My Best Advice for Avoiding Anxiety

In this video, author and depression counselor Douglas Bloch shares a simple strategy that can help you avoid becoming anxious. The strategy is to be occupied with a task. Because when one is occupied and has a structure during the day, there is no room for anxiety to be present.
If you enjoyed this video, I will be teaching an online workshop on healing anxiety where you will learn a complete body, mind, and spirit program for managing the symptoms of anxiety and panic disorder. The date is March 31, 2019. Click on this link to learn about the class and how to register. Thank you.
www.unityworldwideministries....
For information on how to survive a suicidal crisis, please visit my suicide prevention website, www.overcomingsuicidalpain.com
To visit my personal website which contains links to all of my books, websites, and newsletters, go to douglasbloch.com
To visit my depression recovery website, go to healingfromdepression.com
To visit my website on suicide prevention, go to www.overcomingsuicidalpain.com
To contribute to this channel so that its healing information can reach more people, visit / douglasbloch
To sign up for a free newsletter that provides valuable e-tips for healing from depression, click here: forms.aweber.com/form/75/2116...
Music: Somatou by Kakurenbo courtesy of freemusicarchive.org/music/Kak... through a Creative Commons License.
Category
Education
License
Standard KZbin License

[@MCE593]

Thank you Douglas! I really notice the difference when I am home alone. I really have to keep myself as busy as possible, if not, I will start thinking of how I use to be and then start crying. I am trying my very best to start my day with exercise. My fur babies help me get out of bed, knowing that they are counting on me to take care of them! Aloha and God Bless You Douglas!

[@DouglasBloch]

Thanks. I hope to see you at the livestream chat this Wednesday at 12 noon Pacific Time.

[@rntjdrms]

I hope u are doing well. Sincerely

[@MolyMo-tt4yi]

esp with quarantine I try to get out of the house at least 1x a day or exercise. My brain just goes crazy with thoughts, if I don't try to move. Doug your videos have been helping me tremendously so thank you!

[@fiatgirl55]

Being alone is the worst 😢 I don't have any friends and at 68 I'm not very good at meeting anyone, and my anxiety keeps me from even attempting it. I start most days crying, no family but I do have a little dog, she helps me get thru the day, and finding your channel has helped too. I thought about finding a job, but like you mentioned, I don't think I could commit to a schedule as some days are just unbearable and I would probably be fired for not showing up 🙄 That's when I reached out to your videos. Thank you so much for being here doing what you do🥹

[@MCE593]

@fiatgirl55 .. I totally understand how you are feeling.. I am still struggling and actually got worse.. i was starting to get lower back pains( siatica) and a friend of mine took me to her chiropractor and he MESSED ME UP my BODY and my LIFE !!! The physical pain has escalated the anxiety and depression… I am trying so hard to hang in there!! If you like we can be email buddies .. let me know .. I think it would be helpful for both of us. Sending you lots of hugs 🤗❤️🤗

[@nivekvb]

I'm really pleased I discovered Douglas Bloch.

[@DouglasBloch]

I'm glad that you have found the videos to be helpful.

[@elisenieuwe4649]

My problem is that my anxiety actually makes it so that I don't do the things I should do. It paralizes me, so getting busy is actually the whole problem for me.

[@DouglasBloch]

Yes, I understand. When my anxiety was extreme, I could hardly leave the house. So I went into an outpatient treatment problem and ha someone drive me to it. Is there an outpatient treatment program in your area?

[@BlackLabelSlushie]

Exactly.

[@sunilbhoire7783]

very true

[@witchywisdom4505]

People think we must get our motivation first, but the truth is we must DO first, then the motivation WILL COME!

[@johnkennedy8795]

Write down, You need to get up do choirs, Dishes, House work, The Garden anything to help you feel better,,,, If you work good if not you need to be Conious to just sitting doing nothing

[@nikkieasley6204]

I agree! During the school year I was always occupied and had something to do. But as soon as summer struck and I had nothing to do at all, I got extremely anxious and depressed. I can’t wait for August so I can start school again

[@piadozo387]

Douglas, I hope you're able to read this because I can't thank you enough for being so transparent, vulnerable, yet unyielding in your quest to better yourself, reach out to others and help them as well. I am on the softer/lower end of the spectrum in terms of anxiety, depression, and OCD, but experience stronger emotions on some days, and it's videos like the ones you produce that are the most impactful and life changing. What really resonated with me the most is when you mentioned the quotes of "The only constant in life is change", and "This too shall pass", "Nothing in life is permanent". I am using those as a mantra because they are so true, and no matter how hard our minds try to deceive us with false messages, those quotes are so true. Again, thank you so much for all that you do and continue doing. You are a true inspiration, so thank you from the bottom of my heart!

[@lz56able]

you are a great therapist, very pragmatic, and effective techniques, and I love your jokes!!

[@DouglasBloch]

Thanks. At least somebody does

[@lz56able]

Everyone is so negative these days. Stick to your work-its' good stuff. I loove the jokes too, very old school, I like that.

[@nonstar8182]

God bless you, Doug

[@DouglasBloch]

I'm glad that the video was helpful.

[@halcyon-cg2eb]

I (an older mom, had my kids at 36 and 44) have been at home for the last 20 years of my life, taking care of my family and the house. While I am grateful that I was able to raise my children myself, I've noticed that the last few years, now that my kids are older and do not require my help so much anymore, I've become depressed and anxious. When I told my mother-in-law about my mental struggles, she replied "I think your problem is that you are bored". I thought about that a lot and came to the conclusion, that, in fact, she is right and this IS my real problem. And you just confirmed it! Btw, I had to laugh out loud when you said "...so 1 out of 4 people is a little bit nuts".

[@witchywisdom4505]

WOW! This doctor is EXCELLENT! Thank you so much, HERO!

[@DouglasBloch]

Glad it was helpful. I love your KZbin name

[@witchywisdom4505]

@@DouglasBloch Thank you! Books are magic. :)

[@styleisinthedetailsblog3430]

Thank you for your advice sooo true and also worked for me. I have a son 3 yrs old and have stayed way too long at home doing nothing. The moment I started getting out of the house and being social things changed a lot and started feeling less anxious, fearful and worried. I totally agree with your aspect!

[@cetarbahana5843]

To avoid anxiety is keep busy.

[@Suraj_Mehra0211]

Thank you sir for making this video. Sometimes being occupied becomes a big challenge. Because you don't feel like doing anything but to sit and cry rather than being occupied. It takes a lot of strength and we need to push ourselves when going through depression to be occupied.

[@RobGravelle]

Now only is keeping busy, but, for me, setting goals has been very helpful. When I accomplish something, it boosts my confidence and morale.

[@HisaLight2mypath]

Very true me myself was out of employment for a number of years. Me Myself I used to drop my daughter to school come back home and sleep and eat not only did I put on weight. I used to sit down and ruminate about possible future possible problems. My anxiety and stress levels got so much worse... also I was single at this time as well so I have no partner to help me get through this or for support. I felt miserable lazy and useless. the minute I start working I felt much better and I felt like I was accomplishing something in the world.

[@sunilbhoire7783]

absolutely true, try to be occupied

[@erin0033]

Thanks so much for the advice. I often am at home doing nothing and experiencing anxiety. And panic attacks have become a problem. Thanks again.

[@buterfly7x7]

This is true, true, true! Staying occupied saved my life during a major depressive episode after I had left everything thing I knew and moved to a small, snowy town in upstate NY. I only had a few friends there, but I would ask them if I could come over - even if they were just cleaning or taking care of kids. It felt a bit presumptuous and intrusive, but I knew I would ‘die’ if I was alone every day, and they were gracious and welcoming. My current depressive episode is different from that one (13 years ago now) for many reasons- there’s more stressors (parents needing help etc), but I know the absolute necessity of having a plan for each day. I encourage any of you who may be reluctant to reach out to people because you don’t want to be a bother or burden - you will be surprised how lovely and willing people can be when you give them the opportunity to help ease your suffering. Thank you Douglas, for all that you do.

[@DouglasBloch]

Thank you for your lovely feedback Kristina I hope other people get to read it. What small town in New York did you move up to? I used to live in Rochester

[@KathleenRenninger]

Thanks, Douglas. There's a lot of truth in this. I think it links to the fact that in order to avoid depression, we need to feel a purpose in life---even if it's only a purpose for this day. Being an artist--which is a solitary pursuit, I know that doing something that involves other people, on some days, does really help.

[@MrJamonDavid]

I find that you give the best advice I can find (hands down). Thank you.

[@DouglasBloch]

You are welcome.

[@bubsybubbles7804]

Thanks Douglas listening always makes me feel good.

[@DouglasBloch]

You are welcome.

[@KenHagler]

Thank you, once again! This makes so much sense and explains much of my recent struggles.

[@DouglasBloch]

Great

[@valeriab-6126]

Thank you Doug 💝

[@kel3678]

I have suffered so much grief this year. We have lost 3 family members. A. Big dispute with neighbors and then everything with the pandemic. I just don't know how to get my joy back. My anxiety is overtaking and I suffer with these thought loops that only make it worse. I want to feel life again and not be stuck in this. Thank you for your helpful advice and videos, it means so much.

[@DouglasBloch]

You’re welcome. Are you working with a mental health professional or a counselor. You’re welcome to join my live chats every Sunday at noon Pacific time. Just come to my homepage and click on the link

[@karenintexas4831]

@@DouglasBloch That would be 10 am central time?

[@k.ravishankar5063]

Thanks Douglas

[@hittingthewall]

Thank you for the invaluable advice and experience you share with us. Thank you a million times over!

[@DouglasBloch]

You are more than welcome

[@jemgem9593]

I love your honesty ...too depressed to get up early to go to work... yup...been there myself, big time xxxx

[@Daniel-dt4cx]

Thank you for giving me hope, Douglas

[@DouglasBloch]

You are very welcome

[@normadeluna3349]

Douglas Excellent video and beautiful flowers. Awesome, I am inspired! Thank you.

[@DouglasBloch]

You are welcome. I hope you are doing well. My next live chat is Wednesday at 2 pm your time..

[@DouglasBloch]

Nice to hear from you. What have you been up to?

[@mirnamisevic1993]

Thank you for this video, it gives me deep understanding about reasons for my anxiety.

[@TheMajestic1971]

My turmoil creates a big threshold to take action, which ensures that you do nothing and continue to feel bad, once you have crossed the threshold it is not nearly as bad as you thought. If you ever feel that way, don't think but let your feet just take you wherever you need to go. Once again great video Doug.

[@kaliravisankar5818]

THANKS DOUGLAS

[@bumbumbumbum1000]

Probably the most sensible thing I've heard on the internet regarding anxiety'depression.

[@DouglasBloch]

I’m glad it was helpful

[@caribbeantigress]

My best advice to avoid anxiety- mine comes from OCD- is not trying to avoid it! Keeping busy is a strong 💪🏻 anti anxiety but allowing yourself to be uncomfortable knowing that what comes up, has to come down.❤️

[@DouglasBloch]

Yes, just observing the thoughts with a neutral frame of mind can be helpful

[@bostromberg4704]

This is in a way self evident from own experiences but those are so essy to forget. People including myself look for much more complcated reasons for not feeling well. Thanks for reminding

[@joserivas4132]

Thank you so much for everything you do for us.. I really appreciate it.

[@DouglasBloch]

You're welcome.

[@colleenseibert5934]

Thank you for the video. Keeping yourself occupied is critical. I understand if a person can’t get out of bed it’s difficult until they feel better, however, when they do going to work or hobbies or volunteer gives one purpose and goals and vision. It has worked for me. When I retire I will still keep myself busy so anxiety and depression keep at a distance.

[@aimalkhan4609]

Excellent ! You are a wonderful counselor. Stay blessed!

[@DouglasBloch]

Thanks

[@RichardX123]

Thanks Doug your so helpful

[@ib4359]

Thanks for the info about Mrs. Lincoln.

[@tedshirai6747]

Thank you, great video

[@inspectorclouseau3880]

Thanks Douglas for another amazing video

[@DouglasBloch]

You are welcome. I look forward to seeing you on Sunday

[@mykilaughs5768]

This is so true. Sales were at a low during the lockdown and that is when my sad feeling started to surface. When I became so engrossed with producing videos , editing , creating a routine for my uploads I noticed the marked change in my mood. Being productive was giving me that sense of purpose! I can identify with what you were saying. Plus I was focusing on laughter so that again was having a positive effect on my mood!

[@DouglasBloch]

I hope you can find something better.

[@scotscub76]

Thanks again Douglas

[@DouglasBloch]

You are welcome.

[@SandraLovesRoses]

Thanks for this. I will be working again and I am anxious about it. Being so depressed and moody makes it hard to cope.

[@DouglasBloch]

It is hard to cope when you have depression. Perhaps you can go back to work part time. Do you have a supervisor who is understanding of depression? Many of my clients have such a supervisor, and so the supervisor will cut them some slack when they return to work.

[@derrickgonyea2134]

You are great in what you do👍

[@jeffreychavey4161]

Like the Billy Preston song - Nothin’ from nothin’ ... or something like that. Thank you Douglas

[@Blackcat_1031]

Thank you this was very helpful with the pandemic.

[@tomservo75]

I know EXACTLY what you're talking about and can speak directly from experience! About 5 years ago I underwent major colon surgery as a result of a medical emergency. After getting out of the hospital, I had TERRIBLE health anxiety, even the slightest stomach ache gave me a panic attack (and of course since I was in recovery I had a lot of those). Since I too like to start with a joke, my GP didn't charge me co-pays any more, he charged me rent. :) I was on medical leave from work for two months. During that time I felt that I couldn't function during the day and I dreaded the day, too. I'd wake up late, spend most of my time napping and listening to meditation. It helped in the short-term but I was mentally paralyzed. To compound things, I had been off medication for a while, and once I built that up again, things improved a little. It didn't really end until I got back to work and forced myself to get busy again. It never completely went away but between coping mechanisms, meditation and medication, it's under manageable control.

[@DouglasBloch]

I’m glad you have worked hard to manage your anxiety.

[@jnpjnp228]

Great Video, Douglas

[@aishaaisha3203]

Amazing advice.tnx dr...

[@mikebordner3820]

Having my days structured is a huge part of what keeps my depression and anxiety at bay. I never realized until my depressive episode how important this is as my depression and anxiety would only get worse if I sat around with no purpose to my day. Thanks Doug!

[@DouglasBloch]

You are welcome +Mike Bordner

[@angelmurphy2300]

Do you believe CBT is important or helpful in anxiety , depression and panic attacks?

[@anthonysmith6252]

I just recently discovered your channel Douglas. I have anxiety and depression. I find both of these conditions very insidious. For me it starts out with me worrying about things until it I am nearly overwhelmed. Than the depression kicks in. My daughter just joined the national guard and my anxiety has kicked into overdrive. I'm trying to do my best to keep this under control. Your videos are a comfort to me and it helps to know that others are in the same boat.

[@DouglasBloch]

I'm glad they are helpful

[@MsMuddled]

I have found keeping occupied helpful for anxiety and depression - helping others particularly lifts my spirits. It took me a long time to figure out what you put into this video. You come across as kind and someone who understands depression and anxiety. Although I struggle getting to work, I dread when I can no longer get up to get there. One big issue I have is motivation to do the things I need to take care of myself; seemingly this is pretty common with MDD. Having a structure (like a work day) motivates me, but I don't have that at home. If you have any advice it would be a great video. Thank you Douglas Bloch.

[@DouglasBloch]

Thanks. I'm glad that the video spoke to you. Perhaps at home you can write a "do to" list and then give it to someone who lives with you or to a friend. Then ask him or her to check in with you each day to monitor your progress in accomplishing what you wrote down. I love crossing off the things on my to do list that I have done.

[@aahlstrom93]

What a fun time to find this in the COVID-19 lockdown and not starting to do anything for another month...

[@life5161]

Douglas Block is DA MAN!!! Sure I spelled that wrong but it's True. Thank u for what u do Sir.

[@DouglasBloch]

You are more than welcome. I'm glad that my videos are helpful.

[@stevies-w6092]

Love your videos, they are helping me much 👍

[@DouglasBloch]

I'm glad that they are benefiting you

[@joshuajamescasas126]

THANKS FOR THIS❤

[@DouglasBloch]

You are welcome

[@mirovinac3968]

You don't have to be occupied because our mind is always working and is occupied. The most important thing is to learn to love yourself, your peace of mind and accept life with all bad and good things. Work is good but what people need is to accept anxiety, to embrace it and not to panic or fear (love yourself instead of fear). Just accept anxiety, let it through as it is and let it pass. Smile and laugh through it. Although it sounds hard for some people, in the end it really works. And finally you'll understand how stupid you were to throw time on something trivial as anxiety is.

[@verly2832]

Thank you Sir. For helping so many of us who's suffering from depression and anxiety.. Keep up the FAITH... ♥

[@DouglasBloch]

You’re welcome.

[@Naeem92]

Also having something to look forward to really motivates you to continue positive action

[@DouglasBloch]

Yes, having something to look forward to is very important to getting you out of bed in the morning.+Naeem Ayub

[@elizabethseiden8386]

Hi Doug! Amazing video! I was angry that my day surgeon gave me an ugly scar for my gall bladder surgery. I told them to transferr hospitals but couldn't think of the name of it. Then I caved. She treated me bad and left a big scar when it was supposed to be invisible with the four others. Dallas sucks! She was late for my surgery and they treated me like garbage. It was hard enough getting gall bladder surgery. Then, I was bullied by the nurse who looked like a walrus. She ranted and raved about the fact that she didn't get the surgery and took the pain. She told me that when people go to the E.R. for a slip n fall, they end up in the nursing home until they die. She's the real nurse hatchet!

[@OperationFoxley19441]

This really helped! Thanks

[@DouglasBloch]

I'm glad that the information was useful.

[@vernonscott7999]

Good content!

[@brokenleftindicator9663]

Wonderful video as always,.

[@DouglasBloch]

Thanks.

[@nicholaswoolfenden5254]

Thank you for this. Having a routine is essential. It's hard if you have chronic pain which prevents doing social sports. Golf etc. As soon as I wake I jump out of bed. Anything to distract. I done volunteer work but guess what? It's lonely, I need people around me. Like others I lost my profession, my hobby in one fell swoop. I am totally at a loss. And yes I get irritable, I see everyone working and it is very confronting.

[@DouglasBloch]

My brother also suffers from chronic pain. It can be quite debilitating. Are you seeing a pain specialist? I think I have a video called "depression and physical pain: Hell on wheels."

[@majorsnodgrassthethird5699]

Interest is very powerful and drives out anxiety and depression.

[@DouglasBloch]

Absolutely. +Major Snodgrass TheThird

[@chelseacarter3374]

Abraham Lincoln had debilitating, severe depression, as well!😃

[@angelinamaldonado7487]

Good session like

[@chriswitherspoon3754]

I love DOUG...

[@jackiecolbert3915]

Amazing I love your videos

[@DouglasBloch]

Thanks.

[@DeanNoble14748]

Restful Sleep from Yogi Tea has chamomile, passion flower, skullcap and valerian root has made a tremendous difference in healing my anxiety. Skullcap is used for calming nerves. Valerian root is used in Valium and is also used in TCM traditional Chinese medicine. Valerian root can cause addiction so I drink the Restful Sleep tea only once every 4 or 5 days. I hope this helps someone.

[@DouglasBloch]

Thanks for the tip. I will try that Yogi tea is I have some problems with sleep. Nice to hear from you again.

[@DeanNoble14748]

@@DouglasBloch Lovely

[@joeschmo1516]

Great advice. Have any idea how to stop ruminating?

[@prottentogo]

That's so relatable to me. I'm self employed, single and have way too much time on my hands (since Covid mostly). But I can't make any fixed, recurring appointments (which is needed when you want to say do volunteer work) because I have to stay open for business at any (day) time. I don't want to leave my job I love and worked so hard for tho. Very difficult situation.

[@DouglasBloch]

Is there anyway you can have someone take over your business for you when you are going out and doing your errands

[@prottentogo]

@@DouglasBloch Unfortunately not. I'm working as a magazine photographer.

[@RavenMadd9]

thank you Douglas

[@rntjdrms]

I liked the music, unlikely to be heard, unexpected song so good, made me smile. Thank you for sharing your advice. I work at a car wash and after work I usually watch movies and go to gym or teach English to a student. I think I spend my all day being occupied. Thank you for convincing me. I am a fan of you. Gradually.

[@DouglasBloch]

You are welcome. Was the music you referred to the Bob Dylan excerpt?

[@rntjdrms]

Douglas Bloch Yes it is! Too much of nothing makes a man feel ill at ease.

[@DouglasBloch]

It certainly does that.

[@kristinkrebs2725]

What would you recommend for panic attacks for work? I’m a teacher and I cant leave my room or run away whenever I need to. It’s really taking a toll on my performance.

[@DouglasBloch]

Find a therapist or a psychologist who specializes in panic disorders. There many be some medication that can help. Ask a psychiatrist or a nurse practitioner.

[@favouritemusic8959]

Can you give me some ideas on how to keep myself busy at home. Thanks a mil for that. M

[@DouglasBloch]

You could get involved in cleaning your house, or re-organizing books or furniture, or finding some engaging videos on KZbin or films on Netflix. You could also put together a jigsaw puzzles or work with Sudoko puzzles, or paint, or play words with friends or chess online, etc.

[@aimalkhan4609]

Could you please make a video regarding the difference between anxiety and depression.

[@DouglasBloch]

I have two different videos. What is called are you depressed and the other is called are you anxious. If you watch one after the other you will understand the difference between the two

[@aimalkhan4609]

@@DouglasBloch Thanks!

[@AntonyJS]

Hello Douglas, I have been watching your videos for many months now as at 35 years old I have suffered my first ever mental health crisis. I had a nervous breakdown which had led to intense anxiety and depression where I have been off work for 6 months now and I get no pleasure or enjoyment out of anything. I have 3 amazing kids that I need to get better for. I am just so unsure on what to do as I have tried so many things. Such as pushing myself to go back into work. But it makes me feel worse as I'm in a constant state of panic and utter sadness. I just seem to be getting worse. Any words of encouragement or wisdom from yourself would be greatly beneficial. Many thanks, Antony.

[@DouglasBloch]

Are you working with mental health professional and receiving counseling and/or medication. Also you might want to pick up my book healing from depression on Amazon as it contains a 12 week body mind inland spirit recovery program that I think would be helpful. You might want to my website and depression recovery, healingfromdepression.com

[@AntonyJS]

@@DouglasBloch Thanks Douglas, I am working with mental health professionals and I have tried multiple medications. I read your website and use some of the tips on there. I have read your book when going through hell don’t stop. I’ll have to get a copy of the healing from depression book. I struggle with medications as they make me feel really anxious and ‘manic like’ in the first few weeks. I have been told by my doctors that this is normal and I need to try push through for a few weeks. I wake up every morning with extreme agitation where it feels like my skin is crawling off my body and the dread sets in for the day. I’ve been suffering for 8 months now and it’s hard to keep myself motivated. The only thing that keeps me going in that my kids need me back and I could never leave them.

[@DouglasBloch]

I'm very glad you have your children as a reason to stay here. Keep persevering and you will overcome this. Did you read the part in my memoir I had to get up and swim in order to burn off the chemicals that was causing the agitation? I'll see his Klonopin for temporary relief

[@AntonyJS]

@@DouglasBloch yes I try to exercise as much as I can. Even if I exhaust myself so I can barely move I still struggle to sleep on a night aswell. I will keep battling on. I just hope for better days so I can be the father my kids deserve again.

[@powerpunch12]

I experienced anxiety then depression episodes this past five months. I slowly overcome my depression and take cognitive behavioral therapy to counter my negative thoughts and anxiety (thanks Mr. Bloch). This week, there is something trgiggering me. I can counter my negative thoughts ( which is part of my healing) but my problem now is that my feeling is not responding to my affirmitations and that influences my mind. I started ruminating again that what if i will always be like this. What if i turn myself having personality disorder like multiple disorder. What if i go crazy. What if i will hallucinate things ..... Please♥️♥️ any suggestion what i should do because im not feeling good right now.

[@DouglasBloch]

Your anxiety is happening because you’re going into the future and imagining bad things. When you see yourself doing that shout loud cancel cancel, feel your feet on the ground, and then return to the present. Then do some coping strategy that will take your mind off the negative thoughts, such as repeating an affirmation, going for a brisk walk, listening to music, calling your friend, etc.

[@sfrancis5018]

I really love your jokes!

[@DouglasBloch]

So do I. Any favorites?

[@mohamedjamal7261]

I can relate ..as I am a high school teacher , I get anxious more in the period of long holidays in summer with boring days spent at home the same routine ..some Americans or European readers may comment why don't you travel, I would answer them you know nothing about the salary of a new teacher in 3rd world lol

[@maximuskhan6135]

Dr Douglas great video, one should get occupied , Dr Douglas can u advice me , what to do of my early morning Anxiety , when ever i sleep i get up 4.30 or so in morning , And then chain reaction of negative thoughts comes in my mind, Regarding different aspects of life, Then i take valium 5 mg! as day passes , my anxiety becomes less and less, after 1 pm i’m almost fine!! My problem is when i wake up early in morning , plz advice .

[@DouglasBloch]

And that happens to me, I start to count backwards from 100 to 1 while visualizing sheep jumping over a stream on a beach.I’m standing on the ocean looking towards the shore and as The sheep jump,the amount on the right side diminishes and the amount on the left side increase. So it goes from 99 98 9796 on the right side and 1234 in the left side so the sheep move from the right side of the screen to the left side. Whatever my mind wanders I bring it back to counting. Even if I don’t come back to the exact place where I left I still continue and soon I am back to sleep I also do deep breathing well this is going on.

[@maximuskhan6135]

Douglas Bloch : Thanks Dr Douglas for replying so quickly , GOD bess u Sir, I would like to join ur online program also, As i live on other side of planet, thanks once again.

[@TheReminisce777]

Doug is there any videos on social phobia, social anxiety.?Thankyou

[@DouglasBloch]

There must be. Just go to you tube and type in "social anxiety." I will soon be making a video on the topic.

[@TheReminisce777]

Douglas Bloch thanks, douglas

[@DouglasBloch]

You are most welcome. Please post a link of a good video that you find.

[@sonyamorrell8311]

How do we deal with anxiety when we have a heart condition like cardiomyopathy. That makes you feel very anxious especially when wake up. Depression with it too. If only could stop worrying about everything.

[@DouglasBloch]

That is a tough situation. If you were getting proper medical health, just tell yourself that everything will be OK

[@sonyamorrell8311]

@@DouglasBloch well I get the heart drugs and I do tm but not help. I take oxazepam also for sleep but not strong enough. I live in Sweden and the government is not very helpful. They use cognitive therapy which is useless for post traumatic stress. Cbt deals with the thinking brain but fear is from the Amygdala or emotional brain. Some doctors here know that but government doesn't. Also they try and ram antidepressants down your throat. I say no way I can tolerate that poison. I have to push it with the anti anxiety med.

[@Potatowedge31]

So I recently moved back in with my mom and step dad because I needed help. I got a job I actually like doing, I joined a gym I go to almost every day, I'm eating good, and 2 weeks ago I joined a running club. I'm desperate to live and I felt it before and I'm willing to do anything to survive. I'm 25. I realised making real friends as an adult isn't very easy and I'm not sure how to find good people to hang out with. I literally have no idea how this is done. This seems so stupid because when we were little it was so easy. Does it happen naturally or do I have to be more direct? I keep thinking it can't be just me.

[@Potatowedge31]

I feel so alone sometimes I just cry all the time. No one makes any sense to me and the degree of this has become very obvious to me recently. The isolation is just down right unbearable.

[@raymondguzman5083]

Emily Dombrowski my advice is meditate and stop beong so hard on yourself and look up coach corey wanye he os a life coach that has helped me imesly

[@BrendenDrivesMeCrazy]

Hope your alright. I know this is a very old post but I feel the same way, I'm a 30 yr old guy who's best days feel behind me. Being adult is exhasuting, throw in depression and anxiety and yeahhhh its rough. Not alone tho

[@TheYanbibiya]

Hi Douglas and all. In keeping with your insight into activity/occupation as a therapeutic behaviour here is a great book to check out if you are unaware of it. Constructive Living by David K. Reynolds.

[@DouglasBloch]

Thanks. What is the book about?

[@TheYanbibiya]

Douglas Bloch it's based on a Japanese therapeutic treatment specifically for anxiety states and low mood. It was created by a chap called Morita. He was quite a chap who lived his therapy to a remarkable degree. His therapy grew into a full approach as well as to be applied to specific patients. It has a model approach and a structure as well as a philosophy. It ( Morita therapy ) is also aligned somewhat to a otherwise more reflective therapy known as naiken. The author of this book went to Japan to study the therapy and undertake it .

[@josejimenaz]

I would like to have one close friend. To relate to but I know with tat one friend my anxiety goes down

[@actinggirl2651]

Hey I just wanted to know I always think about the future of what if I pass my exams or fail will I even have a job or would I fail and they rlly are upsetting is there anyway how I can stop them from hurting me and do u know what it is

[@DouglasBloch]

It sounds like you were having obsessive worry and obsessive thoughts. I have two videos that might be of interest to you. The first is called how to rewire your anxious brain. The second is called how to stop intrusive and obsessive thoughts. Addition I would reach out to a good counselor or therapist Who can help you to reduce these thoughts

[@ryanmedelvich6733]

Douglas have you graduated from college? If yes how did you manage to do it with your depression? I suffer from catatonic depression and I fear I won’t be able to graduate.

[@DouglasBloch]

I was very depressed during college. However I had learned a good study habits during high school and that got me through. Nonetheless, it was a struggle but I got through. I am holding a vision that you can do the same thing.

[@fizzycola1232]

Idk if this is linked but I always get these worries that lets say for example I want to go on a cool ride and I have to wait 3 months and I get these worries like what if they put the age limit up and I won’t be able to go on it for another 3 years then I start to worry about it and I just get so depressed and can’t stop worrying about it, it even stops me from doing my daily activities I don’t know how to stop it does anyone know how to stop it if u do plz comment below

[@ilynkn]

I am in depression remission and i am afraid to stop antidepressants because of extreme anxiety of being depressed...

[@DouglasBloch]

Talk to your doctor. Many people stay on medications for long periods of time to keep themselves mentally well

[@angelmurphy2300]

What's your stance on the value of CBT

[@DouglasBloch]

CBT can be very helpful in identifying and correcting the negative thinking that often leads to anxiety, such as too much worrying about the future.

[@KrunkCobain]

Thumbs up for the Pun

[@chriswitherspoon3754]

❤❤❤❤❤

[@adamsmithson486]

Pozdrawiam serdecznie i życzę miłego dnia

[@sarahhelmer7902]

What do you do when you get anxiety from work

[@DouglasBloch]

Find out what is making you anxious and he strategies to cope with it. Hopefully you have a therapist or a counselor that you can work with it on this

[@pollypocket247]

🙏🙏🙏

[@fizzycola1232]

Can this be anxiety when I eat at home it’s fine but when I eat in school I always get a sensation of food getting stuck in my throat becoz long time I ate in school and I choked so after that day I’m scared to eat in school so when I do it feels like something there

[@DouglasBloch]

Have you talked to a counselor about this

[@fizzycola1232]

Douglas Bloch no I haven’t and I have no idea what this is

[@letgo1064]

🌹