Ross

Post #116,074 by dmarker 8/31/03 4:05:51 AM Reply	Ross Mate, "Life's a pup" there is so much to sniff & explore (no matter how many years you've been around) The problem with anxiety is that in can become self feeding. In classic psych it is considered that shallow breathing is a defence mechanism we learn in childhood to overcome fear (kids instinctively hold their breath when frightened or terrified). As adults we tend to master the same art through shallow beathing. But breathing deeply generally means we feel what is going on around us & that can be difficult. Sometimes, out of of habit, we can induce anxiety. If any of us choose to focus on negative news, on past fears, on what is wrong rather than what is right, we can easily justify anxiety. My guess is that anxiety is more likely to occur when we don't have a tight focus in our lives (of course there are justifiable cause for anxiety attacks but lack of focus seems to exacerbate the condition). I hope this next sentence makes some sense... From where I sit today, there is really nothing to get anxious about in this world. Que sera sera. (But I didn't feel that way at all prior to Iraq adventure - thankfully I am not a US serviceman in Iraq else my anxiety levels would be stressing me to the extreme). It is all relative. Cheers & have a cold one for me mate :-) Doug
Post #116,075 by deSitter 8/31/03 5:00:34 AM Reply	Re: Ross There was a story here about prosecutors who KNEW a man to be innocent, because his DNA does not match his crime, but they insist on being "right". Still, he rots in jail. They are more than willing to condemn a man to a living hell based on DNA evidence. The next day, a story of how prisoners are coerced by being forced to wear "stun belts", where at an officer's whim, am incapacitating jolt of electricity is coursed through him. Our jails are full, our jobs are gone, our leadership is from the Dark World, there are no jobs, the people are hateful, stupid, and crazy. I often feel as if I am a great soft jelly-thing, leaving a trail on the bulkheads of a subterranean metallic hell as I shamble to and fro - I have no mouth and I must scream. I want to declare myself stateless and get out of this suffocating nightmare place, but there is nowhere else to go. Another bad night. -drl
Post #116,088 by Nightowl 8/31/03 11:20:53 AM Reply	Re: Ross Sorry you had another bad night. Can I ask a few questions? For example, are you waking up in the middle of the night with pain or feeling like you can't breathe? Sorta like gasping for air? Do you know how to deep breathe? (Don't think I'm being silly, it took me years to learn it). Do you have other specific symptoms of a "bad night" i.e. night sweats, or tremors or anything you can describe? Do you have insomnia? I relate, Ross. I used to wake up in the middle of the night thinking I was dying, my chest would hurt, I'd be gasping for breath, I almost went to the ER once. Then I learned what it was, and how to cope with it, and now it's rare that I wake up like that. I'm willing to help you out if you can answer the questions. :) Take care, Ross. Nightowl >8# "I learned to be the door, instead of the mat!" "illegitimi nil carborundum" Comment by Nightowl
Post #116,089 by Nightowl 8/31/03 11:25:35 AM Reply	Re: Ross The problem with anxiety is that in can become self feeding. In classic psych it This is so true. I had to learn not to allow it to feed upon itself, which wasn't easy but once mastered, has been fairly succesful except in extreme circumstances. is considered that shallow breathing is a defence mechanism we learn in childhood to overcome fear (kids instinctively hold their breath when frightened or terrified). As adults we tend to master the same art through shallow beathing. But breathing deeply generally means we feel what is going on around us & that can be difficult. Exactly, and I had to really work to learn the art of deep breathing. Biggest problem I have still is remembering HOW to deep breathe when I need it the most, so practicing it every day when I'm already calm is important. Sometimes, out of of habit, we can induce anxiety. If any of us choose to focus on negative news, on past fears, on what is wrong rather than what is right, we can easily justify anxiety. My guess is that anxiety is more likely to occur when we don't have a tight focus in our lives (of course there are justifiable cause for anxiety attacks but lack of focus seems to exacerbate the condition). Well, mine isn't "self-induced" per se, but I have learned the things that induce it and have worked hard to prevent them or react differently to them. As a rule I succeed. But if I'm suddenly shocked or scared or startled by something, it can still occur without warning. I believe there is plenty to be anxious about, but... the big question is, is this worth my health? And if the answer is no, which it usually is, I do my best to alleviate that anxiety. :) Nightowl >8# "I learned to be the door, instead of the mat!" "illegitimi nil carborundum" Comment by Nightowl

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