Healing Anxiety: Embracing the Alarm

[@carikshawn4201]

Just found you. Dealing with balance and dizziness everyday for 8 years, including tremors and shaking. Had to go to ER some months ago thinking I had low blood pressure and doctor did a test, said no, you're having anxiety attack. Bought a terahertz frequency wand and that hasn't helped. Just found a program that says brain is in fight or flight but has forgotten to stop and keeps us in fight or flight and causes all these odd symptoms including dizziness. NOW tonight, here you are and you're talking about being stuck...so much pain in my 81 years from childhood, marriage, working hard and having employeers steal over 3 million dollars and recently a horrific boss who I believe is either mentally ill or on drugs. I am healthy. Been to all types of doctors and now it seems as though what my doctor has been saying all along is stress. Emotional pain! I want my life back despite my now age. NOTHING PHYSICALLY WRONG WITH ME so what a gift finding you.

[@faithtvonline]

Your comment actually helps me. I've dealt with dizziness for so many years and no test has ever identified why. I've wondered for a while, "Could it be anxiety induced?"

[@nowandthennn]

I also have tremors, heavy feeling in body , being off balance and tight chest and many more symptoms. I have spent much money on tests to see what’s wrong with me and they find nothing except anxiety. Thanks for sharing .

[@markmark35]

I too suffer from dizziness. My heart goes out to you. When I think I’m better it comes back. I know it’s anxiety because when I’m able to calm down it gets better.

[@markmark35]

@@faithtvonline yes, most definitely.

[@nathandennis8078]

​@@nowandthennnfor me I feel it mostly in my eyes like a tightness in my eyes and impeding doom and constant worry when I'm going through anxiety, listening to this guy idk why but the way he talks and explains things is really helpful I have to say it's different than most people on KZbin

[@Nerdemocat]

I love your book, and definitely recognize I feel it in my chest/stomach..I am really studying you because to imagine healing would be life changing for me!

[@brendamendoza7825]

“ you have to feel it to heal it “ thank you so much Dr. My alarm comes from my heart. It’s been stuck where my heart is always racing and then I get anxious. Sometimes it’s better than others. I’ve gone to the cardiologist and everything is okay w me heart. But once the alarm goes off again my anxious thoughts get the best out of it and the cycle continues. I will embrace my racing heart.

[@da4125]

Great u have identified it. Good luck!

[@MahleeVouge]

Same ..its start in my heart 😢

[@michelefinizio6520]

Thank you so much I have the alarm in my body consistently throughout the day for 30 plus years by watching your podcasts and being involved in your program I'm aware of this now and know the tools to overcome it Very grateful for your work may God continue to heal us

[@yorkiebilger7805]

What tools do you use to overcome it?

[@michelefinizio6520]

@@yorkiebilger7805 Dr. Kennedys yoga nidra session. I do Qi Gong to help my anxiety and help focus on the body and breath. Very helpful and calming

[@debsydebsy1499]

Bless you❤

[@debsydebsy1499]

​@@yorkiebilger7805check Suzie Baxter

[@BlackbeanCatVC15]

When my alarm goes off, which is daily (at this stage), I now gather my 6, 12, & 18 year old (inner child), and we gather to stare at the alarm going off as if we were watching fireworks together. We just stare at the alarm ringing while acknowledging we no longer need to let that alarm go to our thinking. Plus, we get to spend time together every time which makes the uncomfortable alarm a celebration of us spending nurture and love together. So far, so good.

[@da4125]

Wow powerful stuff. Good luck

[@Tash303]

Brilliant!

[@da4125]

I’m so grateful that I came across ur work a few weeks. Thank u for giving me hope that there is a way out of the doom loop.

[@michellevirzi7865]

Brilliant, as usual. Better than years and years of therapy for me which never connected the dots in a meaningful way.

[@carikshawn4201]

Just found him but was thinking about all the therapy I've had over the years...and still have anxiety now...

[@lynnpoley926]

Wow! I've just found you this afternoon with Mel. So many revelations!!! I've dealt with panic and anxiety on and off for 40 years. It has now turned into phobic issues around anything high be it buildings, bridges or deep ditches. I avoid them all. It's also this past few years kept in close to home in my 'safe' area as I designate, unless I'm with someone. Alone I go only to the area I work and what is around my home. It's driving me crazy with the amount of freedom I've lost in my life and I haven't a clue how to get it back. I've always been a highly strong and independent woman but this, I just don't know. I'm so tired of it all.

[@bn1832]

All I know is you need face those things and run away. Your fear should go away

[@lynnpoley926]

@@bn1832 Did you mean 'face those things and NOT run away'?

[@victoriaman117]

I hope you are feeling okay and things have improved since that original message you posted.

[@lynnpoley926]

@@victoriaman117 Hi, thanks for you asking. No, nothing has changed as I just don't know how to have it heal and be normal again.

[@victoriaman117]

@@lynnpoley926 I am sorry to her that you are still struggling with this. I have gotten better but still have my moments. I have changed a lot since my first panic attacks. No more caffeine, no drinking, I get nausea when before an attack so I take ginger gravol's before meetings to stop that symptom. Also meditation has been helpful along with podcasts on Buddhist concepts. I also am in counselling. I hope that helps

[@Peace4globe851]

You have helped me tremendously and I’m very thankful. Such simple step actually works. One issue you should talk about more is when a person is stuck in their mind. Prisoner of one’s self mind. How does one snap out of the mind. The repetitive never ending thoughts

[@RachelHannah363]

Always in my heart and chest. Thank you Dr Kennedy I love your videos. ❤

[@anita_1135]

Mine too...wishing you well

[@ASafePlaceClips-ds3ve]

What a fantastic doctor. I'm a psychotherapist and your content is awesome and will help many. The anxiety you have been through has helped so many and has bought your suffering meaning

[@charlesschauer8927]

That's beautiful

[@ilse.moonstone]

Listening to your Audible book, it's brilliant. VERY special that you're reading it yourself. Thank you!

[@judiruthmeredith6427]

Thank you so much - this teaching is revolutionizing.

[@dominikasuder6830]

I feel that this alarm is in my whole body. I've felt it mostly in my heart and back but now it is overwhelming. My thoughts are negative like crazy and l don't really know what to do. I started some shaking exercises and walking in nature but thiughts are still the same. I hope that your book will help me Dr. Thank you for your work

[@vqman]

This is the 2nd video of yours I've seen. Both had the same basic message to embrace and send your physical panic symptoms love and affection that you're over child needed. If you have 21 different talks about this, people could watch 21 days straight every morning or whenever, 21 days in a row and make it a new way of thinking. I watched one yesterday and I wasn't able to make the technique work this morning until I watched this video and remembered how to get to that point where you can embrace the pain and make it less painful. But if there was the same message with 21 different videos from 21 different angles with 21 different metaphors ... one a day for 21 days and I think people could learn how to get their worrysome thoughts under control. You're 2 for 2 for me so far.. I've really got a lot from both. Thank you!

[@gailemmerson4082]

Excellent Dr. Kennedy!

[@mike7197]

I got so much out of this, so well explained I needed this thank you!

[@cindi7228]

In my hips. My dad suffered debilitating depression and anxiety. I have vague memories of him in his nervous breakdown states, pacing the floor in the middle of the night. And then he would go I to the psych hospital for a few days or a couple weeks. This is such a vague memory. But I’m sure this is part of my pain in my younger self.

[@RichaSharma-re7nx]

such a lovely podcast....seems like I have struck a gold mine with these podcasts to cope with my anxiety❤❤❤ just listening to it soothed me!!

[@marqann]

I'm stuck trying to make my dad stay, when my mom wouldn't let him in... at he time I was calm on the outside, did'nt wanna make a fuss... Still there, but I can't bypass anymore.. your videos are the most helpfull on anxiety, that I've seen 🙏

[@marisacallan1921]

This was excellent. My ego needed an explanation for the repetitive nature of the book and actual purpose behind it. Also, there is something very soothing in the repetition.

[@aprilhauptman6071]

I’m so grateful for this and posting it on KZbin thank you. I did buy your book but seeing these posts really help me more. I’ve had trauma & anxiety in my body for 55yrs with no relief. Im going to try this.

[@da4125]

Good luck!

[@junerm21]

According to online statistics, 70 to 80 percent of American households, are highly dysfunctional. That's why high anxiety exists. The same applies in Canada.

[@dumzfamvlog693]

Thank you so much Dr. Kennedy❤❤❤ Blessed you and your family. I am recovering and healing fast.

[@hrenee7685]

How does this work for someone with significant physical symptoms? I hold my breath, blink a lot, get heart flutters, heavy chest and many more feelings. I don't understand and it's causing very dark thoughts. I'm reading your book but not too far into it. I have so so much trauma I don't know how to tell what is causing my random issues. I can be laying in bed calm and bam! Horrible anxiety for no apparent reason.

[@Traztwice]

My father is also schizophrenic, childhood was traumatic. I am determined to work through my anxiety 😊

[@da4125]

And I wish you good luck.

[@sidekickmusic5936]

Good luck to you!

[@javierpalacio3906]

Wonderful and very clear explanation on how to embrace the alarm Russel. I have a few questions: 1) Why you say the loop begins with the body and not the mind? I understand that the solution is in our body because we can "fix" a problem in the mind with a solution also in the mind. But I also understand, that our body follows our minds. If we are in a stressful situation,we start to worry and that worry is reflected in our bodies, which get tensed. Isn´it? 2) When we talk about anxiety are we also talking about chronic pain like fybromialgia and any other chronic pain issues? 3) What advice could you give us when we are in that worrysom loop and it´s hard to find the alarm in the body? Thank you so much!

[@Littlemoo403]

New sub ❤ only watch this video, but thank you doc I have hope you talk sense 😊❤

[@abstract.living]

I am so happy i found your channel because this is the first time ive heard someone explain anxiety in the way that ive thought about it. The body alarm vs anxious thoughts. I constantly fall into the loop of trying to figure out its cause when there is no direct cause. So much so that your brain makes things up to make it make sense. I was afraid of being afraid. Terrible vicious cycle. Always trying to "solve" the pain. This new view has been very helpful so far and im eager to learn more about it

[@Simplesimple123]

The same for me . From this guys vidoes I have now come to understand I fear the feelings of anxiety and my brain finds logical reasons why the feelings are there.. perpetuating the anxiety . Its a loop that if nit understood brings about the worst torrment and exhaustion I ever feel. I'm so glad I found his channel

[@Bronte866]

I understand all you’re saying as I have all of this as well. I am at a place right now where I must find a way to get this under control or it will kill me. Soon I will be having Ketamine infusions at a major medical center. It may or may not help. My abusive parents did this to me and to you most likely. I am prepared to do anything to calm this down. I’m stuck as he says. As a kid I knew my adult life was going to be compromised by abuse but it has been worse than I thought. I am now isolated as I don’t want anyone to know how damaged I really am. Take the best care of yourself as you can. Treat yourself like God’s own favorite angel because that’s what you are.

[@charmainehutchinson7281]

U are so right I suffer30 yrs ago then I cure myself with one principle - I stop fearing the pain but I welcome the experience and I stop allowing it to consume my thoughts- then 4 yrs ago i had a trauma thst almost destroyed me - i went 7 day with no sleep , I almost lost myself but I started to refocused myself and I came out of it - it was a long road , I still have some bad days I learn a few thing to come out from being stuck in your mind - you are so correct about sitting with your pain anf tell yourself it will pass -,welcome the pain - give yourpain permission to teach you and learn from it

[@deniskundrat7161]

I can remember my alarm being located in solar plexus many years ago. Now the alarm is felt from belly to top of the head including mid, upper back and shoulders. No wander, by now I am affected with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and all accompanied symptoms. I've been listening to many explaining the same topics, but, Dr Kennedy seem to present explanations in a very accessible and understandable way. May be there is some hope to recover. Thank you

[@ellie698]

I bought you book Anxiety Rx recently. It's next on my reading pile Looking forward to reading it, doc 🙏

[@theanxietymd]

Thank you!

[@marklowden5054]

Great podcast. The book is excellent

[@AnnetteRoss-sy7zg]

Thank you!Thank you!Thank you!

[@AtypicalPaul]

Always in my stomach

[@carolgriffiths6603]

Me too!

[@jenniferwilson9579]

Same!

[@sarinahay1523]

Same!!! 😢😢😢

[@alankeni]

Same..ate the night

[@samanthawender193]

Me too!!!!

[@mollieanne]

I find it in my body, but it tends to move. Now it is in my throat. I think it depends on where my latest symptoms go. For example, when I have stomach cramps from IBS that is where my alarm is. And now I have a uvula that is some irritated from allergies so now my alarm is the back of my throat. When I started teaching in kindergarten I had strep throat a lot the first few years. Then I would always freak out about my soar throat even if I did not have strep. My dad was bi-polar and in and out of psych wards when I was growing up. Like your dad though he was good person. I loved my dad a lot. Both parents are now gone. Since, they have died my anxiety, especially, health anxiety has gotten really bad. So now that my Uvula feels some soar I go into my head. I need to sit with it and be okay with this. I also need to stop thinking it is anything more and that it will be fine soon. But my mind sometimes can go to really dark places. Weird thing is, I did not have health anxiety as a child. I guess I was saving it up for now lol Great video, thanks.

[@alexiswinter6948]

I don't worry. I beat the hell out of myself. It's so mindless and automatic, I'll already be heavily into it before I catch myself. My place is my heart. I read the sheath over the heart has a brain like the gut has a brain. It constricts when we get wound up. Good to know since it feels like a heart attack.

[@bettyburt9460]

I don't know how I found you but iam so greatful. Use to have p.a's multi xs everyday now I can go months today it over tool me

[@trailrunner7585]

Awesome, as usual

[@lolakathol4109]

I have terrible anxiety with directions. A fear of getting lost. As a child not being loved by my mother. Sisters who would tease me. A step father who sexual abused me. Had several counselors throughout my life, none have really helped at all!! I am in my sixty’s now, and still struggling! I am a new subscriber. I will be buying your book! Just listening to you has calmed me down. Thank you!

[@idk-xj4kt]

what if u feel the alarm in the back of your head? occipital area? (not in the body)

[@charmainehutchinson7281]

When you welcome your pain you find out thst your pain is not troubling u but helping you

[@charlesschauer8927]

That's interesting way to think about it

[@zbornaja33]

What when you have hyperawarness of breathing and belly/stomach that is 24/7 with different rate of pain? It is a mix of anxiety and OCD. What to do if you are already in body and head as in this case ?! It is almost beyond anxiety now but pure physical pain..

[@sarahjaye4117]

I need it extra for the shady world today. Gut and heart but the thoughts are the worst and it was not childhood. Thank you

[@barb987]

Is it anxiety that people who have to be in control are really dealing with? They feel soothed if they are making all the calls? 🤷🏼‍♀️ Just wondering.

[@catq6864]

Today I woke up with the urgent need to google symptoms and I did, although I KNEW it wouldn’t help and make it worse. But after I’ve googled and panicked (because of what I was reading), I’ve realized that I’m again in my head (obviously). Then I tried to “feel” the alarm. Felt it in my stomach and my thymus area (as I did before). While I was doing that my brain dropped some “But I have to google the disease and symptoms and think about it to calm me down and figure out a solution”-drops.. Nevertheless, I continued and finally felt an additional alarm - in my back. 😱 It felt raw.

[@BlackbeanCatVC15]

Now I am aware that my alarm goes off the second someone talks to me. Geezes!

[@anjahoppner8187]

Thank you so much ❤ Greetings from Germany

[@sarinahay1523]

Dr Russ are you still doing talks on clubhouse??? Thankyou for your wise context! I totally agree cuz a lot of my anxiety is all from my body create alarm!

[@mwoods4810]

Thank you for sharing.

[@dilly2000]

I listened to this 3 times. I was abused as a 7 year old and felt around my crotch. I sat with it. I am feeling better. Thankyou

[@patfodi9057]

Could the younger self be a 21 yr old? That’s the 1st time I had anxiety

[@BlackbeanCatVC15]

I better listen to this one again.

[@ashleyeversole1934]

Same here solar plexus/stomach area!

[@carolgriffiths6603]

What I have trouble understanding is the triggers my adult life caused by issues, are they still my younger self even though the triggers are completely unrelated?

[@pattywebb395]

I'm working hard on this!

[@katytj643]

Thank u thank u thank u thank u thank u

[@liam.4454]

What about if you feel bored and not anxious? I feel anxious at times and boredom at others, they both seem different

[@anahradszky1113]

But what about when I feel my alarm especially when driving? 😓 My alarm tends to get triggerd in the car.. (waiting at stoplights, alot of traffic, etc.). Any tips on that..?

[@BlackbeanCatVC15]

My first memory was of my father not liking me. The mirror effect speaks for itself. Chest.....all over the chest area.

[@bhushangaikwad5957]

Always in my stomach and very left side of chest

[@MisterR4236]

I cannot find a therapist that will take my insurance.

[@ericstewart9742]

I can’t find my alarm. Maybe I’m too accustomed to it to be able to see it.

[@valerieleonard572]

I'm not really sure how to sit with the pain and feel it without going into your head and thinking about what caused the alarm

[@bn1832]

What does the alarm feel like?

[@alankeni]

I feel it in the abdomen like waves of fire, it comes every night and it won’t let me sleep…

[@jackyfisher7520]

What if I can’t pinpoint my alarm?… Mostly because it feels like it washes over me like a wave.

[@phantomfreak2207]

if i just start doin this, how many times a day i can do this?

[@brightonlife8356]

Awesome

[@BlackbeanCatVC15]

Im very interested Doctor, in knowing if you still identify your alarm as an alarm, or do you see the alarm completely as Little Russ?

[@theanxietymd]

That’s a great question! It depends on the intensity of the alarm. Sometimes it sidetracks me for a while because it’s quite intense or uncomfortable, so I’ll get caught up in it for 3 to 5 minutes before I bring myself back into connection with myself at every age.

[@BlackbeanCatVC15]

Thank you for your response, it means a lot to me.

[@santabala6314]

Im tried so many times, but after a while it’s worse! I have to go work and I can’t handle the pain “ angina “ in my chest! 24 years, im crying, I want to die, my life is so miserable! My system nervous is collapsing! My immune system is very low, tinier, arthritis, sciatic nerve, pelvic floor! Im a mess!! 😢 The palpitations last for hours, what can i do more!!!

[@Rajouriindelhi]

Always anxiety in my head. Like snow ball.

[@sonjayazar992]

What about anxiety for speaking in public? You can not make that exercise in front of People? You can not just close your eyes and speak with your younger self ?

[@AtypicalPaul]

Do you think a person needs to know what their past traumas are to heal? I don't think it's mandatory. I know what mine are from decades of therapy but can't say that part has helped.

[@pc.9008]

Very interesting question 🤔. Also knowing it, what are the next steps?

[@emma-my8bn]

My headaches 😢

[@BlackbeanCatVC15]

I am finding that it is like a divorce between th brain and the alarm; the've been in sync, feeding each other for so long that it feels like a seperation of marriage.

[@blaisingm]

I understand Dr Kennedy’s analysis of the mind and body interaction. However, I believe Dr Kennedy places too much emphasis on “childhood trauma”. I have a “bodily alarm” that causes a cycle of anxiety, however, I never had any childhood trauma. Anxiety is a genetically inherited condition independent of one’s childhood.

[@junerm21]

Psychological Warfare triggers from Psychology Aggressors online cause people to react with high anxiety on social media. Bessel Van der Kolk, that you mention, was a psychiatrist, who was prosecuted in the court of law for Abuse of Power in his psychiatry practice in Boston.

[@Gatlinwright]

I hope your not affiliated with eastern religions. I’m trying to find a secular way of healing as I am a Christian.

[@RhondaSpencer-h5s]

i shake all over all the time

[@junerm21]

Stop talking about Unresolved Trauma. It's no excuse to Whitewash Cultural Assimilation.