I Can't Get My Work Done! Anxiety and Concentration

I have a ton of work to do and I just can't seem to get started. I work as a freelance writer and I have several projects in the cue right now, but on days like these-days I am tormented by nagging anxiety-my work does not come easy.

Ever been there?

I know what needs to get done but my mind feels out of focus and it's difficult to concentrate. Truth be told, this condition would be much easier if it was situational anxiety that was bugging me. If I just knew the trigger, perhaps I could get back to work. The trouble is that I have no idea what's causing this, and that seems to be the major problem.

This ambiguity is what makes anxiety such a horrible condition. This persistent feeling of unease or fright seems to appear out of nowhere and its effects can be downright paralyzing.

Thus far I have tried many techniques to expel or quiet my anxiety. Self-talk, meditation, journaling and exercise helps to some degree, but in no way do I feel "normal" as a result of these methods. I am resisting medication, but soon I may have to look into it. I need something that can help me get back to work.

Any ideas? I'd be glad to hear them.

Why I Write This Blog: A Note To Anxiety Sufferers

For the targeted readers of this entry--the people who are suffering the symptoms of anxiety-- just sitting here and reading this sentence is a difficult task. Believe me, I know. You feel shaky, breathless and the sense of overall uneasiness, an uneasiness you can't explain or understand, is turning your life upside down. Perhaps you have begun to withdraw from friends and isolate yourself. Maybe the thought of performing simple chores, such as fetching the groceries or picking the kids up from school causes your heart to race, your palms to sweat and fills you with unexplainable dread. I know where you are coming from, I empathize and I want to help.

Last night my girlfriend asked me why I continued to maintain this blog, and after some careful thought I blurted out my reply: "Let's just say I want to pay back "anxiety" for all the misery it has caused in my life." Yep. that's the reason. If I can help only one person navigate this horrible disorder it will be more than worth it. For too many years I suffered this disease silently and, to be perfectly honest, incorrectly. I did all the things I tell others not to do. I isolated myself from others because I thought they could never understand what I was going through. I self-medicated with alcohol, seeking relief that refused to come, and regularly did all the wrong things that resulted in grief and pain.

Anxiety cost me my job, my house, my family and most importantly, my soul. I was a prisoner inside my head and I thought my life was over. For a time I even thought of giving up all together. I just didn't want to be here anymore.

So you see, I do know how you feel. What's more, I can tell you without equivocation that A) You're not going crazy and B) This will not last forever. I know it doesn't feel like it right now, but you will feel better in time.

This blog is intended to provide strategies that worked for me, along with useful tidbits of information I wish I'd had handy when my symptoms were at their worst. Of course not everything will work for everybody, but at the very least I can get it out there for people to decide for themselves. If you have anything you would like to add, please feel free to contact me using the link at the top of this page. Together we can make strides toward a peaceful and content mind which is, after all, the only thing we truly want.

The Two Words The Anxiety Sufferer Dreads Most

Some people will never understand how an anxiety sufferer feels. It's that simple. Try as they might to empathize with what we're going through, they just don't get it. Nothing illustrates this more than when they utter that two-word phrase those coping with anxiety dread the most: "Just Relax."

Now I know they mean well, and I'm certainly not trying to drum up any undue sympathy, but that simple expression makes me want to scream. Don't they realize that if I could relax I would do it in a heartbeat? Can't they see that the inability to relax is exactly what characterizes this horrible illness? It makes me wonder what advice they would offer to someone with a lung disease. Take a deep breath?

For someone who has never felt the "weird" feeling of anxiety, the ability to comprehend its scope is impossible. Many relationships have been destroyed for this reason. Bonds become strained when anxiety is in the picture, as one person tries to cope with illness and misunderstanding and the other contends with the residual effects this misunderstanding creates. It's a horrible cycle, one that could be prevented with a bit of open communication.

If you suffer from anxiety, it's important to talk about it. Let your loved ones know how you feel, and be certain to tell them exactly what you expect of them. Your illness effects your family and friends, but that's often difficult to see when you're in pain. Let them know you don't expect them to "cure" you, only listen to you. This simple talk can reduce or eliminate those awful misunderstandings that can often be toxic to relationships.

Can Depression Present With Anxiety Symptoms?

Anxiety is a common symptom of depression. In fact, it is so common that doctors often have a difficult time discovering the correct diagnosis.

At the height of my battle with depression, anxiety symptoms were so profound that my life became difficult to manage. After finally seeking help for this problem, my doctor at the time told me I was suffering from a Generalized Anxiety Disorder, for which he prescribed Klonopin. Now if you've been following my blog, you already know how strongly I oppose this drug as a solitary treatment. Klonopin is a narcotic with a high rate of abuse, and in my case the dependency was almost immediate. It worked well for awhile, but as my system grew accustomed to the drug. For me, the drug caused more problems than it addressed. But I'm getting off the subject.

After switching doctors and undergoing a very uncomfortable "detox" from Klonopin, I was diagnosed with Major Depression w/ anxiety. Unfortunately I had the double whammy as far as emotional illness goes, but at least I was finally knew what I was dealing with. With the help of my new doctor, I became educated about my illness and learned that anxiety is a very common symptom associated with depression, and to treat one, I needed to address both.

Learn from my mistakes. If you are feeling anxious, and you feel it may be part of a larger problem, check with your doctor and have him/her explain all available treatment options. It can save you a lot of grief down the road.

Five Steps For Managing Your Generalized Anxiety Disorder

If you are suffering the symptoms of General Anxiety Disorder, or GAD, the last thing you need is someone promising miracle cures that don't exist, but if you are anything like me, you would probably try anything to get a bit of relief.

Anxiety, at its best, is a persistent annoying obstacle that interferes with every aspect of our lives. At its worst, it can be downright scary. Symptoms like shaking, a racing heart, sweating and a non-stop sense of uneasiness makes even the simplest daily tasks seem daunting and unattainable. Fortunately, I have been free from the "scary symptoms" for quite some time, and while I still deal with the "annoying symptoms" at times, I have managed to begin living productively again. I'd like to share five-steps I employ in my life which allow me to cope from day to day. I hope this helps:

1. Exercise

Regular aerobic exercise, whether it's a long walk, steps on the treadmill or a more organized and strenuous activity helps to release pent up energy and change focus. I simply don't think about my symptoms when engaged in these workouts. Another nice bonus is the quality of sleep I now enjoy, which also helps combat troubling anxiety symptoms.

2. Meditate

Meditation is a simple, accessible way to ease anxiety symptoms. It relaxes my body and allows me to focus on the here and now. My mediation routine has helped me to avoid old thought patterns, such as worrying about the future and obsessing about the past, and has replaced them with more productive thoughts of contentment.

3. Monitor Your Diet

Regardless of how you're feeling, you have to eat, so you might as well eat healthy. I make sure I adhere to a well balanced diet, and have gradually cut out the things that consistently seemed to make me feel worse. Avoiding thing like junk food, caffeine and alcohol are important first steps towards feeling better.

4. Journal

Writing, whether in a journal or an online blog like this one, is a great way to cope with some of the symptoms of anxiety. Put some of those troubling thoughts and feelings on paper. When I was really anxious, I used to over think and over analyze everything. I was confused and all the "stuff" I was carrying around, especially things I needed to do or wanted to accomplish, seemed an incredible burden to remember. Writing these things down, in a place where I could easily access them, was such a welcomed release.

5. Share What Your Feeling

Please, please, please don't isolate yourself, regardless of how you're feeling. I know you think you are sparing others from the effects of your disorder, but you are doing harm to yourself and to them. Trust enough in the people you love to speak openly to them about your feelings. They want to help you, but they don't know how. You need you to communicate how they can assist you with your challenges.

Anxiety is a very real and very serious medical condition. There are many treatments available to those who acknowledge their illness and seek help. Please remember that the "scary parts" of this illness are not going to last forever. You will get better but you must be an active participant in your recovery.

Is Klonopin an Effective Treatment for Anxiety?

When I was at the height of my battle with Generalized Anxiety Disorder, many of those close to me admonished me for taking the drug Klonopin or Clonazepam. At that time, however, I didn't want to hear it. They had no idea what I was going through and this was the ONLY thing that made me feel better. If you too are treating your anxiety in this manner, I certainly will not admonish you, but I will admit that my loved ones were correct--Klonopin was not the ideal treatment for me.

While Klonopin was part of my medication regimen I never missed a dose. There was never a time when I just forgot or even took it one minute late. There was a reason for this: I had become addicted and both my body and brain would scream out at least an hour before dose time, reminding me that I needed my "fix." I know that sounds awful, but that's how I felt.

Waking up in the morning was the worse. I did nothing--and I mean nothing--before I got that dose down my throat. I felt shaky and agitated and this would continue until the Klonopin finally entered my bloodstream. It was horrible, but I didn't know what to do. I couldn't be addicted, I told myself, I am only taking the amount the doctor prescribed. That didn't matter though. I had become dependent upon this narcotic, and without it, withdrawal was inevitable. This drug that was supposed to be helping me was just causing more problems

I never thought I would be free of Klonopin, in fact I never even planned to be. Any kind of life in the absence of Klonopin was not one I wanted to face. But one day, due to an unfortunate event--an event that I won't mention except to say it was a blessing in disguise--my Klonopin was discontinued. The next two weeks were absolute mental and physical torture. This wasn't anxiety I was feeling, but narcotic withdrawal, plain and simple.

After that two week period, however, the horrible symptoms began to subside. I couldn't believe the way I was feeling. The morning shakiness and the routine of rushing to the medicine cabinet were gone, and everything seemed brighter, clearer and much,more calmer. Two years later I am still Konopin free, and I vow never to be a prisoner in its grip again.

I am not faulting anyone else for their own particular medication regimen, nor am I trying to pass this off as medical advice. I am just relating what worked for me, and hoping my passion might help others facing similar circumstances. If you find yourself looking forward to "medication time," you may want to consider this testament and make some changes. (Under the advice of a doctor). The book shown in my sidebar "How to Get Off Klonopin Safely," is a good source.

Anxiety and Your Relationships

At the height of my anxiety, while I feverishly paced around my house, my girlfriend would often ask, "What's wrong?" My answer was always the same, a lamentation of how my anxiety was torturing me, and I knew she was growing tired of hearing the same old story. What could I do? I certainly didn't want to lie. Even if I did she'd know I wasn't being honest and that would just create more problems.

Gradually my anxiety began to worsen, and as it did the relationship with my girlfriend (along with every other relationship) quickly headed south. I was no longer the "whole" person she had met, rather a nervous, shaky shell of a man. With each day I isolated myself more and more from everyone who cared about me, and I stopped every activity in which I previously participated. I just didn't want to continue explaining what I was going through to people who had no idea how it felt.

Looking back, one of the most infuriating bits of helpful advice those people tried to offer me was a simple two-word phrase: just relax. What a joke. Didn't they understand that the inability to relax was the most painful attribute of this illness. It's like telling someone with lung cancer to please quit coughing. Don't get me wrong, every single person that uttered those words meant well, they just didn't understand, and I realized there were no words I could say to make them feel what I was feeling. I realized my best strategy was to just be honest.

One day I sat my girlfriend down and said, "Listen, I realize that my illness has effects that extend beyond the way I feel, and I'm sorry for what you must be going through. I'm not sure how long this is going to last, but I am determined to beat it. I cannot make promises relating to my mood or the effects of my symptoms, but you have my word I am attempting every possible solution available to me. I recognize your sacrifice and you are appreciated."

I left it that. No "poor me" pity party, just a level of honesty and candor that was truly genuine. No promises, that if unkept would cause me more anxiety. Those were "getting old," and it wasn't what she needed to hear. What she needed was an explanation and some recognition.

Anxiety makes us feel we have to withdraw and work everything out alone. This is extremely selfish. Believe me, the people who love you truly want to help in any way they can. Failing to involve them is not being brave, but self-centered. Avoid the mistakes I made. Don't shut them out. Keep the channels open. With time these crummy feelings will ebb, and there is nothing better than celebrating their departure with the people you love.

Two Sleep Tips For Those With General Anxiety Disorder

For those living with General Anxiety Disorder, sometimes called GAD, sleep problems can be an unwelcome companion. Difficulty falling asleep, and staying asleep, are so common that many turn to unhealthy habits, trying to get a sufficient amount of winks. Many turn to alcohol or other depressants to help "knock them out," a dangerous tactic that causes many more problems down the road.

So what to do when that much needed sleep refuses to come easily? According to doctors, there are two habits that are essential to practice, habits that you can begin today with very little effort.

1. Wake up at the same time everyday.

Right now, you may not be able to control what time you fall asleep, but you can certainly have a hand in what time you wake up. Choose a time early enough to complete all you need to do in the day, and stick with it. Waking up at the same time is the first step in resetting your body's clock.

2. Don't go to bed until you're tired.

Lying awake in bed, tossing and turning, actually only adds to your sleep problems. Staying up the extra hour or so will help you to fall asleep naturally. Although the first few days may be a bit rough, your new scheduled wake up time, will gradually allow you to tire earlier, and you'll begin getting the rest you need.

Alcohol, caffeine and sleeping pills are a dangerous form of temporary relief and could make your anxiety worse.

Remember, according to doctors, 8 hours of sleep is not a hard and fast rule. Practice the two rules above, eat right and get plenty of exercise and your body will begin to regulate itself. This is going to seem difficult at first, but don't abandon the plan. Give it some time.

The Best Anxiety Book I Have Ever Found

I do a lot of reading, it helps relax me. There is one book, however, that I find to be superior in its soothing quality--The Holy Bible.

Now I'm certainly not trying to force religion, of any sort, onto people who'd rather not hear it, and I apologize beforehand if this suggestion offends anyone. But I don't think this book recommendation is necessarily religious, nor do I think I'm violating any code in the "polite blogger's handbook." This is just another post to let readers know what has helped me in my battle with depression and anxiety, and I would feel guilty for not passing this information along if I thought it could help even one person.

The Bible is much more than a pious symbol of my faith. It is a handbook for living that always seems to say just what I need to hear every time I pick it up. I'll admit, after the first couple of times, I thought it might just be a fluke--a coincidence of sorts--that this book seemed to be speaking directly to my problem or situation. After a while though, I was a believer (pardon the pun). This book was dead-on every single time. When I was anxious, it calmed me, and that was no small task.

I won't go on and on about this, but I'll be satisfied and sleep better knowing I passed this information along to you. This blog wouldn't be completely honest if I only posted articles that I knew would be accepted by everyone, in fact, it would probably be blank. Take some time and make up your own mind.

Anxiety and Panic Disorder: The Symptoms

Anxiety sort of snuck up on me. I was 17 years old and one day I just started feeling like something wasn't right. I couldn't explain what was happening to me. It felt like that sensation you get, body and mind, when you narrowly escape a traffic accident. That, at least, is how I explained it to other people. But this feeling was different, unexplainable and it was scary. As the symptoms got worse, I swore I was going crazy. My life felt unmanageable at every level.

If you have recently experienced "weird" symptoms you can't explain, and you want a bit of information that may explain them, I have provided a link which lists all anxiety and panic symptoms for your reference. Go here:

Anxiety and Panic Disorder Symptoms

It's important to treat anxiety and panic disorder early. It is a nasty condition that can feed on itself, and symptoms can quickly become escalated if it's not addressed.

Alcohol: An Anxiety No-No

For a while, at the height of my battle with anxiety, alcohol became both my best friend and worst enemy. No medication I was prescribed seemed to produce the same short-term calming effect that I got from alcohol. It soon became the first option I turned to for upsetting anxiety symptoms, and for a while I thought I had discovered a miracle treatment. As my disorder progressed, however, it became evident that my consumption was causing more problems than it was addressing.

Alcohol, a controlled depressant, can certainly help to ease symptoms for a bit, but sooner or later you have to sober up, and that is where the problem begins to get scary. In the mornings, after a night of drinking, my anxiety became almost unbearable. I was shaky, uneasy and confused. The treatment that had seemingly worked so great the night before, had worn off, and the anxiety had actually worsened.

So you'll never guess what I did. Yep, I started drinking again, desperate for the same results. This became a vicious cycle that would lead me to the brink of physical, mental and emotional disaster. The symptoms of my anxiety continued to spin out of control and my alcohol intake rose to dangerous levels. Naturally I became hopeless, desperate and miserable.

I realize firsthand how frightening anxiety can be. People suffering will try almost anything to get relief, but alcohol, despite its initial assistance, is definitely not the answer. If you feel like alcohol is beginning to cause a problem with your anxiety and your life in general, I strongly urge you to get help. I finally broke the cycle and I am happy I did. My anxiety is now fairly under control and has not bothered me for quite some time.

This is not a permanent condition. Try not to let fear lead you into destructive behavior. Keep fighting the "good fight" and eventually your symptoms will subside.

I'm interested to hear your thoughts on this subject. Please post your comments.

What will people think?

Don't worry about what others will think! That statement has become cliche, an old standby for motivation, but how many people actually live that motto? Ask yourself, how many actions have you failed to take in your life, fearing what other people may think? My guess is there are quite a few, probably too many to count. You're not alone though, many of us have missed great opportunities fretting over how we might be perceived. We get so wrapped up in every possible negative scenario, that we fail to see the obvious "silver lining" in things. For some reason, not acting feels safer than the alternative. Later, we lament to anyone in earshot, about how stagnant our lives are and about all the lost opportunities in our lives. It's an awful cycle but one that can become habitual very easily.

Fear of the way we are perceived can be a major impediment to growth. Many of us become paralyzed to action because we're afraid of the way it will look to others, but this paralysis is completely unwarranted. The majority of people-those same people we worry about-are far too concerned about themselves and their own issues to even notice what we're doing. If you think about it, concern over the way we are perceived is rather egotistical.

Now there are people who care about you, and thus have a vested stake in the decisions you make, but why in the world would you worry about their perceptions? They are the people who want you to succeed and will unfailingly root for you regardless of the outcome of the decisions you make. They are your support team, people who will be there for you through good and bad. Count yourself lucky for having them in your corner. The rest of the world, however, is too wrapped up in their own daily grind to have time to ponder yours.

I have been guilty of inaction in the past, agonizing on the way it may look to others. Sadly, that is time I can never get back, but hopefully, by sharing this epiphany with you, I can at least make it count for something. If you're honest with yourself, you'll probably agree that at least 95% of the thoughts you entertain are of a self-centered nature. We think about ourselves, and that my friends, is perfectly normal. The remainder of our thoughts are probably spent worrying or celebrating the ones we love. But how much time do you spend thinking about John Doe's life. The answer is probably none, except for how John Doe's life may effect your own or your loved ones. That being said, why would you assume that John Doe has time to pine over you?

He doesn't. Isn't that a tremendous relief? His only thoughts, in regard to your life, is how your success or failure will impact him.

Take a talented ballplayer, just up from college, an absolute star in his collegiate days. In his first year at the Major League level, he finds himself on the bench, playing second fiddle to a perennial all-star. This doesn't sit well with him at all. He is accustomed to being the star, and his new role of bench warmer is not exactly what he had envisioned. He wants secure the starting position, but he's hampered by thoughts of how the fans will take it.

Does he want this allstar--his competition--to fail? Probably, but not because he dislikes that person. His only thought is how that failure may positively benefit him. Now I'm not saying this a healthy way to think, but I will say it's natural. But here's why I brought that up: If you decide not to act towards growth and excellence in your life, there will always be someone else who has figured out it's best to act. Your inaction could be just what John Doe was waiting for.

Planning and preparation are important tools for success, but they are worthless if we fail to act when given the opportunity. The people we recognize as great, the ones we admire, are the ones that made a decision to act, some in the face of great public scrutiny. When the astronomer Copernicus tried to convince the world that the earth revolved around the sun, his views met with grave debate from a scientific community that believed the opposite. But he was right, and the rest is history. But what if he would have been wrong? Okay, so he was wrong. What did he really lose by deciding to act on his theory? Nothing. He'd still be the same old Copernicus. His decision to act, though, changed not only his own life, but the world's.

The only negative thing that can happen as a result of a new decision, is that it may not quite work out the way you had imagined. But what have you really lost? The worst case scenario is that you'll be back to square one, ready to make a another decision and act upon it. Believe me, there is a not a swarm of people stroking their moustache, ready to pass judgement or belittle you. You're not that important to them, and they just don't have time!