Can you really ever beat anxiety?

[u4ea]

Do you ever really get better?

Honestly, if you’re prone to anxiety, do you really get better?

I’ve read countless stories – “Hey everyone, you can get better! It’s all in your mind, once you realize that it’s your mind playing tricks, you can overcome anxiety!” Fast-forward six months – “Oh shit guys; my anxiety is back with a vengeance!”

Like everything in life – even anxiety seems to follow a circadian rhythm. I’ve gone seven or eight years without anxiety – but then, when the perfect storm of stressors align – BOOM, full force anxiety!

I'm not being pessimistic, and I'm not talking about people who get butterflies when they start a new job; or pre-first date jitters - I'm talking about legit GAD/panic attacks. I read A LOT of conflicting information.

I’m just curious – can you ever REALLY beat anxiety?

[tmolf36]

Love to know the answer too!!

[tailspin]

Like everything in life – even anxiety seems to follow a circadian rhythm. I’ve gone seven or eight years without anxiety – but then, when the perfect storm of stressors align – BOOM, full force anxiety!



This is the boat I'm in. I have breaks of several years when my anxiety disorder is on the backburner and I don't have any panic attacks. But then it strikes again.

I'm a lot older than most people on this forum and I have to say that I have not been able to beat anxiety completely and I suspect it will always be an issue for me to a greater or lesser extent. But I have definitely learned a lot of useful info about the nature of anxiety a long the way - and about myself, and I'm better at managing certain aspects of my anxiety disorder. Also, I still have good days and I hope I'll continue to have extended anxiety-reduced periods.

But have I beaten anxiety completely? At this point - and I'm 49 years old and have tried just about every known anxiety treatment you can shake a stick at - the answer is no.

However, there are some people who most definitely DO recover completely from an anxiety disorder. So it is possible!

[solta]

Why couldn't you? Just think about those years or months without anxiety. And I do feel that if you experience a longer period of no anxiety, its easier to get better again because you know that you did it once so why not again. So yes, I do feel like you can beat anxiety even though we would always be more sensitive to stress and so on.

[NeverToo...Fear]

Generalized Anxiety Disorder--the key word is disorder; it's where our brains are chemically off.. Since it is a disorder, it is something that needs to be managed. It's like a scab and the more you mess with it, the more it leaves a scar and more than likely get worse. Once you have it, it takes time to heal, but you can easily get it again. I've been dealing with GAD for a while and it literally has ups and downs. It could be on the back burner for years and I'd think, "Wow, I can't believe I ever felt like that!" But when it comes back, for whatever reason, it's like everything in my life is a hair trigger and the slightest thing will set me off. I feel like anxiety will be with me for the rest of my life, because I can't change my brain, but it is something that I can understand, manage and overcome with intelligence.

[tailspin]

I just had another thought! Perhaps the fact that most people on anxiety disorder forums tend to be much younger than me is proof that most people DO recover from this! It seems that the average age of most posters on these types of forums is somewhere in the 20s. So this bodes well!! Otherwise, where are all the other 49 year old or 50 something anxiety sufferers??? Perhaps there aren't that many?? This actually makes me feel worse because it reinforces the idea that I'm a hopeless chronic anxiety freak, but it does bode well for younger people!! ;)

[tmolf36]

I am 36! Started suffering w anxiety in my 30s. It went away for a few yrs and now is back stronger than ever.

[u4ea]

Tailspin , I have to agree with your post, but here is where there is some discrepancy...



However, there are some people who most definitely DO recover completely from an anxiety disorder. So it is possible!


Everyone's anxiety seems to be as unique as the individual; some have very normal anxieties - i.e. following break ups, social, etc. while others seem to be on the more severe form of the spectrum - the "OMG AM I DYING" daily posters, or the ones who appear that the anxiety is a subpart of a larger mental disorder - psychosis/bipolar etc...


So if someone "recovers" from the very normal, benign forms of what I think of as "everyday, real life" anxiety, does that mean my chances are just as good if I suffer from a more severe form?


I feel there is a definite "spectrum" correlation to the severity of anxiety. Some with mild anxiety will most definitely recover, with anxiety being nothing more than a phase; with others, on the more severe end of the spectrum, being almost incorrigible.



Generalized Anxiety Disorder--the key word is disorder; it's where our brains are chemically off


Never too.....I agree - especially with the chemically "off" aspect. But does that chemical imbalance heal itself? Modern medicine only "attempts" to mask these symptoms; with many of the potential side effects being just as debilitating as the ailment it's intending to treat.



I just had another thought! Perhaps the fact that most people on anxiety disorder forums tend to be much younger than me is proof that most people DO recover from this! It seems that the average age of most posters on these types of forums is somewhere in the 20s. So this bodes well!! Otherwise, where are all the other 49 year old or 50 something anxiety sufferers??? Perhaps there aren't that many?? This actually makes me feel worse because it reinforces the idea that I'm a hopeless chronic anxiety freak, but it does bode well for younger people!!


True, yet I find the vast majority of the older generation(s) are less computer savvy, thus less likely to post on online forums.

[tailspin]

u4ea, I just had another thought! Perhaps the question as to whether anyone can really beat anxiety is one that can only be answered at the end of life because, theoretically at least, even people who think they have beaten anxiety may yet succumb to another bout at some future stage in their life?

Having said that, I think what you say about the severity spectrum of anxiety disorder is right on. I think this applies very much to depression too. And whether or not you make a full recovery seems to depend in large part on where you are on the severity spectrum. Definitely, whether or not the anxiety is a reaction to a specific situation or whether it's more organic in nature plays a part too.

Personally, I also think your chances of full recovery are influenced by how long you've had anxiety. The longer the misfiring neurons wire together, the harder it's going to be to unwire them.

[tailspin]

True, yet I find the vast majority of the older generation(s) are less computer savvy, thus less likely to post on online forums.

I did consider this possibility too, but then it struck me that the most active people on Facebook these days are in their 50's and upwards!!!

[Cobra]

I think it's the negativity of thinking you can't get better that causes people to relapse and stay stuck in anxiety. All anxiety is is the dark side of the placebo effect. We think we are sick, and so we get symptoms, then the symptoms reinforce the fear and thoughts of illness. The people who get better are the ones who truly accept anxiety as the root of their symptoms and want to get better. Others, I think, want to believe but don't, or get some kind of benefit from anxiety that they are not willing to give up.

[raggamuffin]

Yes you can but iut takes a long time. Just as it took a long time for the stress to accumulate and result in anxiety. It is all in your mind. Anxiety doesn't have control over your life. You let it have control by spending your days worrying and fretting. It's these secondary fears and stresses that makes it impossible to get over your symptoms and sensations.

The body gives out such symptoms to say it's over stressed. By adding further stress into the mix you make the entire situation worse and indeed, last longer.

Fully accepting everything you feel is caused by anxiety is the first step. After that you have to retrain how you think to not react to situations or symptoms with emotions. This takes a long time to practice and master because you've been running off instinct and paranoia for months/years.

Ditching the medication is another key step. Everything else in my opinion is the icing on the cake, such as diets, exercise and supplements. Obviously eating healthy should be undertaken because eating no end of processed crap or drinking lots of caffeine won't aid the situation any.

But it takes months or years of practice to undo what anxiety has done. It's a long road and you can occassionally slip up along the way. So long as you pick yourself up again and don't revert back into old habits, then you will overcome it.

Ed

[Perses]

I'm 45 years old and have suffered from anxiety for most of my life. For me, no, I don't believe there is a 100% absolute cure. I do believe there are plenty of ways to work through one's anxiety (medication, therapy, counseling, exercise, behavior modification, etc etc) to mitigate its symptoms, but life is challenging, and stressful events happen. My goal is just to make sure that my anxiety doesn't overwhelm me so much that I can't function.

[tailspin]

I'm 45 years old and have suffered from anxiety for most of my life. For me, no, I don't believe there is a 100% absolute cure. I do believe there are plenty of ways to work through one's anxiety (medication, therapy, counseling, exercise, behavior modification, etc etc) to mitigate its symptoms, but life is challenging, and stressful events happen. My goal is just to make sure that my anxiety doesn't overwhelm me so much that I can't function.


Hi Perses, Welcome to the site! It's good to meet someone who is close to my own age! I feel similarly to you about this and my goal is also similar. I'm a work in progress!

[u4ea]

Really great posts everyone - that's what I find fascinating about the human mind; everyone of you pointed out very valid points, even if it isn't necessarily what I said I believed in my opening post. Then, after reading your posts, I must say I agree with almost every point, every poster brought up!

That's what's so unique about anxiety and the brain - there is no "cookie cutter" - "one size fits all" solution.

I also don't post to challenge peoples views or experiences. I enjoy posting my thoughts, and then reading the myriads of views and perspective on the topic I was just pondering....sometimes a second, or third brain helps you understand yourself and what you're going through better.

Thank you everyone!

[tailspin]

Really great posts everyone - that's what I find fascinating about the human mind; everyone of you pointed out very valid points, even if it isn't necessarily what I said I believed in my opening post. Then, after reading your posts, I must say I agree with almost every point, every poster brought up!

That's what's so unique about anxiety and the brain - there is no "cookie cutter" - "one size fits all" solution.

I also don't post to challenge peoples views or experiences. I enjoy posting my thoughts, and then reading the myriads of views and perspective on the topic I was just pondering....sometimes a second, or third brain helps you understand yourself and what you're going through better.

Thank you everyone!

Thanks for your posts, u4ea. I enjoy them!

[u4ea]

Thanks for your posts, u4ea. I enjoy them!

Thank you too, Tailspin. I always enjoy your intelligent and well put together posts and responses. You're definitely someone who I look forward to their feedback/point of view.

[Damavandi]

Hi Perses:

Hello Perses:

Yes, you can be cured. I was 100% cured at the age of 58, and I am 60 now.
I was through everything you can imagine at the best clinics in the World.
My problem was very simple. It was vitamin D3 deficiency.
No doctor ever thought of giving me a D3 blood test for 40 years !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Read the below link, which is my story/thread.

http://anxietyforum.net/forum/showthread.php?12695-Vitamin-D3-Cured-my-Anxiety-Depression-and-Panic-Disorder

By the way, I had a whole lot to tell you in a private message.
It is a pitty that you are not accepting any private messages.

Best wishes,
Ali

[u4ea]

Hi Perses:

Hello Perses:

Yes, you can be cured. I was 100% cured at the age of 58, and I am 60 now.
I was through everything you can imagine at the best clinics in the World.
My problem was very simple. It was vitamin D3 deficiency.
No doctor ever thought of giving me a D3 blood test for 40 years !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Read the below link, which is my story/thread.

http://anxietyforum.net/forum/showthread.php?12695-Vitamin-D3-Cured-my-Anxiety-Depression-and-Panic-Disorder

By the way, I had a whole lot to tell you in a private message.
It is a pitty that you are not accepting any private messages.

Best wishes,
Ali

Did you end up taking mega doses of vitamin D3?

[Damavandi]

Yes, as I have written in my thread, I took mega doses of vitamin D3 under
the supervision of a specialist. My recent test showed that my D3 level
was at 90 ng/ml.

[Perses]

Tailspin: Many thanks for the welcome. Yes, a work in progress, indeed!

Ali: Interesting to hear about vitamin d3. I shall look into it on Google Scholar to see what the medical journals might have to say.

[u4ea]

I understand that, sometimes, anxiety can be attributed to certain vitamin deficiencies and thyroid disease(s); but what if it originates strictly from the brain? Then, no vitamin supplement nor synthetic thyroid hormones can help.

If your anxiety stems from a vitamin or hormone deficiency, great - but many suffer from anxiety with no cause treatable by modern medicine.

[u4ea]

I am not saying that this is the case in everyone . But I will tell you that ever case of anxiety is chemical based . It is the changes that happen from the cause . This underlying cause is what needs addressing and it is not all in a persons head . Sometimes it can be simply addressed by educating a person to what is happening and then they can let go but other times that causes is deeper and needs finding

This is exactly my belief as well.

[jessed03]

It all depends on how hard it hit you. I do believe anxiety can deliver blows to certain people that they wont ever completely recover from. Sad but true.

[Perses]

Forwells - Am I to understand, then, that the anti-depression medication, and not the benzos, is what worked for you? It was the depression that caused anxiety?

I do like your quote from Eleanor Roosevelt, but I think that it's also OK to decide NOT to do something that you are fearful of. I wish she had said "You should try to do the thing you think you cannot do." :)

[tailspin]

I think a better term is it Of your head , From your brain. If you can tell yourself it just your chemicals in your brain shifting then its easier to handing rather than stressing looking for another cause .



That is a great way to put it, forwells. I completely agree.

Do you still take an anti-depressant? Have you found the right treatment for you now? Sorry if I'm asking too many questions, just, you have obviously been through a lot and you're obviously doing a lot better now and I was wondering about the medication side of things. Thanks.

[u4ea]

That's an interesting perspective - I've felt the anxiety sufferer is more prone to anxiety due to the feeling of loss of control, loss of normalcy in life, isolation and withdrawal often associated with anxiety and panic sufferers.

The feeling of lost hope often leads to depression.

Though I guess it can go both ways.

[newzie]

I have had 3 bouts with general anxiety throughout my life. First episode happened when I was already an adult and was job related, so I went basically 24 years without any hindering anxiety and then got a terrible job and it sparked anxiety on. Beat it and then went 16 months before another episode. Beat that and then went another 3.5 years before another episode.

Each time I beat it, I got a new tool in arsenal to deal with it and made changes to my life/habits to prevent such mental 'breakdown' from happening. But when I let my guard down, stop doing those things (exercise, eating right, keeping health habits) it seems I give Mr. Anxiety an open invite to come back; even though each episode usually starts with a harrowing experience which is pretty unpreventable.

So, I do think I can beat it for good if I keep up good habits and understand I am pre-disposed to it. I also do think that when you hit a certain age, it does get better.

[u4ea]

Great post - my thoughts exactly; you can make lifestyle changes to keep anxiety in check - control it; but anxiety never really goes away.

Just like if I have a genetic predisposition to hypertension - if I eat right, exercise, low sodium diet, etc. I can keep it at bay; but as soon as I stop these preventive measures; the high blood pressure returns.

While on the other end of the spectrum - there are people who are over weight, eat shitty, drink heavy and have perfect blood pressure.

My point being - genetics are the ultimate determining factor; regardless of the countermeasures you implement - it's still there!

That's how I look at it - once you know you are prone to anxiety, you can tell yourself "this is anxiety, it won't kill me" and it might lessen the effects; but it will never go away completely - for you're genetically prone to suffer from anxiety.

It's all about acceptance and controlling - not "hey I had severe anxiety, and I beat it with a simple change of thought!"

[tailspin]

Great post - my thoughts exactly; you can make lifestyle changes to keep anxiety in check - control it; but anxiety never really goes away.

Just like if I have a genetic predisposition to hypertension - if I eat right, exercise, low sodium diet, etc. I can keep it at bay; but as soon as I stop these preventive measures; the high blood pressure returns.

While on the other end of the spectrum - there are people who are over weight, eat shitty, drink heavy and have perfect blood pressure.

My point being - genetics are the ultimate determining factor; regardless of the countermeasures you implement - it's still there!

That's how I look at it - once you know you are prone to anxiety, you can tell yourself "this is anxiety, it won't kill me" and it might lessen the effects; but it will never go away completely - for you're genetically prone to suffer from anxiety.

It's all about acceptance and controlling - not "hey I had severe anxiety, and I beat it with a simple change of thought!"

Absolutely agree with all of this. Did you ever see the movie "A Beautiful Mind" with Russell Crowe? The dramatization of John Nash's biography, the mathematical genius with schizophrenia? That movie is a powerful illustration of some of what we're talking about. It shows how John Nash's hallucinations never go away, but he finds a way to ignore them and in so doing he is able to participate in real life again. I love that movie and love this "lesson" that it teaches. The point being, that the hallucinations never go away. But that this doesn't have to be the end of a productive and fulfilling and extraordinary life.

[newzie]

I get the Beautiful Mind thing, but I think it is slightly different, or is at least different in my case. I think, and am not sure, that the visions are a symptom of schizo. He learned to live with the symptoms of the disorder and for some with anxiety that is the case, but in my case....

When I get into an episode, I have generalized, irrational anxiety for things I do on a normal day to day basis. This could be going into work, long drives whatever. But each time I come through (or 'beat') the episode, those symptoms go away or are decreased to normal levels. And I can keep the symptoms from returning by doing certain things, just like someone with high blood pressure can keep their bp low thus results in lack or decreased symptoms.

I am just saying I am not sure, it is the same as in that movie where he just learned to live or ignore the symptoms, with the right stuff I think you can almost alleviate all the symptoms of anxiety, but I might be biased since I've gone through a couple episodes already.

[u4ea]

Absolutely agree with all of this. Did you ever see the movie "A Beautiful Mind" with Russell Crowe? The dramatization of John Nash's biography, the mathematical genius with schizophrenia? That movie is a powerful illustration of some of what we're talking about. It shows how John Nash's hallucinations never go away, but he finds a way to ignore them and in so doing he is able to participate in real life again. I love that movie and love this "lesson" that it teaches. The point being, that the hallucinations never go away. But that this doesn't have to be the end of a productive and fulfilling and extraordinary life.

YES - that is a great movie. John Nash worked in my area (MIT Cambridge MA) and I've read about his work in Economics in the past. His psychosis seemed to come in waves, peak, then recede for a while; which, interestingly, can describe waves of anxiety and panic disorders.

Some say there is a fine line between genius and insanity

[alankay]

Amen tailspin. Managing it is the most common scenario for a disorder. .......Unfortunately.
But every doc I've been to said if I could stay in any anxiety provoking situation anxiety will eventually fade. Problem is can you tolerate that anxiety long enough? Many can't and thus the disorder. I tried, it gets overwhelming but some can take it after getting to know all about anxiety as a subject because knowledge is power. Knowing all I do like tailspin, I still get overwhelmed so am stuck managing it. Do pretty well really. Alankwak

[falconlady]

Hi tailspin! I am 49 also but I never had severe anxiety until I was 40. I agree with "managing" it, that's what I do! sometimes well & sometimes not so well

[mommyviv]

I hope we can beat it i have good times and bad anxiety is horrible it really is and anyone who lives with it needs a medal because its tough.

[lucyheath]

I need to no I'm looking online at different kinds of cures for anxiety I'm 20 an I actually can't live like this anymore :/

[Danny1986]

I have recently had a really crazy time with anxiety,mine was health related and then social.But i am one of the lucky few who is managing to stay on top of things.panic attack free for nearly a month now.

Had every doctor,test and after all the stress of thinking i was going to die i had that moment where i gave up on worrying about it,a very close friend said 'a life spent worrying isn't a life lived' i had been told this numerous times by people and shrugged them off but i now agree and have gotten my full time job back,cut out the unhealthy people who were antagonising my anxiety and found an amazing new girlfriend.This is a new chapter and the depths where i was seemed utterly hopeless and extremely lonely are gradually taking a back seat after my father passed away after 2 years of my 24 hour care.

This is not to say i am entirely cured by any means,i still have chest and heart pain on occasion but my medication is balanced and my doctor is delighted with my progress.If people truly feel hopeless out there then get up and do something about it,small steps but do something as anxiety with me personally feeds on being idle and left alone with my thoughts.Everybody is different and i still freak a little when things in work or my personal life are stressful but my anxiety gives me a little clarity to be rational now instead of constantly thinking every little situation is the 'be all and end all'.I am sure most people here have very far ranging symptoms,disorders and problems with different triggers,i have learned to avoid my anxiety triggers even if people get annoyed a little with me i want to stay strong.

I disagree with the term 'cure' for anxiety though,it can resurface at anytime but rather the term 'beaten' or 'conquered' as they mightn't be gone but you are stronger than the urge to panic currently? My two cents anyhow,head up and ask for help its a lot better than suffering in silence with this horrible illness no?

[tailspin]

I have recently had a really crazy time with anxiety,mine was health related and then social.But i am one of the lucky few who is managing to stay on top of things.panic attack free for nearly a month now.

Had every doctor,test and after all the stress of thinking i was going to die i had that moment where i gave up on worrying about it,a very close friend said 'a life spent worrying isn't a life lived' i had been told this numerous times by people and shrugged them off but i now agree and have gotten my full time job back,cut out the unhealthy people who were antagonising my anxiety and found an amazing new girlfriend.This is a new chapter and the depths where i was seemed utterly hopeless and extremely lonely are gradually taking a back seat after my father passed away after 2 years of my 24 hour care.

This is not to say i am entirely cured by any means,i still have chest and heart pain on occasion but my medication is balanced and my doctor is delighted with my progress.If people truly feel hopeless out there then get up and do something about it,small steps but do something as anxiety with me personally feeds on being idle and left alone with my thoughts.Everybody is different and i still freak a little when things in work or my personal life are stressful but my anxiety gives me a little clarity to be rational now instead of constantly thinking every little situation is the 'be all and end all'.I am sure most people here have very far ranging symptoms,disorders and problems with different triggers,i have learned to avoid my anxiety triggers even if people get annoyed a little with me i want to stay strong.

I disagree with the term 'cure' for anxiety though,it can resurface at anytime but rather the term 'beaten' or 'conquered' as they mightn't be gone but you are stronger than the urge to panic currently? My two cents anyhow,head up and ask for help its a lot better than suffering in silence with this horrible illness no?

Great post, Danny. I don't like the term "cure" for anxiety either. It's really good to hear how well you're doing now after everything you've been through.