How I Stopped Being Anxious The Whole Time
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 22 ก.ย. 2024
- Instagram / orpatchy 👨🏻🦰
Carl Sagan's "Pale Blue Dot" - • Carl Sagan - Pale Blue...
Following on from my last video ( • I Am Not Very Well ) where I shared the story of my experience with anxiety and eating "issues" (don't want TH-cam hiding my video for that phrase haha) I wanted to make this follow up video where I tell you all about some of the things that have helped me over the years. I hope some of you find this at least a little bit helpful!
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Thought it made sense to make a wee follow up video to last week's video. Hopefully some of you who are new to/feeling unsupported when dealing with anxiety, depression and similar things will find this video a little bit helpful. I'm not claiming to be an authority on the topic, I just wanted to share some of the pitfalls I wish I'd avoided and some of the tips that I'd wish known sooner. Also, don't worry, this isn't going to become an anxiety/mental health channel haha... renovation update video coming next week. :)
Hey George, you're looking sexy as ever! This is your favourite American guy that likes your videos. You're a good guy and it's good to hear about this and you are always trying to help people, never change! Hope you are doing well.
It was right on point!
Thanks, George, for sharing! I love Carl Sagan and his Pale Blue Dot 🌍 it’s so remarkable and certainly puts things in perspective 😊
Well done for talking about medication!! Why the hell not?
It’s not a last resort. You’re not waiting until your head is about to explode before taking ibuprofen right?
@@Ron.S. exactly i feel like it’s stigmatized so negatively as if you aren’t supposed to take it ever and only supposed to undergo natural treatments / therapy n holistic measures , which just isn’t true for severe cases in reality most times you do need that extra help and there isn’t anything fing wrong with it i know i did with my severe social anxiety / anxiety and ocd
I love you. Not in a creepy sexual way, more like a 'proud of you' grandma kind of way. I'm a therapist (32 years). I fully support clients being picky about finding a therapist that fits them for long-term goals and objectives. Again, I think you are a wonderful person and I'm so happy you are sharing your journey-hoping to help others. I look forward to your next post. Peace Out.
I also love him in a "proud of you" grandma kind of way! What a great way of describing it! Go you, George!
Haha thanks Alexandria, appreciate it! :)
Thanks George for the follow up video I’m sure it will help a lot of people ,the therapist that told you that men should be married by 30 can not be further from the truth ,keep up the hard work ❤
@@cliveroulstone9366 Oh, wasn't that ridiculous? Unbelievable, totally. And if there are people like that in your life, you don't want them in it anyway. Which will give you a lot more to work on but it's because you're coming to terms with the fact that you're dealing with narcissists - because that's how they think.
Alexandria, I second that same sentiment. I don’t believe he knows how many people he is indirectly helping others.
You are a brave and intelligent soul. These issues are so very important for so many reasons. You are doing a great thing here. Just try to ignore any negative comments. No one knows your life better than you. Keep on working on you because it is so worth it. Bless you George 😊
Thank you so much!
@@Patchy I relate to much of your situation. It's a uphill climb everyday.
You timed this video perfectly, just what I needed right now.
Getting your blood checked is a really good advice. For me it changed a lot. It turned out that some of my mental health struggles came from having undiagnosed Hashimoto's.
Ditto with the blood check. Turns out I had low iron for years but because it was still in the "healthy range" most doctors didn't pay it any attention. Took one specialist to go "that's not ideal for a person your age" and a three month iron supplement round for me to feel so much better physically and mentally.
@@miipmiipmiipyeah, it's so important to know the difference between the normal range and the ideal range... hematologists might care, some great GPs might care, but most just don't. :(
That is extremely important. Thyroid function tests must never be overlooked.
There's a lot of people out there who will be able to relate to this & will feel less alone hearing someone else's struggles xxx
Hopefully! :)
Yeah, this is honestly for the moment, my most watched TH-cam video. He's just a beautiful person inside and out. I'm not feeling the greatest atm, but he's very comforting to me. First, I love how skinny he is but so full of spirit and gentleness. Hos face is so adorable, I can't help but smile whenever I see one of his videos. And his voice is so relaxing and comforting. Ironically, he should consider being a therapist himself but for the moment I just love drifting off to the sound of his voice. 💤👍
Hey George & everyone! I'm kinda old now so here are 2 my best hacks! 1. Dehydration will amplify anxiety so if you feel it settling in or you see someone having a rough go of it see if they won't sip a little water or electrolytes. Hold off on the coffee and alcohol until you feel better! 2. I have found it's often feeling like I'm not in control that causes me to panic, if I can identify what the issue is I will try to shift the energy from fear, anxiety, or even anger to curiosity. Somehow acknowledging that I am not in control but will be able to be OK with whatever the outcome is can often help me feel better. Like "I wonder how many more times the dentist will make that tinging sound?" Then I count them. Or "OMG I might get fired! But, could it would actually set me free to move somewhere amazing or go look for any other job I would enjoy?" And to tell the truth it's rare the worst possible scenario is what actually happens. Hugs to everyone struggling! Stay curious!
I started keeping a nightly notebook where I made myself write down 5 good things that happened each day, even if it was just enjoying a TV show or finding one last chocolate when I thought the bag was empty. It was helpful to see that there were good things happening to me/around me day after day. It even pushed me sometimes to complete a task just so I could write it down.
That’s an excellent practice!!
What a great idea!!!! THANKS!
Great idea!
This is wonderful. You've put into a list the things that helped me to a pretty contented 70 yr old human being. The one about listening to what YOU like, rather than what the media or others may feel is important was the biggest step forward for me. When I realized that I wanted a life with many small moments of nature, love, kindness, animals, and to follow those...that's when I turned the biggest corner. Thanks for this post!
An interesting quote from psychologist Carl Jung came to my mind as I listened to your thoughts: "The world will ask who you are, and if you do not know, the world will tell you". By choosing your own unique and individualized path, you are replying to that question with the best answer.
I like that quote! :)
👍
Actually he was a psychiatrist.
This is one of the most cogent, thoughtful videos on anxiety I have come across on TH-cam. Thanks for putting it together and for being so open-hearted.
It's best just to enjoy your life without thinking how others are judging you. Many anxiety problems stem from worrying what someone is going to say or think about how you're conducting your life . This happens many times from feeling other people's "bad vibes."
Learning about childhood trauma, attachment/attunement issues helped a lot. Helped me understand alot about where some of my anxiety and depression symptoms stem from and why I have difficulty managing life sometimes.
Wow, I didn't realize we're so alike, George. I also grew up thinking I had to do what everyone else was doing until I felt so unhappy and anxious. I feel so much better being around nature, playing the guitar and singing to myself. I realized I didn't always have to have a lot of people around me. This is a wonderful video, George.
True. There are people who don't like to go to clubs and get pissed at parties to unconsciousness every weekend. Disturbing, that society thinks WE are the weird ones. I have been like you all my life, too. Not anxiety-wise but regarding how society accepts youth to be. I loved being in my parent's garden, loved nature and watching the cute birds, growing crops, picking berries and make jam and things like that. I loved my budgie as a kid and loved to lay in the grass and look into the clouds.
I loved movies and hated going to disco's as they were called back then. Gladly my parents encouraged me to be "different" and I was aware of it at a pretty young age. I still love nature and my garden and I guess I am what's nowadays been called an introvert. I love being on my own, I like to have company but I am never bored when I am alone. Never. Ever. I have always something to do or watch or diy. Just do what is good for you not was is expected of you. Big part of finding your own self. 🙂
Sounds like you've got it figured out! :)
@@Patchy More or less. Of course I am still struggling from time to time. It's an ongoing thing.
Thanks George, you were brave to share this. I've suffered anxiety most of my adult life, and not once has anyone ever said that it's ok to stay in your comfort zone and heal until now. When you said that I felt a huge weight lift because it's so true!
You don't have to be married at all. You may get married, but at a time that is much later than some other people. You may find that marriage lasts, unlike those of some people who married much younger. You do you, George. I love that you are looking inwards instead of sideways, which is way sooner than I got round to it! Very happy to see this channel growing and developing, whether it's home renovation or the occasional personal chat. I find what you have to say interesting and sometimes funny and witty. (PS. Not married at 62, doing quite well nevertheless, although perhaps never going to be up for a cage fight challenge, lol!) 😀
Everything you said was right on! It's taken me 83 years to learn some of them and I'm still learning. About 7 years I was diagnosed with Parkinson's and many of these strategies were helpful in dealing with it, and still are! Do what works for you. Peace, quiet and solitude - and a favourite book - wonderful remedies! I think one of the most positive messages you are conveying by your behaviour is that sometimes things are pretty good and sometimes they are difficult - it just means things change. It DOESN'T mean you aren't getting better. Please keep on being you.
I also take sertrline, which I started taking for depression r/t menopause. I found it very helpful. Being a retired nurse, I applaud the concept of sharing your anxiety with others who might be rendering you care, a perfect example being your optometrist. It's best to know everything up front so you CAN be on the same page as your patient. Most health care providers do actually want to help, so providing clear information enables them to better care for you. All your other advice is also right on target. I would like to offer a thought that goes with your idea of perspective and insignificance, etc. My thought is that offering help to someone who is not you, will take you out of yourself for that time period. It was very effective for me to help my older neighbor go to the grocery store and bring in all the bags, etc. Depending on the weather, shoveling the snow for the lady down the street, with the new baby, helped take me out of my anxiety , too. I respect your honesty about your anxiety and say bravo to you for the excellent tips you offered.
Thanks George for doing this follow up. I'm sure sharing your experience will help a lot of people. Your thoughfulness and kindness shines through in all your videos.
Thanks Nicola! :)
Thank you. I wish I'd been as wise as you at your age, I'd have saved myself a lot of agony and wasted years. This video both made me cry, and laugh out loud ('Built like an empty tracksuit.') and I don't know how you managed that in one 12 minute video, but you deserve all the plaudits. Be well, stay happy.
Thank you so much for sharing and normalizing personal struggles and helping so many people feel less alone in the process! I really appreciated your mention of the utility of "forest bathing" and how therapy can sometimes backfire. Carl Sagan's "Pale Blue Dot" is a personal life philosophy, so I'm ecstatic to see other people honor his legacy! 💜
Thank you! :) Never heard the term "forest bathing"... I like it!
@@Patchy Thanks! Apparently, the term emerged in Japan in the 1980s as a form of ecotherapy called shinrin-yoku (“forest bathing” or “taking in the forest atmosphere”), and some doctors in the US and UK have even recently begun prescribing it for mental health benefits.
Lots of Blessings to you. Thanks for sharing, always wishing you both ( 😸)
the best.
@@NitaJain Strange you should mention this as on a recent re run of Escape to the Country (UK programme) if you are elsewhere in the world. The programme always introduces the viewer to the varying interests within the chosen area... We (the viewer) were given an introduction to Forest Bathing and also the tip of cupping your ears like a deer would in order to hear the sounds of the forest in a clear way... it was really interesting... I love being in nature... my dream is to have a back garden where I can sit and hear only but the sounds of nature instead of the neighbours.
Good for you mate, you have come a long way, and got to know yourself well in the meantime. I have Panic Disorder, and always tell a doctor/nurse/dentist etc, so they are aware I might feel unwell, or might need to leave, being honest is a GOOD thing. For me, medication was my last resort, but it works. I also meditate, bimble in nature, create art and take a nap if/when I need it.... Thankyou George. You are helping many.
Medication was the 2nd thing I tried, along w/ therapy. But I have little tolerance for unnecessary misery & suffering of any kind, life being short. Lol. I found that medicine greatly increased the effectiveness of exercise, relaxation breathing, meditation, etc. For some people, trying to manage anxiety w/ behavioral and cognitive strategies alone is akin to trying to stop a charging bull elephant w/ a pea shooter. They need something on board in the ol' brain.
I found the best therapist. These are words that I revisit a lot: don’t judge yourself by how you feel. Do not use feelings as a tool to evaluate yourself. They may not be the truth.
George you should be very proud knowing that your very wise words of advice will help so many others. Wishing you happiness.
Thanks Betty! :)
I love that you talk about this in such a relaxed way, the way it needs to be talked about. This is nothing weird, it’s just part of life.
P.S. Every time you say ”don’t worry, this will not be a cat/anxiety/mental health channel, back to renovations next week” I feel like NOOOOOO! Feel free to make a video of you and Junior drinking tea or wandering among the beautiful scottish trees. We need you, Junior and trees more then moneytalk!
You are a very wise young man.
We are part of nature, and being distracted by electronics, which so many people are, ie. influencers etc, mesmerized by the black mirror and the need for feedback which can be a rollercoaster of emotions whether one gets a positive or a negative feedback seems to be deteriorating the mental health of many of the younger generation. Panic attacks suck big time. Glad you look after YOUR needs and are feeling good being YOU. Yes, Pale Blue Dot puts things in perspective. Be choosy with whom you associate has stood me well. Wish you contentment George❤
Thanks Jere!! :)
I’ve been loving your videos George. I was impressed from the first one I saw about your beautiful tiny home and now even more impressed with these last posts. Thanks for sharing and being so open. Please keep it up and know that there are many of us out here that wish you only the best. I hope you’re able to ignore any trolls or arseholes that give you grief (I just assume they’re everywhere). All the best with your progress ❤
You are class btw.
As a fellow 20 something Scottish human, i understand and have experienced the cultural pressure of feeling like we've got to get on it all the time. Tbh, this is not just a Scottish thing, but substance use is so ingrained in our culture that see if you just want to stay in on the weekend, you're seen as really odd.
Reflecting on what you actually enjoy, setting your own boundaries and finding a good friends that respect that you maybe aren't the most extraverted person, and need some time alone to recharge is so important.
I work in young peoples mental health services, and I try to encourage self reflection and boundary setting because it honestly does have such a positive impact on your self esteem and levels of anxiety.
I'm so happy to hear you have been doing better over the last wee while. Improvement in your mental health is never linear and God fkn knows that I know that too, but baby steps implementing things that you have mentioned will be so beneficial for folk watching.
Sorry my comment is a pure Bible but I just wanted to say cheers. Mental health is still stigmatised here - although improving, and not many Scottish folk get a voice/platform, and when they do and use it to both be entertaining and to help others it makes ma wee heart happy.
Keep being you, am wishing you all the happiness and success in the world. I'm excited to see more restoration vids soon too !! 💙
I am so grateful for your two videos. Makes me know I am not alone and just listening to you makes me calmer and listening to you helps me.
Aw well I'm glad to hear that Sharman!
That is also true for me. It’s always a pleasant trip to see and hear this reassuring, calm person share a bit of life. The good comes through.
Thank you for sharing this George. You are a good human for sure. I have struggled with anxiety most of my adult life. After my youngest son committed suicide in our home 2 and a half years ago I just spiraled, as you can imagine. Greif and anxiety are not a good combination. I was basically stuck for two years in my depression, anxiety and grief until I finally was strong enough to start seeing a counselor and get on medication. Both of those things have made it possible for me to try and not be so stuck and to start having some moments of joy again.
I also appreciated your comments about letting others know about your anxiety when you might need to step out or take a break. It might be hard to do but everyone I've ever told has gone an extra mile to help me feel more comfortable.
Thanks for sharing your journey. It's very encouraging.
I’m so sorry you lost your son. The fact that you can have moments of joy after all that just gives everyone hope that they can too.
"I just fuckin love big trees" 😂 A very Scottish comment. Gaun yersel Dod! I recommend The Japanese Garden at Cowden, if you haven't already been. It was still being renovated when I visited and it was lovely then, so I'm sure it's even better now. Loads of big trees, a very tranquil setting and a lovely cafe. Good on you for posting the last couple of videos and good luck with the renovation.
You have such a calming way about you. Thank you for sharing. Your helping more people than you know.
Thanks Susan!! :)
Your words are very comforting. ❤
Thanks for this video George, I am glad you found a way to feel better :)
I used to suffer from anxiety too. For me it helped to understand where it came from. One aspect is nature: I have a sensitive personality. People used to tell me I am too sensitive, and for years I believed them. In the past few years it has become clear to me that I am not too sensitive. I am sensitive, and some people just aren't sensitive enough. Or just plain rude ;)
The other aspect is nurture. Let's just say my parents were far from perfect. I basically have an insecure attachment, like many people do. Understanding that, and understanding what caused it and what I can do helps me a lot.
The other thing that I learned is understanding happiness requires daily maintenance. It's the daily little habits, such as brushing your teeth because you like yourself and you feel better with clean teeth, that make a happy life.
Thanks so much for sharing George! We all have our struggles and can relate!!!
Thank you! :)
You are a very intelligent old soul. Don’t let anyone dim your light.
❤
I’ve just started on Sertraline and this made me feel a whole lot better about beginning this journey. Thank you for your videos, George! I can’t count the amount of times I’ve watched your home renovation video when I need to find some peace ❤
Excellent insights to support our mental health. Despite the darkness of the journey, you’ve come out of it with a great deal of gold to share with others. What helps me is every day I make a list of the things I am grateful for, no matter how good or bad my day was, I make my grateful list, and in so doing I train my mind to focus on the positive. Thank you🥰 George! 🙏👏
Yes, telling people how you feel (and what you need to do now to help yourself, if you cannot proceed in the situation) is most of the times surprisingly helpful. The first few times are challenging, but once you get used to the fact that it's either this or a breakdown, you find out that people are actually very nice and understanding. (One of the most annoying "symptoms" of my anxiety related issues is, that I have a tendency to be easily overwhelmed and once I'm at such state, I cannot absorb what the other person is saying, even if I want to, my mind just blocks it. And at this point, I just have to tell the other person that we cannot continue for this reason, otherwise it would be even weirder and more stressful, probably to both of us.)
You're an amazing human
😅
When I was young, I despaired of ever finding a man I could marry because I wasn’t the partying, sociable type. I liked being at home with my cat and dog, I liked riding my horse by myself, liked tramping through a forest picking wild mushrooms, and liked going to the library to choose books. I’d never find a life partner because anybody I’d want to be with would be off doing similar solitary activities. I took up running for the exercise and soon found myself talking to a man who also spent his best time at his own home. We were invited to a party for runners and we were going to go together till one of us said “I’d rather stay home” and the other said “me too”. We’ve now been a good pair for 34 years. You just never know who you might meet while you’re living your own best life. You’re a lovely man. Don’t ever think otherwise.
Carl Sagan is a legend, I love his Pale Blue Dot talk. I've had anxiety and depression several times in my life, they ebb and flow. I think a lot of what you talked of has also helped me, esp counselling and connecting with nature.....above all I would say be kind to yourself, be gentle with yourself and be true to the person you are.
Frequent, vigorous exercise got my depression and anxiety under control enough for me to start exploring the underlying issues
My help has been growing in my faith over the years. Being out in nature, especially by water has always had a grounding help to it. Thanks for sharing all your ideas.
I appreciate you putting yourself out there to help (and entertain) others. Learning to be kind and gentle with yourself is so important in wellness. I’ll also say that no one thing makes anxiety go away. Sometimes anxiety is triggered out of the blue and it seems like it’s getting the better of you. Rather than be judgmental honor yourself with love and patience. You are not alone or unique in your feelings and this too shall pass. ❤
🥇 +1
Sunlight was helpful to my daughters during the winter months we purchased a sunlight/lamp from Amazon to help our vitamin D levels. Upon much reading/research, vit D levels are critical
Hi Patchy,
I watched your previous video as well and I didn’t really know what to say in response. I kind of just wanted to reach in and give you a hug, really. I’m so glad that you feel so much better mentally and physically and you’ve found ways to have peace and stability.
You’re lovely and caring and have such a great sense of humour. This video will help a lot of people, I’m sure. My love to wee Junior. She’s a gem. 😊👍🏻💕💕
Reading Elaine N. Aron's book, The Highly Sensitive Person was a huge help to me. I strongly recommend it. Thanks for voicing your take on the whole thing about pushing yourself beyond your comfort zone. I completely agree with you on that. Also, it's because I pushed WAY beyond my comfort zone that I kept having episodes of severe burnout! Long may you prosper, doing things your own way, George. All the best!
You are wonderful😊 Doing your own thing when it seems that everyone else your age is doing the exact opposite, shows strength of character. Farm shops, tea rooms, homemade anything, nature, staycations, quiet times, sounds like Heaven on earth to me😉 I've always been 'that' person, had the pi$$ taken so many times for so many years because I chose to be a homemaker, enjoying gardening, crafting, baking, cooking, charity shop rummaging, afternoon teas, etc the quiet life I actually needed for my sanity. Well, I am now 62 and still living life 'my way'. Being a chameleon is not a healthy thing to be, adapting to the company you're in to suit everyone else. You are so right, George...do things your way, the way that brings you most peace of mind. 🥰
I have a question regarding your path to wellness: throughout your struggle to heal your anxieties you have also been filming a very successful TH-cam channel. Do you feel that this has helped you to understand yourself better, and to be a part of your therapeutic journey? Or has it been a struggle to put yourself out there in such a personal way? People like me really appreciate all your funny quips and unique personality.
Walking in nature is always healing for me🌸🌱🐝
I really love this video. I thought you were going to make the typical video listing 10 different meditation apps and tell us to exercise, but you touched many subjects
What’s helped me : counseling, medication, deep breathing exercises, and a little song I sing to myself when things are hard
Super video George, it’s always good to see your videos….. press on, life can be interesting , and managing your mental health can be a learning experience but a needed daily checkup on yourself…. Your being alive and enjoying the freedom to enjoy life on earth is the greatest gift … press on, be well….. and reach out if you need….
Cheers Rodney, appreciate it!
You packed a wealth of information about mental health problems into a concise video. I imagine a lot of people might benefit. Thank you for your clarity.
Hi George, thank you for sharing your story and the things that have helped you navigate your feelings of anxiety. As a licensed counselor, I give all your suggestions a big thumbs up. This information has the potential to help so many folks who are struggling. We've never met, but your kindness, wisdom, and gentle sense of humor come through so strongly in your videos. I'm so glad you mentioned and stressed that it's okay to walk away from a 'bad' therapist. Therapists have a great capacity to help and heal, but the wrong one can do a lot of damage. On a slightly separate note, your videos are so relaxing. You have a very soothing voice and there is usually peaceful music playing quietly in the background. When I watch your videos, my cat will usually start dozing off next to me. This is not to say you're boring, it's simply acknowledging your relaxing presence. I look forward to seeing your future videos. Take care!
This is wonderfully calm to listen to. Thank you for sharing your experience.
I completely agree with your point about the "comfort zone" thing.
Thank you for sharing! It's good to be reminded of the tools we have to find peace. Thank you.
Also Lexapro really helped. A lot. But then I also lost motivation in some areas, and then I realized that anxiety also can be helpful, and I could possibly learn to embrace and accept it.
"Built like an empty tracksuit".
Made me choke on my drink.😂 Your wit is so dry and funny I love it.
Great video and great advice.
Thank you George,for feeling comfortable enough to talk about this with us.I told you about some of my experiences with 'social anxiety' and I feel better since.I don't discuss it with family,yet they've seen some 'panic attacks' happen.I'm glad you're doing well,and can share your wonderful channel with us.I ride my bikes to get out and about,and even go down the roads along side traffic,unless it's packed of course;) Hope the new place is coming together for you,and the "Council" has set aside their quibbles.
After watching your first video regarding anxiety I phoned my health insurance to find a therapist. I had fired a therapist 3 years ago and was to anxious and crying when I took on the job of finding one on my own. I was asked several questions directly related to what I was looking for and what I wasn’t in need of.
Three weeks later and I’ve had 3 appointments.
Thank you for covering all of the important information on this subject and for putting yourself out there.
You’re touching lives and making a difference in the world.
Thanks for your videos George. I think you have the most relaxing voice ever. I really think you should start trying to make or do some audio books or guided imagery. Sometimes I'll put a video of yours on just to help me fall asleep and trust me, that's meant as a big compliment! I just wish you had some longer videos too. But thank you for making these. 🤗
You are such a good person. You deserve all the best in life.
This is a wonderful list - thanks for putting it out there! Very wise, especially the realization that there are some folks in the mental health field that aren't at all helpful. It's a hell of a time to have to shop around, but it's often necessary. Like you, I found counseling (here in the US that would mean talking with a Licensed Clinical Social Worker) much more helpful than working with a psychiatrist, whose approach was pretty much always to just give you medication without delving into helping to get to the origins of your anxiety - i.e. they're giving you a coping mechanism sold by the pharma companies, not taking any actions to help end your anxiety. Also, I like your approach to getting onto your medication, and when it comes time to get off, I've found it good do the same thing. Some of them have pretty stiff side effects getting off of them, so it's good to go slowly. And I'm so glad you don't need scientists to tell you it just feels better to be outside in nature! I took that as a way of saying, "Pay attention to what really helps you feel better." Thanks again!
I was feeling a bit anxious earlier and remembered how much I like hearing your voice, it's very soothing. Just hearing you talk about this helped me calm my anxiety down, thank you.
Thank you for your grace and your willingness to share. Thank you on behalf of so many of us, including my anxious younger self who desperately needed to hear such gentle and thoughtful words a very long time ago. I still had slowly to learn that the more we speak, the more we learn to listen to ourselves, and to others as well. I was astonished to learn that speaking opens us to kindnesses of the world. This video, and the responses to it that I see, certainly are a proof of that - so I wish you health and good, loving company on your journey.
I could listen to you talk all day!! Your voice is so calming. And you are wise beyond your years!!
Great and helpful video! I found your channel couple days ago and been hooked on ever since. Keep up the good work 😊 ps. Junior is adorable 😍🐈
Thank you! And I'm biased but yes she is haha.
Thank you so much for this video. Love hearing about others, & hear about you, so appreciated.. By the way, Love your videos, you tell as is..
Thank you so much! :)
Hi George, thank you so much for sharing, it truly means a lot. I've always suffered from anxiety, however over the past 18 months I had crippling anxiety levels and panic attacks everyday. My Dr asked me to try cutting carbs and sugar totally from my diet to help balance my cortisol and insulin response and it worked wonders for me. My anxiety reduced significantly. I completely agree with you about bad therapists, there are lots out there unfortunately. Finding the right treatment is all about trial and error and I hope for anyone out there struggling that they find the right one for them.
Hi George, fellow Scot here, great post, thanks for sharing, I'm sure this will help a lot of viewers. I've had anxiety my entire life, been on medication that helped (and some that didn't, it's a learning curve). What you say about finding the right psychologist/psychiatrist is spot on, for so many years I just accepted whichever mental health professional I was assigned to, I didn't know I could ask for someone else, so much wasted time (for me and the MHP). It is vitally important that you find someone you can trust and talk openly to.
We all must do what we need, to be able to feel well about ourselves. Thanks for sharing George.
Thank you so much for sharing your personal side of your life. I'm suffering from anxiety right now because I have a up coming heart surgery which is quite a major ordeal! Be wishes to you!!
I hope the surgery goes well and you have a fast and complete recovery. Best wishes.❤
I really hope that goes well for you! ❤️
Best wishes on your upcoming surgery. I just was diagnosed with heart failure, so I think I know how you must feel. Modern medicine does miracles these days! Stay positive, and take a big breath...you will be fine. Lil hugs
@@Patchy thank you, your reply means the world to me!
@@LILRHONDALEE thank you very much! Luckly it is being done at University of Alabama in Birmingham Alabama. The #3 heart hospital in the US.
Another great video!! i've been anxious most of my life, i hate going out, you have some good advise.
Aw sorry to hear that! Hope things get better for you.
Wise words my friend. You have helped more people than you know with your followup video
I agree with all of your tips, I do them all too. I am 20yrs into having major depressive disorder, anxiety and ptsd. One added thing I have been doing lately within the realm of exercise, is to regularly (like 5x/wk) lift weights (I use heavy duty tension bands). It has such an immediate calming effect on my mood. While I cannot just cure it, I can do things to help manage it. The counseling, meds, nature walks, lifting weights...they all give me some relief to keep me going. I like to use the analogy that it's like putting gas in my car.
Thank you for this lovely follow up. And yes bad therapist is a thing, I wish everybody who is in need of therapy be lucky and meet a decent one quick!
„Looking inward instead of sideways“. I‘m going to remember that.
Good point on the vitamin levels. I’d add, from personal experience, do some research about how that thing is absorbed /processed. It could be you need to take something alongside or avoid a particular food group within 12 hours of taking a vitamin. I have made these mistakes. It’s so frustrating to think you are taking the appropriate steps but actually doing something preventing it from working at the same time.
Hi George - I love your videos. I have struggled with anxiety and depression. I'm taking medication and I made the choice to keep on the same regiment and not go to the doctor...which is very difficult here in the US. It's really hard to get an appointment. So, I have been de-cluttering my house, staying away from the news, listening to meditation to help me fall asleep (it has also been helping me stay asleep), and actually doing art projects. I started having no ideas, staring at the blank page of the sketch book I bought. I got onto you tube and found lots of ideas and decided to go for it. I love doing art and find such comfort in drawing and painting after not doing it for a very long time (30 years.) I also take a walk nearly every day and it helps a lot. I too love big trees and nature. Thanks again!
Something that helped my anxiety was realizing how caffeine was exacerbating it! ✨Pardon my long comment✨
At first, I tried just quitting but I would get terrible headaches, nausea and feel like 💩 until I had a cuppa!
So I began by replacing just one tablespoon of my regular coffee grounds with decaffeinated.
I kept drinking the same number of cups each day, but now with a bit less caffeine! Soon, one tablespoon of decaf became 10% decaf, then 20% decaf until eventually 50% decaf felt ‘normal’
I’d also remove the temptation to backslide by mixing my decaf/regular grounds in a large container and writing the percentage of decaf on it.
I’d maintain each new level of decaf for a few weeks to a whole month! I didn’t want the headaches and I badly wanted to be done with the awful rollercoaster of caffeine withdrawal. Caffeine is a very powerful ‘drug’ and it’s incredibly easy to get ‘addicted ’ Plus, decaf still has a little bit (2mg) of caffeine while regular has 80-100mg per serving.
It took me months & months to get to FULL decaf coffee and tea! By then I noticed my anxiety and panic had lessened.
I would still get a little headache on days with one less cup, but I noticed I wasn’t being eaten from inside with anxiety like before.
Once I was on FULL decaf for an entire month, I began reducing my daily intake by one cup, a few times a week. Then a few days a week with one less cup became every day and then I’d maintain that until it felt ‘normal’ In this way I reduced to 1-2 cups of decaf each day (down from 5+)
By this time, the headaches and general poopy feeling was gone! I maintained 1-2 cups of decaf each day for a whole YEAR before I found that I didn’t really enjoy it first thing in the morning but did at tea-time with a little snack 😋
I would try occasionally to have a cuppa regular coffee or tea and realize it actually made me feel anxiety and panic and I’d start picking at my nails or obsessing . . .
Thanks for listening! I hope this helps. Peace, Gaia 🐌
I have this 4 step thing I do when I feel anxious or depressed. I picked it up in a TH-cam video and have a post it with the steps next to my desk at home:
- drink some water
- go for a walk (if it’s miserable, I dance to Spice Girls)
- have a shower
- make a meal (not a snack, but a proper plate of food)
Maybe it will help someone else too.
Another great video! I struggle with anxiety and intrusive thoughts mostly about what-if scenarios of car accidents. Also, I have recurring ptsd thoughts of when my mom was very ill in the hospital. I’ve recently started saying to myself during those moments “you’re in the present, there is nothing happening, that’s over ( my mom’s illness) or that’s not happening (the car accident thoughts). You’re safe.” Saying those things brings me right out of it. Thank you for sharing your advice.
A really great follow up George, your common sense approach and honest openness are so helpful.
Power to you, I suffer from mental illness and it took a lot of trial and error to find the right treatment but I am now living my best life possible so I am so happy you found the right meds for you so soon it is amazing the difference it can make. Hope you can find your best life too. And thanks for the great content.
You are a lovely and kind person. Thank you for being so open and generous about your own journey.
My tip is to try to avoid self isolation. I used to always withdraw from family and friends when my depression and anxiety started getting bad. Didn’t want to bother them with my problems.
Made the situation worse every time.
May you have a wonderful, happy life. Keep sharing.
Ever since Covid, I feel like everything got more real. People were more uncensored about how they were actually feeling. And it's comforting to know that almost everyone has their struggles in one way, or another. That a lot of other people are going through what you're going through.
TikTok also helped. To see smart, funny, creative people make light of their anxiety, is comforting in a way.
George you are a legend. I followed you initially because of your home development but your recent mental health vids are so honest and beneficial. I’ve sent the link for this vid to my son who is steady and sorted now, but he experienced so much of what you discussed. Thanks so much.
wow - your luck with doctors sounds like mine, and i've always been grateful that i was a healthcare provider and advocate for patients - so when i had a psych doc say i was lying about my abuse history . . . . i walked out (dissociated, not safe) but i learned to speak up about these people. I wish i had realized what you did when i was younger. I loved being alone playing in the swamps when i was a child - - then i forced myself into the world. I was unhappy all the time, and never felt like i measured up to anything. Honestly , the thing i look forward to as soon as i open my eyes is to play with my cat, and then get on my bike and head for the oldest cemetery around where the wild animals still live. I'm 62, had an accident that messed up my leg ---but i will use every scrap of energy to get on the bike - because it's worth it to my soul. You are very smart about the medication dosing - for people that are thin i think it's wise to do things in tiny bits . . . i'm very sensitive to meds - i've diluted doses in water that are in capsules for those that are having a hard time cutting dose when they need
You're very emotionally intelligent and this is a valuable video. It will help so many people, I'm sure! Thank you for talking about this! (From a life-long anxiety sufferer).
My solution to depression and SAD was that I started an indoor tropical garden with growlights and kept improving this garden with more pots and plants
Oh, and by the way, your cat is still to die for! What a sweetie, lovely animal!❤️
I (70+ year-old from Florida) LOVE your videos! You make a lot of very good sense. You are so kind and thoughtful and gentle and loving - a wonderful & remarkable human being. Love and hugs to you and your precious gorgeous kitty! ❤️😘
I love you for sharing that with us! Lets normalize talking about anxiety and depression and not be embarrassed to say we have it. I think I mentioned in your last video how I've suffered with depression and now anxiety due to nursing school. Your tips are very thoughtful and helpful! I never really thought about there being bad therapists, but now that I think back, yes I have had some bad ones!
From my own personal experience and from seeing two people very close to me going through mental issues, all of your advice is very solid! I very much concur. It can be helpful not just for anxiety, but many psychological and psychosomatic conditions.
That was so thoughtful and so relatable. Another technique that is useful to me is a deep breathing one whereby you breath slowly through the nose and exhale through the mouth several times that calms me down when I’m in a situation that makes me anxious. I love all of your points and have used many similar techniques. Those are all really great ideas for everyone, whether you are highly anxious or just facing a situation that makes you anxious. More and more lately, we men have been talking about mental health and learning to manage its effects and you really shone a light on the fact that it is okay to acknowledge it. Fantastic video.
Ur a brave guy, and come along way, me I’ve struggled with anxiety for over 20yrs tried so many different things to help myself but still struggle, but my biggest tip is so what helps u regardless what people say about it or you, if it helps u then do it, I find crochet helps me with anxiety as I find ur busy and occupied with it so ur less likely to worry or overthink 😊