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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 23 of 23. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by linkadge on August 31, 2007, at 18:12:52
Has anyone been so anxious that they are litterally afraid to think. Every thought that enters my mind (nomatter how trivial) produces extreme gut reaction, palpititions etc. I am afraid to think of anything for fear of the physical reaction it will cause.
Linkadge
Posted by Phillipa on August 31, 2007, at 18:25:09
In reply to I am afraid to think, posted by linkadge on August 31, 2007, at 18:12:52
No Link are you okay. I wish you my best and hope this feeling goes away soon. Phillipa
Posted by Racer on August 31, 2007, at 19:42:57
In reply to I am afraid to think, posted by linkadge on August 31, 2007, at 18:12:52
Yeppers -- I get that sensation. It's worst for me at night, especially when I try to go to sleep. My stomach feels as though it's poised for flight, as though I'm about to be sick; my chest feels tight; every thought that begins feels as though it's going to bring on one of my obsessional attacks; and worst of all, if I do manage to get to sleep in one of those episodes, I'll have a night of those wake-up-crying-shaking-screaming-inside nightmares.
It's part of my anxiety disorder, and I have always "self-medicated" those episodes by reading in bed before I go to sleep. It's hard to read in that condition, but I have certain books that I can manage -- children's books, or Nicole Hollander collections -- or I pick up something like New Scientist magazine, which has enough short pieces I can concentrate well enough to read them. Eventually, that usually brings my mind away from the anxiety/obsessions, and I can relax.
If it happens during the day, I've been working on learning to self-sooth in a more active manner. My T is a big one on "learning to self-sooth," so I'm probably more resistant to doing it than most. (Just -- don't ask, OK? lol) I'm the one in my family who often calms others. I can even -- usually -- calm my mother down. (She's not crazy -- she's just a carrier...) There's a voice, and a cadence of speaking, that usually does the trick pretty well. I try to use the same method of calming myself down, although it's quite tricky. (Mostly because I sometimes feel so isolated, that I have to do this myself, that no one else is there for me when I need it, you know?) When I can get the same voice going, though, it works for me, too.
Also, some of the CBT type stuff can help. "It's only a thought, thoughts can't hurt." Reminding yourself of that might help.
Is there any topic that these thoughts often follow? That might be a clue of how to combat them. (Of course, I say that freely admitting that I read certain Nicole Hollander panels and see myself in the dogs -- dang, couldn't find any on her site. Well, the dogs usually sit there saying something in response to a cat's exaggerations, then finish the little bubble with the words, "Oh, bad dog. Bad dog!" It's hardest for me, when I get into that sort of state, because many times my thoughts are that something isn't actually my fault, or that I don't have it so great -- in other words, thoughts which in my childhood would have been contradicted, and I'd have been criticized for having in the first place.)
Link, I'm sorry you're having this experience. I hope it eases for you soon.
Posted by becksFLA on August 31, 2007, at 21:09:13
In reply to Re: I am afraid to think » linkadge, posted by Racer on August 31, 2007, at 19:42:57
I used to get that at night....but the lithium has helped that. I know the feeling. When I did get it, it came and went in waves, hope it goes away soon. Take care
Posted by cumulative on August 31, 2007, at 23:23:54
In reply to I am afraid to think, posted by linkadge on August 31, 2007, at 18:12:52
This happens. My theory is as generalized anxiety or amygdala activation presents itself in response to things, eventually this will (on the principle that neurons wire together) create a generalized state of fear towards everything, including thinking.
It happened to me over time when I had an odd stomach problem that corresponded to random nervous jolts, that I may have developed either as a consequence of enteric infection or bad LSD experience or (I can explain my theories here if someone likes) perhaps both.
In any case, what you have got to do is interrupt the anxiety. You simply must or your situation will worsen. Then you can work on hypotheses.
Find something. There's always help out there, there's always something. IME.
Course of propranolol?
Wishing you luck man,
we're all there for you,
cumulative
Posted by jhj on September 1, 2007, at 9:50:55
In reply to I am afraid to think, posted by linkadge on August 31, 2007, at 18:12:52
Chattering in my mind always continues.I feel like shutting of all the thoughts but they do not go away.I do not fear physical reaction but i want at least some positive thoughts accompanying anxious and fearful and sad thoughts.But,they do not come.
Posted by Maximus on September 1, 2007, at 11:03:35
In reply to I am afraid to think, posted by linkadge on August 31, 2007, at 18:12:52
Hi,
Of course i can relate. But you don't have to suffer like that, take the med(s) which works for your condition. I have to go for now... Good day.
Posted by Bonnie_CA on September 1, 2007, at 13:25:16
In reply to I am afraid to think, posted by linkadge on August 31, 2007, at 18:12:52
Yep.
I think the strangest thing, was before I started treatment, I'd get really dizzy and agitated when I started thinking about the rotation of the Earth. I mean, I know anxiety sufferers need to be in control, but dang! The rotation of the Earth? And I'd feel overwhelmed thinking about the size of the universe.
I don't have this problem anymore. But I know what you mean, every little thing makes you feel anxious. And then you're afraid to sit around thinking too much. Then you're driven to drink or take more benzos. You'd watch a movie, but that might trip you off more. Yep.
-Bonnie
Posted by d0pamine on September 1, 2007, at 14:20:34
In reply to I am afraid to think, posted by linkadge on August 31, 2007, at 18:12:52
I've only had one brief (couple weeks) experience with anxiety, but I don't know how anyone stands it. I'd liken it to standing in the middle of a roaring campfire. I do have to wonder though just how many of the folks that suffer with anxiety, suffer with it because of a candida albicans infection. It's my understanding that the toxins produced by this yeast can result in extreme anxiety. Having dealt with an infection of this nature before I can attest to the fact that olive leaf extract (Oleuropein) will cure this (as well as many many other types of infections). If I had chronic trouble with anxiety I'd try anything to get rid of it. I'd certainly give Oleuropein a shot as it can't hurt and will even help prevent one from catching anything else while using it. I personally take it all the time and never fear catching cold any more. Here is a link to a good bulk supplier (smaller qty are available) http://www.olivus.com/shop/product_info.php?products_id=40&osCsid=28757bff7c9abc1e317417a6c429f364
Oh yeah I almost forgot to mention that the statements above have not been evaluated by the FDA :-) so take em for what their worth.
Posted by clubfitter on September 2, 2007, at 22:28:23
In reply to I am afraid to think, posted by linkadge on August 31, 2007, at 18:12:52
everyday man...people say, just dont think or think of something else...really pisses me off...like asking a blind man to see....
Posted by rskontos on September 3, 2007, at 16:55:56
In reply to Re: I am afraid to think, posted by clubfitter on September 2, 2007, at 22:28:23
Link, this is the reason I came to this site. I am thinking about something on a particular day it frightens me, causes so much anxiety and my usual way to deal doesn't work and I get so depressed I can't function. I am that way today. Something falls apart and my slim veneer over my depression and anxiety slips and my fears just run at full steam ahead. I can't stop. I can't stop thinking about fear. Not things but the fear. So a big YES from me. My husband just told me to move on. I wonder how others do that because once the anxiety is out it is HARD to move ahead. So hard.......anyway, meds I am afraid of now....I have a history of them, nothing working, a bad cymbalta experience, now I am afraid of AD's and going off of them so what now, therapy is too long to wait for, I get tired of talking for 30 minutes to realize I am messed up, and it is going to take a longgggggggg time of therapy and loads of $$$$ to straighten this mess out. I am sorry I need to go back to just lurking, I am not in a good place now, I need to get the demon back in or I will bring you all down, but yes I do understand fear only too well. It is lonely sometimes being afraid of fear so thanks for this topic so I know I am not the only one from those that responded. rk
Posted by linkadge on September 3, 2007, at 18:15:16
In reply to Re: I am afraid to think, posted by rskontos on September 3, 2007, at 16:55:56
Normally, when an anxious type of thought pop into my brain, it seems to pop into the reason portion of my brain, and I am able to think about the thought before having physical reactions.
Lately though, it seems that every thought, some that aren't even anxiety provoking seem to produce an intense rush of adrenaline, pounding heart, GI surges. I feel helpless and afraid to think, I feel like I have no control over my reactions.
Linkadge
Posted by rskontos on September 3, 2007, at 19:33:21
In reply to Re: I am afraid to think, posted by linkadge on September 3, 2007, at 18:15:16
I know exactly what you mean. Lately, when I say lately I mean the last year and 1/2 I noticed my reason side that dealt with everything was slipping. And eventually that is what led me to the doctor and medication for the depression. I didn't realize at the time that I had anxiety, GAD and panic attacks. I didn't recognize them. It has taken a therapist to help with that. She said because I have been having them for a long time that is why the depression set in. It is her belief and she specializes in anxiety disorders that untreated or those that resist treatment will often lead to severe depression and get misdisanogsised (misspelled). Have you always had anxiety or is this new?
Posted by linkadge on September 3, 2007, at 19:54:40
In reply to Re: I am afraid to think, posted by rskontos on September 3, 2007, at 19:33:21
Generalized anxiety is not new to me, but I have only found marginal relief with antidepressants. Benzos do help more, but am trying to use them sparingly on account of trying to keep my mind clear for what I do.
I don't disagree with the diagnosis, just that sometimes the treatment doesn't help.
I'd like to try a buspar trial, but would need to find a doctor to support that.
Linkadge
Posted by cumulative on September 4, 2007, at 18:31:39
In reply to Re: I am afraid to think, posted by linkadge on September 3, 2007, at 19:54:40
Have you considered a course of propranolol?
Posted by linkadge on September 4, 2007, at 21:49:25
In reply to Re: I am afraid to think (( linkadge, posted by cumulative on September 4, 2007, at 18:31:39
I have been prescribed propranolol. It does help some, but it gives me chest pain (paradoxically).
Perhaps a lower dose would avoid that side effect.
Linkadge
Posted by Deniseuk190466 on September 5, 2007, at 6:16:35
In reply to I am afraid to think, posted by linkadge on August 31, 2007, at 18:12:52
Hi,
I don't think I'm afraid to think, I think I definately over think, think myself to death sometimes but not sure about being afraid to think.
Are you sure that all of the sensations you describe aren't already there whether you are thinking or not?
I think (:-)) you are feeling these sensations anyway and you are actually subconsciously thinking about those sensations (along with the other trivial things) which makes them feel even worst. But then maybe I've got it completely wrong.
Denise
Posted by Kat26 on September 16, 2007, at 10:43:03
In reply to Re: I am afraid to think, posted by Deniseuk190466 on September 5, 2007, at 6:16:35
I have this being afraid to think at stressful times sometimes, but more because I am afraid that an anxiety-provoking thought will enter my mind.
Kat
Posted by Amigan on September 17, 2007, at 6:25:37
In reply to Re: I am afraid to think, posted by Kat26 on September 16, 2007, at 10:43:03
I know exactly how you feel because i have a similar condition. In my case it's not fear. It's the upsetting effect that a negative thought will cause. It can rule your sleep.
As other said, it becomes a lot worse at nights. I wonder why this happens...
Benzos doesn't really work for me in this condition. I have better results with hypnosedative antihistamines or anticholinergics. I suppose that any "thought suppressing" drug will also work.
Taking propranolol to stop the psycho-somatic effects sound like a good idea. I haven't try it yet.There has got to be a special psychiatric term for this special condition.. This "disturbing thoughts/memories at nights" syndrome. Anyone knows?
Posted by Amigan on September 17, 2007, at 10:20:16
In reply to Re: I am afraid to think, posted by Amigan on September 17, 2007, at 6:25:37
> I know exactly how you feel because i have a similar condition. In my case it's not fear. It's the upsetting effect that a negative thought will cause. It can rule your sleep.
"rule your sleep" -> "ruin your sleep"
Posted by rskontos on September 17, 2007, at 16:25:05
In reply to Re: I am afraid to think, posted by Amigan on September 17, 2007, at 10:20:16
I do this during the day as well. I sometimes have to just read a book to stop my mind. Or watch mindless tv to give myself a break from my anxiety. RK
Posted by elanor roosevelt on September 22, 2007, at 21:40:14
In reply to Re: I am afraid to think, posted by rskontos on September 17, 2007, at 16:25:05
isn't that why people watch TV?
Posted by rskontos on September 23, 2007, at 13:59:05
In reply to Re: I am afraid to think, posted by elanor roosevelt on September 22, 2007, at 21:40:14
yeah I guess some do, some to get away from life, maybe not from anxiety per se. Sometimes I read, I really love to read, but sometimes TV is good to get anxiety at bay. I would love to have a superpower for a little while, or be reaaaaaaaallllllllly super smart, so I could invent a super pill that would take everything away for all of us. So we could be normal, whatever that really is.
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