Drew, I get into a ruminating state where only meditating or mantra seems to work. I need help. I don't know how to manage at work When I do 8 hours audits---More breaks ---Slow down ---Focus point ---I want the feelings and uncertainty ---drop thoughts ---create Intention/Confidence ---breathing and relax muscles are my reminders
Very interesting article! my self soothing is taking baths and listening to relaxing music. Sometimes the hot baths can be addictive. Unfortunately, I feel like all I can do right now is try to distract myself from the anxiety, especially if it's panic. It will be a beautiful day when I can just say " oh, this is anxiety" and keep going. I really try not to fight it, but the worse my anxiety is, the easier it is to forget to try to accept the feeling and let it go.
I’m sitting with a baggie of ice on my neck…..this is what I do when I’m extra dizzy and honestly scared to death of the feeling it. I feel like I am one of the weakest people I know. Cognitively I can tell myself and understand that this all day dizzy is anxiety and I am ok… but let it amp just a little bit and I’m icing and huddled up on the couch. I am guessing this is not the appropriate kind of self soothing. Why can’t I get this. I read everything and follow my therapists instructions and suggestions. She sees me as recovering but I feel like I’m failing. Today is one of those days…..I’m getting more depressed as my anxiety progresses. 🥺
That bag of ice is not helping you at all, nor is running to the sofa when you feel a scary thing. You don’t have to change everything instantly but try inserting a five minute pause before you run for the ice and the sofa next time. When you’re sure that you must go for your “safe place”, wait five minutes. At the end of those five minutes ask yourself if anything bad actually happened. Forget how it felt or what you thought might happen. Stick to the facts. Then see if you can do another five minutes without ice or the sofa. Its totally OK to do it this way to start but you must embrace the reality that nothing bad happens and that ice is not doing anything to save you.
I knew I was using this as an unneeded crutch. Seeing here in black and white with the reminder I am always ok helps a lot. My daily life is such a struggle I am the one with all day lightheadedness. It feels worse but maybe I’m just more afraid, I don’t know anymore. Just hearing back from you reminds me that others do heal and I can too. I appreciate you so much!
Hi Drew. I have been in recovery for 4 months and within the last couple of weeks I have finally come to understand acceptance. Just letting the anxiety and it’s many symptoms be there without trying to stop them or make them go away. I always would meditate or do anything to make. it. Stop. Now I do those things and let it be there with my permission. So far the intensity has died down, but even more interesting is that I can have physical sensations happening and I will not even notice them at first. Then when I do I just tell myself it’s ok, that’s allowed right now. Still have a long way to go, but that’s my best explanation of healthy soothing I can think of.
Hi Drew. Thanks for the info on self soothing. Any exposure tips for DPDR or is it just matter of sitting with it.. even if it feels like it’s from morning to night 🙈 trying my very best to not react but incredibly difficult.
I did use diazepam to have my 2 fillings at the dentist yesterday, but I saw them more as an aid to remain still and calm enough for the dentist to work rather than a self soothe. It's true that I am addicted to diazepam, but I have taken less since I started listening to your podcasts Drew. In time perhaps I will be able to do without. That is the ultimate goal. But I have a lot of little goals to get through first. Thanks again Drew
Drew, I get into a ruminating state where only meditating or mantra seems to work. I need help. I don't know how to manage at work When I do 8 hours audits---More breaks ---Slow down ---Focus point ---I want the feelings and uncertainty ---drop thoughts ---create Intention/Confidence ---breathing and relax muscles are my reminders
Very interesting article! my self soothing is taking baths and listening to relaxing music. Sometimes the hot baths can be addictive. Unfortunately, I feel like all I can do right now is try to distract myself from the anxiety, especially if it's panic. It will be a beautiful day when I can just say " oh, this is anxiety" and keep going. I really try not to fight it, but the worse my anxiety is, the easier it is to forget to try to accept the feeling and let it go.
I’m sitting with a baggie of ice on my neck…..this is what I do when I’m extra dizzy and honestly scared to death of the feeling it. I feel like I am one of the weakest people I know. Cognitively I can tell myself and understand that this all day dizzy is anxiety and I am ok… but let it amp just a little bit and I’m icing and huddled up on the couch. I am guessing this is not the appropriate kind of self soothing. Why can’t I get this. I read everything and follow my therapists instructions and suggestions. She sees me as recovering but I feel like I’m failing. Today is one of those days…..I’m getting more depressed as my anxiety progresses. 🥺
Me too! I've been trying for many, many years. I just keep trying. Good luck!
That bag of ice is not helping you at all, nor is running to the sofa when you feel a scary thing. You don’t have to change everything instantly but try inserting a five minute pause before you run for the ice and the sofa next time. When you’re sure that you must go for your “safe place”, wait five minutes. At the end of those five minutes ask yourself if anything bad actually happened. Forget how it felt or what you thought might happen. Stick to the facts. Then see if you can do another five minutes without ice or the sofa. Its totally OK to do it this way to start but you must embrace the reality that nothing bad happens and that ice is not doing anything to save you.
I knew I was using this as an unneeded crutch. Seeing here in black and white with the reminder I am always ok helps a lot. My daily life is such a struggle I am the one with all day lightheadedness. It feels worse but maybe I’m just more afraid, I don’t know anymore. Just hearing back from you reminds me that others do heal and I can too. I appreciate you so much!
Hi Drew. I have been in recovery for 4 months and within the last couple of weeks I have finally come to understand acceptance. Just letting the anxiety and it’s many symptoms be there without trying to stop them or make them go away. I always would meditate or do anything to make. it. Stop. Now I do those things and let it be there with my permission. So far the intensity has died down, but even more interesting is that I can have physical sensations happening and I will not even notice them at first. Then when I do I just tell myself it’s ok, that’s allowed right now. Still have a long way to go, but that’s my best explanation of healthy soothing I can think of.
Wonderful explanation Drew! I cannot tell you how much I have grown through these podcasts and support. Love you Big Guy
My son has OCD and it sounds like compulsions are ways to self sooth gone awry.
Hi Drew. Thanks for the info on self soothing. Any exposure tips for DPDR or is it just matter of sitting with it.. even if it feels like it’s from morning to night 🙈 trying my very best to not react but incredibly difficult.
I did use diazepam to have my 2 fillings at the dentist yesterday, but I saw them more as an aid to remain still and calm enough for the dentist to work rather than a self soothe. It's true that I am addicted to diazepam, but I have taken less since I started listening to your podcasts Drew. In time perhaps I will be able to do without. That is the ultimate goal. But I have a lot of little goals to get through first. Thanks again Drew