Grew up in a humble household with the rule - Hope for the best but prepare for the worst! Never realized when my thinking and planning turned into overthinking and anxiety. Today my 4th therapist (session#14) diagnosed that I have general anxiety disorder and recommended CBT. There are multiple stresses constantly in my mind such as immigration, marriage, money, work, parents, etc. I'm going to overcome this anxiety. #mentalhealth #anxiety
Had GAD for a long time, I take meds for it that works for me. Good to know that therapy is working for you, if that works then you can avoid meds.
No therapy hasn't worked for me yet. My therapist suggested that I should see a CBT therapist or take meds. I'm leaning heavily towards CBT.
One book that helped me was "When Panic Attacks" by David Burns. Basically it helped me reframe my anxious thoughts into realistic ones through self-applied CBT. I've been there. I used to wake up every morning with a knot in my stomach dreading the day and worrying about everything, but it got better over time after a combination of therapy, medication, exercise, and sleep. Hang in there 🙂
Thank you! That book is highly recommended on r/CBT like a textbook. The problem I have is that I've never read a book besides school books and with added anxiety I can't read more than a few lines at once.
In that case I'd try to find a therapist who specializes in CBT, I'm sure they follow most of the techniques described in the book anyway
CBT, anti-anxiety medication, and mindfulness meditation have been my primary tools. It's a pretty common diagnosis; you're not alone.
Meds I have specifically are Busporone for daily and Ativan as needed. Ativan in particular has been life saving w/ combo of meditation
Thank you. How long have you been on meds? How long do you plan on taking meds?
Have you tried meditation or yoga?
I do strength training 4-5 times/week. I did meditation using Headspace for a month in July and restarted today.
Do they help? I find demanding physical exercise and trainings to take my mind off things.
Psychadelics, had horrible anxiety back in college but have been fine ever since
Psychedelics with some knowledge of what your issues are and which substances work for what can be really helpful, especially if you have a therapist who can help you process. It really depends where you are; this can be useful, but can also be completely not useful. For instance I have used a specific substance in conjunction with therapy to great success, while I have watched a friend (without therapy) spin out of control.
Yes, precautions and professional help should definetely be included
smoke some CBD
If you do not like smoking Care By Design has CBD capsules which are excellent.
Thank you all for the suggestions and support. I have decided to do the following: Mental Health: 1. Read David Burns - Feeling Great 2. Happify App - Conquer your negative thoughts pathway 3. Headspace App - Managing anxiety and Letting go of stress courses Physical Health and Personal Care (I already do this): 1. Strength Training: 4-5 days/week 2. Eating healthy 2500 calories/day 3. Shower daily 4. Brush twice, floss once DS Interview Prep (Slow ramp): 1. Read ISLR 2. Solve 1 theory, 1 python and 2 SQL problems/day Social: 1. Call family and friends (1 call/day) 2. Cut down on using social media
What is ISLR?
Introduction to Statistical Learning in R It's the dumbed down version of Elements of Statistical Learning by the same writers.
I have been going to EMDR based therapy for 5years, and it has been a life saver. The methodology is effective for people who overthink and rely on language and/or logic too much because the modality relies on other faculties. Meditation is also invaluable even if you just rely on your watch to tell you when to breathe. Walk more, ride a bike, get in the sun and air. All that being said, this has been an extra difficult year. There are a few other things I do personally which help adjust perspective some.
Living with GAD for at least the past 10 years. Seems to run in my family. Tried CBT and group therapy sessions - Was useful to understand the science behind the issue and getting to see many high functioning people (lawyers, engineers, etc.) who struggle with this, and hence knowing I am not alone. But this programming was not much help to deal with major life events like having a child or parent getting cancer in my case. Tried Hypnosis - Was waste of time. CBD made me drowsy at work. Didn't try SSRI/benzodiazepines although it was suggested multiple times, mainly due to personal aversion (my close relative got addicted to benzodiazepines). My current strategy is to be self aware and mostly work in areas I am familiar with (up to 75 percent of my net potential), and under a predictable manager who treats you fairly. Also, put family ahead of work achievements for my sense of self worth. Not to mention good diet and exercise.
recommend a book which helped me a lot. called flow, talks about living at the moment
Thank you but I can't read more than a few lines without my mind wandering away.
Can you listen to audiobooks?