Buddhism/meditation and anxiety?

Hi,

Looking for some insight here ... I suffer from anxiety and panic attacks. (Emphasis, currently, on the SUFFER part - life is hell) I've done the medicated thing on and off over the years, and I'm really not interested in going there again. I'm looking for a more natural approach to things, not to mention ways of DEALING with these feelings, rather than simply masking them with synthetic medications. Anyway, someone mentioned to me a while ago that looking into Buddhism and/or meditation might be beneficial. So... anyone here try meditating and/or Buddhism to deal with anxiety and panic attacks? What kind of results did you have?

AND...

Where does one begin?

 

To relieve anxiety, extend your exhale. I would suggest singing.

 

unfortunately i am not able to write any advice on this subject, however i'm just here to say power to you! i have a close friend who suffers these debilitating attacks and i am happy you are looking into alternative ways to deal other than medication. i wish you luck in finding the solution.

 

I can't really help you much there, but I do hope that you find a way through this! *hug*

I could guess that anytime you feel anxiety coming on work on your breathing, in and out, deeply and slowly. Remember if you can that you are safe and nothing can really hurt you. Many people invision themselves inside a glowing light of protection and warmth. I don't know what'll work for you, those are just some suggestions.

 

Thanks for the good wishes! To Sunny: like your friend, I have used pharmaceutical medication to try to deal with anxiety/panic attacks/etc but found the side effects to outweigh the benefits. Plus, the thought of avoidance therapy (which is really what those meds are) turns me off. However, whatever route your friend chooses, I hope they find a way out.

To Sugarmagnolia: Thank you for the vote of confidence! I will try your suggestions

To thedope: Thank you for the insight - I'll be sure to try that next time.

 

There's no shame in taking medication you need to function as you seek better management of your anxiety. In fact, dropping medications altogether is worse for you. Haven't you ever heard the best way to be a Buddhist is not to be a Buddhist, little girl? *hugs*

 

Creedlespeek: I've heard that, actually ...except I'm not actually a Buddhist lol just looking for new options, you know? I took myself off the meds properly (having done it several times in my life) I'm just looking for something more natural, without side effects. Being on the meds helps me function, yes, but like a robot. I'm actually beginning therapy (like "therapy therapy" lol) in a couple of weeks, so that's definitely a healthy step. I'm just curious to see what else is out there, that doesn't come in a pill bottle. Thanks for the insight

 

You might look to the first step of the eightfold path to enlightenment, right view. First, you need to clearly see what's going on in your emotional landscape and around you and in you. Just meditating on it can help. Why are you anxious, really? What's the reason beneath the reason? What system in your body is crying out for help?

You may be shocked - It could be your solar plexus chakra, an overtired third eye, and any number of things manifesting itself as anxiety. The cause of this could be a number of things making you unbalanced. The key is first learning to see, and it's also the last step, if that makes sense.

This link may help.

 

Thanks creedlespeek! I know I've got a lot of work to do, and I'm really looking forward to getting it done. I knew I'd find some good info here

 

Pot with a chilled out walk.

 

I absolutely think that for anxiety and panic, reading about Buddhism, mindfulness and meditation is the right route to go! I often think this while reading about these topics...I find that overall in my everyday life, I have become so much calmer and able to handle my emotions and reactions to things. I feel calm and content. Granted I do not have an anxiety or panic disorder but I really feel that it could help people who do suffer from them. Even if it doesn't, it never hurts to try of course! Nothing bad will come of it.

I suggest Eight Mindful Steps to Happiness: Walking the Buddha's Path by Bhante Henepola Gunaratana, and also The Miracle of Mindfulness: A Manual on Meditation by Thich Nhat Hanh. I personally enjoyed the books very much and got a lot out of them. There are countless books out there, check out Amazon.com or your local library or bookstores. I wish you lots of happiness and peace on your journey and commend you for reaching out for alternative answers in taking control of your anxiety! Good luck!

 

Also, this advice will not work for everyone...often pot has adverse effects on people with anxiety disorders (and even those without) and can hugely increase anxiety and panic. I am a very relaxed person with no psychological or medical disorders but I get extremely anxious and uncomfortable, almost to the point of panic, every time I smoke pot. It affects people differently and if the problem involves anxiousness, pot can be more of a problem than a solution!

 

I agree; I suffer from an anxiety disorder. When I am having anxious thoughts, the pot exacerbates the problem, unfortunately.

I've also found that meditation and seeking enlightenment has been the way for me. There a book called Simple Meditation and Relaxation by Joel and Michelle Levey which I found to be really helpful.

 

Hi everyone,

Little update over here: I quit my therapy program, brought meditation into my routine, and have been feeling a lot better. I would not say that I'm "anxiety-free" 100%, but I am in such a better place than I was when I began this thread. Thank you all for your insight.

To Sunburst - would it be alright if I PM'd you?

 

Hello super grrl

you could try vipassna meditation I have done it a few courses and met people who have benefited from it

suck it and see as they say

good luck

 

I dont think we can live an anxiety free existance, as it has its uses when under control. As has been stated, some things I believe may help.

1. Slowing down breathing.

2. Meditation on the breath which will achieve the above.

3. Exercise.

4. Plenty of fruit and vegetables in the diet.

5. A hobby which is engrossing, computer games for example.

 

I suffer from anxiety and panic attacks and I've found that they have disappeared with meditation. However, I also found that meditation by itself cannot eliminate panic attacks, I have had to study Buddhist psychology/philosophy in-depth to get to the root of my anxiety in order to be more comfortable with the world and unexpected events.

 

Cannabis can definitely be more of a problem with people suffering from anxiety disorders. It makes me terribly paranoid, I get so anxious it gets to the point I can't even function properly. This is of course from heavy daily use. The occasional bowl will not (at least in my experience) do that to you. However, all day everyday use will.

 

Do not do a sitting and undirected meditation. Group lectures are great places for letting the mind wander and be free while identifying with positive themes. they have Chod healing days of rest where you go and get comfortable laying down and an exercism is performed. It's not as bad as that sounds.

But here's a really good middle ground - chanting Green - Red or White or Yellow Tara. the mantra is a series of beneficial words which often included 'sarva siddhi' or total perfection. The Taras are compassionate feminine deities. The chanting produces relazation and a beneficial integretation in the heart and mind. Take it skow. Do it everyday - your minimum soo you don't get burned out - you know, about a million mantras a day Just kidding - I do two to five malas of White Tara. After a shirt tie you start to get some really unusually positive feelings that are like whoa. Definitely not someone who does other practices will even experience. And what is the harm. these are practices with many hundreds of years whos expressed purpose is to develop into Buddha.