Reddit Reddit reviews The Anxiety and Phobia Workbook

We found 48 Reddit comments about The Anxiety and Phobia Workbook. Here are the top ones, ranked by their Reddit score.

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Anxieties & Phobias
The Anxiety and Phobia Workbook
The Anxiety and Phobia Workbook
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48 Reddit comments about The Anxiety and Phobia Workbook:

u/kjpeaches · 43 pointsr/Anxiety

This is wonderful. I’ve saved it.
For people wanting help with this but more in-depth, I highly recommend this book:
https://www.amazon.com/Anxiety-Phobia-Workbook-Edmund-Bourne/dp/1626252157

It’s the next best thing to a course.

u/olusatrum · 18 pointsr/getdisciplined

1. What was the most effective thing you've ever done to improve your life?

went to therapy

2. How did you do it?

I used PsychologyToday.com to find a therapist. You can search by insurance, what kinds of issues they have experience in, what types of treatment they do, their gender and religion if that's important to you, if they're open to LGBT folks, if they do video/online counseling. I chose a youngish guy who had a kind face, and that worked out.

3. How did you realize that it was the thing that needed changing?

My therapist connected all the dots for me. Before I went to therapy, I was trying to optimize a completely broken system. I couldn't see how procrastinating on doing the dishes was related to how much I drank every day, how that was related to my depression and lack of motivation, which was of course unrelated to my childhood and how I learned to think and behave growing up. Therapy was like making a map connecting all the dots and once I did that I could see multiple paths out. I made some small changes, which led to bigger changes, and now I'm 5 months sober, hitting the gym twice a week, asleep by 10pm every night, back to my hobbies and looking forward to the future

4. Why hadn't you changed it sooner?

moneyyyy

5. What was the biggest obstacle?

moneyyyy

6. How did you overcome it?

I got a promotion and raise at work and took the plunge. I wish I had a better answer and I wish quality mental health services were more available.

7. What would you advise someone who wants to do the same?

if money's a problem: look for younger folks still under supervision. They're often cheaper, and studies show age makes no appreciable difference in quality of care. The office may offer a sliding scale fee, and some are able to give you a lower price if you explain your situation to them. If you really can't afford it, books can really help too. This one on Childhood Emotional Neglect really opened my mind. The Anxiety and Phobia Workbook is also extremely helpful.

Obviously I don't think everyone in this sub has a mental illness and needs therapy. But if you're struggling with a consistent lack of motivation, inability to get going, general dissatisfaction, etc. I think it can be really helpful to examine the structures at work behind that. Are you trying to optimize a broken system?

u/sammi-blue · 9 pointsr/UCDavis

I would suggest making a counseling appointment at the student health and wellness center. But in the meantime, I would suggest taking walks, doing breathing exercises, etc to try to distract yourself. Having a support system is really important too, so try to talk to your roommate(s), friends, family, etc about it so that they can help you!

If you can, I would suggest getting The Anxiety & Phobia Workbook because that's helped me a lot with trying to find ways to cope with my anxiety and address the root causes (it also has audio activities online for you to listen to). Oftentimes, panic attacks and anxiety are caused because we are too tense and don't even realize it; are you clenching your jaw right now? Are your shoulders scrunched up? These are things we do every day that send stress signals to our brain, and we don't even realize that we're doing them. Breathing exercises and progressive muscle relaxation exercises are super helpful for me (both of which I learned from the workbook but you can also find videos for online), I did them every day for a few weeks last spring quarter and it probably saved me from a few panic attacks.

Here's a link to the workbook if you wanna check it out: https://www.amazon.com/Anxiety-Phobia-Workbook-Edmund-Bourne/dp/1626252157/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1538276019&sr=8-3&keywords=the+anxiety+and+phobia+workbook

Just remember that you're not alone! It's scary and difficult, but there are so many people who are in the same boat as you and I highly suggest reaching out to loved ones about what you're going through because chances are at least one of them will be able to relate. I hope things get better for you very soon!

u/nezumipi · 6 pointsr/Neuropsychology

Xanax is highly addictive. Overdose and withdrawal are quite nasty. Tolerance builds up quickly. In general, it's best used for rare, circumscribed anxiety, like someone who has a fear of flying takes it a few times a year when they have to take a plane. Xanax can multiply the effect of alcohol, so I would recommend drinking very little or nothing while on it.

Adderall can also be addictive, but not quite so much as Xanax. There is much more research showing that you can take a steady dose of Adderall under a doctor's supervision for a long period of time without harm. However, you may feel some withdrawal if/when you stop.

Children who take adderall long-term end up a little bit shorter than their non-medicated peers, probably because they eat less. (Adderall suppresses appetite.) If you've already grown to adult height, this is not a concern.

Suggestions:

(1) You might have less anxiety if you take an extended release form (if you don't already). They produce a "smoother" onset of the drug so you don't feel that jittery rush after taking it. Adderall XR is the regular extended release. There's also Vyvanse which has an even slower effect because it has to get converted to its useful form while in your body.

(2) You might ask your doctor to let you try methylphenidate instead of Adderall or one of its cousins. Methylphenidate (ritalin/concert) works about equally as well and some people just do better on one over the other.

(3) Strattera is a non-stimulant ADHD drug. It doesn't work for everyone, but it might help you get the focus you need without anxiety.

(not a suggestion) There are other drugs used to treat ADHD including atypical neuroleptics (like Risperdal) and beta blockers (like guanfacine). Those mainly treat hyperactive symptoms, especially aggression. They don't really do much for inattention, so they won't help you.

(4) There are effective non-drug treatments for inattention in children - they require parents and teachers to provide frequent feedback and reinforcement to keep the kid on task. These aren't always feasible in adulthood, and don't always make sense in certain situations (such as driving). Nonetheless, they do have some use. If you want a non-drug solution, techniques like going to a boring location away from distractions, using ColdTurkey or similar software to block distracting sites, making procrastinating more difficult, etc. are helpful. (Personal favorite trick is whenever I'm trying to work, I completely unplug every cable that hooks up my TV and video games - if I want to play, I have to spend a few minutes on cables which is annoying, so I'm discouraged from playing.) There are a lot of books on self-management of adult ADHD. They have lots of these suggestions and they are moderately effective. YOu could also work on these issues with a therapist who would coach you on applying these techniques.

(5) You could keep taking Adderall but learn to cope with the anxiety. All the techniques psychologists have for coping with anxiety (deep breathing, mindfulness, muscle relaxation, distracting thoughts, etc.) work just as well on "fake" anxiety as on the real thing. If you want to try this, you can look up a lot of good stuff online, or treat yourself to The Anxiety and Phobia Workbook which is the czar of evidence-based anxiety self-help books.

u/optigon · 5 pointsr/introvert

Check out Susan Cain's book Quiet. If anything, it may make you feel a little more vindicated for being who you are.

With that, yes, the world is pretty well built around extroverts at the moment, but it is navigable if you have the tools. I recommend finding a therapist, not just for developing tools for your introversion, but also to maybe get some help with your social anxiety. If you can't afford one, and can't find a sliding scale one, a friend of mine with bipolar disorder highly recommended this book for developing some basic CBT therapies for navigating whatever kind of anxiety you have.

u/SentientTomato · 5 pointsr/MadOver30

The ego concept of "my life" as this one chunk of time/accomplishment separate and distinct from individual events within that framework is a very, very frustrating illusion to deal with indeed. The mind views it as problem to solve. The mind loves problems, then it gets to feel useful by "solving" them. "What am I gonna do with my life??" There's usually tons of fear attached to this, it's very stressful to live from the perspective that I'm missing out or there's some formula for happiness that everyone else knows that I don't know. The formula is that there is no formula. No one has any damn clue what they're doing. Everyone makes shit up as they go along. Feel free to do the same. Living in this moment right here helps alleviate the stress the problem solving mind creates so it doesn't go extinct. There is no tomorrow, there is no yesterday. There's only now.

You might really get some good help out of this book called The Anxiety and Phobia Workbook. I first got it at my library and loved it so much I bought a copy.

u/gotja · 3 pointsr/BipolarReddit

If you're worried about harming yourself or others, please go to the hospital.

I don't have immediate things you can do, other than calling your pdoc or a crisis line (or going to the hospital).

Also you can try drinking something cold or dunking your face in a bowl of ice water if you're feeling strong emotions or impulsive. Try breathing deeply and slowly.

I saw in another post that lamictal didn't work for you so your pdoc gave you wellbutrin instead. My experience with wellbutrin was that I was more impulsive and irritable, I took lamictal (mood stabilizer) with it, but that didn't curb the effects enough. I have a lot of anxiety, but I can't recall if that made it worse.

Drinking really interferes with meds, and on some you can't drink at all.

Have you called your pdoc yet and told them what's going on? Maybe they can also try a mood stabilizer other than lamictal?

It sounds like you're drinking to numb the anxiety, did you talk to the pdoc about the anxiety as well? I was prescribed gabapentin for anxiety, it helped, but unfortunately for me it had a weird side effect and I had to discontinue it

Also have you had bloodwork done to rule out other medical conditions?

I haven't tried this workbook for coping with anxiety, but I've heard it recommended and it may be worth a look https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/1626252157/

What helps me lower my anxiety is breathing exercises, mindful movement (yoga), and meditation. Also distraction (like what I'm doing now on reddit). Eliminating wheat from my diet also made a significant difference. My anxiety is still pretty strong sometimes, but better.

I'm sorry if this is all over the place, I just startled awake and I'm redditing till I mellow out enough and can fall back asleep.

u/dioscurideux · 3 pointsr/blackladies

The Anxiety and Phobia Workbook

This is a lifesaver and gives you practical techniques to work on your anxiety. This workbook works best in conjunction with therapy, exercising and eating right. All the stuff that they tell you to do that’s hard but works.

u/kimininegaiwo · 3 pointsr/Anxiety

This is the Anxiety and Phobia Workbook. I read it a few months ago and I highly recommend it!

u/radical0rabbit · 3 pointsr/AskMen

Then there is no time like the present to get working on what's causing challenges for you!

A mental health therapist can definitely help point you in the right direction and be an effective support.

Also see:

Anxiety

Self-esteem

And Google a host of other resources that might fit what you're going through

u/callmejay · 3 pointsr/slatestarcodex

Anxiety is a mental health disorder and can be treated by therapy. Get a therapist instead of trying to figure out how to treat yourself with a bunch of lifehacks.

If that is not an option, get a book on how to treat yourself for anxiety that is recommended by actual professionals. Something like this.

I do think exercise and meditation are also very good ideas, but some kind of therapy should be your absolute top priority in life right now.

ETA: I'm inclined (knowing nothing about you outside of this post) to recommend that you go back to school immediately and take advantage of their counseling services.

u/IUMogg · 3 pointsr/Anxiety

Sometimes it takes a bit to find the right therapist. I would suggest looking for someone who can do cognitive behavioral therapy (cbt). That is what helps you interrupt the process of anxious thought which leads to anxious thinking. Medicine can help turn down the anxiety a notch and give you the chance to learn coping techniques. I describe my meds as toning down my anxiety from the average of a 7 to a 4.
If you want something less intrusive, I highly recommend The Anxiety and Phobia Workbook by dr. Edmund Bourne. That book was critical to my recovery.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/1626252157/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_fW7PBbAH7HP68

u/Rapn3rd · 3 pointsr/Anxiety

My anxiety was dormant until I had my wisdom teeth out, I was so anxious about the whole thing it was the thing that sort of shook my anxiety loose and made it awaken.

Traumatizing events can do that, it sucks but it's not like you're some sort of outlier here, for me, for you, and for many others, anxiety becomes something that happens after a traumatic experience.

It took me a long time and a lot of work to be where I am now, but my advice to you is to start with this book.

From there, I think it will be helpful, if you aren't already to find a therapist, and meet with them regularly. For me, learning how to counter obsessive thinking, (for example, something is wrong with my heart / I fucked up and now I'm screwed) type of thinking. It starts with teaching yourself how to catch yourself in the act of ruminating / obsessively thinking. Once you can do that, then you practice learning how to counter your initial negative thought with something more reasonable.


Of course, it's one thing to type this out or to read it, and another thing to actually do it, which is where seeing a therapist can really help. For me, learning to just focus on my breathing when I would start to mentally spiral helped me put the brakes on panic attacks / things that would lead to them.


The sooner you approach these potential solutions, the sooner you will start feeling better! I really can't stress enough how helpful that book was for me in understanding my anxiety.

u/StacyLATR2011 · 3 pointsr/suggestmeabook

I took a family member to the ER because of an issue with anxiety. The counselor gave her a book recommendation and I bought the book for both of us.

https://www.amazon.com/Anxiety-Phobia-Workbook-Edmund-Bourne/dp/1626252157

Idk if this is what you’re looking for, but, if it is it came highly recommended.

u/Cookiemobsta · 3 pointsr/IWantToLearn

Here's a bunch of books that will help:

u/RejoiceandRevolt · 3 pointsr/ptsd

The Anxiety and Phobia Workbook did the trick for me.

I had a period with no insurance and I used this to recover from some of my more annoying triggers.

The Anxiety and Phobia Workbook https://www.amazon.com/dp/1626252157/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_VC0uDbYYKPAPN

u/syntheticproduct · 2 pointsr/Anger

If you think you are a little blue, have anxiety (including social anxiety) or a similar condition, look into the Anxiety and Phobia Workbook 
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/1626252157/ref=dbs_a_w_dp_1626252157

Not a super easy read, but very complete. Covers all the aspects, explains what happens in the body, and detailed ways to get better (meditation, medications, etc.)

u/hedgehiggle · 2 pointsr/Anxiety

This is less of a quick fix, but the book "The Anxiety and Phobia Workbook" by Edmund Bourne PhD really helped me. I got it from the library and was still able to go on the website and download a bunch of worksheets.

Also, my counselors have had me write down my feelings like this:

What happened... my friend asked me to help her and I said no

Feelings... Guilt, anxiety, self-hatred

Reactions... Curled up in bed, avoiding reading her messages, thinking "My friend is so sick of me being useless and never helping her, she probably hates me."

This is just an example, but it's been extremely helpful for me to realize what's going on besides just "I feel bad". Sorry you're having to deal with this - best of luck getting to a doctor or therapist soon!

u/PossibleAssHat · 2 pointsr/needadvice

Um, http://www.amazon.com/Anxiety-Phobia-Workbook-Edmund-Bourne/dp/1626252157/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1425740914&sr=8-1&keywords=the+anxiety+and+phobia+workbook

there's that one for anxiety. I don't know if you have OCD, I'm not a doctor and stopped pretending to be on online, but there's one for OCD as well. OCD doesn't have to involve physical compulsions so...there's that. An OCD workbook like that one is around and though I have never read or used either, I have heard fucking amazing things about these books. I go to therapy! Which has helped tremendously. I also take medications, which has helped a lot, but for anxiety, it's just a fucking band-aid and I know that.

Take a look at that book. Seriously. At least the anxiety one. I know the OCD one is recommended for people who obsess over things as well, which it sounds like you are doing, but ... yeah.

It's not a way to live. At all. Do what you can to try and help this, please. Life is really a lot better without it.

I used to lay awake just like you, worrying about shit. Hell, I still worry about people dying, but I basically give that thought two seconds and can manage to shut it down at least 80% of the time before I become a weepy mess on the floor, almost as though I am living the actual scenario. It's pretty fucked.

Just fight that shit. You're tough because you already live with it. I seriously yell "NO!" in my head at this point and like, that helps but it did take me MANY MANY years to get here.

Don't stop trying to get rid of it. Ever. Keep trying. If the books don't work, please try therapy. If therapy doesn't work (and you might need to try several therapists with different approaches before coming to that conclusion) then maybe it's time to at least consider meds and I know a lot of people are against therapy and medication.

But is it worth it to live like that? That, what you just described, is a fucking living hell. I'm so sorry you're dealing with this.

But you're taking a step here. Take as many as you can.

Good luck.

u/tankpuss · 2 pointsr/DepressionRecovery

+1 for headspace. There's a free app which is pretty good, there's also a whole series which you have to pay for (or ahem, find the mp3s).

Again, not really helping answer your question, but you might find
The Anxiety and Phobia Workbook helpful. It's fairly no-nonsense. The "Overcoming.." series such as Overcoming Depression can be a bit hit and miss but it might help give you a few insights.

u/mothflavour · 2 pointsr/Anxiety

This book changed the way I think about anxiety. I used to think it was incurable too (and was also bedridden for a while), but it's anxiety is not a disease, it's a feeling you have. This book helps reframe the way you think about your anxious feelings.

It's a workbook with exercises, so you can go through it step by step, from fundamentals to more advance stuff (like positive mantras, and supplements). You sound a lot like me a couple years ago. Order it now, you won't regret it, promise!

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Anxiety-Phobia-Workbook-Harbinger-Workbk/dp/1626252157

u/lifeisagoddream · 2 pointsr/mentalhealth

Breathing techniques are great! They're actually different in CBT and DBT (Paced breathing in DBT, one of the TIPPS skills that I love utilizing when I'm in a moment of Panic or am having a flashback due to PTSD), I also love giving myself outside (of my panic attacks/anxiety) body sensations as you described with the tapping.

Before I got myself in to a therapy program, I used this CBT based work book and it helped me enough to get over my agoraphobia enough to actually leave my house and get into therapy:https://www.amazon.com/Anxiety-Phobia-Workbook-Edmund-Bourne/dp/1626252157/ref=pd_lpo_sbs_14_t_0?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=CM796J9N8TT839YY64DD

u/remyschnitzel · 2 pointsr/Anxiety

There is a lengthy section in our wiki about this, written by people just as anxious as you are. I hope it helps!

(You should also know that if you're in the US Medicaid does offer some assistance toward mental health, you're just limited on providers.)

https://www.reddit.com/r/Anxiety/wiki/gettinghelp

There are other options that don't require you even leave your home, if it is very bad for you. Meditation, breathing exercises, and general cardio has all helped me a great deal. There is also a book that I personally found extremely helpful. It explains different anxiety disorders and discusses/teachers various methods to relieve it. It really is a good read, and if you have a Kindle relatively inexpensive!

I hope you feel better soon <3

u/stillhoping1 · 2 pointsr/Anxiety

https://www.amazon.com/dp/1626252157/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_YwTQBb80MKX1R

This is the one that I’ve gotten the most out of personally.

u/late__bloomer · 2 pointsr/Agoraphobia

Badass Ways to End Anxiety & Stop Panic Attacks!
I got this on a whim upon seeing the 5 star reviews, and I though, why not? It ended being an invaluable resource when I experienced a setback. It's a very casual, common sense, and at times humorous, approach to tackling anxiety. Read this, if nothing at all. The author also has an app with audio supplements as well as a weekly email with helpful tips you can subscribe to.

The Anxiety and Phobia Workbook
This has tons of researched, science, and evidence-based information thats incredibly helpful. Definitely take the time to do the worksheets and practice. No matter how tedious, you can never do too much. Not to mention the fact that you can access to their online audio recordings once you register the book online. The audio files contain meditation, calming, and visualization techniques. The guided progressive muscle relaxation was a life saver before hitting the sack and waking up as calmly as possible. Tip: if you do fall asleep well after trying that, also try saying, "today is going to be a good day" the moment you wake up. It will drastically change how you approach your whole day, and helps with the onset of panic attacks.

Daring Greatly by Brené Brown
Although this isn't geared towards anxiety, I found so many useful tools for approaching vulnerability and finding the bravery you need to go through the scary, dark parts of recovery. Very uplifting and enlightening.

Notes on a Nervous Planet
I will simply quote a reviewer:
"As someone who suffers from depression and anxiety, Matt's writings help in letting me know that I'm okay. This book is exactly what I needed to read. We are living in a time that is hard to understand and sometimes letting go is necessary, but not to the point of recklessness. Matt seems to always find the right way to pinpoint the struggles of many and he has the ability to make us feel as if we are wrapped safe in a warm blanket."

u/TotoroTheCat · 2 pointsr/askTO

I like to go to the park and chill on a bench while doing breathing exercises. Sometimes I listen to the Rain Sounds app on my phone (with earbuds), as I find the sound of rain and thunderstorms to be calming. Anti-anxiety medication is also very helpful (for me), first few days on them were rough, but it was smooth sailing after that. Eating healthy and getting lots of anaerobic exercise (running, cycling, etc.) is also helpful. I wasn't able to cope with just the natural remedies, and needed drugs to get me out of the rut I was in, but that's just me.

My doctor recommended this book, there's a lot of good techniques in there that helped me (and there's a torrent of it floating around online).

u/xhumptyDumptyx · 2 pointsr/uwaterloo

Sorry for the late response, if you haven't bought any yet this is the one I tried.

For CBT:

https://www.amazon.ca/Anxiety-Phobia-Workbook-6th/dp/1626252157/ref=pd_sim_14_5?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=45ZCKZGTAKGE661FC439

and for DBT:

https://www.amazon.ca/Dialectical-Behavior-Therapy-Skills-Workbook/dp/1572245131/ref=sr_1_7?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1522800612&sr=1-7&keywords=DBT+anxiety

I haven't tried the DBT one, but someone who's anxiety is likely worse than mine, tried it and recommended it to me. It also seems to be the most recommended DBT book on the interwebs.

u/questionsnanswers · 2 pointsr/dbtselfhelp

I actually don't own this book, this was a handout they gave in the one anxiety group I did. I've never seen this particular worksheet available online. I found it really helpful.

I'd say that 90% of the photocopied workbook we had in that particular group was taken directly from that book.

If anyone is looking for the full book, The Anxiety and Phobia Workbook by Edmund J. Bourne PhD can be found on Amazon or oftentimes even from your local library.

u/Mattekat · 2 pointsr/Indiemakeupandmore

Yay congrats! You did awesome! As someone who suffered from severe anxiety for a long time I can understand how you are feeling. I have a book that has really helped me in the past called the anxiety and phobia workbook. Here's a link to it on amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Anxiety-Phobia-Workbook-Edmund-Bourne/dp/1626252157/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1467669588&sr=8-1&keywords=the+anxiety+and+phobia+workbook
I highly recommend this book to people with anxiety issues. A therapist suggested I buy this book because I was having a hard time even getting to appointments sometimes and it has been so helpful.

u/somethingmen · 2 pointsr/mentalhealth

I feel sad when I read this. I think that the way I would try and tackle the issue is to work on your beliefs towards people in positions of authority.

Example thought: "OMG i fucked up my boss is going to get mad at me and humiliate me in front of all my coworkers"

Question this thought:
What evidence (real facts) do I have that prove this will happen?

Worst case scenario:
If this happens, what will be the consequences? What does that say about me?

Beliefs you might recognize:

Self: "I'm a failure"
Others: "If I fail others will bully me and humiliate me"

After the event happened, lets say you turned in an assignment or did some project for your boss and you forgot to complete one small task and begin to panic and think that your boss will yell at you and your coworkers/friends will find out and they will make fun of you too

Instead, your boss realizes you forgot to complete the small task and privately pulls you into his office and tells you that you forgot to do one thing and if you could get it done.

You apologize and finish the task off.

In this way, you realize that not everybody in authority will abuse you.

Although, some will. And you may have bad experiences too. Take the above situation again but this time your boss said in front of your co-workers: "You piece of shit, you forgot to do this part"

You can say to yourself (positive self talk): "It's okay, I forgot. I'm only human and humans forget things. I can't be perfect. All I can do is my best and that's it" and you realize that your boss is being a jerk, maybe because of something completely unrelated to you. Maybe his wife is leaving him and hes super angry (not a valid excuse, but just some insight)

You must work on setting personal boundaries. For example, you demand that you must be talked to in a calm and respectful manner. If they don't agree then just cut them out of your life, you don't need to put up with that shit. Of course, if you need the job I would not tell your boss to fuck off right away, I'd try and line one up before you do a thing like that. Most likely it will not come to that.

Also you must find what you value and stand by them, no matter what anyone else thinks. I recommend thinking about this first what you stand for and then looking online for a list of them.

I'm super tired. I dont know if this is making sense or not.

Basic Idea: Expose yourself to your feared authority situations slowly, and realize that some people are jerks and some people are not.

A small first step is maybe just walking by your superior and seeing what you think will happen and what actually happens

Then you can make a small mistake and see what you think will happen and what actually happens

P.S. I've not read this book myself but I've heard that it is good.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/1626252157/

u/RexManning20 · 2 pointsr/Anxiety

Books can be very helpful as well. [The Anxiety and Phobia Workbook] (https://www.amazon.com/Anxiety-Phobia-Workbook-Edmund-Bourne/dp/1626252157/ref=sr_1_4?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1466618329&sr=1-4&keywords=anxiety) is a great one to start with as well as My Age of Anxiety.

Monkey Mind and Agorafabulous are great books when you want a good laugh and realize other people have similar experiences as you.

u/Cookingachicken · 2 pointsr/TrueOffMyChest

I'm so sorry you are feeling this way. I don't know if it helps or hurts to hear this, but ny intention in saying is is to give you hope: "It will very likely get better."

I remember being your age and sitting in the instrument room of the band room because it was black and dark and no one could see me. I had only one friend, and had been through some very serious traumas. I remember my teen years as the hardest, most self-destructive years of my life. Somehow, when I became old enough to start determining my own course in life instead of doing what I was forced to do each day with people with whom I had nothing in common, things improved. And not just a little, a lot.

Your parents are thrilled you are their son. I have six children now and I have helped five of them through adolescence. It can be a very stormy time. If I knew my son or daughter felt as you did, I wouldn't hate them....I'd have compassion and move heaven and earth to help you.

Regading sex and nudity: one of my daughters felt as you did, so she determined she was not ready and did not engage in those activities. Now as an adult, she is about to get married and is very excited. It has taken her almost 30 years to get comfortable with herself. It's ok not to feel ready for that stuff. I don't think you are! So instead if scaring yourself about it, just table it for now. I wasn't ready then, either, and many are not.

I hope you wil consider that maybe you might be really hard on yourself, and talking to yourself very negatively. Maybe, instead, imagine that your inner voice is that of a best friend in emotional pain. How would you encourage that best friend? And then only allow yourself to self-dialog in a way that is positive and encouraging. Your current cycle of depression and anxiety might actually be the cause your getting worse again. How about becoming your own best friend, instead of your own accuser? Someone needs to be kind to you, and it is you.

You have great worth and merit because you are a beloved person. Don't let this time of awkwardness cause you such misery. It does pass. It can pass. You can overcome this.

Have you heard about the book, the anxiety and phobia workbook?

"https://www.amazon.com/Anxiety-Phobia-Workbook-Edmund-Bourne/dp/1626252157/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1485114500&sr=8-1&keywords=anxiety+and+phobia+workbook,

It is only $13 at Amazon. I hope you might be able to get it and see if the methods detailed there might help. I got these for two of my kids who struggled with similar things. Not to the same degree, (but pretty severe anyway), and both seem to have developed coping mechanisms that are much more positive, and have found healthy relationships and jobs. It came a little slower to them, but they did get there. You can too.

If you want a friend somewhere, please feel free to write to me. I don't mean to trivialize your feelings in an yway. I've been through terrible trauma and I understand how much it hurts if you feel or think people just don't understand. I only want to give you hope that it will very likely get better. I do think it will probably take some adjustments on your part. But I know you can do it. People post all the time about how they have overcome these type of challenges. You can be one of them.

u/MikeX10A · 1 pointr/ITCareerQuestions

Seek professional help. Seeing a psychologist and learning how to cope with anxiety and deal with it is key. No matter what you do in life, there will be social situations. If you are adverse to seeing a professional, you try a workbook:
The Anxiety and Phobia Workbook
by Edmund Bourne PhD
Link: http://amzn.com/1626252157

u/usernametakenkappa · 1 pointr/Anxiety

that blows, at least it's anonymous and free. you can filter listeners when searching too based on issue.

beyond that, maybe you'd rather read a book; http://amzn.com/0380810336 and/or http://amzn.com/1626252157

I read those and they were pretty helpful

u/brrrandiZZLe · 1 pointr/answers

I struggled with exactly what you’re talking about for a very long time. If it is affecting your ability to carry out normal tasks throughout the day, you really should try to work with your therapist about better coping mechanisms, possibly medication if cognitive behavioral therapy isn’t doing the trick. I started taking medication for Obsession-based OCD and I’m telling you, it was as if I had been living my life in black and white and was now seeing color. I had no idea that other people lived like this and could actually make it through their day without horrible intrusive thought cycles about horrible intrusive thought cycles and so on. I also highly, HIGHLY recommend The Anxiety and Phobia Workbook by Edmund Bourne. This book absolutely BLEW my mind. So extremely helpful.

u/chaoscontributor · 1 pointr/casualiama

Here's some info on CBT and other treatment. I also found this book to be helpful, along with this workbook. :)

u/MemeInBlack · 1 pointr/TooAfraidToAsk

That sounds less like being introverted and more like social anxiety. They are often linked, but are not the same thing.

Introverts/extraverts are defined more by 'energy', that is, whether they find social situations draining or recharging, but has little to do with how socially engaged a person can be. Social anxiety is a type of anxiety about interacting with others, that can often inhibit daily life.

If you're suffering social anxiety, even minor anxieties, I recommend this book, it's quite helpful if you go through the exercises.

http://www.amazon.com/Anxiety-Phobia-Workbook-Edmund-Bourne/dp/1626252157/

u/bellatango · 1 pointr/Anxiety

I'm so sorry that your anxiety is so awful right now, and it sounds like it would be horrible for anyone - but add in an anxiety disorder and yeah, things feel fucked.

Are you saying that you are "for certain" going to prison?

It's really common for breathing exercises to freak people out, so please don't think that's just you. It really helps to do breathing exercises when you're NOT anxious so that they become more comfortable to do when you are anxious/panicking...however, you do not at all sound like you're in a place where your anxiety baseline ever gets very low.

I think what the others have said is all good advice. You definitely need a therapist who does immediate symptom relief training - pure CBT. The best psychologist I ever had, who helped me SO much, used the book "The Anxiety & Phobia Workbook." See if you can get a psychologist to work with you using that book, maybe? (There are older, less expensive versions available on Amazon that are just as helpful as the updated 2015 version.)

It also sounds to me like you are very much NOT on the right medications. Have you talked to your med provider recently, and been brutally honest about your symptoms? You really, really sound like you could benefit from anti-anxiety medicine (like a benzodiazepine) (but try to use that short term if possible to avoid withdrawal later on.)

Finally, keep writing. Reddit is great for support. Right now there are almost 200 people browsing /r/anxiety - so even though you only got 16 upvotes (so far) and 8 comments (so far) - trust me, EVERYONE reads what you have written, and MANY are helped by it even if they can't offer suggestions...although you will get some responses, and it's nice to know that people can really and truly relate to the special kind of Hell you're going through.

u/should_be_higher · 1 pointr/Anxiety

Try this, it really helps ... Then when you get home, read this book.! CBT is what it's about for getting things manageable, and that book I linked is a gold standard on anxiety management via CBT.

Good luck you! And don't fight it, accept it and trust that it will pass, it always does \^.\^

u/localmansalt · 1 pointr/suggestmeabook

This book is pretty cool, in part it explains what causes panic attacks, how to stop them, and how to recognize triggers.

https://www.amazon.com/Anxiety-Phobia-Workbook-Edmund-Bourne/dp/1626252157/ref=pd_lpo_sbs_14_t_0?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=3K4432BJ985R5BNRHGH0

u/Norabloom98 · 1 pointr/needadvice

I was looking on Amazon and came across this highly reviewed workbook:
The Anxiety and Phobia Workbook https://www.amazon.com/dp/1626252157/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_kZ24Cb6AR4G4V

I might order this myself. I agree that small steps are the way to go. I saw above that you’re thinking of getting a dog. I think that’s a great idea. My dogs add so much happiness to my life. Plus they get you out of the house and walking.

u/blueriverss · 1 pointr/rapecounseling

Hi there. I'd say that the symptoms you describe are a normal reaction to what should be an abnormal event; at the same time, it's no way to live. You shouldn't have to struggle with these thoughts and feelings every day.

It sounds like you are managing incredibly well, especially given how much your daily life is affected by what you've been through. Seriously, well done.

Personally, after I was hurt I poured even more energy into my work (it was my first 'real' job out of uni). I moved to a new neighbourhood, had terrible nightmares/flashbacks and constantly had the event on my mind, but at the same time I actually excelled in the work sphere. I was promoted several times and given raises etc... however, as you say, I was tired. Eventually, at about the three-year mark, I became so drained that I couldn't keep it up, and the situation began to reverse - my work suffered more and more and my personal life all but disintegrated. It was a profound exhaustion like I'd never known. By the time five years came, I was at the end of my rope. I had to take a full year off of work to focus on processing the trauma and rebuilding my life.

The reason I'm sharing this is to let you know that you're not alone, but also to warn you that if it is still affecting your day-to-day life this much, it's unlikely to go away on its own without some kind of intervention. Please do keep living your life and be very proud of everything you are accomplishing, but also be cautious of burnout. Even the strongest, most intelligent person has a limit to what they can endure.

Therapy can be really helpful if you have access to it, but as you mentioned it's not within everyone's budget. This is more of a long-term plan, but when you are looking for jobs, look closely at their benefits packages - many do include mental health funding/support services, at least where I am. In the meantime, it might be worth reaching out to your school and your local rape crisis centre to see what they might offer in terms of free counselling.

Outside of that, I'd recommend getting a few books to guide you through. Some that could be helpful are:

  • Calming The Emotional Storm ...I think this one was written with bipolar people in mind, but I don't have that (I've been dx'd with ptsd, anxiety and depression) and I still found it very helpful

  • The Rape Recovery Handbook ...haven't tried this one myself but have seen it oft-recommended

  • The Body Keeps The Score ...a very well-known book/author dealing with trauma recovery

  • The PTSD Workbook ...not saying you have ptsd, but this might still be helpful to guide yourself through trauma recovery

  • The Anxiety and Phobia Workbook ...I've found this one helpful as well

    At least a couple of these are also available as audiobooks, if that interests you (I use Audible).

    Good luck with everything; it sounds like you are on a great path. You will get to a place when what happened to you feels more past than present... just be sure to address it and treat yourself with kindness and compassion along the way.

    It's totally normal and ok that this is tough for you, but it doesn't have to be this way forever. You're so much more than what happened to you. 💙
u/crazynekosama · 1 pointr/AskWomen

Something that's really helped me is just owning the anxiety in the moment as it's happening. So on the weekend something happened at work that triggered a full-fledged anxiety attack. I've talked to my therapist and we've talked about "neurological pathways" and how it's just my brain's automatic response in triggering situations. So once the attack comes on it's like "Okay, this is happening, and it's okay." I know anxiety attacks are short term, they go away. So I just observe. I don't react. So reacting would be "Oh my god, I'm having an anxiety attack. Shit. SHIT. Okay, calm down, calm down. Stop freaking out." Etc. And then I do the steps that help calm me back down. So for me it's usually first and foremost - going home. Because home is quiet and safe and most of my anxiety attacks happen outside my home. So going home. Deep breaths, some water, put on my comfy clothes and then talk to my mom. Because I live with my parents and my mom gets it and she just listens and tells me it's okay and that makes me feel better. And then by that point I'm usually coming down off the attack and am starting to feel drained so I'll just spend the rest of the day vegging out, watching a movie or something.

Other things that have helped with my anxiety on a general, day-to-day basis:

  • Medication, I'm on Cipralex (Lexapro) 30mg/day

  • My therapist, who is amazing and has given me lots of helpful tips and tricks and support

  • CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) which is a form of therapy that helps you restructure your thought processes. You can do self study with workbooks like this one - which I highly recommend.

  • Changing your diet - if you're really jittery and anxious throughout the day try cutting out some of your caffeine intake, cutting back on alcohol (since alcohol is a depressant and once it's out of your system you can feel more anxious after)

  • Addressing any underlying health issues like thyroid problems, anemia, etc. I'm anemic and when I don't take my iron pills my mood suffers horribly.

  • Meditation, mindfulness, yoga can all help. I find even just doing some quick, deep breathing exercises helpful to calm me down in the moment.

  • Journalling - getting all those racing thoughts down onto paper clears my head.

    -Exercise, there's a lot of evidence to show that exercise is REALLY helpful. Mild exercise. Like just going out for a walk - my go to favourite.

  • Getting enough sleep. If I don't get enough sleep you can bet my anxiety will be worse that day. Making sleep a priority has really helped.

  • Doing things I enjoy like reading, video games, watching a movie, spending time with my cats, etc.

  • Spending time with people I care about - gets me out of my own head for a bit.

u/eirebrie · 1 pointr/Anxiety

This used to be me as well. I believe it's a form of OCD, where you have obsessive and compulsive thoughts thoughts instead of actions.

I've largely moved past it but it still flares up every once in awhile. My best suggestion: reach out to a psychiatrist and a psychologist. Medicine has been a god send to me and my family. Your wife loves you and supports you but you have to take care of yourself as well.

This is a book my psychologist recommended to me. It might be worth it to check it out. But please, seek help. The first step is the hardest but it will get better, trust me.

Link: The Anxiety and Phobia Workbook https://www.amazon.com/dp/1626252157/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_C-BFybHGF1DMJ