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Hi there, I'm glad you posted! Hopefully I can offer something. My partner and I both have anxiety and related conditions so here are a few things we've found that have helped:

• Hope and Help for Your Nerves by Dr. Claire Weekes. It's old, but I honestly think it is one of the best things out there. We were skeptical when it was suggested for a very similar sudden onset anxiety. However, it has been worth the $6 many times over. Dr. Weekes writes in a very personal manner and somehow just reading it seems to help ease some of the physical symptoms as she explains how and why the body is acting in this way. It sounds silly but it helps rewire the brain a tiny bit. Honestly so worthwhile. All credit goes to the lovely /u/surfwaxgoesonthetop in their comments here.
  
  
• Exercise: Whether it be a walking, dancing, lifting some weights, or yoga we've both found that creating a regular exercise routine (nothing too strenuous) has been really helpful. After
  
  
• Medication: We're not big fans of medication, but have both found relief on small dosages of SSRIs or other anxiety meds, even in the short term. We have both tried many and I'm currently on Wellbutrin and have used Celexa in the past. Everyone has their own SSRI or med that works best, or perhaps no medication but it can definitely help level things out while you work through other aspects of the anxiety and create a long-term plan with or without them.
  
  
• Medical Marijuana: Obviously not for everyone, but for many it is extremely effective in stimulating appetite, calming nausea, and relieving some anxiety, including physical symptoms. Everyone reacts differently and there a strains that are better/worse for anxiety so one must proceed with caution, but it is worth a mention. If you live in an area where you can get a medical card, and access medical marijuana that has higher levels of CBD, and lower levels of THC.
  
  
• Omeprazole: After recovering from an illness I found I had constant, debilitating nausea. Omeprazole was a lifesaver for me, and there are very few side effects. The nausea definitely had different roots so it may not be of much help, but I thought it was worth a mention. It's also used for animals who have nausea due to medications.
  
  
• Propranolol: This was something that can be effective for specific situations in the short term. It is often used for anxiety related to things like public speaking as it is fast acting and helps calm the nerves by slowing the racing heart and similar bodily symptoms. Also not for everyone or every situation but might be something to look into to help you through the next little while when you're faced with specifically anxiety-provoking times or tasks.
  
  
• Chamomile Tea: Not scientifically significant but can have a nice calming effect especially in the evenings.
  
  
• Vitamin B12 (B100 complex is ideal), Cod Liver Oil/Omega 3 Fish Oil, L-Theanine, Valerian and More: There are lots of specific vitamins and supplements that are effective in the treatment of anxiety and great for overall health and well being. This blog post has a great overview!
  
  Just know that in time, you will gain control of the anxiety and that this state will not last forever. Feel free to PM me about any of this! :)

Geez! I just typed a long response and lost it all when I refreshed my page. Argh!

You are smart and have your parent's financial support. Imagine feeling the dread you feel now AND not have any money or stability. You are safe under a roof and seem to be monetarily comfortable. This should make you feel at least a little bit better. The fact that you don't have to worry about money allows you the time to really hit this anxiety thing head on. Just like anyone else, you can squash it. It will take dedication, but it's all worth it.

Regarding your college's counselling service, that sounds like a great idea to me. I know that your anxieties are preventing you from making an appointment, but this is something that you shouldn't think about and just do. They are paid professionals that deal with this stuff on a regular basis. You will be in good hands. I Promise.

Your submission up above is filled with so much negativity. If you read it back to yourself, you'll notice that you put a negative spin on everything. Being positive with yourself can go great lengths in making you feel better. Spin things in a positive light, so you won't continue to get so down on yourself. Here is a nice, helpful article for you.

Another thing I noticed is that you did not mention anything about any sort of exercise. I know, for me personally, exercise goes a long way in making me feel better. I shattered my leg a few months ago and have recently been given the green light to run and play sports again. I too have anxiety, although it seems to be a much different kind, but when I broke my leg, I thought my world was going to end as I couldn't really exercise. I started running and whenever I complete a run, I get this natural high that makes me feel awesome. I suggest trying something like this.

You did mention that your parents are there to help you financially, but you didn't mention anything about moral support. Are you transparent with them? Do you let them know how you feel inside? Their support can most definitely go a long way.

I am not sure how keen you are on reading anxiety self help books, but THIS BOOK has been awesome for me. Just look at the reviews. Dr. Claire Weekes understands anxiety to a T and does an awesome job explaining everything about it. This book is highly suggested.

I hope this all helps and if you need anything at all, please feel free to PM me.

No. 1 - do not try psychadelic drugs especially if you are feeling like this. If anything, it could make your anxiety worse and it just isn't worth it. People do stupid things on drugs. I don't really recommend them at all, but you should be in a really good state of mind before even thinking about them.

No. 2 - if you take your benzos and become productive, why are you taking bigger doses? You should be using them purely as needed and not to feel high. Keep using them to be productive if you can't be productive without them, but NEVER EVER abuse them.

Thanks for sharing your story. I think it would be better if you really detailed out how you are trying to improve yourself. I see that you have tried to learn new skills, but what skills?

For me, it all started with making some lifestyle changes. Exercise is one of the changes I'm referring to, and a big change at that. As I'm sure you know, it releases endorphins that make you feel good. You are what you eat, so diet can be equally important. These 2 items can help you big time because they will increase your self-confidence by just making you feel better. Vitamin D, fish oil, and vitamin B should be taken. They are all known to help battle anxiety.

Taking care of your issues the moment they arise is another idea for you. Do not let things fester and be placed under the rug. Write down what is giving you anxiety and try and stay organized. The less clutter you have in your life, the less likely you are to have anxiety.

You are doing a great thing by letting out your thoughts on this message board. We are here to help you!

One other thing, then I'm done rambling. THIS BOOK. I think it is (excuse my French) fucking fantastic. The author has been in our shoes before and explains everything perfectly, IMO. I think simply sitting down and reading the book has a similar effect as the benzos. Give it a try, it's only a couple of dollars. If for some reason you need some help purchasing it, please let me know. I'm be glad to help!

If you would like to chat more, feel free to PM me.

Cheers!

Got a book for you. It was recommended to me by my therapist, who has met the author a couple of times. It's been in print >20 years. You can read reviews here and then link back to the book.

Full disclosure: I believe talking therapy with someone you trust completely is best thing for each and every one who of us who ever wishes we had that we had that confidentiality and trust in someone.

I also despise self-help books in general. I find them almost invariably to be the long form of two variants: One, "First get really lucky, or find a partner or live in the perfect location or have an extensive familial and social network...or Two, "First, pull yourself up by the hair...".

This book is different. I have congenital GAD. At the time I first read Dr. Burns' book I was depressed as well. Life was good and I wasn't enjoying it the way I should. I read the first chapter, which is a series of self-evaluation questions that you answer on a 1-5 scale.
As you complete subsections, there are evaluations of your answers, explaining that if you got a low score, x is the reason, and doing A differently will affect that positively. If you got a high number, doing E differently will help eliminate that.

And you stop for a second and think of how that result relates to your brain, your thought processes, your "inner voice" and you realize how effing easy some of this "changing for the better" is going to be. Once you have the tools to understand and change your negative thoughts (which can turn into negative actions)...for good, it changes you. After fifty pages, I physically felt lighter, just like the cliche. There's a reason it's a cliche. It really does feel like a "weight was lifted off my shoulders". And it was all what I was doing to myself, in my descriptions in my own mind of my actions and decisions.

Learning how, in a couple/few hours how to eliminate the negative from your thoughts so the positive can take hold and move you forward feels kinda like getting a new vehicle. No, not kidding. I think it feels that way because you know the feeling is going to last. Trust. One of my best reddit moments was when a young woman I had recommended Dr. Burns' book to came back, dug out her old throwaway just to thank me for the referral. She said after she read the book, she changed jobs, got a new man and her life had completely turned around, and she wanted to thank me. Pretty awesome, and props to the happy young lady for reaching out.

But yeah, it's that good.

Yes, he needs a professional opinion.

According to your post, I can see you really do care and want to help, which is a big step to recovery. It is a long process, so please do not give up on him.

I would suggest read as much literature about anxiety as you can. Why? People who never experienced any panic attacks and anxiety will never comprehend what's it like. He has you, that means you are not judgemental towards his issue, which is a big deal. Don't let him crawl into himself. It will be hard on you, but please don't give up.

It is easier in two, a lot of encouragement, talking about it helps a lot. You both must find which are his fears and slowly go through them together, behavioral therapy will do wonders. He needs to face his fears, there's no other way around it. Keep in mind that it will never go away, it will always be present. Sometimes more, sometimes less, but the good thing about it is that he can learn how to deal with it and eventually it will become a second nature in his thoughts. At the end, anxiety is only a nervous arousal, bodily sensation. He must learn to get comfortable in anxious discomfort.

Important thing is to set rules for everything; life, talks, anxiety, therapy etc... Without rules he'll be in the same spot all the time, not willing to try anything, not moving forward. Rules will make him do it and eventually he'll turn the switch. He needs to acknowledge and accept it, and work work work on it.

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Search for:

Dare: The New Way to End Anxiety and Stop Panic Attacks, The Linden Method and Mel Robbins' The 5 Second Rule.

Now, there are even more literature with different approaches, for some people neither of it works. It didn't work for me either, because I was looking for one single fast solution. It didn't work because I didn't know how to tailor it for myself, I just didn't realize it. You need to look at the formula(s) and tailor their methods to suit yourself. Experiment with it.

​

I'll give you some of my examples:

​

#1 Dare example

Defuse = What ifs? So what!! Whatever!! Who gives a fuck.

Allow it = I accept and allow this anxious feeling! Embrace it, welcome it, don't resist, smile at it, be curious ...

Run Toward = Feel excited about your anxious thoughts or feelings.

Engage = Occupy yourself with an activity that engages your mind. Don't be idle in your mind.

FORMULA: "Whatever!! I accept and allow this anxious feeling. I'm excited by it as I engage with what's in front of me."

This is the formula, tailor it for yourself.

Sometimes if I sense it creeping up in my thoughts, I will just roughly (D) defuse it with "Fuck off!" or something similar and (E) engage to an activity. You can see, I have used only D and E, from the formula. Use bits and pieces, adding or subtracting if needed, whatever suits you. Sometimes I will use the entire formula, it depends how hard it is.

​

#2 Five sec example

I also use The 5 Second Rule. I would close my eyes, take a deep breath and count slowly 5 ... 4 ... 3 ... 2 ... 1 and I will repeat "I'm excited, not afraid, I'm excited not afraid, I'm excited not afraid ..." while thinking some positive thoughts. Afterwards, I engage with what's in front of me.

​

#3 Song example

I love the song by Florence + The Machine - Spectrum, it always makes me happy. So sometimes I will sing this verse in my head:

Say my name (Fear, Anxiety, Depression etc...)

And every color illuminates (Positive vibes)

We are shining (I am better then this)

And we will never be afraid again (Embracing, allowing, going away)"

​

You see, you need to find what suits you, tailor it for yourself. Of course, this is a long process, but it works if you are willing to grind for it.

-----------------------------------

Lastly, I don't know what is your lifestyle, but all kinds of issues including anxiety can be related with bad gut microbiome and inflammations in your system. Try to eat clean whole foods, cut all the bad habits. Even if it doesn't do anything, you'll feel healthier after all. Oh and exercise will do wonders, as well. You need to be consistent with it.

​

Hope this helps!

Cheers

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

Sure- I found that orderIng CBT and anxiety workbooks helped me a lot. This is actually very easy if you can put down a little money on this. Go to Amazon and simply search the most highly rated books on anxiety and CBT. You can also watch videos on YouTube on CBT and anxiety management.
If that's out of the question right now, just head to your library and check out whatever books you can find on anxiety and CBT. I haven't found a book on anxiety that hasn't helped. This book was the first i read for anxiety and I found it helped me.
From there, keep therapy in mind. I know you aren't quite ready but next time you do feel lost in panic and guilt, please consider giving it a chance. Get those lists of people eligible on hand so making this step is easier when the time comes. Therapists eagerly help people like you and I all day so don't worry about sounding crazy or burdening them. The reality is they are highly trained in helping you. Like our reaching out to you to comment over this Reddit post, they enjoy helping others who suffer from anxiety because they know there are effective ways to get better.
Another reason therapy is important is the need for talk therapy. Being able to just talk about what you manage with someone who wants to listen and help might be huge in your getting better. Holding this stuff in without any genuinely direct sounding boards can increase the severity of the attacks.

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.

>Anyone else just feel constant panic?
>
>Its like you're waiting for something bad to happen, but you dont really know.

I did, for a long time. I discovered that anxiety breaks down into two parts:

1. Internal anxiety
   
2. External anxiety
   
   Internal anxiety:
   
   Internal anxiety is caused by how you think. The basic rule here is "thoughts create emotions". The emotions that you feel are a result of the thoughts that you think. The basic formula is when you are faced with a situation, you had a thought about it That thought became an emotion. The next time you ran into that situation, you had an emotional response to it.
   
   For example, when you were a kid & you encountered chocolate-chip cookies for the first time, you were like WHOA, these are GOOD! Then the next time you saw or smelled chocolate-chip cookies, or someone offered them to you, your brain thought YUMMY YUMMY! David Burns has a really good book called "Feel Good" if you're interested in learning more about that:
   
   https://www.amazon.com/Feeling-Good-New-Mood-Therapy/dp/0380810336
   
   He also has an excellent companion workbook called "Ten Days to Self-Esteem", which takes the "thoughts create emotion" concept a little bit further by having you write down what you think, how you feel, and how'd you prefer to think & feel about it instead. It's a really excellent way to learn how your mind works & I highly recommend it to everybody:
   
   https://www.amazon.com/Days-Self-Esteem-David-Burns-M-D/dp/0688094554
   
   One thing I learned is that everyone basically has a Twitter feed of nonsense in their head all day long. By default, we tend to believe whatever we think. However, like Twitter, you have a lot of good & also a lot of bad coming down that pipeline, and you can learn how to audit it by capturing a thought, thinking about how it makes you feel, and then deciding if you want to think & therefore feel differently about it.
   
   For example, as kid, if you hated eating your veggies, then as an adult, you might think, "Yuck, broccoli!" every time you see or get offered broccoli. But then you might decide you want to change the situation and say yeah, I don't really like it, but I know it's good for me, and therefore I'm willing to eat it because it's good for my health. Then instead of an instant "Yuck, broccoli!" response, you could have a "Not my favorite, but I'm willing to eat it because it's good for me!" response. That's a simple example, but you get the idea!
   
   There are a lot of ways to change how you think. Both of David Burn's books are excellent. CBT is really good as well, as is EMDR. Learning how to self-audit is one of the biggest keys, because if you can recognize that you're not feeling how you want to feel, then you can work on changing how you think about it!
   
   External anxiety:
   
   Unfortunately, internal anxiety is not the whole story. I went through both of those books back in high school; even after I got a handle on learning how to think better & manage my cognitive distortions, such as all-or-nothing thinking, I still had that constant flight-or-fight feeling going on. I eventually learned more about how many different faces anxiety has & how anxiety operates off Canvas Theory, which is based on Canvas Strategy by Ryan Holiday:
   
   https://ryanholiday.net/the-canvas-strategy/
   
   Canvas Theory basically states that your anxiety will use your current situation or mentally-driven fear to paint on. Driving to work? Maybe the boss is going to fire me today! Teacher going around the room asking what your name is & to say one thing interesting about yourself? Maybe your voice will choke up & you'll die of embarrassment! Whee! So anxiety just kind of likes to spray out like a firehose on whatever "canvas" you have in front of you, whether it's the situation that you're in or a situation that randomly popped into your head.
   
   The source of this anxiety can vary, but we'll call it an Adrenaline Leak. Just like a hose that has a pinhole leak, your gut is constantly leaking a liiiiiiittle bit of adrenaline aaaaaall the time. Thus, you're stuck in a constant state of panic, feeling like something bad is going to happen, but what exactly the "bad" is, is just a question mark. Sometimes it sprays itself onto a situational canvas, or sometimes it's just a general bad feeling.
   
   part 1/2

I posted a similar question on here for a gift for my boyfriend, and I got a lot of great responses so I decided to make a "panic box" for him with lots of different ideas.

He is big on scents for soothing, so I got him a relaxation blend and frankincense essential oils, as well as his favorite incense.

He is also very responsive to tea, so I got him this pregnancy tea. I know that seems weird, but it was one of the few on Amazon that had chamomile and oatstraw. Although I didn't really expect them to work, I also got him stress mints, calm drops, and moon drops in hopes that having something to suck on might calm him down if some minor anxiety pops up.

As for books, after reviewing this thread here, I got him this anxiety memoir since he seems to benefit from reading other people's stories (shout out to this subreddit! Thanks guys!), as well as this workbook.

Finally, I got him a panic pete to give him something to hold and squeeze when he was anxious. Out of all the things I got him, he loved panic pete the best!

As a final, personal touch, I printed out this article which he loved reading when he is anxious, and included some of the calming mantras I found here.

Hope at least some of this helps!

Not exactly. From wikipedia - "The objective is not elimination of difficult feelings; rather, it is to be present with what life brings us and to "move toward valued behavior". Noam Shpancer describes acceptance and commitment therapy as getting to know unpleasant feelings, then learning not to act upon them, and not avoiding situations where they are invoked. Its therapeutic effect is, according to Shpancer, a positive spiral where feeling better leads to a better understanding of the truth."

It's something my therapist has brought up since we determined that CBT actually encourages me to stay in my head in a way that is not beneficial for me in the long run. She recommended this workbook: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1572244259?keywords=get%20out%20of%20your%20mind%20and%20into%20your%20life&qid=1449086732&ref_=sr_1_1&sr=8-1 which is actually very useful. Having exercises can be really helpful!

I've been going to counseling for several years and been through several therapists. It's hard to find a good fit. It should be a good balance of you talking about your everyday and long term problems and your therapist offering ideas and solutions to them.

I also see a psychiatrist as therapists can't prescribe medication. I take Xanax for panic attacks and have GAD. I'm currently on my 4th doctor as well. They should be trying different medications if you're having undesirable side effects. A lot of them should be stopped gradually.

And while I understand about not wanting to be on medication some people need it. When functioning on a day to day basis becomes too difficult it becomes harder to treat your problems at the source. Especially if you are just struggling to get through your day one hour at a time.

Please don't give up on your behavior professionals. Keep searching until you find a good one and they can recommend others.

I don't know how much you like reading but even before my first counseling appointment they suggested a book which helped me quite a lot. Relaxation and Stress reduction workbook and since then I found Feeling Good Just do yourself a favor if you do decide to buy them and not get workbooks on your Kindle. Much easier to copy pages than print screenshots.

Hope it helps and best of luck to you :)

For people interested in ACT, here's a relatively short (but hopefully comprehensive) explanation about what this exercise shows and how it relates to anxiety disorders.

As stated in this particular exercise you have to try your best to not think of a yellow jeep. You can think of anything else, let your thoughts wander as much as you'd want, but do not think of a yellow jeep. I'd highly recommend that everyone takes a few minutes to try this, since what I'm going to say makes more sense when you know what it's like.

When you do this you end up "fighting" yourself in trying to not think of the yellow jeep. There is of course the thought of the jeep, but you also get thoughts such as "I should not think of the yellow jeep". These are problematic as well because when you get thoughts like those you also find yourself thinking about the jeep. You have to reference it after all if you want to say that you cannot think of it. For many people it also happens that they manage to think of something else but then get nagging thoughts at the back of their minds that they shouldn't think of something, also pulling their minds toward the jeep.

In the case of a yellow jeep it's just the yellow jeep, a object which doesn't create a strong reaction for the majority of people. So it's a interesting exercise, but one that doesn't have a big impact otherwise. However if you replace the jeep with anxiety things become different, since thoughts of anxiety for people with anxiety disorder are often accompanied by both a mental and physical reactions. So when this happens not with thoughts of a jeep but with anxious thoughts (for example "I'm going to die") it can become a loop where the more you get anxious thoughts the more you're trying to make them go away and the more you get as a result.

What ACT tries to do different there is not to remove the anxiety, because that doesn't work well as the exercise shows. But instead it tries to help you to welcome the thoughts, give them space to say what they want to say without you pushing them away, and then to let go of both the thoughts and the advice they gave. There is still the initial anxiety this way, but because it doesn't escalate to take over all your thoughts you can keep doing what you want to do, without letting your life be controlled by the anxiety.

Of course this takes time and practice. ACT is not a miracle cure where you put in virtually no effort and get big results. But for me it has produced better results than anything else I have tried so far, and there is enough information on it now that it's possible to do even without a therapist (however I would recommend finding one whom is capable of doing ACT, as it can make a lot of things much easier).

If this sounds good then I can definitely recommend Get Out of Your Mind and Into Your Life as it is the best ACT book I have read so far. Also look up work from Jon Kabat-Zinn as he has done a lot to bring mindfulness to western psychology (his Google talk on mindfulness is a good first look at mindfulness without diving into theory right away).

Edit, reworded some stuff to make more sense.

I would highly recommend reading DARE! -- I can't even tell you how much this book has helped me. I have pretty terrible health anxiety, and constantly research diseases and convince myself that the smallest symptoms are going to kill me, even though I too practice yoga, etc.

I think the biggest thing with anxiety, and what this book taught me, is that anxiety is mostly how we react to anxiety, if that makes sense? Basically we are training ourselves to be fearful of these thoughts or minor symptoms, and it's causing this continuing circuit of anxiety. It takes time to heal from anxiety, but you can overcome it. Sometimes it takes month, sometimes it takes years. Remember to forgive yourself, and realize that this is a process of untraining our brains and response system. It sounds like you almost have depersonalization/derealization? Maybe not, but look it up. I have struggled with that in the past, and it's a scary feeling. You feel crazy, like something just isn't right? Don't worry, you can ABSOLUTELY overcome that. Healing doesn't mean it will just vanish after a few weeks of trying. Healing involves falling, it involves more anxiety attacks, and training ourselves with how we react to them.

Here is what I would recommend:

1. Read that book, for real.
   
2. Start meditating practicing mindfulness immediately.
   
3. Continue yoga.
   
4. Continue eating healthy.
   
5. Try a magnesium supplement if you haven't already.
   
6. Listen to podcasts - I love Anxiety Guru and The Anxiety Coaches.
   
7. Meditate more, practice more mindfulness, IT IS SO IMPORTANT.
   
8. Drink lots of water
   
9. Work on sleep hygiene
   
10. Do something every day that makes you laugh. Fake it. Fake smile. Convince yourself you are having a great time.
    
11. Take epsom baths.
    
12. Journal. Practice art. Paint, play with clay.
    
    Everyone is different, but I am a firm believer we can greatly overcome this disease. It honestly just takes time. I think we go a few months or weeks without an attack, and think, "oh great, I have beaten this thing," and then we have an attack and convince ourselves that we actually didn't overcome it, and we never will, and this will continue to keep happening. I have a friend who had severe anxiety for her entire life. She hasn't had an attack in three years, but said it took her a full 5 years to get to that point. It's a process, and as much as we want instant results, we need to be patient and forgiving and not put a date on our "cure."

I'm at 80-90% and have gotten there largely without a prescription. I do have xanax but take it only very rarely. I didn't want to take the rx for it at all but my counselor told me one thing that made so much sense to me: our brains forget how to relax. The drug helps the brain remember what it feels like to be relaxed, making it that much easier to get there without drugs in the future. I did fill the rx with that in mind, and was lucky to have a counselor who totally supported me taking it only very short-term (as needed) and knew I really wanted to beat anxiety without meds if at all possible.

The regime which has helped me personally: Taking Omega-3s, quitting caffeine, eating small meals regularly & avoiding sugary crap in order to keep my blood sugar levels steady, keep up a yoga practice, and let go of "shoulds". Also, the book Adrenaline Fatigue had a lot of helpful info and led me to a whole new philosophy about anxiety.

I did try CBT counseling, but made more progress through dietary/lifestyle changes. ACT worked better for me. Try this book for starters.

http://www.amazon.com/Mastery-Your-Anxiety-Panic-Treatments/dp/0195311353/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1331533384&sr=1-1

A previous psychologist of mine recommended this book, and it was the basis of our treatment. I worked it with him and then again later. It's truly a workbook in that you have a lot of logging and study to do, exercises and exposures, and it really keeps you busy.

I also have When Panic Attacks by Burns, mentioned elsewhere here, which is a good book and has a lot of good techniques, but not a traditional CBT book. I don't think it even bills itself as one.

There are other therapies as well. CBT is great, but I found it to be lacking, so I'm trying Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. It makes more sense to me so far. The book I'm currently reading is The Happiness Trap, and there's also Get Out of Your Mind and Into Your Life. The former is more accessible, the latter is more technical, having been written by the person who came up with ACT. Something worth checking out.

I would recommend [this book] (http://www.amazon.com/When-Panic-Attacks-Drug-Free-Anxiety/dp/076792083X/ref=pd_sim_b_4). It has really helped me. It provides you with a multitude of techniques that can help. There is a very good chance that at least one will help you dramatically.

The first step may be to write down your fears as they are happening. If you wait until after, you won't get to the root of your problem. Once you find the root cause, you can 'put the lie to it'. After that, you can basically laugh at the fear and move on in your life.

I've had similar issues. I changed my diet and implemented daily exercising. Feeling better physically can help your mental state almost immediately.

Lastly, I would recommend breathing techniques. There are many found on the internet. I would try them out to see which works. The key for me was to use them during the earliest forms of anxiety. If I waited for a full blown attack, I was less successful.

While I've never had relationship anxiety, I have been in a relationship for 14 years. I think the best advice I can give is: you will never be happy if you have to pretend to be someone else. You have to reach a point where you feel comfortable enough to be yourself. Know that if it is meant to be, she will accept you for you for who you are. The good and the bad.

If anxiety has turned you into a shadow of your former self (like it has to me), then therapy isn’t a bad option. Actually therapy has been the single best thing I’ve done for myself in regards to my anxiety. It’s not gone, but being able to ramble about all the things I think about to someone has proven beneficial.

Anxiety greatly shrunk my world, and after a length of time led to me being depressed. I’m now trying DBT, which is like CBT but adds meditation and stuff. CBT is good because it helps you recognize and try to correct negative thought patterns. DBT does that but too, but with some more steps. You could try to go through some self help workbooks before therapy if you like. Here’s one that I got a good bit out of:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/1572248912/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_YYA4BbNKWEZRF

Good luck!

Generally speaking, if you find that all of these are severely affecting your life, you probably have a diagnosable personality disorder. That usually also means you have serious childhood trauma to deal with. Not saying that is the case, but it's worth knowing.

Best course of action is self-education (do a lot of reading of good information about the issues/conditions), find and work with a good, specialized therapist (usually finding a good trauma-specialized therapist is best), possibly pharmacotherapy and neurobiofeedback can also be helpful.

This is a good workbook you can do on your own time:

https://www.amazon.com/Dialectical-Behavior-Therapy-Skills-Workbook/dp/1572245131

This is another good one:

https://www.amazon.com/Cognitive-Behavioral-Workbook-Personality-Disorders/dp/1572246480

Remember that in order to overcome this type of severe dysfunction it is often necessary to completely "re-invent yourself". You would need to radically change your mindset, behavior and how you think and perceive of yourself and others.

I know money is tight for you, but buy a used copy of this book: Mind Over Mood.

http://www.amazon.com/Mind-Over-Mood-Change-Changing/dp/0898621283/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1418417269&sr=8-1&keywords=Mind+over+mood

You're right, you definitely have anxiety. What this book will help you do is to dissect your anxious feelings, categorize them and develop alternative thoughts. This book was recommended by my therapist, and I've found that it definitely helps me when I'm at my worst. Best of luck to you, and know that you have a supportive community here!

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.

This book was recommended to me by my counselor: The Anxiety and Worry Workbook - http://www.amazon.com/dp/160623918X/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pd_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=2QBKGFPKW9Z0B&coliid=I3AEONSN5CFLX5. She says it's perfect for going through and doing until people are able to get on meds.

Are you currently seeing a counselor? I would suggest doing that if not. As far as techniques. Breathing exercises, meditation, calming and peaceful music, exercise, and yoga. There are several techniques and links in the sidebar of this reddit that may help too!

As far as meds. Have you tried Celexa or Zoloft? I have been on both and recommend them. Good luck!!

Try talking to your general practitioner (or a GP at a walk-in clinic, etc.), and ask for a referral to a psychiatrist. Psychiatrists are covered by OHIP in Ontario; however, the wait time before the first session can be months. Your GP should be able to diagnose and treat anxiety (with medication) as well if that's suitable.

I recommend self-help resources, such as The Anxiety and Phobia Workbook by Dr. Bourne (https://www.amazon.ca/Anxiety-Phobia-Workbook-Edmund-Bourne/dp/1572248912). This guy knows what he's talking about, and if you're motivated enough to work through this book, you will get results.

A great free online self-help CBT course that his great for anxiety is MoodGym (https://moodgym.anu.edu.au/welcome). There's a similar one by the same people called e-couch, which is also great. (The MoodGym page says that it's for depression, but it works well for anxiety, as the techniques are basically the same).

Good luck!

My therapist recommended Feeling Good to me, I'm currently reading it and I've found it has some good advice and ideas. Generally, I've been improving myself and feeling better during the period of reading it. (not all of the examples are perfect though)

https://www.amazon.com/Feeling-Good-New-Mood-Therapy/dp/0380810336

Drugs aren't the only solution but they are a powerful one. Have you met with a therapist yet? It sounds like you really need someone to guide you in combating your anxiety. You should also give meds a chance, they aren't perfect but they are definitely a big help to many people. You can check out info on meds on the sidebar plus there's some guides on meditation if you're willing to give that another go.

Also, I'm going to shove the book Feeling Good out there for you because it's a great CBT based book for Depression and Anxiety, and would be a useful tool in the mean time while you look for a therapist or consider meds/what have you.

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

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.

If youre new to researching the subject then maybe it could be a good idea to read/listen to things about anxiety in general. It really helps to listen to stories of dealing with mental illness. You'll never find anyone that has exactly what you do, but you always see characteristics that you find in yourself. Its nice to hear people talk about it put it into words better than you can yourself.
I would recommend:

book: Monkey Mind

podcast: Mental Illness Happy Hour

Get a good therapy book that will help you do written exercises to challenge your thoughts in a productive way. I personally recommend a popular book called, "Feeling Good: The New Mood Therapy"
https://www.amazon.com/dp/0380810336/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_.OJPzbM5VTTCN

CBT training is like personal workout training. A lot of the benefit to seeing a therapist is you have someone to force you to do the work :-). If you have the discipline to do it yourself then you can definitely save the dough.

Three recommendations:

• Get this book: Mastery of Your Anxiety and Panic. Do the written exercises even though some of them at first seem cheesy or lame, they really helped me when a therapist forced me to do them :-)
  
  
• Search YouTube for "progressive muscle relaxation", and practice it routinely. I do a ten minute PMR routine once per day. That way I'm ready to deploy it in the event of an anxiety attack.
  
  
• Install an app called "Paced Breathing" (only available for Android but there are similar apps for iPhone). Then google for "belly breathing" for the proper breathing technique. Then do about 10 minutes of paced breathing per day, or incorporate it into your PMR routine. The paced breathing is also your way to help calm down during difficult moments, however it helps most to be practiced in order to deploy it in an emergency.
  
  Good luck.

Hi Dawn! I personally don't have experience with any of those books, but I've heard good things about Feeling Good so I'm thinking about purchasing it as well.

You might want to check out the Anxiety & Phobia Workbook. I finished reading it recently and I found it to be quite helpful.

A GREAT book to read is Monkey Mind by Daniel Smith. There would be great quotes and first hand experiences to talk about and have examples. As far as scientific research use your schools library to find peer reviewed articles. Are you in college ot high school??

I know, and here I am trying to fix it. :-) Most likely to avoid my own anxiety...

Have you considered something like this book "Mind Over Mood"? I know others like the book "Feeling Good" as well, but feedback tends to be that the first one is more focused, which is what I need when anxiety is ripping me apart.

It is a strain. It just is. I hope you can feel that someone out here cares, though, because I do.

Have you tried anything to help your anxiety? Therapy would give you someone to talk to! If you don't want to go to therapy there's a ton of self help books like the Shyness and Social Anxiety Workbook https://www.amazon.com/Shyness-Social-Anxiety-Workbook-Step/dp/1572245530

or The Anxiety & Worry Workbook https://www.amazon.com/Anxiety-Worry-Workbook-Cognitive-Behavioral/dp/160623918X/ref=sr_1_4?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1521328711&sr=1-4&keywords=anxiety+workbook

They can help you work on building skills to get more comfortable being around people!

Good luck!

I'm currently reading a book called Get Out of Your Mind and Into Your Life: The New Acceptance and Commitment Therapy

I'm only partly through the book, but a lot of the things you discuss here are in the book. The therapy is apparently focused on a new development in cognitive science called Relational Frame Theory (RFT). It's fascinating stuff. It even explains why we, as humans, have developed language while other animals such as chimpanzees cannot, and why our ability to develop language can lead to anxiety disorders.

I really think you should talk to a professional if possible. See if your job offers an Employee Assistance Plan, which is usually available to all employees even if they don't have benefits. You can also try going to a community center, support group, online forums, phone hotlines, or consulting a self help book. I've heard good things about this one: http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/1572248912?pc_redir=1405594369&robot_redir=1. Learn to recognize when you are having an anxiety attack and remember to breathe and try to relax your body. Hang in there and good luck!

It really does! It seems like you have some good distraction exercises like listening to music, try to keep yourself busy with those, it can be very helpful.

Also, I bought this book at the suggestion of my therapist. I have found it to be very helpful, and might be worth the $14 if you have some time to read it. I'd read it when I was feeling anxious and it would help me better understand the anxiety and panic attacks and helped calm me down until I could see my therapist again.

That's the problem with anxiety--it has a way of convincing us that the most illogical things suddenly make sense and are the truth. There's a workbook that I actually find really helpful: http://www.amazon.com/Anxiety-Phobia-Workbook-Edmund-Bourne/dp/1572248912/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1375290754&sr=8-1&keywords=anxiety+and+phobia+workbook. Sometimes reading books can make things worse because it brings things to the surface, but this one really helped me to understand that the things I was telling myself really didn't make any logical sense when I thought about it (e.g. "I can't take care of myslef" --I can take care of myself and I do it every day...the anxiety just stopped me from giving myself credit for these little victories). Everyone is different, but maybe the workbook could help you too.

Another thing: I always have a mental dialogue going on...it's only when anxiety picks up that I start thinking maybe it's another voice or something. Really, it's just that dang anxiety convincing me I'm not ok. It always passes. Some times faster than others, but it always does.

Well, that's why I suggested that book, first.

http://www.amazon.com/When-Panic-Attacks-Drug-Free-Anxiety/dp/076792083X/

If you've never taken an SSRI before, I can understand your concern. I've tried 5 and they were all a bit different and still kind of the same.

They have different side effects, but the main effect is primarily similar: Thoughts don't race around and repeat over and over. And also, the "floor" on your emotional range tends to be lifted so that if you're down, you're less down.

The major downside to many of these SSRIs is that the "ceiling" to your emotional range can be lowered.

Naturally, when you go off the SSRI, the range returns (or if you lower the dose, the range widens.)

Think of SSRIs as a cast for your mind (instead of for your leg or arm). High dose SSRI is like a hard cast on your body part in question, medium dose SSRI is like a more flexible cast, low dose is like an Ace bandage. You're trading off emotional stability for emotional flexibility and vice-versa.

Btw, are you still getting enough exercise? I find that regular hard exercise does wonders for one's mood.

hugs

yep, you deserve to feel better than that. you've clearly got one or both of anxiety/depression, and any sane doctor will help you with that.

I second the printing idea, and, here's the two books that helped me most: The Mindful Way through Depression and Feeling Good

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

Hey there is a book out there that may really help:

https://www.amazon.com/Feeling-Good-New-Mood-Therapy/dp/0380810336

Get the paperback or the audiobook. It's available at most libraries too. It will really make a difference. Good luck chuck.

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 \^.\^

Ha, that reminds me of the book 'The Highly Sensitive Person' by Elaine Aron. I should really continue it. Helped reassure me lots years ago but I never finished the thing.

You're gonna do great.

Amazed this book hasn't be suggested yet, but 100% Dare.

This book has changed my life. Genuinely, honestly. Please, look at it .

https://www.amazon.com/Dare-Anxiety-Stop-Panic-Attacks/dp/0956596258/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1518393628&sr=8-1&keywords=dare+anxiety

You can look online for literature that may help you in beating the anxiety you're having. The simple answer is you'll have to walk into class one day, sit down, and take an exam. You and I both know it's terribly harder than it sounds though. This is the book I use https://www.amazon.com/Panic-Attacks-Workbook-Program-Beating/dp/1569754152. It's a therapeutic approach towards a non-medicated rehabilitation to anxiety inducing environments. The author is great and he writes the book as if you're sitting in the office with him. This is the best source I have for you but I hope you'll find somebody in your life that's supportive in your endeavors!

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

Hey,

Can I recommend a book that's really helped me?
It's free on kindle if you don't have the funds for it by the way.
It's called Dare and it really helped me when I was having severe anxiety.

A lot of us here have felt what you're feeling and I just wanna let you know that it does/can get better.

You're not alone here :)
Feel free to PM me if you need to talk or we can talk here.

You have the classic symptoms of social anxiety. Start by gradually introducing new experiences into your life. You can begin slowly by visiting a store by yourself and not buying anything. You have to start somewhere so figure out your current comfort level and push it a little.

The second thing I would recommend is frequent exercise especially if you don't do any sports. An alternative activity to keep you busy (and make money) would be a part time job that would work around your school schedule. You have to think in a positive manner if you want to change your behavior. I have always considered myself socially anxious yet I started cashiering at a major grocery store chain today and I did fine. A few months ago the idea of interacting with 40+ new people each day would have sent me running in the opposite direction. Now I see it as a way to stay productive and make some extra money while I'm going to college.

I would recommend this book for tips on reducing anxiety naturally.

Feel free to respond to this or send me a PM if you want to talk. It would be cool to mentor someone that is around my age (I just graduated high school).

tl;dr Beating anxiety takes work but the payoff is worth it

Also, I'm not sure what your insurance situation is, but I got Zoloft prescribed by a doctor at a low-cost community clinic when I had terrible insurance. The visit was like $30 and they hooked me up with a charity that donates common medications. Something like that might exist near you. It was a major help for me until I could afford a therapist. The Anxiety and Worry Workbook helped too. You can probably find something like this for free at your local library.

I'd definitely try and see a professional in person, I'm sure there are some in your area who'd be willing to make time to see you. Something like this might also be helpful in the meantime or if you have trouble finding someone. Sending good vibes your way, I know how much of a bitch anxiety/panic can be. You got this, though, normal will find you again. :)

Read the book, "Feeling Good," I think it will help you with some of this, did wonders for me. http://www.amazon.com/Feeling-Good-New-Mood-Therapy/dp/0380810336/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1377780128&sr=1-1&keywords=feeling+good

Remember not to mind read the people you're around! Stay confident and you'll be just fine.

I had only been dealing with anxiety for a very short time, 3 months of non stop panic attacks/depersonalization/nervousness. I honestly was going crazy and afraid of living like this for the rest of my life. I started seeing a therapist, which helped, but not enough. I was afraid of going on medication, so I refused to be prescribed anything. One day while on Amazon, I began browsing through self-help books and stumbled upon Dare: The New Way to End Anxiety and Panic Attacks, and I began to read. I read the book in 2 days and holy crap I felt like a weight was lifted off of me. I've seen this book get recommended in here a few times. If I could give you all free copies I would. It helped me tremendously and got my life back. I have been doing fine for the past 2 months, I'm not going to tell you that I don't get anxious anymore. I still do every so often, BUT I have learned how to diffuse it. I highly recommend it to everybody. I hope that every one of you will be able to find peace, whether it be through this book or in another way because I know it's hell.

These two books helped me tremendously. If you have a half price books store around you check there you might find cheapers.

Techniques wise breathing exercises have helped a lot
something like going into a quiet room and laying flat on my back. breathing in slowly and deeply until count of 4 and then out the mouth
notice what moves when you breath. is it shoulders or stomach? it should be stomach. if you focus on the breathing and counting you tend to stop thinking of the thing making you anxious. at least thats how it works for me. try to do the breathing for like 10 -15 mins a day

let me know if you need anything else at all. you are definitely not alone

http://www.amazon.com/dp/0380810336/?tag=googhydr-20&hvadid=36272585680&hvpos=1t1&hvexid=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=11061381279641282039&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=e&hvdev=c&ref=pd_sl_5uljnjcgfc_e

http://www.amazon.com/Anxiety-Phobia-Workbook-Edmund-Bourne/dp/1572248912/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1395349963&sr=1-1&keywords=the+anxiety+and+phobia+workbook

Hey there. This is no substitute for a doctor's care, but the book "Hope and Help for your Nerves" basically ended my panic. It was so useful that I carried it around with me until I felt strong enough to not need it.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/0451167228/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_xpiJAbQQD1RHY

Great job!

I had to commute this summer 45 minutes each way to my internship, and I had a few panic attacks on the road at the start but they slowly went away. One tip I've heard & used has been to turn up the radio & sing along loud to distract yourself, and I also started listening to podcasts in the car which is great because it's harder to tune out information/whatever you're listening to rather than music that maybe you've heard before.

Also, I don't know what it feels like for you, but sometimes I would get scared by anxiety-related chest pain on the road, but I eventually learned to just pull over somewhere safe, take a few minutes to take some deep breaths, recognize that I'm ok, wait a bit for it to go away and get back on the road...and treat that as 'ok' and not beat myself up like 'OMG I'm freaking out, something bad is going to happen.' Instead, just 'ok, anxiety came up, I handled it, I know that I'm actually OK, and I'm going to keep doing what I was doing.' The best thing is to not add layers to the anxiety by worrying about it.

Tangent: reading/doing this workbook really helped. http://www.amazon.com/Cognitive-Behavioral-Workbook-Anxiety-Step-/dp/1572245727/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1413363281&sr=1-2&keywords=cognitive+anxiety

I always struggled with anxiety and depression while on my meds. And I was a lot of meds. Lexapro + Klonopin + Effexor + Propanolol.

I really believe meds alone are not going to rid you of your anxiety. I am going through a workbook right now called The Anxiety and Phobia Workbook (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1572248912/ref=oh_details_o03_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1)
It's been really helpful and I would recommend it. I also take a lot of suppliments, talk to your Dr. about what supplements you can safely add.

But probably most helpful for me has been figuring out positive ways to cope with the anxiety. What outlets do you have that can help you process your attacks? Painting, journaling, drawing, exercise, those are some of mine.

Good luck, you are not in this alone!

Do yourself a favor and get the D.A.R.E response book by Barry McDonaugh.... and STOP MESSING WITH BENZOS... Its a trap, and I have been off Klonopin and Ambien for 3 years. Withdrawl was absolute hell... a truly harrowing experience. In the end, it will stop working and you will run out early. This book saved me from the gallows.

​

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0956596258/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_bibl_vppi_i0

​

Best wishes.

This is a popular one, and I've started reading it. Easy read and straight to the point.

https://www.amazon.com/Dare-Anxiety-Stop-Panic-Attacks/dp/0956596258

Feeling Good and The Feeling Good Handbook by Dr. David Burns are really good.

I have both a dialectical and cognitive behavioral therapy book. Here are links to Amazon for them:

The Anxiety and Worry Workbook: The Cognitive Behavioral Solution https://www.amazon.com/dp/160623918X/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_c_api_TkInzbEA1SPKC

The Dialectical Behavior Therapy Skills Workbook: Practical DBT Exercises for Learning Mindfulness, Interpersonal Effectiveness, Emotion Regulation & ... Tolerance (New Harbinger Self-Help Workbook) https://www.amazon.com/dp/1572245131/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_-lInzbVZ0BS9H

I also recently saw a book called "Anxious in Love" that looked interesting.

This one just explains what CBT is:
http://www.nami.org/Content/NavigationMenu/Inform_Yourself/About_Mental_Illness/About_Treatments_and_Supports/Cognitive_Behavioral_Therapy1.htm

THIS page has a ton of free worksheets: http://www.getselfhelp.co.uk/freedownloads2.htm

More worksheets:
http://psychology.tools/download-therapy-worksheets.html

And some books:
http://www.amazon.com/Cognitive-Behavioral-Workbook-Anxiety-Step-/dp/1572245727/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1412908905&sr=1-2&keywords=cognitive+behavioral+therapy

http://www.amazon.com/Cognitive-Behavioral-Therapy-Skills-Workbook-Gregory/dp/1936128020/ref=sr_1_3?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1412908905&sr=1-3&keywords=cognitive+behavioral+therapy

Please give this a try!

1. Hang-out sessions with no official end time (like all-day events). I like to know when I will get to go home, and I'm a little awkward about exiting social situations.
   
2. Eating around people who are not my immediate family. I do it anyway, but it's very uncomfortable physically and emotionally.
   
3. Parties with loud music and lots of people.
   
4. Making plans with new friends.
   
   I was recommended this book by a relative's therapist, and am planning to buy it this weekend: http://www.amazon.com/Anxiety-Phobia-Workbook-Edmund-Bourne/dp/1572248912/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1343339220&sr=8-1&keywords=the+anxiety+and+phobia+workbook

Check out the book DARE https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/0956596258/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1496940402&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=dare&dpPl=1&dpID=41h4a-9AbtL&ref=plSrch

Basically to sum it up instead of fighting your anxiety and trying to push it away you have to do the opposite. You have to invite it and demand more. So if you are in a situation where you would normally blush what you do is you tell your self bring it on, show me how red you can get and really try to blush.
What you will see is that when you try to blush it's not working but if you try to avoid blushing that's when it happens.

I used to have a lot of issues with blushing but I live a pretty normal life now.

Feel free to send me a pm if you need someone to talk to.

I've read that one too. Personally I preferred the DBT skills workbook. It focuses more on useful skills such as self-soothing and awareness training, while the ACT book uses more metaphorical language and has a focus on values that isn't relevant to me.

Now if I could just find the darn book...

I'm almost totally sure I read it in the Anxiety & Phobia Workbook which you should be able to get at your library.

It's interesting particularly in the medical sense because you can acknowledge the absolute suckiness of a racing heart, but assign it to "shit, this sucks, but it's just responding to an inappropriate adrenaline surge. It's doing what it's supposed to do, and when the adrenaline tapers off I will be fine. This is NOT what a heart attack feels like, therefore, this is not a heart attack."

Yes it can be totally random and come out of what seems like nothing.
I really recommend this book it helped me learn about my anxiety and it was like 15 bucks.
http://www.amazon.com/Anxiety-Phobia-Workbook-Edmund-Bourne/dp/1572248912

Based on your words, I suspect this book may be more than helpful. It was recommended to me by my therapist, who has met the author. It's not expensive, (may be in the library), and starts the process of improving your state of mind almost immediately.

Feeling Good by David Burns. It's my go-to CBT book, has been for a couple years now. It's written in a very personable style, and it gives you concrete exercises to help figure out your thoughts. I couldn't recommend it enough!

I have suffered from anxiety for the last few years and I was always opposed to medication because of the effect it had on a close family member, I know that every one is different and maybe medication is the answer for you. I think speaking to a counsellor is a great start, if you don't like the first person you go to find some one who you connect with, that's important.

I would also recommend practicing meditation, it really really helped me, become aware of your thought processes and learn to stop the negative spiral of thoughts. Also try to become aware of the power you give to other people that influences your opinion of yourself and start building your own self worth and inner dialogue.
This book helped me a lot and I'd really recommend
it.

Remember that you can control your thoughts, replace your negative with positive, you can chose how to perceive things, happiness comes from the inside.

Sure man... there's some great TED talks out there:

Brene Brown: The power of vulnerability

Jane McGonigal: The game that can give you 10 extra years of life

Amy Cuddy: Your body language shapes who you are

And if you change your mind about the books:

The Anxiety & Phobia Workbook

The Highly Sensitive Person

1. https://www.amazon.com/Dare-Anxiety-Stop-Panic-Attacks/dp/0956596258/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1525289349&sr=8-1&keywords=dare+anxiety+book&dpID=41h4a-9AbtL&preST=_SY291_BO1,204,203,200_QL40_&dpSrc=srch
   
   
2. https://www.amazon.com/Anxiety-Phobias-Panic-Reneau-Peurifoy/dp/0446692778/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1525289387&sr=1-1&keywords=anxiety%2C+panic+and+phobias&dpID=51ZtD6rNN4L&preST=_SY291_BO1,204,203,200_QL40_&dpSrc=srch
   
   Both are excellent.

The Dialectical Behavior Therapy... https://www.amazon.com/dp/1572245131?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

This book will help you. It’s a therapist in a book. I have overwhelming emotions this book has helped me calm down and learn the skills I need to thrive in my life.

Most anxious people brood over thoughts that take them out of the present moment. They worry about future events that might never come to pass, or they fret about past events that are never coming back. In both cases, they aren't living in the present. And life — which is only, ever, lived in the present — passes them by.

Those thoughts are the problem, and the way to deal with it is to live more in the present. This requires that you change your relationship with your thoughts. You have to realize that, by and large, they're useless. That might be surprising, but think about it for a minute. All those chains of thoughts that go through your mind throughout the day. Many of which, as an anxious person, make you feel bad. How many are truly useful? If you reflect on this for a while, you might come to roughly the same conclusion I did: there are some useful, important thoughts out there from time to time, but the overwhelming majority are useless. Worrying about the same things, over and over, going through the same thought patterns, start to finish. Perhaps 90 to 95% of thoughts fall into this category. But they're not just useless. They're also counterproductive, as they manage to make us feel like shit, and they prevent us from enjoying the present.

I highly, highly recommend this book as a guide to tuning into your thoughts and changing how you interact with them.

http://www.amazon.ca/Mindfulness-Eight-Week-Finding-Peace-Frantic-ebook/dp/B005NJ2T1G

Get it as an ebook, iOS or kindle.

Also take some advice from /u/Fat_Uncle:

"Most anxious people brood over thoughts that take them out of the present moment. They worry about future events that might never come to pass, or they fret about past events that are never coming back. In both cases, they aren't living in the present. And life — which is only, ever, lived in the present — passes them by.

Those thoughts are the problem, and the way to deal with it is to live more in the present. This requires that you change your relationship with your thoughts. You have to realize that, by and large, they're useless.

That might be surprising, but think about it for a minute. All those chains of thoughts that go through your mind throughout the day. Many of which, as an anxious person, make you feel bad. How many are truly useful? If you reflect on this for a while, you might come to roughly the same conclusion I did: there are some useful, important thoughts out there from time to time, but the overwhelming majority are useless.

Worrying about the same things, over and over, going through the same thought patterns, start to finish. Perhaps 90 to 95% of thoughts fall into this category. But they're not just useless. They're also counterproductive, as they manage to make us feel like shit, and they prevent us from enjoying the present.

I highly, highly recommend this book as a guide to tuning into your thoughts and changing how you interact with them.

http://www.amazon.ca/Mindfulness-Eight-Week-Finding-Peace-Frantic-ebook/dp/B005NJ2T1G[1]

Get it as an ebook, iOS or kindle."

Okay, so, doctor's kind of know jackshit about derealization/depersonalization, partly because it can be classified pretty much under anxiety (though there are some cases that can be worse and the anxiety is the DP/DR).

What you should know right now is that acute anxiety is a precursor. Your mind is trying to tell you to slow down and relax. This means incorporating relaxation into your day (not just watching tv or something, deliberate relaxation) eating right, exercising, blah blah blah. Check out some of the chapters in this book https://www.amazon.ca/Anxiety-Phobia-Workbook-Edmund-Bourne/dp/1572248912 which you can find in ahem alternate places if need be.

It's great that you're feeling better! That's wonderful to hear! You really do need to listen to your body though. Go through this pdf and click off what you've been experiencing over the past month to see some of the signs of stress: http://www.baylor.edu/content/services/document.php/183434.pdf

It might happen again, maybe, but if you use even a little bit of this time to de-stress yourself, you'll be fine. Just, you know, listen to your body. Also, I'd say talk to a doctor if you're going through upperend moderate, high, or very high stress from the checklist.

I just started using this book to better understand by panic and anxiety. It has been immensely helpful in helping with my health anxiety. I would recommend checking it out: https://www.amazon.com/Mastery-Your-Anxiety-Panic-Treatments/dp/0195311353

Does she like to read? Maybe you could get her a great book written by a psychiatrist called When Panic Attacks.

http://www.amazon.com/When-Panic-Attacks-Drug-Free-Anxiety/dp/076792083X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1410563306&sr=8-1&keywords=when+panic+attacks

Hey there -- you might find this helpful The Anxiety and Phobia Workbook

It does sound to me like those are indeed panic attacks you're having. That book is quite practical (and it seems like you're looking for practical advice).

Good luck, I hope you find the answers. Do remember, though, that you're not alone.

Are you me? Your experience is pretty much the exact same as mine. I was fine and normal before a panic attack came at me out of the blue in October, with the nausea, dizziness, and depersonalization. It lasted about a week before I went to the doctor and got some meds.

I also got a workbook, which I love, http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/1569754152/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1453743756&sr=8-1&pi=SY200_QL40&keywords=panic+attacks+workbook&dpPl=1&dpID=51ZmPSuGZ7L&ref=plSrch

Additionally, I started running too!

I'm probably gonna pm you, hope you don't mind but I've never so closely related to someone else's experience.

Dialectical Behavioral Therapy has been really helpful for me. It's also available for Kindle!

I was admitted into a partial hospitalization program about a month ago and what they taught me was useful. They used a lot of stuff from this book: https://www.amazon.com/Get-Your-Mind-Into-Life/dp/1572244259

There's a Yahoo group for it. And for what it's worth, the ACT workbook I used isn't too high priced and is worth the purchase. I feel similarly to panicmonkey about CBT and ACT is the only thing that helped me to get better, even if I've struggled to keep it up over time.

>(for example, I'll be thinking something normal like 'Oh look, that person is playing with their kid!' and then immediately 'What if I'm only thinking about them because I want to lure them into the woods and murder them? What if I'm secretly a murderer?'), and just will NOT STOP

:-( My ex-bf goes through something like this. Have you tried CBT? You need to work on it every single day for several months.

http://www.amazon.com/When-Panic-Attacks-Drug-Free-Anxiety/dp/076792083X

Here's a workbook I'm using and find very helpful (though I'm also in CBT): http://www.amazon.com/Mastery-Your-Anxiety-Panic-Treatments/dp/0195311353/ref=sr_1_11?ie=UTF8&qid=1414722562&sr=8-11&keywords=anxiety+workbook

I read this book recently. It was very helpful. https://www.amazon.com/dp/0956596258/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_NG4kzb4YAYT1M

This was really helpful for me. https://www.amazon.ca/Anxiety-Worry-Workbook-Cognitive-Behavioral/dp/160623918X

Hey there! I was in the same boat as you for several years and am still dealing with it. For the longest time I figured because it manifested physically, and I felt happy otherwise, that maybe it would blow over, or I could just take some remedy.

Three years of seeing doctors for what I though was just physical manifestation was a waste of time. Seek psychiatric help, get diagnosed if you haven't already. In two years of seeking help I've gone from being sick 3-4 times a week, to a few times a year. The chest pain is nonexistent. I found the mind over matter books just weren't enough on their own- talking to someone truly helps. I used this one book briefly. Also I know you said you're a student, but schools often provide counselling for students. Seek them out, call the office or registrar, they can likely give you more info.

http://www.amazon.com/Feeling-Good-Handbook-David-Burns/dp/0452281326/psychcentral I think this one is a good choice.. Or the sane new world

Realize that you typed all this while panicking which is the amazing part. Anything I could say is easier said than done so I’m going to recommend a book that helped me tremendously.

Dare: The New Way to End Anxiety and Stop Panic Attacks

Lots of good info here. Just going to add the Dialectical Behavior Therapy Skills Workbook as a specific book recommendation.

I've found great success in CBT.
Most recently I started working with the "Anxiety and worry" workbook.

The Anxiety and Worry Workbook: The Cognitive Behavioral Solution https://www.amazon.com/dp/160623918X/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_3s4pyb4KAT1WV

Do you have any benzodiazepines? Pretreating with clonazepam before you go to be could prevent symptoms when you wake up. It will make you groggy, though (the price you have to pay.)

Seeing a therapist is definitely a good idea. [This book] (http://www.amazon.com/Panic-Attacks-Workbook-Program-Beating/dp/1569754152/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1372277744&sr=8-1&keywords=panic+attacks+workbook) helped me a lot with my panic so you could also try that.

I highly recommend The Anxiety & Phobia Workbook. My school counselor recommended it when I asked for CBT, and it's been really helpful for me so far. I also learned in an abnormal psych class that CBT is the most effective treatment for anxiety because it's about control, while meds are only effective in the beginning but really ineffective later on as they are really addictive.

I recently started listening to this CD and using this workbook, its proven to be the most helpful too when I get bouts of anxiety!

This book helps me so much. Ive read it 3 or 4 times.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/0451167228/ref=redir_mdp_mobile

Outside of seeing a therapist I've found that meditation and exercise are the best ways to deal with lowering my overall anxiety level. Several years ago I had a significant bout of anxiety and panic attacks that were pretty debilitating. I ended up seeing a therapist who specialized in anxiety disorders (I've dealt with panic attacks nearly my entire adult life). He introduced me to simple meditation and breathing exercises that really worked in reducing my overall baseline anxiety levels.

The meditation exercises allowed me to better cope with periods of new stress simply because my overall anxiety level was now starting at a lower position whenever new stress/worry showed up. If my overall anxiety level was hovering around a 7 out of 10 and some new stress showed up it was easy for it to go right to a 10 out or 10. With the meditation exercises it brought my overall level down to around a 4 out of 10. When new stress showed up I would still experience worry and anxiety but it wouldn't send me over the edge into panic attacks and the cycle of worry that would keep me amped up for weeks on end.

There are a couple of good books dealing with this. The Relaxation Response and Don't Panic that were really helpful.

If you choose to see a therapist (something I've found very helpful multiple times throughout my life) look for one specializing in anxiety disorders and cognitive behavioral therapy. They can help you reframe the way you think about anxiety and stress and help provide new coping mechanisms.

The meditation routine is like a discipline. You have to keep it up in order for it to work. I've gotten out of the habit of doing it (like right now) several times only to pick it back up again when I realized I was getting myself into a bad place.

Hope this is helpful. Good luck!

The Mindfulness and Acceptance Workbook for Anxiety

Works on helping you understand and accept anxiety instead of fighting or suppressing it. Worked really well for me.

Edit; the authors have another book along the same lines for depression

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!

Did you happen to read this book? It’s the only anxiety book that truly helped me.

https://www.amazon.com/Hope-Help-Nerves-Claire-Weekes/dp/0451167228

This is an excellent reply. Therapy with CBT is a great way to get past panic attacks.

I also suggest that you go to Amazon and read the reviews for a $7 book called "Hope and Help for your Nerves" by Dr Claire Weekes and see if the people who wrote the "most helpful" reviews sound like you.

That book cured me of my horrible panic attacks and I always recommend it to people going through the misery that you are now.

http://www.amazon.com/Hope-Help-Nerves-Claire-Weekes/product-reviews/0451167228/ref=cm_cr_pr_top_helpful?ie=UTF8&filterBy=addFiveStar&showViewpoints=0&sortBy=byRankDescending

I have been battling this for a long damn time. It ruins you. I have been on vacations to some of the greatest places in the world, and spend the whole time in my head not enjoying a second. I just started therapy and the doc recommend this book. Give it a go if you have the time. I am making some progress with it
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/1572244259/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1502458765&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=get+out+of+your+mind+and+into+your+life

Of course. Believe it or not, as much as you hate these feelings, it's your body trying to protect you. It doesn't know any better. You're probably super cognizant of every feeling and sensation that comes your way.

You should seriously consider this book: https://www.amazon.com/Hope-Help-Nerves-Claire-Weekes/dp/0451167228

Anxiety and Phobia Workbook.

I just started reading it. It's very good.

Who prescribed it to you? Your regular physician or a Psychiatrist. I have found it is best to find someone who specializes in ADHD, and preferably someone who specializes in ADHD for adults. They are going to be very familiar with the way adhd/anxiety/depression go hand-in-hand, and they are going to be really familiar with how the medication for one, might exacerbate the other.

I am working with 2 people right now. A prescribing nurse at an inpatient/outpatient clinic. They totally get it all. He is managing my medication. We are focused on ADHD because it is the most prominent problem right now.

I am also seeing a Psychologist that specializes in ADHD. We are working on the anxiety with a workbook called the Anxiety & Phobia workbook (http://www.amazon.com/Anxiety-Phobia-Workbook-Edmund-Bourne/dp/1572248912) there is a lot of good information about panic attacks in it as well.

http://www.amazon.com/Mastery-Your-Anxiety-Panic-Treatments/dp/0195311353/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=undefined&sr=8-1&keywords=mastery+of+your+anxiety+and+panic+patient

I'd try out this book: http://www.amazon.com/Mastery-Your-Anxiety-Panic-Treatments/dp/0195311353

Get out of your head. Buy this book: https://www.amazon.com/Feeling-Good-New-Mood-Therapy/dp/0380810336

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/0380810336?pc_redir=1397182606&robot_redir=1

lolol oops. I meant this.

That dog is always a relevant expression of my personal experience, however.

http://www.amazon.com/The-Mindfulness-Acceptance-Workbook-Anxiety/dp/1572244992

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/1626252157/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1467358162&sr=8-1&pi=SY200_QL40&keywords=the+anxiety+and+phobia+workbook&dpPl=1&dpID=51uMMM9AwDL&ref=plSrch

There are guided meditation videos on YouTube. This is one I tried recently. Did the first 15-20 mins.

Although I started with this book. It comes with guided meditation audio files.

The book is available here

I've found the Phobia and Anxiety Workbook by Bourne incredibly useful.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/1572248912?pc_redir=1405594369&robot_redir=1

This book was written by an anxiety expert: https://www.amazon.com/Dont-Panic-Third-Control-Anxiety/dp/0061582441

There are ways to combat anxiety. I use to have severe anxiety and now it's just mild. CBD Hemp oil (if legal in your state) ,ashwagandha, magnesium chloride flakes, and essential oils are all excellent choices. Also get this book https://www.amazon.com/Dare-Anxiety-Stop-Panic-Attacks/dp/0956596258

Hang in there. If you're dead -- you're, well -- dead. I'm sure you have a lot worth fighting for. Look into Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for anxiety. Check out this book, I recently picked it up, and I find this approach to be refreshing.

I don't really have any advice, but what you describe sounds eerily similar to me when I was in high school. My anxiety is much less debilitating now (I'm 23) but it is still very prevalent in my life. If you want someone to talk to, I'm totally down.

This book helped me a lot. Learn about what is happening and start fighting back!

https://smile.amazon.com/Anxiety-Phobia-Workbook-Edmund-Bourne/dp/1626252157/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1469632236&sr=8-1&keywords=anxiety+and+phobia+workbook

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. a lot of psychologists do it, you can ask your GP or shrink if they know anyone who does. you can do it on your own with workbooks too. i used this one - https://www.amazon.ca/Cognitive-Behavioral-Workbook-Anxiety-Step/dp/1572245727

i get being impatient. i think you can definitely get better without dealing with the past right now. in the short term you can learn to control your panic attacks and understand your triggers.

For me it's hard to adjust to being less unhappy. I know that days when I feel 'lighter' that part of me feels like something is wrong - 'Why am I in a good mood?? What am I forgetting to worry about??'

Other times the meds just aren't right for you. I'm sure you know it typically takes two weeks to level off on new medicine. Are you up for changing meds? I don't blame you not wanting to go to counseling. Not saying it wouldn't help - I'm sure it does for some - but I'd rather do it myself. Have you read the cognitive therapy book Feeling Good?

Thanks for this!!! And you can add another book from David Burns called "When Panic Attacks" which is more about anxiety and other disorders and it's more recent.
Link to amazon

Or "When Panic Attacks" which helped me tremendously.

I think the Anxiety and Phobia Workbook by Dr. Edmund J. Bourne is crucial for anyone with anxiety. It has been so helpful for me.

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