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 Carlito
Enthusiast
Registered: 03/05/05
Posts: 3,968
Loc: Everywhere
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 Anxiety sufferers, please read.
#7945500 - 01/28/08 02:03 PM (10 months, 1 day ago) |
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I've been seeing a lot of posts in this forum about anxiety. A lot of people are dealing with anxiety from bad psychedelic trips or some other traumatic event in their lives that was the catalyst. I used to be an anxiety sufferer as a result of a few back-to-back bad trips. I went through daily panic attacks and high levels of anxiety.
This was a dark time in my life and I was bound to rid myself of it for good. I considered a few options including therapy and prescription drugs. I also seriously considered self help, as there are a lot of programs out there to help people with anxiety. After many weeks of research I decided to take the self help approach and purchased a system (more on that later).
I spent the next few days putting the system to use and I knew in a single moment I was going to succeed. When I first came to terms with my anxiety at that time, I was in tears. I knew I was the cause of it, but I didn't know how to make it stop. I contemplated suicide at one time simply because I knew I wouldn't have to deal with it if I was dead. Now these types of thoughts were mere seconds and no real action was taken or tried, but they were still there.
First and foremost, I think it is very important to understand how anxiety occurs (for those of you who have no idea). Anxiety levels are controlled by a small organ in the brain called the amygdala (a-mig-da-la). When a traumatic event is experienced the amygdala can become reset to have a higher than normal level of anxiety. This is especially true when psychedelic trips occur at high doses when the user is not properly prepared for the experience or some other traumatic event. Because the amygdala has been reset, you may start to experience high anxiety levels from situations that would normally produce a low-level anxious response.
Once high levels of anxiety are experienced your mind will begin the "flight or fight" response by instructing the adrenal glands to secrete epinephrine and nor-epinephrine. This causes your heart to race with the sudden rush of adrenalin. The problem with this type of physical response is that you are not in any physical danger so the adrenalin has no way of subsiding. You will find yourself stuck in a state, for a short period of time, where you may become fearful. The fear is a response because you are experiencing the physical affects , not necessarily the mental aspects.
You may find that you will start having an anxiety attack when you experience sensations or thoughts that you associate with your bad trip or traumatic event. This can include blurred vision, upset stomach, dizziness, and heart rate increases. If you were on an empty stomach at the time, you may start to associate hunger with that experience and bring on an anxiety attack.
The most important thing for you to remember is that you are not going to die and you are in no danger. They are just sensations. What I highly recommend is for you to start practicing thought diversion. When you have thoughts or sensations that you would begin to associate with your anxiety, divert those thoughts immediately. Count backwards from 100, breathe in slowly and deeply and exhale in the same manner. Slowing your breathing will aid in slowing your heart rate. Do not stop what you're doing! This will only reinforce the behavior and could lead to agoraphobia.
You need to remember that anxiety is a result of behavioral conditioning. As long as you continue to act anxious in situations that do not warrant that response, you will have anxiety attacks. Once you can master thought diversion, for starters, you will find that your behavior will change and your anxiety levels will come down. The other important aspect to recovery is to fill every moment of every day. If you find yourself with too much time on your hands, you may start to dwell on these bad feelings and provoke an anxiety attack.
The other important aspect to anxiety is you. You control the anxiety levels. You can stop the anxiety at any time. You, and only you, have to power to choose not to behave in an anxious manner. As soon as you realize who is in control of your anxiety, you can stop it in its tracks.
It is important to discuss the use of prescription drugs, as they seem to play a role in many of these situations. I'm going to say it because it needs to be said again; drugs do nothing but mask the problem. There is not a single anxiety sufferer that can claim to be cured from drugs because only YOU can bring anxiety levels back to normal. While it may seem the drugs are helping you, the ultimate cure of your anxiety will always be you.
I feel this distinction must be drawn. We as a society have become way too dependent on drugs and it's tearing us apart. If you're on anxiety medication now, please consult your doctor about weaning off as soon as possible.
Getting back to the method that I employed in my own situation. I was looking into several self help methods and came across The Linden Method. I read this site extensively and did hours of research on this specifically. What I found was nothing but good comments from users and over a 90% success rate!
I remember the day that I made the purchase. I was on a business trip in Tennessee. I was coming back from a meeting and went to my hotel room to bed down for the night. I ordered some food from room service and out of nowhere I started to have a panic attack. It was bad. I was extremely fearful and afraid to do anything, including leaving the room. I was all alone and was not familiar with any techniques to stop them successfully.
I remember that I read about the Linden Method and decided it was time to make the purchase now, not later. I made the online purchase and received the digital versions of the materials they would be sending so you can get started right away. The creator of the system, Charles Linden, has an introductory section in an audio piece and began talking about his own sufferings with anxiety for more than 10 years. He quickly talks about the affliction and gives hope that the condition is a temporary one.
As I spent some time listening to to this man speak about his own demons and the cure that was to come I began to cry uncontrollably. At this moment, at this time in my life, I was able to see a light at the end of the tunnel. I was relieved to hear that my condition was not permanent. I was relieved to hear that I can be a normal person again. Today was the day I would start my life over again! I know that last line sounds cheesy, but man is it true!
My own personal experience with this method was that I was able to squash panic attacks completely within 2-3 days. If I felt them coming on they never escalated like they did before. I was able to quickly ride them out and literally squash them altogether within 7 days. The next battle was ridding myself of high levels of anxiety for good. I began practicing the breathing exercises and thought diversions every day. I soon found myself doing better.
Within a total of say 3-4 weeks, my anxiety levels went from out of control to near normal. I would say that I was able to rid myself of anxiety completely within 2 months. By the 2 month mark I became a master at thought diversion. If I felt anxiety increasing I would quickly divert my thoughts and move on. This practice, in conjunction with a healthy diet and regular exercise (personal choices), became the tools I needed to conquer this affliction.
I am sharing this with everyone today because I think anxiety sufferers need to know that there is a cure. The cure lies within you. No one can help you. No drug can help you. You have to help you. Please take some time to do some research on the Linden Method and start living your life the way you want to. Just so there is no confusion here, I am in no way affiliated with this company. I just want to help others live to their fullest without the need for drugs, therapy, religion, or any other perpetrated cure.
Thanks for reading. I know it is a bit lengthy. If anyone would like to discuss anything in private, please feel free to send me a PM. Take care.
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Double Tub Pictorial
My Tea Recipe
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 FondaCox
Ms. I'llhavemycakeandeatittoo
 
Registered: 05/20/07
Posts: 7,236
Loc: HOME - PNW, CDN
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Re: Anxiety sufferers, please read. [Re: Carlito]
#7945591 - 01/28/08 02:25 PM (10 months, 1 day ago) |
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I didn't read it all, but when I am feeling anxious about something or someone, I face my fears.
Like for example, I was at the liquor store and saw an ex from a few years ago. I instantly got very nervous and didn't want him to see me. Instead of avoiding the situation, I went right up to him and said hi. It felt great, and I am more confident should I happen to run into him again.
This is a stupid example, but it's the only one I can really think of now.
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Icelander
The Minstrel in the Gallery
Registered: 03/15/05
Posts: 23,817
Loc: underbelly
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Re: Anxiety sufferers, please read. [Re: Carlito]
#7945626 - 01/28/08 02:33 PM (10 months, 1 day ago) |
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Great advice dude. I hope people use it.
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What the thinker thinks, the prover proves. R.A.W.
I don't believe anything, but I have many suspicions. R.A.W.
“I contend we are both atheists, I just believe in one fewer god than you do. When you understand why you dismiss all the other possible gods, you will understand why I dismiss yours.” ~Stephen Roberts
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Carlito
Enthusiast
Registered: 03/05/05
Posts: 3,968
Loc: Everywhere
Last seen: 10 hours, 42 minutes
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Re: Anxiety sufferers, please read. [Re: FondaCox]
#7945802 - 01/28/08 03:17 PM (10 months, 1 day ago) |
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Quote:
FondaCox said:
I didn't read it all, but when I am feeling anxious about something or someone, I face my fears.
Like for example, I was at the liquor store and saw an ex from a few years ago. I instantly got very nervous and didn't want him to see me. Instead of avoiding the situation, I went right up to him and said hi. It felt great, and I am more confident should I happen to run into him again.
This is a stupid example, but it's the only one I can really think of now.
I hear what you're saying. That practice is ensuring you do not become agoraphobic about a certain person or situation and does help in relieving anxiety in that case. Facing your fear is a part of conquering anxiety, but fear of an outside stimulus does not necessarily resolve the conflict inside your mind.
I do commend you for trying though, as every little bit helps. Believe me, I know.
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Double Tub Pictorial
My Tea Recipe
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jonathanseagull
Registered: 10/28/05
Posts: 826
Last seen: 3 days, 7 hours
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Re: Anxiety sufferers, please read. [Re: Carlito]
#7946980 - 01/28/08 07:17 PM (10 months, 1 day ago) |
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Thank you for recommending this. I have come across it before but wasn't prepared to spend the money on what I percieved as phoney, or a money making scheme, preying on the weak. I've come very far from having panic attacks, G.A.D., depersonalization, derealization, and all kinds of symptoms. I'm still battling social anxiety which is really limiting me and my accomplishments. I have some presentations coming soon, and it has brought back some more feelings with me just dreading the presentations. I'm reading the Linden site now and will honestly consider if I think it's worthwhile. I may PM you as well. Thanks for posting and being willing to receive PM's.
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LiquidSmoke
My title iscooler thanyours - DBK
Registered: 09/04/01
Posts: 17,583
Loc: S.A.G.G.Y.B.A.L.L.S.
Last seen: 8 hours, 12 minutes
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Re: Anxiety sufferers, please read. [Re: Carlito]
#7948366 - 01/28/08 11:06 PM (10 months, 1 day ago) |
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what you did there was basically thoroughly define the process of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.
Very well done.
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"Shmokin' weed, Shmokin' wizz, doin' coke, drinkin' beers. Drinkin' beers beers beers, rollin' fatties, smokin' blunts. Who smokes tha blunts? We smoke the blunts" - Jay and Silent Bob strike Back
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MushmanTheManic
Registered: 04/21/05
Posts: 4,410
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Re: Anxiety sufferers, please read. [Re: Carlito]
#7948558 - 01/28/08 11:44 PM (10 months, 1 day ago) |
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None of the anxiety disorders respond well to pharmaceutical medication. (But, that will not stop a psychiatrist...) The only real option is behavioral therapy (such as exposure with response prevention.)
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Concerned Citizens United Against Drugs and Terrorism
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LiquidSmoke
My title iscooler thanyours - DBK
Registered: 09/04/01
Posts: 17,583
Loc: S.A.G.G.Y.B.A.L.L.S.
Last seen: 8 hours, 12 minutes
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exactly.
psychopharm is very susceptible to all kinds of horrible side effects.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is such a healthier and effective treatment option...
It's a step in the right direction for psychological medicine.
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"Shmokin' weed, Shmokin' wizz, doin' coke, drinkin' beers. Drinkin' beers beers beers, rollin' fatties, smokin' blunts. Who smokes tha blunts? We smoke the blunts" - Jay and Silent Bob strike Back
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