but I've not read of any. :rolleyes:
Tryptophan is not a medication, it's an essential amino acid that few of us get in sufficient quantities to raise serotonin levels (the 'feel good' hormone).
Thus, it possibly can be purchased in healthfood stores. I buy Vitacost vitamins; have for years.
One reason I have little faith in non-pill solutions for anxiety is that I've had it for over 20 years. So during that time I've obviously tried many different approaches--tapes, mind control, books. Only tryptophan has made any difference. A Lot of difference :)

I consider myself almost cured!!! I think part of the cure is knowing what is causing the problems and dealing with that. My story is probably quite different to your circumstances but I know how scary anxiety is and thank god I am over most of it. I have suffered chronic back pain for 12 years, one year it just got worse and worse and worse and I just scared myself to death thinking the pain is getting unbearable. I gave myself anxiety/panic disorder. It took a long time to really believe this was what I had. I couldnt believe my body could do this to me. I was constantly in panic, could feel all those horrible chemicals pouring into me making me tense. I got so bad I was bedridden for a time. I felt like I had an illness that was undiagnosed. My body was always twitching everywhere, cramping muscles, I even developed a frightful stutter, my eyesight in one eye even got bad!! Anyway I went on the paxil (didnt want to but was desperate) and it eased my panic, I was also on pain killers, I was taking a mix of 20 pills each day. I found 1 lorazapan a day began to relax my muscle tension and I slowly felt more confident that my pain would get better. I am much better now, still have some back pain but I can live with it and try not to worry. I gradually stopped medications as and when I felt I could and finished paxil in Oct 05. I get a little morning anxiety on waking and sometimes get a bit jittery during the day but I believe one day it will all be gone once all my hormones and stuff have calmed down to normal. Waiting to lose some weight I gained. But when I look at where I am now and where I was, its a huge difference. I remember thinking "I dont want to live like this but I dont want to die either" Hang in there. Hope this helps.

iv had anxiety for 17 years im still here it has not gone away but i learn not 2 let my thoughts rule my head let the feelings pass and dont give them fuel with thought

iv had anxiety for 17 years im still here it has not gone away but i learn not 2 let my thoughts rule my head let the feelings pass and dont give them fuel with thought



Thank you all for contributing.

I just got back from a small vacation that involved plane flights (whichmany people suffering from anxiety could be your worst nightmare) I had a good time and feel somehow stronger.