Stress Center Peer Support

Hey all,
I suppose this might just be something that is inherent with anxiety disorder. But I keep finding that no matter what I do, attempts to relax, efforts to show myself compassion, I have a very deep sense of urgency, I need to get going, I need to go looking for something better, something's not right where I am. It's weird because I've had these feelings to a certain degree for a while, as I was pretty depressed for a good many years. But now that the anxiety is here, it's like those uneasy feelings are always present and I can't distract myself from them. It could mean some intense change is needed but I never know what. They make me really uncomfortable especially when I think up things I 'have to do' to deal with them. I would just write them off as consequences of long-term negative thinking, but they feel more genuine than that, like in my gut and chest without even having conscious thoughts to start them. Anybody relate? advice?

HI GMC,

I think I can relate. For me its an unsettleing feeling and not being able to be comfortable anywhere. and yes I have felt it in my gut or chest as you have described. Does this relate to you? I have found that when I am distracted it goes away but the more I focus on it the more intense it gets. Are you on medication, cause I know some Psych drugs can give very strong anxiety as a side effect.

yeah. I've been doing a lot of research recently about anxiety and emotion and have another question to add- Has anyone tried any alternative therapies like ERT (emotional release therapy), or others that have a more physical focus? Are they successful at all?

oh but no, haven't been on medication.

Hi GM:
OH BOY! Can I relate to that. There were times when those intense feelings would send me straight into a panic attack. I just "had to"....get out, do something, go somewhere, etc. The feelings happened mostly in the morning, when I was getting ready for the day. I thought they were going to drive me insane.
I took a deep breath, focused on something positive, told myself to stop, that these were "thoughts...only....thoughts" and really couldn't hurt me. I also stopped caffeine, sugar and finally quit smoking - since those are all stimulants.
My Dad always said that keeping your hands dirty was the best way to keep your mind clean. Maybe you could find something to do around the house or in the yard, maybe work on a car or find a constructive hobby like woodworking or ??? In the summer I garden, in the winter I cook, bake, crochet and knit, writing my thoughts and feelings has also helped. However, you asked for a more physical outlet, maybe one of the guys could suggest other things to do.
~Lynnier

It sounds like those feelings I get when I wake up in the middle of the night. My heart is going a mile a minute and I feel like I have to run. It's almost like a feeling of guilt waves over me for no reason. It passes after about 15 minutes. I don't know why I feel this way either. I've tried to figure it out.