Panic and Anxiety Disorder - My Story | Answers With Joe

Today I talk about something I rarely talk about - my experience dealing with panic and anxiety disorder.
My interview with Miranda the Adventurer:
• Video
This Too Shall Pass Short Film:
• This Too Shall Pass | ...
Some panic and anxiety helpful links:
www.anxietycoach.com/causes-pa...
A helpful guide for dealing with panic attacks:
www.anxieties.com/panic.php#.V...
A long list of online resources:
www.anxieties.com/163/freeinfo...
An app that connects you to a therapist whenever needed:
itunes.apple.com/us/app/talks...
Online therapy:
www.breakthrough.com

[@AxelMurillo]

"getting out of bed and going to work in the morning is an act of sheer bravery." thank u, joe.

[@tarajh]

Wasn't that wonderful to hear? Sometimes I feel like the mere act of showering & leaving the house takes Herculean effort! Meanwhile, everybody else seems to have their shit together... 🤷🏽‍♀️

[@ninjabiatch101]

Sometimes it feels patronizing. But I really felt like he got it. I often don't like to hear this from psychological professionals who studied it, but never truly understood. He's not a mental health expert, but he's smart, and has clearly tasted what its like to be afraid of yours and others mortality constantly. It feels reassuring.

[@boyermchristopher1]

Omg thank you. Just the struggle of getting out of bed.

[@dollarsignfrodofan77]

You're not alone. Thanks for reminding me I'm not.

[@bey0nd01]

Wim. Hof. Method. Completely science based breathing and cold exposure. I struggled for at least 20 years until I tried it and man, my life is changed.... I am the leader, the alpha of my mind instead of cowering in fear to its incessant nature.

[@area85restorations75]

@@bey0nd01 Can you please explain this in more detail? What you have gone through and how this helped you?

[@literallymarcell]

Dude...... me too. I think about death EXACTLY HOW HE EXPLAINED it’s so sad....

[@AntonioDiaz-ly9ig]

There are several components to treatments for panic attacks. One plan I discovered which succeeds in merging these is the Trevs panic fixer (google it if you're interested) definately the most useful plan i've heard of. look at the awesome information .

[@bunnyluver2176]

Damn thanks for sharing. Never thought of death this way. Kinda gave me something new to stress about LBS. With my severe depression I've been on the other side where all I've wanted to do was putan end to the pain I'm in and just wish I wasn't here suffering anymore. Mental illness sucks.

[@tomingrassiaimages8776]

"Feeling normal is a gift" So true.

[@Akhthars]

This episode made me cry, I am almost 30 years old and struggled with anxiety, ocd and depression all of which feed each other. For so long I have felt broken and alone, seeing Joe talk about it made me feel just a little bit more normal. Thank you Joe. Sorry for poorly articulating my thoughts just wanted them in writing.

[@Peepo_Toes]

I've had the exact same reaction to this video and struggle with the same issues. I've heard therapists and others all my life say things along the lines of "You're strong for dealing with this" and it always felt like pandering and consoleing but it means so much more coming from someone who I respect and admire to the extent I do Joe. This might sound arrogant but I see a lot of myself in Joe. I've been watching his videos for a few years and had no idea until today he struggled with this stuff. So to have been slowly seeing hints of myself in him for years then to have this big (in my eyes) piece of the puzzle revealed it's quite validating. Anyways that was probably a less than coherent rambling but as you said I just wanted to get my thoughts into writing. Much love and I hope you're doing well.

[@jammadamma]

Thanks for your honesty. Every time someone speaks out, it lessens the taboo a little.

[@egonbraun]

"I had no idea how wonderful normal felt" - I am 31 and I still deal a lot with anxiety... well, my triggers are different than yours but man ... this phrase got me so bad! I totally feel the same way ...

[@joescott]

You get it.

[@gordonnicol8593]

Seconded

[@MrPoster42]

Having dealt with mental and physical health issues my whole life that hit home for me as well. I still remember this one month of my life where I was actually doing really well mentally and physically. All I could think was, "this is how people feel all the time? No wonder they get so much done. This is amazing!" The freedom of not being gripped with anxiety over even just going to a movie I'm dying to see. The days I feel "normal" are truly great days.

[@Stevenisbelieven]

I've dealt with anxiety and panic attacks off and on since I was a teenager. I went through a period about 5 years ago where I was having panic attacks almost daily. I would wake up with a feeling like I had just had a near miss high speed car accident, but without knowing why I felt that way. The accident scenario was the example I used to convey to people how it felt to have a panic attack, because most people can relate to nearly getting hit by a car and the fear that courses through your body. The shaking, pounding heart beat, and mind racing, unable to focus, are understandable when you nearly got hit by a car, but when you feel this way without a direct cause, it has a major effect on your psyche. I became agoraphobic, only leaving the house when absolutely necessary. I went to get medical help. The referral from my primary took three weeks to get approved. Then it took six weeks to have my first appointment at the mental health doctor. If I had a physical injury I would have been seen within 2 weeks. With my insurance or however this health clinic works, I had to have 6 weeks of counseling and you meet with psychiatrist to see if you should take any meds. My counselor was really nice and helped in ways that still resonates with me to this day, but the psych Dr had zero empathy and no apparent interest in her job. After going through her exam and explaining my history she asked me, "Do you feel like you need some form of medication for your attacks?" I was dumbfounded. Why the hell are you asking me, you're the Dr?! I told her that I feel like I don't need something 24/7, but I feel that if I could take something when I'm having a panic attack, that would be the most beneficial. This is what she said, "Fear is an emotional response to life just like laughter. We must learn how to deal with these emotions and process them as a part of life." In my head it was dawning on me... This idiot thinks I am trying to con my way into getting prescription anxiety medication! My head was already spinning from the panic attack I had when I came in to the office. New places can trigger attacks. They took my vitals during the attack. My blood pressure was 190/135 in the charts that were in front of her. Does she think I faked that? I'm usually an articulate guy, but all I could say to her was, "I've never laughed so hard that I turned my car off, and instead of going to work I went and got into bed, laughing uncontrollable, not knowing what was so funny?" I think she felt stupid for her original comment about laughter being equal to fear. Or maybe she could finally see how much I was hurting.

[@Arigator2]

I had panic attacks and they were no problem because i was like 'ok it's not real'. Then i had a real health problem and i thought it was in my mind :) Nearly died.

[@m.powell9676]

Jesus Christ, this is amazing. I thought I was the only one who gets those thoughts. They're literally terrifying

[@jessygoofball4736]

I have OCD and constant anxiety. I wish people were more open to talking about it. Thanks for bringing up the topic.

[@lucasjo2185]

Takes guts to share this Joe. The sad thing with the stigma attached to depression and anxiety is that generally people that suffer have high IQ and EQ, are creative, thoughtful and empathetic. Yet it's treated as a weakness or failing by society. All the more reason people should share their experiences like you to quash this stigma. Good on you 👊

[@joescott]

+Luca's Jo I've always found that sharing my warts and scars tends to help others. Luckily I got tons of warts and scars. 🙂

[@Chris-hx3om]

@@joescott You Are Not Alone. (and yes, the DW reference wasn't accidental.) Been there.... Not a nice place!

[@zappawench6048]

@@joescott You have a lot of heart, too. 💞

[@dryb3301]

Ever since I read that somewhere I began wishing I was dumb, I even told my husband I wish I was dumb so I didn't have to feel this way . After the train wreak of late 20s of my life I found that the only thing that helps is gardening and travelling. NOTHING else helped. I'm still not out of the woods so to speak and I doubt I ever will

[@870shotgunner870]

I have struggled with depression and anxiety for my entire life. It's actually been this month that I've actually felt normal and this video drove home everything I struggled with this year. Only cried a little bit. But it was happy crying. Thank you so much Joe. Your a good man

[@charmendro]

The part where u congratulated people who deal with this is my favorite part because it just made me feel a bit better thank u

[@heizenberg7100]

You are one of the people in my list of "people i want alive as long as I am alive"

[@herecomesmysun]

That feeling of tightness in the chest has been affecting me for about 3 years now. At one point I thought there was something physically wrong with me and asked my doctor to do a pulmonary function test and it was totally normal. Then I was put on SSRI’s and it slowly improved but lately the feeling has returned. Anytime I told someone about this feeling of constant tightness in the chest, they had no idea what I was talking about. I genuinely thought I was alone in this. Thank you for sharing your experience with us. It helps more than you know.

[@mellaniemellbourne7050]

your symptoms remind me so much of mine. I remember the first time I ever felt it, I was a kid and my friend had just told me about how his friend had stockpiled a bunch of food and water to prepare for Y2K (yeah hahah silly to think about now) And ever since then, I have struggled with it. Any time I start a new job, you'll find me in the bathroom crying simply out of fear and dread, like everything was going to end for some reason. Any time I started a new relationship with someone, same thing. I've lost jobs over it, lost significant others, and probably missed out on a lot of cool opportunities because of it. Plain and simple, panic/anxiety disorder sucks. And what's worse is how people say "Oh It's just in your head." Of course it's in my head, that's why it's so hard to remedy. And that's why nobody takes it seriously, and nobody understands! This might be a strange analogy, but it was a real life realization I had a few years ago: I had an old jetta that had tons of intermittent electrical issues. I couldn't easily see what was going wrong, so I just said "it's got a bad ECU or wiring I guess" and I simply lived with the symptoms. But when my serpentine belt broke, I took one look under the hood and went "oh, there's the problem" and fixed it. THAT is our healthcare system and how it treats mental illness. You can see a broken bone easily, and fix it. But when it comes to fixing things you can't really see? I mean...bloodwork won't tell you why you have anxiety, an MRI wont show you what's causing it. So most people just give up, or simply try to treat your symptoms and not the underlying cause.

[@philippesantini2425]

Great analogy. ;)

[@wernerboden239]

Well ... people got by, thousands of years before you were born. So you might think of the odds, the world is going to be destroyed, right at the moment we blipped into existance, for this relatively short time. Highly unlikely. But, emotionally, you can feel that way, because we are constantly beeing blasted with bad news, specifically in social media. People are evil, the world is going down the drain, we are just a speck in the universe, our lives are insignificant etc etc etc. In reality, none of that is important. What is ? Just look around. Life is a wonderfull thing. Go fishing by a lake on a warm nice day and look at nature. It's probably the most amazing thing in the universe. And maybe, someday, it will all be gone ... but not today. Today is good. That's all that matters.

[@Peepo_Toes]

@@wernerboden239 You have an incredibly narrow perspective. Please go somewhere else with that nonsense .

[@andikirnobi]

Hi Joe. I had exactly the same thing. A constant fixation with death. I was on venlafaxine and a change in dosage took the feeling away. You're right it's a horrible thing. I still have issues now and I see a therapist under the UK's nhs service. Which we are lucky to have. Well done for talking publicly about it.

[@Peepo_Toes]

One could call thoughts of this nature psychosis. I've dealt with my own psychosis in this regard and was put on medication which ultimately made my psychosis much worse both in frequency and intensity. I eventually got off the meds which reduced the severity but the damage has not gone away and my psychosis is worse to this day.

[@AlexEvett55]

For me the idea that you will never be able to have any influence on anything ever again is what makes death so frightening.

[@joel_castle]

Don't worry bro Your comment made me realize that we are people who should be kind to each other :)

[@musicalintentions]

Thank you for being so candid. The way you put your heart into your videos keeps me coming back, and I wouldn't be at all surprised to learn that others feel the same way.

[@MDoddio]

musicalintentions agreed.

[@K-dub72496]

"Life may actually be a big pointless joke. So we might as well laugh at it" hahaha Good one

[@mfkhan127]

Bravely you passed through it and even braver that you shared it in such a wonderful way. So bravo

[@PantsuMann]

Goddamnit Joe you are wonderful. So well with words. Thanks.

[@jeffreydavid2997]

My whole life has suffered because of panic and anxiety. I avoid everyone, especially the ones I love. My pay check suffers do to my history of not handling things well. I'm crying right now. I can't even tell you how this video is affecting me right now. I can't even say anymore other than thank you Joe Scott.

[@dominicstraszak1072]

Hey Joe, great video man, I know what anxiety, panic and OCD feels like and it can be a difficult subject to talk about. When my panic was at it’s worst, I struggled to express anything about it in words, it was so intense. Thanks for opening up, being honest and encouraging people to talk about this. The more we do the more we can all help each other and people who are still suffering 👍👍

[@joescott]

Amen, bruv.

[@acousticknights9654]

I think that's a thought process that we all come back to from time to time. For me, I found my enlightenment through this process. I came to the conclusion that if nothing matters and everything is temporary and fleeting...then all of a sudden everything matters so much more. Each moment is all we have and no moment past this is promised to us, so be kind everywhere to everyone

[@joescott]

Hey, cut it out, I'm supposed to be the profound one around here... Naw, this is brilliant, man, thanks for sharing this. :)

[@acousticknights9654]

Thanks for sharing all the videos. I absolutely love the topics that you cover. You're my favorite channel

[@marylegan2046]

This video makes me want to give you a big ol' mom hug. I've been there. You are not alone anxiety/panic sucks.

[@plushman3685]

I don’t fear death for personal reasons. But I was a Dallas cop for 10 1/2 years. I was diagnosed with major anxiety and depression. I appreciate your honesty. I ended up on meds and I resigned last year and started a new life.

[@chuckandmax7313]

Thanks for sharing this Joe, I am a person that suffers from severe anxiety disorder, major depression and acute agoraphobia, on the top of the list of my disorders. I used to be just depressed for a long time, like you, the infatuation with thoughts of death kept me under a cloud of gloom. Then at the age of 46 in 2008 I had a heart attack after a very stressful day at work where I told my boss, one more thing and I’m going to have a heart attack. That night I had to have my friend take me to the ER and when I was admitted my BP was 240/210 which got the nurse staff really excited and they rushed me to a bed and put me on a morphine drip for the pain I was having then the heart attack happened. Over the next 4 years the heart attack led to a panic attack which led to a series of panic attacks which led to a series of severe panic attacks and then one day right in the middle of my shift at work I finally snapped (and yes you actually hear a cracking sound) and had a complete nervous breakdown and blacked out for the next 12 hours, I came to in the middle of my living room partially paralyzed and blind in one eye, unable to walk to my bed. I had somehow driven 60 miles home been to the ER and brought home. The stroke like effects gradually went away but the damage I did to my central nervous system was devasting and severe. I no longer have the ability to be calm, I am stuck in fight or flight mode and because of this am permanently disabled and under heavy dose ages of psych meds and therapy. I locked myself in my room for three years terrified of everything, from being spied on by the internet to being poisoned by my roommate to not being able to open the mail or watch tv. Everything terrified except for one thing. My little puppy. My best friends gave me a puppy that they thought would help me he was so small and he needed me and so I focused all my energy into him. He is so in tune with me he never takes his eyes off of me and with proper training I was able to have him certified as my service dog. So I could now go outside and see my doctors as long as my dog Max, is his name, is with me. I was still fearful of leaving the house and I prayed for a miracle, I said God if you could send me a miracle I sure could use one, my roof has a leak in it and I can’t afford to fix it, I’m stuck in my bed everyday and I can’t get the energy to get up, and my house is so dusty and neglected but I have no way to clean it. And I went to sleep. I was soon awakened by the neighbors outside yelling and screaming and I got up to see what was going on, I called out the door at them and they said get out your house is on fire. Sure enough the entire back half of my roof was in flames. I had had a fire going in the fireplace earlier that day and a little cinder went up into the old cedar shake shingles and shouldered for a few hours and then burst out into flames. I got the dogs,there are three between me and my roommate and ran out and jumped in the car just as the fire department arrived. The flames spread through the attic and the firemen cut a big hole in the roof and ruched inside with the hoses. Nobody got hurt and a lot of things got soaked and the firemen broke holes in all the ceilings and knocked furniture all over the place. So to tell you, my prayer was answered, God really does do miracles, I had to have my house rebuilt which included an entire newly engineered roof, a crew came in and packed everything up in the house to clean and store it and I had to get out of bed and was moved to a hotel where I lived for the next year. At the hotel they had free breakfast every morning and on Monday thru Wednesday night they had meet and greet mixers with dinner served. I got up every day and started exercising by walking around the building with Max for a half an hour every day and started talking to people and wasn’t afraid of things like I was before, I felt grateful for being saved from the fire and now my entire house has been remodeled and is restored to its original 1950’s classic ranch style. It’s been a year now and I’m planning on moving to Texas and selling my house, I did lose my mom to cancer just after the house was finished which sent me back into a depression for a while but that’s why I’m moving because I’m not going to just sit here and be sad anymore I’ve been through the fire and the flood and I’m stronger for it. In Texas I can buy a really nice house and pay for it in cash from the sale of my currently mortgaged California house by the beach. And I’m looking forward to meeting new people and begin my retirement age with some peace of mind. I will take my moms ashes and have them made into a tree pod and plant here in my new yard where I’ll live the rest of my days. I know I’ll end up having to bury Max in the garden one day and that will be sad but his little spirit will always be watching over me and I will not fall apart for his sake. He basically has traded being a dog to being my companion and I’ll want to make sure his sacrifice was well worth it. I’ll probably have him made into a tree as well. And one day a new puppy will come my way. There’s still plenty of miracles left for me to see.

[@julienunnally8040]

I love your story! 🥲 When they God works in mysterious ways, man they aren't kidding.

[@Kim-di7zs]

I know this was broadcast three years ago but I'm going through this at the moment. The sadness is that comes with this 'state' can be and usually is unbearable, but we have to bear it. Thanks for the vid🤗x

[@pappykappy8683]

I know I'm a little late to the video, but Thank you this video helped me so much

[@LegionOfWeirdos]

Anxiety re: kids happens to me ALL THE TIME over my two daughters. Sometimes damn-near total freakout anxiety. Stigma sucks. Thanks for speaking up. Everyone who does helps everyone else. My thing is depression, but sometimes anxiety is a side effect. I'm lucky enough to have a wife and some good friends who have my back when the shit hits the fan (which has happened kinda majorly twice in the past few years). Therapy helps... the stigma for that needs to go away too. Seems like a good chunk of people who have therapists can't talk about it without making self-deprecating jokes about going to therapy, myself included (and my therapy/depression jokes are too dark for most people's taste).

[@tobygreensmith4743]

Legion of Weirdos i

[@dissturbbed]

I love it when people are honest about their problems. Makes you feel like you are not the only one. I’m 44 and had severe anxiety attacks in middle and high school. Had no idea what was going on till much later. Felt like I was going crazy. It only stopped completely when my aunt told me about her panic attack stories. I was so relieved and hadn’t had one in decades simply because I knew I wasn’t going crazy and there were others like me. Thanks for people like you and my aunt for opening up

[@Tam5115]

Robert, there are a lot of us out there.

[@terihammond5932]

Complex PTSD here, baby! Woot woot!!! It's hard to be a glitch, but it's not as unusual as it once was, and the push to destigmatize mental health issues is super positive. Covid did a lot of harm, but this was one of the positives, for sure. Hugs from the monkey house!

[@MrBillkaz]

samsies

[@douglasdietrich4174]

Thank you, Joe. I haven't felt normal in many years, and it's killing me.

[@Ayeskint]

Douglas - like he says, talk to someone about it. Relative, spouse, good friend, counsellor. I’ve found talking about issues is where recovery begins. All the best to you in your struggle.

[@explorelearnshare8222]

If you feel you have no one to talk to, I would be happy to listen. I can't say that I'll have any great insights, but I'm no stranger to these issues. Everyone deserves to be heard.

[@alexsalinasvega3765]

You are very brave to talk about something so personal in a youtube chanel. Respect Joe! ✊🏼

[@GregsGarage]

Mind, body and spirit... Anytime there's an imbalance it affects us. We can't leave the mind behind, but a lot of us do. Great video Joe.

[@GAZArts]

You making this video helps more than you probably realise, half way through hearing your story and experience my first thought was "ah so it's not just me" not so much having to come to terms with death and what that means but I had some pretty bizarre worries through my youth that didn't make sense to a lot of people that I opened up to but felt like it messed with my entire life. I would fixate on these worries while my life passed me by. I had panic attacks in the work place which was so much "fun" but one day out of the blue it just stopped. It went away and just as you say in the video I'd almost forgotten what normality felt like. My advice is talk about it. Even if people don't understand it helps to keep that "closet" open and aired out. Looking back I still put it down to I'm just a sensitive person. Anyways thanks for this upload Joe

[@FuriousImp]

"I'm just a sensitive person" is what I'd say has done me in several times - just as Joe described.

[@joescott]

True story: One of the side effects of my panic attacks when I was young was that I actually worried at one point that I could be a werewolf. I'm not lying. I thought I was crazy and couldn't tell anybody about it, but I would sit in class and was terrified that I was going to change into a werewolf in front of the class and kill people. There was some movie that I'd seen that had scared me in that way. It was ridiculous, but I made myself sick with worry.

[@MDoddio]

Yeah, I had some bizarre fantasies that percolated into panic over something I knew was just a thought. The amazing part to me (what always made me belive it was out of my control, which is even scarier) was that I knew it was in my head and yet that would *not* make it go away. Grrr.

[@CivilEngineerWroxton]

@@joescott I had bizarre thoughts that gravity would stop and me and everyone else and every single thing would go hurtling out into space. Seriously, I would lie in bed and imagine that I could feel gravity getting weaker and weaker. Where I got that freaky fear from, I have no idea. I guess it's just nerd fears. Other teenagers worry about getting giant zits and we nerdy science types are afraid of gravity ceasing to function or turning into a werewolf. LOL

[@aitchpea6011]

This video may be a few years old, but it will always be relevant. I have lived with severe depression, anxiety disorders and horrible panic attacks for about fifteen years. Talking therapies and CBT did nothing to help, and I spent years trying those things as well as being prescribed various medications by a string of clinical psychiatrists. About three years ago, we finally hit on the right combination of medications to treat my symptoms well enough that I can now function reasonably well day-to-day. Thanks for sharing your story, Joe. Anything that shows the world at large that ANYONE could be living with mental health problems, and that they shouldn't be stigmatised for them, can only be a good thing.

[@LambentLark]

This is so true. I have a friend that had a horrible childhood. There was a lot of abuse, both physical, substance. She constantly says, "I'm the one that gonna stop this shit." She says it's a reminder to herself, if she doesn't put a stop to the problems of her families past, her children will have to bare it as she has had to. She is the strongest woman I know.

[@dantess2693]

Thanks for this video. It's always helpful to know there are others who have struggled with these kind of issues.

[@stewie_zero_bravo5300]

We love you Joe! Everyone struggles with mental health issues at some point in their lives. I survive anxiety and disturbing thoughts every single day, I've had panic attacks in public, sometimes for reasons I don't understand. But I survive, I push on. I refuse to be brought down and I try and bring as much love and light with me everywhere I go. I find talking helps, and I won't ever allow myself to be embarrassed by something that I fight with every day. I doesn't take balls to speak up, it takes heart and brains. Thank you Joe. Huge fan. ❤️

[@TheFox517]

When I was on vacation in Germany, I was just laying in a tent and minding my own buisness when it hit me. The realization that I'm actually alive and that I will return to the void at some point. I just grabbed my head and screamed, the other propably thought I was a freak. After that one attack, I had to keep myself constantly enternained for a really long time because when I got bored, it was game over. It got progressively better over time and I didn't have a single panic attack in about a year or even two years (I don't know how long something took if I don't write down the date, everything just nerges into one in my head). It was so bad that I was scared of that fear itself. At first, I couldn't even sleep. I was just doing anything I could not to be left with my own thoughts and could fall asleep only when I was completely exhausted. The fact that every piece of media talked about the afterlife or death didn't help. Even jokes could trigger a panic attack. Some people would propably become extremely religious after that kind of experience, but the thought of living eternally TERRIFIED THE SHIT OUT OF ME. It was even worse that returning to the same state "I" was in before birth because at least you don't feel anything in the void. I noticed that it started going away after some time so the only comforting thought I could come up with was "it will be over soon". I also want to mention how weird the panic attacks were. At first, I was getting more and more scared, then the same feeing I had the fist time took over and sometimes I had to pull out some of my hair or hit myself to make it stop. After that i felt weirdly peaceful and didn't care. My brain went straight from self harm to "so what if I die?". To be honest, if I could choose between returning to that madness or getting horribly tortured, I'd choose torture. At least that pain would go away after a few months at max. Sorry for any spelling mistakes, I' too tired to look this up and my phone decided it would be a good idea to lag like crazy. Shift doesn't even want to stay pressed.

[@thecolorpixel9782]

this is a topic that really does need to be a nation wide conversation. thank you for sharing your story. I personally feel like the topic of mental health needs to be more acceptable to talk about so people can be proactive about treating and maintaining good mental health.

[@MDoddio]

Mary Lambert Here's my thought on why this is not a national convo: Talking about it, whether you're normal or a victim, is physically taxing. Depression and anxiety are things that most everyone at one time or another feels. And the reality of these disorders manifest in very physical ways-- none of which are pleasant. Talking about these types of things, at least for me, is like taking out the garbage. We know we have to do it, but it's the last thing I want to do. "It's not filled until it's spilled." Of the National Conversations on the chore board, this is the one that no one wants to be stuck with. I had to take a Xanax while reading/writing these comments.

[@phobos2077_]

Not your nation alone. World-wide. It's stigmatized much heavily in Russia.

[@meowjmeowington9076]

It’s nice to hear someone say things I felt I was alone in.

[@danellekirkland1106]

Once again, Joe, you hit the nail on the head with this one. I feel like you're reading my (and tons of other's) mind. Thank you

[@TheRealAdamBailey]

I feel you. I know it took a lot to put this part of your life out there for everyone, but thank you for doing this. It means a lot to many many people.

[@layersnmasks]

This is one of the most influential videos you have ever made. Im going through an episode now and I watch this video and it gives me hope. Thank you

[@mikejadis]

I found you through Isaac Arthur's channel. I've only been watching your videos for only a couple of days now but this video made me a subscriber. That you can talk about things that are so personal like skin cancer risks and this - you are awesome! I live with anxiety and I do know these feelings. I have lived with this feeling of despair that everything is meaningless for a very long time but you put it into words so well - Thank You!

[@lomasloco70]

So honest and touching... I myself been struggling with this precise issues for years now, but thanks to you exposing your personal battle, just gave me a little more air and a real hope that someday i'll feel as a normal person again, as myself again... Sometime soon... Due respect to you, my good friend.

[@przemyslawwawrzynczak2348]

Dude. Bravo. Your best video yet. I'm in it now, and have been for over 10 years. Thank you

[@rjyoyo2096]

You're a strong person, Joe. It takes a lot of guts to talk like this. Keep up the good work man. I love and appreciate your channel and the videos you upload. Thanks for doing what you do.

[@cheekyj4794]

Dude, this was one of the most heartfelt outpouring of true feeling. I know where your coming from, only once though. Thank you for sharing. Much love dude.

[@carineth921]

I feel you. I have terrible panic/anxiety disorder & I hv a fear of sudden death, like if I just stop breathing while I'm asleep. I've been on anti anxiety meds 4 yrs bc I've had 2 many panic attacks that landed in the ER. It's the worst. on top of that I have ptsd, ocd, ADHD, germaphobia, clostriphobia, & extreme fear of the dark & snakes :/ Thanks for sharing & opening up. Def agree with u on this topic 110%!

[@278Trev]

Dude... I've been watching your videos for a while now and love your content more then words this couldnt have come at a better time in my life. Thank you.

[@wordgirl8100]

This is what's behind your statement, "to be kind" ... gratefulness. Cathartic.

[@garlicjr.2163]

Thanks Joe your message really touched me, I have severe social anxiety and mild depression and its nice to know someone understands what its like.

[@jonnydeathstar-wotreplays2406]

This vid just popped into my feed today. I appreciate it. Anxiety and Depression have impacted my life too. Thanks.

[@MrKay-fm4kd]

I love how your authenticity manifested itself through the lack of eye contact at the end. If you gave the camera more eye-time, you would have cried. I feel you loud and clear.

[@kristian.tigersoul]

I've been following your videos for quite some time now and I'm happy you brought this up. I've been struggling for over 20 years with severe anxiety in the form av PTSD from the harm of childhood abuse. Thanks for bringing up this thing that so many suffers from in different forms. It needs so much more attention and space in media so really, thank you for helping by doing your part!

[@StaindByJuice]

And Joe, you are an amazing person, everything you say affects me :) I find myself just randomly wondering how you're doing. You're a great guy, keep smiling!

[@domcarter2327]

me too! love seeing new videos so I know how things are with Joe haha

[@joescott]

I'm doing great, I appreciate you caring. :) Actually, I got some really great news lately that I'll be sharing with everybody soon. *dances a giddy dance^

[@StaindByJuice]

:D Can't wait to hear!

[@pepperelijah]

As a kid I struggled with GAD (Generalized Anxiety Disorder), I tried medication, and therapy, I had to dive in and confront everything that triggered me to finally move past it. Now as an adult, I struggle with PTSD, avoidance is still an issue for me, the 4th of July, and New Years are still the days I blackout and find myself dry heaving. Wrecked with body shakes, aching muscles. yay explosions... :I I understand the getting out of bed thing, Joe, keep it up. Now matter how dark it gets, there is always light, no matter how dim it may be hold on to it.

[@joescott]

I saw some signs during July 4th this year in yards near my neighborhood asking people to be considerate with their fireworks because a veteran with PTSD lived there. I thought that was a great idea, because I can't imagine how rough those days must be. More awareness is a good thing. Stay strong, brothah. :)

[@pepperelijah]

+Joe Scott I have one of those signs

[@CivilEngineerWroxton]

@@joescott My late step-dad David was in the Vietnam War and I remember when he came home he seemed so different. About a week after he got back we were having dinner one night and the table was all set. All of a sudden my step-dad clocked his head to one side and looked frightened. Then he grabbed the edge of the dining room table and flipped it up on its side and got it over close to the wall and got down in between the table and wall. Suddenly he just looked up at my mother and me and put his head down on the floor and began to weep bitterly. He was yelling over and over, "I'm so sorry, Norma Jean, I'm so sorry. I'll clean it up!" My mother just knelt down there with David and put her arms around him. David was morbidly embarrassed and we tried to tell him that it was alright. But the PTSD and other mental issues he had made life so difficult for him. He got better over time, but I could still see him struggle with situations that involved helicopters or other aircraft, fireworks or anything that sounded like guns at all." It made me have a tremendous amount of respect for David and I could only imagine what all he endured over there. He passed away in 1991 of lung cancer caused by agent orange. So my mother receives compensation for that. So I'm glad the military at least gives monetary compensation. Anyway,i know that I wandered off a bit there, but I just wanted to say all of that to say I have never looked down on those that have mental disorders and illnesses. After experiencing my own issues with panic attacks and anxiety at different times in life, it makes my heart go out to you and so many others that have endured something in regard to mental health issues. My anxiety got so bad just about a year ago that I was close to taking my own life. I've had 32 abdominal operations and I need more. For years I coped well with it all, but year before last it all of a sudden just crushed me. I started having the most horrendous panic attacks you can imagine. I was supposed to have two more operations and lying in bed anticipating that suddenly just made sheer terror flow through me. I ended up in the ER Because it was so bad. They gave me tranquilizers and sent me home and told me to get therapy ASAP. But even having done some therapy I just couldn't go through with the operations. Having had 32 operations before you'd think I'd be fine with it. So my therapist told me, "It's fine. Your body and mind is drawing a line and is saying," I've HAD ENOUGH!" So I didn't have the operations. The therapist said that it was very good that my psyche finally said," No MORE! I'm done for now." So this all goes back to something in our mind reaching its limit. And I learned that to not push it is the best thing. The doctors have told me that I obviously have PTSD because of my horrible health and all of the major operations and several times being near death because of it all. I'm 52 and I'm sometimes feel like I'm about 92 years old. The human mind has always amazed me how it can keep us safe and knows when we should say, "No MORE!" like the experience I had. Sorry for rambling on here. I just thought that sharing my experience might help others to relate and hopefully for you to relate. 😊

[@xKnobknuckle]

I was watching your videos randomly, and this one came up. I have been having the anxiety and panic terribly coupled with depression. I needed this video today. Thank you Joe.

[@tronicit]

Been a huge fan of yours for a while Joe and this has only increased my respect for you and your work. Kudos .

[@jordanbeck6902]

I've been there too man, it is a relief to talk about it too, also love your channel started watching back around December. Keep up the good work.

[@joescott]

Thanks, Jordan!

[@1MarkKeller]

Thanks, I've been there before and sometimes catch myself falling back into those feelings. It's a great struggle to be this way and not have an outlet. I can truly understand how/why people turn to drugs/alcohol or dangerous behaviors. Thankfully that has not been my journey.

[@stephenmneedham]

And this is why we like you. You're real AND you have a great sense of humor. Good job, Mr Scott!

[@jackiechild9740]

Thank you Joe! It takes real courage to talk openly about mental health issues and your honesty about your own struggles is very much appreciated. It can be so isolating to go through and there is so much stigma attached to discussing your own mental health with others. Thanks again

[@jacquetthompson9764]

thank you for this video and the info it just saved my life

[@michaelbryant2116]

Holy crap, buddy! I’ve been watching you for a while. I love the channel and the content. I didn’t know this about you (until I saw this video, of course), but it might make sense that something we have in common attracts me to you (not in that way, bro). We have other things in common. I grew up in a small town in Texas. I currently live in your general area. I don’t remember the last time I felt normal, but I remember feeling normal on a road trip I took with a buddy from Texas to Daytona beach. I remember that. Your obsession with death wasn’t something I personally dealt with, but I get it. My temporary fixation was that of a delve into solipsism (spoiler alert: it’s a dead end). I felt like Neo in The Matrix, except that I thought that I was “The One” in charge. After having given that up (which strangely had been a brief source of comfort), the anxiety returned. And it hasn’t fully subsided, despite my reaching out to family and professionals. I’m not sure that you’ll see this message, but since we are in reasonable geographical proximity, I’d love to meet you and talk over a beer or coffee. You have my number. Text me.

[@jbw53191]

I can't thank you enough for making this video and for your honesty. I think for the first time I can acknowledge the bravery and fortitude I've had to utilize through much of my life. So, thank you from the bottom of my heart.

[@dragonfly4690]

you will live forever in youtube. and be remembered as a grate teacher . thanks

[@sarasmr4278]

4:35 and cue panic attack. Sigh. 7:22 and cue tears. I'm just trying to get back there.

[@linkinl1]

That was beautiful

[@joescott]

Thank you. :)

[@zerog1543]

ive been through this for about a year and i can honestly say to you this is the most powerful video ive seen, you kinda just explained things in a human way for me so i can relate more than just listen to why, my therapist hasnt helped me more than i think this eventually will, thank you joe!

[@chewysaiditfirst]

Thank you for everything you do Joe!!! You're videos have been a safe haven for me for a while now. When my brain gets crazy you're one of the first chanel's I go to to help me decompress. I'm truly sorry you know those feelings. Love you brother and thank you again for all that you do.

[@markusantonious8192]

Frodo: "I wish the ring had never come to me. I wish none of this had happened." Gandalf: "So do all who live to see such times. But that is not for them to decide. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us."

[@stephennielsen8722]

Anyone watching this, please look up "Pure O OCD" that is what he is describing here

[@205jonesgirl]

Agreed. I have it.

[@stephennielsen8722]

Melissa Posival Me too. Episodic. Really debilitating

[@stephennielsen8722]

Melissa Posival kzbin.info/www/bejne/h2rcfJR_Zdt_gNU

[@elhemoney777]

Joe, I started subscribing to your channel just a few months ago and have seen many of your videos, but only came across this one today. I think it may be your most important video. As someone who has gone through ebbs and flows of panic and anxiety, attacks mental anguish, I’m grateful to hear you speak on this. It’s amazing how much the mind effects the body, and it can be majorly detrimental to one’s health. If you decide to do another video on this, I’m all ears. I wish you continued success and good health.

[@youtubersanonymous8565]

Dude I swear I get the same damn "pointless" feeling of life and existence along with panic and anxiety attacks. I know how u feel man. Much love and prayers for all the tortured souls out there! Amen.

[@pairot01]

Human life is pointless, so what? Why should there be any hidden meaning in anything? What you see is what you get, do what you want of it.

[@ashleyashleym2969]

Yeah I've never had a problem with life being pointless and purposelessness, I've always found that fact to be freeing and liberating but it was the inevitable death that got me, that threw me in depression and pits of anxiety.

[@soufienhamrouni3002]

maybe we came here by some logical and normal reasons yet my friend i think not that life is pointless we have some immortal values like love and trying to leave this place in better shape.yet the inevitability of death is kind of wonderful and like professeur R.Dawkins said 'we are lucky because we are going to die' so good luck with your life and try to leave this place happy

[@psyclotronxx3083]

I've suffered from anxiety for 25 years. There is definitely a stigma around mental health issues. Thanks for sharing. Now on to black holes!!

[@staticwise]

First time commenter long time listener. Very happy to see this video and see you talking about this. I struggled for about 1.5 years with panic attacks and overwhelming anxiety surrounding death. Therapy was huge for me but it took time and is something that will always be with me. Everything you said regarding being thankful for being normal is incredibly true. Thank you for posting this and telling your story.

[@lex61519]

"Life may actually be a big pointless joke. So we might as well laugh at it." Such a great video.

[@collinfrederick3409]

I love your compassion. your videos are typically thought provoking, which I absolutely love. But this video felt personal, and I have so much respect for you. thank you!

[@joescott]

That means a lot, thanks. :)

[@CB6028]

Thank you for opening up and making this video. I think all of us have gone through episodes similar to what you were describing - some longer and some shorter - but it’s always a challenge. One thing that you now should know is that by making these videos and creating this channel, you have made a difference in so many peoples lives, and that difference will outlive you.

[@Ayeskint]

This is one powerful video. I’m just now coming out of a depression and what you say about feeling ‘normal’ is so true. I’d forgotten what it was like to feel good as opposed to just not feeling bad today. Counselling helped immensely, so yes - definitely TALK to someone about it. Get it out there. It’s not a sign of weakness or defeat, it’s bringing another weapon to your fight and using it. Nobody has to be alone in that fight. And Joe, don’t minimise your own struggle just because it wasn’t chronic. It’s a testament to your strength of spirit that you kept going and are still here and succeeding! I for one am glad you did and I’m sure your many viewers are too. You are proof that it can be dealt with and beaten, and this video and others like it can get that word out there - you’re not alone, people.

[@carolynpotgieter6247]

I just happened across this video you made 3 years ago, thanks for sharing your feelings and what you have dealt with, I hope you are doing ok now and you haven’t had any issues in the last 3 years. Love your channel Joe.

[@HustlinHugh]

Can't believe I only saw this video now. I am so sorry Joe, I had no Idea you were suffering from the same kinds of things that plagued me my whole life, as well as many others I know of. I thank you from the bottom of my heart for sharing your story, it HAS helped some, and much appreciate you going out of your comfort zone to make people aware of these problems. I laughed out loud when I heard you say you had no idea how good normal felt, it's so true... Have a great one, and Please don't stop with your videos, I appreciate being able to wake up and watch/listen to you. Keep your head high, you probably aren't even aware of how many lives you are touching. Thank you.

[@planetpepe4890]

I’ve been watching this channel for years and this is by far the most interesting video

[@littlejohnson6888]

I have never watched a video that encapsulated the feelings of anxiety any better than you did in this Love your vids man i know its an old one but this one really hit home with me

[@masoudhosseini9204]

I had dark days of depression and I watched this video back then and now I’m watching it again and I’m sure watching this had a really good effect on me. Thank you Joe, thank you very much 🙏❤️

[@allergygal]

From someone who's been dealing with this my whole life, I have to say this was moving. Thanks so much for sharing your experiences.

[@przemyslawwawrzynczak2348]

I just paused it at the spot where you talk about your death obsession. I'm almost 40 and I'm there right now. Thank you for sharing your story. now I know I'm not alone.

[@alexdeschenes243]

Two minutes into this video and you literally summed up my life for the past 3 years.

[@BeerdPL]

Watching basically all your videos, now I found this one after 5 years after you posted it all I can say is that it just helps, a lot.

[@owenbunny]

Your sincerity and candor is beautiful. Respect!

[@kaneereaut322]

Love your work Joe. And your honesty. I know from experience that this video would not have been anywhere close to easy for you so thank you. Great respect for you Joe. Look forward to your next video!

[@joescott]

Thanks Kane! It wasn't really that painful to do or anything, I just struggled to get the message right.

[@lupa9794]

I've watched you for so long, but this, this gem of a video is your best. Truely being able to connect with what you are talking about, really is a good feeling.

[@JimmyJr_7]

Been watching you for a good year or so now, glad I’ve been watching through your vids as this one hit home. The the last 7 or so years I’ve been questioning death and reality on a daily basis getting in a rough place at times. Very helpful to see someone I admire has also been in the same sort of headspace.

[@McraftNinja]

I’m so glad to see this video. This was really well discussed and you brought this issue up in a really good way!

[@dennistucker1153]

Joe, thank you for sharing a little of your personal life. I have had a panic attack once that only lasted about a day. So I have sympathy for those that suffer like that. I think the world is a better place with you alive and in it.

[@angelaeccles9526]

Thanks for your honesty Joe! It’s nice to know that existential angst isn’t so uncommon. I wish more people would talk about it.

[@sararumrill5547]

While I am new to this community, your words ring as familiar as words from an old friend. As someone who can relate - this was wonderfully brave and I think you’ve reached more people than you realize. Thank you 🙏