8 ms·

Surviving Anxiety

80 points by gabrielhn 12y ago

jawngee 12y ago
I can relate to this. I took klonopin for 10+ years, just recently weaned myself off of it (six months and counting). My first panic attack happened about two weeks after 9/11 on the F train. Top 3 most terrifying moments of my life. I did CBT, talk therapy, all kinds of anti-depressant medications (the worst being Effexor XR, that shit should be illegal) until finding klonopin to be the most effective. Marijuana was helpful too, though it had its moments of making things worse, but for the most part A+++ rating, would smoke again. My anxiety manifested itself in some pretty severe panic attacks, extreme hypochondria and some pretty intense derealization. I miss the derealization though, but it took awhile for me to appreciate it instead of fearing it. The hypochondria I don't miss at all. The panic attacks still happen from time to time (mostly when the lights in the room suddenly change) but I'm so used to them now they don't really phase me. And I'm so practiced at having them, nobody standing around me is ever aware that I'm having a sudden bout of tachycardia and growing concerns that my heart is about to explode in my chest. I noticed the klonopin was making me kind of a zombie, putting a mega-kabosh on the creative output, so I decided to taper my way to freedom. The first two weeks without it were pretty painful, but now it's relatively smooth sailing. I'm not sure what happened that I got to this point now. I did move to a foreign country (Vietnam) so I'm sure the slower pace has had something to do with it, despite how much I've grown to dislike living here. As for what caused it, all of my therapists think I have PTSD from my high school days (I was in a pretty violent anti-racist skinhead group back in the day), but I personally think it has to do with all the MDMA I chewed in the post-skinhead rave days. I guess I'll never know.
- hvs 12y ago
  Effexor XR was very helpful for both myself and family members. Just because something doesn't work for you doesn't mean it should be "illegal".
  - kirsebaer 12y ago
    MDs should warn patients about long-term benzo use. These drugs are only approved for a few weeks of use. I have talked with many MDs who are in denial about benzodiazepine addiction and adverse-effects. These MDs write prescriptions without properly informing their patients.
    - UrMomReadsHN 12y ago
      Not sure if you are replying to the right comment. Effexor XR is an SNRI, not a benzo.
  - A_COMPUTER 12y ago
    For some people it is not only ineffective, it results in suicide. I was almost one of those people. I don't know if it should be illegal, but I'm just throwing that out there.
    - killface 12y ago
      that's true of nearly every anti-depressant, though. it's called suicidal ideation: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Suicidal_ideation#Prescription_drug_side_effects http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Suicidal_ideation#Prescription_...
      - hga 12y ago
        Exactly. I have a friend who took another anti-depressant in a long search for one that worked that gave her suicidal ideation, which prompted her to go off it immediately. As I explain the state of the art of these drugs to people, we know that if you poke at the brain with sticks who's ends are shaped in various ways, certain classes of effects will result. But everything beyond that is pure theory/search for a rational mechanism to e.g. explain this to people who aren't comfortable with pragmatic reality.
- cbd1984 12y ago
  It would be great if there were better ways to get the active ingredients in marijuana into people without hoping the plant has them in the right ratios, doesn't have the chemicals that cause bad side-effects, and doesn't need to be smoked (which hurts the lungs) or eaten in a fatty solution (which causes weight gain, which hurts everything else).
  - TheSisb2 12y ago
    From what I've heard "vaporizing" allows you better control consumption without any (minimal) smoke. Probably the safest and healthiest method to consume a desired amount.
    - GuiA 12y ago
      Won't speak for other potentially negative effects, but there is no smoke (not even minimal) in vaporizing, as no combustion occurs.
    - cbd1984 12y ago
      That doesn't solve the problem of getting a known dose with minimal bad chemicals.
      - killface 12y ago
        Known dose, sure. A lot of medical shops are posting independent lab measurements of all of the independent cannabinoids (most importantly: thc, cbd, cbn, cbg). So if you had a mg-accurate scale, and a bit of math, and assuming 100% uptake in a vaporizer, that's nearly a solved problem. With vaporizing the dried flowers, there is literally nothing else in there -- it's not an extract or anything where there could be latent glycols or butane or whatever. So really, the problem _is_ solved :) It's just that the threshold and effective doses for cannabis mean that mg-specific dosing really isn't that useful.
      - killface 12y ago
        Known dose, sure. A lot of medical shops are posting independent lab measurements of all of the independent cannabinoids (most importantly: thc, cbd, cbn, cbg). So if you had a mg-accurate scale, and a bit of math, and assuming 100% uptake in a vaporizer, that's nearly a solved problem. With vaporizing the dried flowers, there is literally nothing else in there -- it's not an extract or anything where there could be latent glycols or butane or whatever. So really, the problem _is_ solved :) It's just that the threshold and effective doses for cannabis mean that mg-specific dosing really isn't that useful.
- refurb 12y ago
  Honestly benzodiazepines should almost never be taken long-term for anxiety. They are fantastic drugs for short-term use, but in the long-term they tend to only make things worse. You don't have to take them for very long to have withdrawal symptoms after stopping. The effects of stopping can include crippling anxiety. Not exactly the best thing for someone having bad anxiety in the first place.
  - foobarqux 12y ago
    There is a meta-study by Kripke which concludes that even very rare use of benzos triples your likelihood of death, controlling for other factors.
    - jawngee 12y ago
      That was actually refuted by the guys Kripke cited: http://www.researchgate.net/publication/264345529_Reply_to_Evidence_for_harm_comment_on__by_Kripke__Langer http://www.researchgate.net/publication/264345529_Reply_to_E...
      - vellum 12y ago
        Full pdf here: http://www.antonpottegaard.dk/publications/letters/[l002%20-%20NOT%20FINAL]%20Letter%20-%20Reply%20to%20%27Evidence%20for%20harm,%20comment%20on...%27%20by%20Kripke%20&%20Langer.pdf http://www.antonpottegaard.dk/publications/letters/[l002%20-...
      - foobarqux 12y ago
        That's interesting, thanks. Were you already familiar with the original study?
  - hga 12y ago
    Absolutely. I myself use clonazapam (generic Klonopin) on an "as needed" basis, because you get tolerant to a particular dosage within a few weeks, and then you either increase step by step to the limits your doctor sets, or when you can mentally afford it, you wean yourself off, which is no fun at all. Good in its niche for anxiety, but not real solution. I have eventually crippling genetic anxiety and "depression of a bi-polar nature" (it's most like bipolar depression, but I never go manic unless I'm prescribed the wrong drug (which is not uncommon in general)). A low dose of the now generic Seroquel, an atypical antiphychoic, was a life saver, without it I'd only get 4 hours of sleep a night when I need 8. I also take a stiff dose of now generic Lexapro, which is laser precise in its action. It took years for me and my doctors to figure out this regimen that seems to be as good as possible unless and until an anti-anxiety wonder drug is developed.
- rhino369 12y ago
  Zoloft worked great for me with Kolonpin as a backup if I had an anxiety attack. But once Zoloft started working, I didn't have to use it. I took Zoloft for about 8 months and then weaned off and I feel back to normal. Pot and Kolonpin (and other benzos) are really only for temporary treatment. I'd recommend taking SSRIs but you have to wait for the 6 week ramp up period to see if it works. If it doesn't, you have to change SSRIs.
- foobarqux 12y ago
  Can you talk more about your experience with Effexor?
  - jawngee 12y ago
    I was on 150mg a day (worked up to that from a low dosage). After awhile, I was getting these insane headaches, like stabbed in the brain with a rusty knife type headache. Those lasted a few weeks. And then came the brain shivers. Moving my eyes, or rapidly turning my head, would cause an electric shock sensation that, from what I've read, was similar to what people having a stroke experience. Like lightning in your head. It wasn't painful like the headaches, but it was well beyond annoying, if not completely frightening. I'd sometimes lose my balance and fall over. I then made the mistake of quitting cold turkey. This was my first AD and my psychiatrist hadn't informed me of how bad an idea that was, and I was stupid for not reading the insert when taking it. After a few days of hell, I went back on it and tapered off. I understand if it is effective for a lot of people, but I certainly know I'm not alone in my experiences with it. Zoloft was much softer, but really didn't do much for me.
    - hga 12y ago
      As I like to say, cold turkey is for turkeys, but you self corrected quickly enough, and if you restarted at a lower dose then those two days of pain were not wasted. I'll sometimes trade off more pain for faster withdrawal in some stages when I wean myself off my benzodiazepam. But there's no grand insight into your experience with Effexor, besides confirming that this isn't cookie cutter science/medicine, you try different drugs out until you find the best balance between side effects and desired action. And try to keep you shit together with what turn out to be bad choices, e.g. (generic) Paxil made me hypomanic.
- throwawayokay 12y ago
  I've been on meds for about 15 years, with one year off. The last 11 years I've been on 75mg of Effexor, and it's been a miracle drug for me, with the only side effect being a mildy suppressed libido. And 75mg is a pretty low dose, less than half what is normal for treating depression. I'm not keen on being a slave to meds, so I'm currently weaning myself off 1mg a day (Effexor is notoriously bad to quit cold turkey). I did this a couple years ago and got to 30mg before I felt like I was experiencing anxious symptoms. These days I'm married, I meditate, and am all around less of a spazz. "I'm so practiced at having them, nobody standing around me is ever aware that I'm having a sudden bout of tachycardia and growing concerns that my heart is about to explode in my chest" Believe me, I recall that sensation, and I don't miss it. If I need to take meds for the rest of my life to avoid those types of experiences, so be it. When I was preoccupied with dealing with that level of anxiety, I was missing out on more than I realized.
a3voices 12y ago
I've always had lots of anxiety, and I was once in a psychiatric hospital for 2 weeks several years ago. I stopped taking meds though a while ago. I figure anxiety is just part of my life, and it's not worth fighting.
- jawngee 12y ago
  Have you done CBT?
- spammyusername 12y ago
  I am curious to hear a little more. In many senses, worry/anxiety is endemic to humans. 'What will I eat/drink to survive?' at the most basic level if you look at how we as creatures have come about. Since these needs are largely fulfilled in modern society these questions get much more idiosyncratic; that is, they are suited uniquely to our individual situations so it's hard to proceed without knowing a little more about what drives some of your feelings of anxiety.
aantix 12y ago
I had been feeling a little blue the past few months. I didn't want to take an anti-depressant (too heavy and too many side effects). I read this book : http://www.amazon.com/The-Mood-Cure-Program-Emotions-Today/dp/0142003646 http://www.amazon.com/The-Mood-Cure-Program-Emotions-Today/d... She basically advocates for the supplements 5htp and St John's Wort taken three times a day (empty stomach ideally). Her theory is that a lot of our depressive moods are due to nutritional deficiencies and that the amino acids that help with serotonin production are easily depleted (via drinking coffee, alcohol, aspartame, stresses, and lack of sleep). Nonetheless, I am feeling better, and feeling like I am making incremental improvements each week. Much less anxiety. No side effects to report (sexual, clouded brain syndrome). St John's Wort: http://examine.com/supplements/Hypericum+perforatum/ http://examine.com/supplements/Hypericum+perforatum/ 5-HTP http://examine.com/supplements/5-HTP/ http://examine.com/supplements/5-HTP/ L-Tyrosene is also advocated in the book as a motivational booster (increases dopamine). It's effects feel like a strong cup of coffee. I'm not in any way connected to this book or these supplements; just happy to share something that worked for me regarding depression and anxiety.
- aantix 12y ago
  Why the downvote?
  - derekja 12y ago
    not sure (wasn't me) but I have had very negative results with St John's wort. Definitely made my anxiety far worse when I tried it. Different responses... the fact that it had an effect is at least some indication that it's playing with the right systems.
  - sjf 12y ago
    Because you're effectively taking unregulated medicines with similar mechanisms to standard anti-depressants?
    - aantix 12y ago
      So because they could be dangerous, I shouldn't post the information? I included the links to examine.com which gives a descent meta analysis of the research behind each of them. Both of them show promising research results. Safety is never guaranteed. Certainly I don't have to spell this out for the HN audience? Do your own research. Weigh the risks. If the safety profile is to your liking, then find a trusted supplier and ramp up slowly. Stop immediately if any undesirable effects are noticed.
someone903209 12y ago
Weed (because it has no real downsides to me personally) and once-a-year DXM (for depersonalisation) were mildly effective, but the clincher has been learning about buddhism / the tao. I'm not talking about any kind of spiritual practice, but moreso a change in perspective that simply isn't expressed by anyone around me. Doing the unambiguously right thing in the best way in any circumstance with no effort or conscious thought is powerful. I started with the question "How do I talk to people correctly?" and found "right speech" and went from there. Nearly two years later I can say it's been transformational at lowering the anxiety that I once had. Automatic negative thoughts happen infrequently instead of constantly. Though, this is not setting me up to be rich and with lots of worldly possessions or friends, but I'm alright with that. edit: disappointing that all of the replies are about the first word in this post, but I kind of asked for it. Talk about whatever you want to talk about.
- DanBC 12y ago
  > Weed (because it has no real downsides) Cannabis can for some users have severe downsides. We don't necessarily know in advance which those users are. People who have a diagnosed severe mental illness are probably in that group. Thus, is someone with strong anxiety a person who should avoid cannabis because it would exacerbate their anxiety; or trigger an underlying psychosis? Or are they a person who would benefit from canabis? I am strongly in favour of legalising cannabis but I find it frustrating when people claim it has no downsides.
  - someone903209 12y ago
    I'm speaking from personal anecdotes only. The only downside to me is that it suppresses REM sleep, leading to dreamless sleep. This is kind of boring. It's also more difficult to learn something for the first time while high. Don't go to a poker game high and try to learn the game, for example. Psychosis? Not a factor for me, so I'm not attempting to say one thing about it. Extrinsically, there's all of the legal/job related annoyances in additional to dealing with losers who won't do anything without it.
    - 12y ago
0xdeadbeefbabe 12y ago
> Stoic philosophy, and audiotapes I ordered off a late-night TV infomercial. Would a stoic be happy or sad that stoic philosophy didn't work for him?
- manmal 12y ago
  He would be happy because he's thankful he isn't dead yet.
- iokevins 12y ago
  Given the milieu which gave rise to stoic philosophy, I suspect the latter.
- Kenji 12y ago
  A stoic does not judge reality like that. He acknowledges that it did not work and moves on. He need not ponder about the fact that it did not work because it cannot be changed and no thinking should be done without a purpose.
  - 0xdeadbeefbabe 12y ago
    Stoic philosophy sounds something like mindfulness or meditation [0], except for the part about "no thinking should be done without a purpose." [0] http://amzn.com/0385303122 http://amzn.com/0385303122
- jkaunisv1 12y ago
  I think he would believe he is not far along enough in his stoic practice for it to have "worked", but happy with the progress he has made so far.
A_COMPUTER 12y ago
I guess this is a good place to mention this in case anyone experiences the same thing. I naturally have terrible anxiety, but for a while I was having even more horrible anxiety attacks. I eventually figured out that taking probiotics made it happen. If you're using probiotics it might be worth a try stopping for a month and seeing what happens.
- mmastrac 12y ago
  That's bizarre, but given the amount of research lately tying gut flora and inflammation to mood and depression, unsurprising.
- autokad 12y ago
  heartburn is a trigger for panic attacks, perhaps the probiotics mitigated some indigestion you were having
Apocryphon 12y ago
I'd be curious if the author had every tried psychodynamic therapy, which has a different approach from CBT.
manmal 12y ago
I had anxiety years ago, with panic attacks whenever I was on a train for more than a few minutes. I was also constantly afraid of having contracted fatal diseases. No more. I did a lot of different probiotics (Mutaflor, some generic L-bacillus stuff, homemade kefir, Kombucha,...) in the last years, and anxiety has completely gone away. Here is some possible explanation: http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/reading-between-the-headlines/201309/gut-bacteria-transplant-new-treatment-anxiety http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/reading-between-the-head... I know such comments are often downvoted, so please drop a comment if you do, and contribute.
- monch 12y ago
  It would be great if you can provide a shopping list. I'd like to try it.
  - manmal 12y ago
    Sure! Mutaflor is quite expensive, and it has to be kept in the fridge. I ordered it in Germany, but it should be available internationally, perhaps with other brand names. It's one of the few bacterial strains that is proven to help Ulverative Colitis (http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mutaflor http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mutaflor). Homemade Kefir and Water Kefir are made by fermenting milk or sugarwater. It's a wild ferment, so it's critical that the culture you get on eBay or craigslist is in a good state. So it's advisable to have a hard look and smell at the kefir you are producing. Keeping the kefir acidic is crucial so the good strains (L-Bacilli and certain funghi) can outcrowd the strains you don't want in there. Kombucha works similarly, but I haven't used if for long. While I tried lots of things, milk and Water Kefir worked best by far. I can't remember what L-Bacilli supplements I tested, but I got the impression that they did not do as much as Mutaflor or the Kefir. But the number of bacteria in Kefir is ridiculously higher than in most supplements, so that might be the reason. Almost forgot.. I have low stomach acid, so I regularly drink (unpasteurized, unfiltered) apple cider vinegar. This might prevent "bad" strains from getting a grip, but I can only speculate.
- throwaway_217 12y ago
  Not sure if related, but my severe social anxiety started after I had a flu (as a kid, 2 weeks in bed) and was probably treated with antibiotics. I've just recently realized that there could be a connection. Haven't got rid of it. Edit: Just found this: http://www.scribd.com/doc/28819342/Experimental-Treatment-for-Social-Phobia#scribd http://www.scribd.com/doc/28819342/Experimental-Treatment-fo... I'm going to try it and report back.
deleted 12y ago
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Xcelerate 12y ago
As long as I can remember, I've always had intense social anxiety, but never generalized anxiety. In other words, interacting with people I don't know very well gives me intense anxiety, but that's about the only thing that does. I have no problem with public speaking, and I don't get anxiety when I'm by myself. Well, maybe a little bit, but not like the guy in the article. My main problem is that I obsess and overanalyze everything. For instance, I stood in the grocery aisle for half an hour trying to figure out which of two products was the better one. I ended up accessing research articles through my university's proxy service and reading them on my phone while I stood there. I started Nardil after a very weird/disturbing relationship left me in a depressed state for many months. I had never been depressed before that. But it eliminated the depression almost instantly, and greatly diminished my social anxiety. Although I'm thinking of stopping it soon because the side effects are pretty bad. I didn't notice them at first, but they've crept up and are very noticeable now. Hopefully when I stop it my ability to handle social interactions will remain now that I've had some practice with it.
autokad 12y ago
how I manage panic attacks and public speaking: public speaking: i pretend everyone in the audience is just 2 or 3 people, and that they are friends of mine. going into it isnt easy but once I get started that helps quite a bit. I teach a class so there is no avoiding public speaking, but I dont find that its much of a problem despite my dislike for it. for panic attacks, they are really something separate from the anxiety of speaking to a lot of people. so far the only thing that I have as a weapon is to try and thwart them before they start or ride out the storm by distraction - 2048 helps, it really does! after 4 years of no panic attacks I thought they were conquered, but I did have an episode, so its ongoing but managed I guess. depression: I was depressed for a long time. I was able to put an end to it by putting dark thoughts out of my mind, concentrating on good things, and not talking myself into thinking how bad things were. I consider it safely conquered. it sounds like a platitude "dont think negative things and you will get better" but its not. at first it is hard but then one day you will wake up and everything has changed. History: I get panic attacks every (so far) only on even years and so far (only between the months of may-august). i dont know why... I can have close calls outside of those time restraints but the full blown the world is ending panic attacks have only happened during those time frames. I really dont have an ability to stop them once they trigger from happening, they can happen at 4am or 3pm at work. distraction and not thinking about them seems to help the most. depression: I was depressed from 1998 to 2012. from 2010-2012 it was managed, but now I'm like a different person. I have never taken any medication for anything above.
hackaflocka 12y ago
Learn to meditate. It can cure anxiety. Source: personal experience.
- someone903209 12y ago
  Anxiety and the meditative state are, to put it simply, impossible to experience at the same time. Who is it that is anxious, when that anxious person no longer exists?
  - 0xdeadbeefbabe 12y ago
    In my experience meditation effectively reduces panic, but I'm still aware of panic. It's like holding a hot coal.
    - someone903209 12y ago
      The hot coal is in your throat, not in your hand. Do you try to swallow it, or try to spit it up?
      - 0xdeadbeefbabe 12y ago
        Swallow. "try to spit" sounds like trying escape, and I think it would intensify the anxiety. But spitting does involve letting go. Hmmm maybe I'll try it. Now what would make me anxious.
- mikejharrison 12y ago
  I second this. Mindfulness meditation is really easy to pick up and has worked a treat for me.
taterbase 12y ago
For me, the most difficult part of conquering anxiety is the physical symptoms. Stomach duress, stress, sweating, and bracing for the next wave of anxiety. These symptoms feed into each other and can set off a new attack or make an existing one worse. I've found Hope and Help for Your Nerves by Claire Weeks to be the most helpful book on dealing with the physical symptoms. Once you're able to remove or at least tame the physical aspect you can better fight the mental manifestation. This book literally changed my life and I'd recommend that you don't hesitate to check it out if you suffer from anxiety in any capacity. http://www.amazon.com/Hope-Help-Nerves-Claire-Weekes/dp/0451167228 http://www.amazon.com/Hope-Help-Nerves-Claire-Weekes/dp/0451...
applecore 12y ago
If you feel intense anxiety prior to public speaking, you should directly address your issues with public speaking, rather than resorting to self-medication.
- freedombeer 12y ago
  If have to agree with this. Deal with the issue, or stop public speaking. Enjoy your life. Unless... Perhaps there are reasons people put themselves through the anxiety processes without dealing with the situation in a coherent fashion. Especially if it involves such drastic coping mechanisms.
contingencies 12y ago
Random naturalistic option: After quitting smoking I found drinking cocoa with hot water (not milk) helped me to calm down and concentrate. Obviously if you're flipping out properly it's not gonna help, but it does appear to have a surprising effect for the tamer challenges in life. I hadn't expected or heard of any such effects, but consistently felt so much more relaxed and focused after drinking it, which piqued my interest enough to look it up. There does appear to be some nebulous positive medical review of its effects in areas like blood pressure.
gumz11 12y ago
This article is great. I have fought with social anxiety for 5 years as a result of family complications and high school drama. I have been doing talk therapy for 6 months with very positive affects on my previously negative outlook on life. I've always viewed it as a disease, but this article portrays anxiety in a new light. Maybe my ability to view the world this way enables self creativity that I never knew existed... That thought is exciting. Thanks for sharing!
mrjj 12y ago
Guys please stop looking for the reason why you are using drugs. They are just awesome thats why. Nowadays we could be honest saying that. When anything awesome comes to our life we forget about stomach aches, spine aches or mental aches and feel the drive. But drugs and medicines have not awesome side-effects. I could be very nervous on weed and stimulators and after psychedelics (we are not talking about opiates usually its one-way road). The medical fact that you could be born predisposed to be nervous or could became that after the shock. So its your body nature. And there is only two ways: 1. Be where is awesome and do something awesome. You need it more then others. 2. Radically change your metabolism, reject yourself and became a Z-Zombie. Or the grave, but you can't avoid it, so it can wait, finally there will be no nerves to be nervous anyway. And you shouldn't dramatize what's going on. Panic attack its just several bad hours and you are not physically damaged after that. I have a couple of them per week, and one a day in bad times, but you're not dying, event not physically disabled, just misbalance moment in your nervous system. Ok just as planned 56 hours per week for a sleep, 3 for a toiled, 25 for internet hangout, 10 for a meal and 5 for the panic attacks, everything just as planned. When you are resting well, eating enough you'll reduce this time. So there is even a good news) When you have a hard panic attacks with adrenaline outburst (you know, you are "really dying", but before you should run to the toilet like sprinter) that's a bright moments, and you have couple bright days after them, just because its not happening with you now. Everyone wants a bright life, right? You've got a little for free, some kind of death and resurrection cycle) Brotherhood of anxious guys and girls are just a part of big picture, there is a epilepsy, head traumas and other ns diseases and we are not holding even the bronze medal. Want another good thing? Hypochondria, i really killing my physician with it. How dare you to say that i have no cancer! Lets check again! Two MRI per week is too much? Not too much for the such ill person, im sure that bastard is hiding somewhere between spine and lungs. My heart is ok?! I'll go to the other physician! You said something about spot on pancreas? Oh, that spot will kill me in a year for sure. (why did they asked me how long i didn't fart?). But my real hope is a inborn cyst "without diagnostic meaning" it's a real black horse, when i feel the headache i know that there is no brain left, only cyst with a liquid and alchohol inside, ready to explode. Hypochondria helps us to visit physician in a time, discover early problems and prevent them, so, statistically, we are more bulletproof that guys which seen a doctor once a life and suddenly dying from the stroke just before 50 anniversary. But there was a real killing thing in my life. One day i haven't sleep because i was anxious, guy from my work said something wrong (or i thought that he thought something wrong, i don't remember clearly). Then i feel strange smell, i sniffed and decided that there is a fire in my flat. So i raised a panic of the highest probe and evacuated my family. There was a real fire downstairs and all flat became filled with acrid fumes after 5 minutes. So my anxiety save me and my family, and we are in very good relations after this accident.

80 points by gabrielhn 12y ago

I can relate to this. I took klonopin for 10+ years, just recently weaned myself off of it (six months and counting). My first panic attack happened about two weeks after 9/11 on the F train. Top 3 most terrifying moments of my life. I did CBT, talk therapy, all kinds of anti-depressant medications (the worst being Effexor XR, that shit should be illegal) until finding klonopin to be the most effective. Marijuana was helpful too, though it had its moments of making things worse, but for the most part A+++ rating, would smoke again. My anxiety manifested itself in some pretty severe panic attacks, extreme hypochondria and some pretty intense derealization. I miss the derealization though, but it took awhile for me to appreciate it instead of fearing it. The hypochondria I don't miss at all. The panic attacks still happen from time to time (mostly when the lights in the room suddenly change) but I'm so used to them now they don't really phase me. And I'm so practiced at having them, nobody standing around me is ever aware that I'm having a sudden bout of tachycardia and growing concerns that my heart is about to explode in my chest. I noticed the klonopin was making me kind of a zombie, putting a mega-kabosh on the creative output, so I decided to taper my way to freedom. The first two weeks without it were pretty painful, but now it's relatively smooth sailing. I'm not sure what happened that I got to this point now. I did move to a foreign country (Vietnam) so I'm sure the slower pace has had something to do with it, despite how much I've grown to dislike living here. As for what caused it, all of my therapists think I have PTSD from my high school days (I was in a pretty violent anti-racist skinhead group back in the day), but I personally think it has to do with all the MDMA I chewed in the post-skinhead rave days. I guess I'll never know.

hvs 12y ago
Effexor XR was very helpful for both myself and family members. Just because something doesn't work for you doesn't mean it should be "illegal".
- kirsebaer 12y ago
  MDs should warn patients about long-term benzo use. These drugs are only approved for a few weeks of use. I have talked with many MDs who are in denial about benzodiazepine addiction and adverse-effects. These MDs write prescriptions without properly informing their patients.
  - UrMomReadsHN 12y ago
    Not sure if you are replying to the right comment. Effexor XR is an SNRI, not a benzo.
- A_COMPUTER 12y ago
  For some people it is not only ineffective, it results in suicide. I was almost one of those people. I don't know if it should be illegal, but I'm just throwing that out there.
  - killface 12y ago
    that's true of nearly every anti-depressant, though. it's called suicidal ideation: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Suicidal_ideation#Prescription_drug_side_effects http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Suicidal_ideation#Prescription_...
    - hga 12y ago
      Exactly. I have a friend who took another anti-depressant in a long search for one that worked that gave her suicidal ideation, which prompted her to go off it immediately. As I explain the state of the art of these drugs to people, we know that if you poke at the brain with sticks who's ends are shaped in various ways, certain classes of effects will result. But everything beyond that is pure theory/search for a rational mechanism to e.g. explain this to people who aren't comfortable with pragmatic reality.
cbd1984 12y ago
It would be great if there were better ways to get the active ingredients in marijuana into people without hoping the plant has them in the right ratios, doesn't have the chemicals that cause bad side-effects, and doesn't need to be smoked (which hurts the lungs) or eaten in a fatty solution (which causes weight gain, which hurts everything else).
- TheSisb2 12y ago
  From what I've heard "vaporizing" allows you better control consumption without any (minimal) smoke. Probably the safest and healthiest method to consume a desired amount.
  - GuiA 12y ago
    Won't speak for other potentially negative effects, but there is no smoke (not even minimal) in vaporizing, as no combustion occurs.
  - cbd1984 12y ago
    That doesn't solve the problem of getting a known dose with minimal bad chemicals.
    - killface 12y ago
      Known dose, sure. A lot of medical shops are posting independent lab measurements of all of the independent cannabinoids (most importantly: thc, cbd, cbn, cbg). So if you had a mg-accurate scale, and a bit of math, and assuming 100% uptake in a vaporizer, that's nearly a solved problem. With vaporizing the dried flowers, there is literally nothing else in there -- it's not an extract or anything where there could be latent glycols or butane or whatever. So really, the problem _is_ solved :) It's just that the threshold and effective doses for cannabis mean that mg-specific dosing really isn't that useful.
    - killface 12y ago
      Known dose, sure. A lot of medical shops are posting independent lab measurements of all of the independent cannabinoids (most importantly: thc, cbd, cbn, cbg). So if you had a mg-accurate scale, and a bit of math, and assuming 100% uptake in a vaporizer, that's nearly a solved problem. With vaporizing the dried flowers, there is literally nothing else in there -- it's not an extract or anything where there could be latent glycols or butane or whatever. So really, the problem _is_ solved :) It's just that the threshold and effective doses for cannabis mean that mg-specific dosing really isn't that useful.
refurb 12y ago
Honestly benzodiazepines should almost never be taken long-term for anxiety. They are fantastic drugs for short-term use, but in the long-term they tend to only make things worse. You don't have to take them for very long to have withdrawal symptoms after stopping. The effects of stopping can include crippling anxiety. Not exactly the best thing for someone having bad anxiety in the first place.
- foobarqux 12y ago
  There is a meta-study by Kripke which concludes that even very rare use of benzos triples your likelihood of death, controlling for other factors.
  - jawngee 12y ago
    That was actually refuted by the guys Kripke cited: http://www.researchgate.net/publication/264345529_Reply_to_Evidence_for_harm_comment_on__by_Kripke__Langer http://www.researchgate.net/publication/264345529_Reply_to_E...
    - vellum 12y ago
      Full pdf here: http://www.antonpottegaard.dk/publications/letters/[l002%20-%20NOT%20FINAL]%20Letter%20-%20Reply%20to%20%27Evidence%20for%20harm,%20comment%20on...%27%20by%20Kripke%20&%20Langer.pdf http://www.antonpottegaard.dk/publications/letters/[l002%20-...
    - foobarqux 12y ago
      That's interesting, thanks. Were you already familiar with the original study?
- hga 12y ago
  Absolutely. I myself use clonazapam (generic Klonopin) on an "as needed" basis, because you get tolerant to a particular dosage within a few weeks, and then you either increase step by step to the limits your doctor sets, or when you can mentally afford it, you wean yourself off, which is no fun at all. Good in its niche for anxiety, but not real solution. I have eventually crippling genetic anxiety and "depression of a bi-polar nature" (it's most like bipolar depression, but I never go manic unless I'm prescribed the wrong drug (which is not uncommon in general)). A low dose of the now generic Seroquel, an atypical antiphychoic, was a life saver, without it I'd only get 4 hours of sleep a night when I need 8. I also take a stiff dose of now generic Lexapro, which is laser precise in its action. It took years for me and my doctors to figure out this regimen that seems to be as good as possible unless and until an anti-anxiety wonder drug is developed.
rhino369 12y ago
Zoloft worked great for me with Kolonpin as a backup if I had an anxiety attack. But once Zoloft started working, I didn't have to use it. I took Zoloft for about 8 months and then weaned off and I feel back to normal. Pot and Kolonpin (and other benzos) are really only for temporary treatment. I'd recommend taking SSRIs but you have to wait for the 6 week ramp up period to see if it works. If it doesn't, you have to change SSRIs.
foobarqux 12y ago
Can you talk more about your experience with Effexor?
- jawngee 12y ago
  I was on 150mg a day (worked up to that from a low dosage). After awhile, I was getting these insane headaches, like stabbed in the brain with a rusty knife type headache. Those lasted a few weeks. And then came the brain shivers. Moving my eyes, or rapidly turning my head, would cause an electric shock sensation that, from what I've read, was similar to what people having a stroke experience. Like lightning in your head. It wasn't painful like the headaches, but it was well beyond annoying, if not completely frightening. I'd sometimes lose my balance and fall over. I then made the mistake of quitting cold turkey. This was my first AD and my psychiatrist hadn't informed me of how bad an idea that was, and I was stupid for not reading the insert when taking it. After a few days of hell, I went back on it and tapered off. I understand if it is effective for a lot of people, but I certainly know I'm not alone in my experiences with it. Zoloft was much softer, but really didn't do much for me.
  - hga 12y ago
    As I like to say, cold turkey is for turkeys, but you self corrected quickly enough, and if you restarted at a lower dose then those two days of pain were not wasted. I'll sometimes trade off more pain for faster withdrawal in some stages when I wean myself off my benzodiazepam. But there's no grand insight into your experience with Effexor, besides confirming that this isn't cookie cutter science/medicine, you try different drugs out until you find the best balance between side effects and desired action. And try to keep you shit together with what turn out to be bad choices, e.g. (generic) Paxil made me hypomanic.
throwawayokay 12y ago
I've been on meds for about 15 years, with one year off. The last 11 years I've been on 75mg of Effexor, and it's been a miracle drug for me, with the only side effect being a mildy suppressed libido. And 75mg is a pretty low dose, less than half what is normal for treating depression. I'm not keen on being a slave to meds, so I'm currently weaning myself off 1mg a day (Effexor is notoriously bad to quit cold turkey). I did this a couple years ago and got to 30mg before I felt like I was experiencing anxious symptoms. These days I'm married, I meditate, and am all around less of a spazz. "I'm so practiced at having them, nobody standing around me is ever aware that I'm having a sudden bout of tachycardia and growing concerns that my heart is about to explode in my chest" Believe me, I recall that sensation, and I don't miss it. If I need to take meds for the rest of my life to avoid those types of experiences, so be it. When I was preoccupied with dealing with that level of anxiety, I was missing out on more than I realized.

a3voices 12y ago

I've always had lots of anxiety, and I was once in a psychiatric hospital for 2 weeks several years ago. I stopped taking meds though a while ago. I figure anxiety is just part of my life, and it's not worth fighting.

jawngee 12y ago
Have you done CBT?
spammyusername 12y ago
I am curious to hear a little more. In many senses, worry/anxiety is endemic to humans. 'What will I eat/drink to survive?' at the most basic level if you look at how we as creatures have come about. Since these needs are largely fulfilled in modern society these questions get much more idiosyncratic; that is, they are suited uniquely to our individual situations so it's hard to proceed without knowing a little more about what drives some of your feelings of anxiety.

aantix 12y ago

I had been feeling a little blue the past few months. I didn't want to take an anti-depressant (too heavy and too many side effects). I read this book : http://www.amazon.com/The-Mood-Cure-Program-Emotions-Today/dp/0142003646 http://www.amazon.com/The-Mood-Cure-Program-Emotions-Today/d... She basically advocates for the supplements 5htp and St John's Wort taken three times a day (empty stomach ideally). Her theory is that a lot of our depressive moods are due to nutritional deficiencies and that the amino acids that help with serotonin production are easily depleted (via drinking coffee, alcohol, aspartame, stresses, and lack of sleep). Nonetheless, I am feeling better, and feeling like I am making incremental improvements each week. Much less anxiety. No side effects to report (sexual, clouded brain syndrome). St John's Wort: http://examine.com/supplements/Hypericum+perforatum/ http://examine.com/supplements/Hypericum+perforatum/ 5-HTP http://examine.com/supplements/5-HTP/ http://examine.com/supplements/5-HTP/ L-Tyrosene is also advocated in the book as a motivational booster (increases dopamine). It's effects feel like a strong cup of coffee. I'm not in any way connected to this book or these supplements; just happy to share something that worked for me regarding depression and anxiety.

aantix 12y ago
Why the downvote?
- derekja 12y ago
  not sure (wasn't me) but I have had very negative results with St John's wort. Definitely made my anxiety far worse when I tried it. Different responses... the fact that it had an effect is at least some indication that it's playing with the right systems.
- sjf 12y ago
  Because you're effectively taking unregulated medicines with similar mechanisms to standard anti-depressants?
  - aantix 12y ago
    So because they could be dangerous, I shouldn't post the information? I included the links to examine.com which gives a descent meta analysis of the research behind each of them. Both of them show promising research results. Safety is never guaranteed. Certainly I don't have to spell this out for the HN audience? Do your own research. Weigh the risks. If the safety profile is to your liking, then find a trusted supplier and ramp up slowly. Stop immediately if any undesirable effects are noticed.

someone903209 12y ago

Weed (because it has no real downsides to me personally) and once-a-year DXM (for depersonalisation) were mildly effective, but the clincher has been learning about buddhism / the tao. I'm not talking about any kind of spiritual practice, but moreso a change in perspective that simply isn't expressed by anyone around me. Doing the unambiguously right thing in the best way in any circumstance with no effort or conscious thought is powerful. I started with the question "How do I talk to people correctly?" and found "right speech" and went from there. Nearly two years later I can say it's been transformational at lowering the anxiety that I once had. Automatic negative thoughts happen infrequently instead of constantly. Though, this is not setting me up to be rich and with lots of worldly possessions or friends, but I'm alright with that. edit: disappointing that all of the replies are about the first word in this post, but I kind of asked for it. Talk about whatever you want to talk about.

DanBC 12y ago
> Weed (because it has no real downsides) Cannabis can for some users have severe downsides. We don't necessarily know in advance which those users are. People who have a diagnosed severe mental illness are probably in that group. Thus, is someone with strong anxiety a person who should avoid cannabis because it would exacerbate their anxiety; or trigger an underlying psychosis? Or are they a person who would benefit from canabis? I am strongly in favour of legalising cannabis but I find it frustrating when people claim it has no downsides.
- someone903209 12y ago
  I'm speaking from personal anecdotes only. The only downside to me is that it suppresses REM sleep, leading to dreamless sleep. This is kind of boring. It's also more difficult to learn something for the first time while high. Don't go to a poker game high and try to learn the game, for example. Psychosis? Not a factor for me, so I'm not attempting to say one thing about it. Extrinsically, there's all of the legal/job related annoyances in additional to dealing with losers who won't do anything without it.
  - 12y ago

0xdeadbeefbabe 12y ago

> Stoic philosophy, and audiotapes I ordered off a late-night TV infomercial. Would a stoic be happy or sad that stoic philosophy didn't work for him?

manmal 12y ago
He would be happy because he's thankful he isn't dead yet.
iokevins 12y ago
Given the milieu which gave rise to stoic philosophy, I suspect the latter.
Kenji 12y ago
A stoic does not judge reality like that. He acknowledges that it did not work and moves on. He need not ponder about the fact that it did not work because it cannot be changed and no thinking should be done without a purpose.
- 0xdeadbeefbabe 12y ago
  Stoic philosophy sounds something like mindfulness or meditation [0], except for the part about "no thinking should be done without a purpose." [0] http://amzn.com/0385303122 http://amzn.com/0385303122
jkaunisv1 12y ago
I think he would believe he is not far along enough in his stoic practice for it to have "worked", but happy with the progress he has made so far.

A_COMPUTER 12y ago

I guess this is a good place to mention this in case anyone experiences the same thing. I naturally have terrible anxiety, but for a while I was having even more horrible anxiety attacks. I eventually figured out that taking probiotics made it happen. If you're using probiotics it might be worth a try stopping for a month and seeing what happens.

mmastrac 12y ago
That's bizarre, but given the amount of research lately tying gut flora and inflammation to mood and depression, unsurprising.
autokad 12y ago
heartburn is a trigger for panic attacks, perhaps the probiotics mitigated some indigestion you were having

Apocryphon 12y ago

I'd be curious if the author had every tried psychodynamic therapy, which has a different approach from CBT.

manmal 12y ago

I had anxiety years ago, with panic attacks whenever I was on a train for more than a few minutes. I was also constantly afraid of having contracted fatal diseases. No more. I did a lot of different probiotics (Mutaflor, some generic L-bacillus stuff, homemade kefir, Kombucha,...) in the last years, and anxiety has completely gone away. Here is some possible explanation: http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/reading-between-the-headlines/201309/gut-bacteria-transplant-new-treatment-anxiety http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/reading-between-the-head... I know such comments are often downvoted, so please drop a comment if you do, and contribute.

monch 12y ago
It would be great if you can provide a shopping list. I'd like to try it.
- manmal 12y ago
  Sure! Mutaflor is quite expensive, and it has to be kept in the fridge. I ordered it in Germany, but it should be available internationally, perhaps with other brand names. It's one of the few bacterial strains that is proven to help Ulverative Colitis (http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mutaflor http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mutaflor). Homemade Kefir and Water Kefir are made by fermenting milk or sugarwater. It's a wild ferment, so it's critical that the culture you get on eBay or craigslist is in a good state. So it's advisable to have a hard look and smell at the kefir you are producing. Keeping the kefir acidic is crucial so the good strains (L-Bacilli and certain funghi) can outcrowd the strains you don't want in there. Kombucha works similarly, but I haven't used if for long. While I tried lots of things, milk and Water Kefir worked best by far. I can't remember what L-Bacilli supplements I tested, but I got the impression that they did not do as much as Mutaflor or the Kefir. But the number of bacteria in Kefir is ridiculously higher than in most supplements, so that might be the reason. Almost forgot.. I have low stomach acid, so I regularly drink (unpasteurized, unfiltered) apple cider vinegar. This might prevent "bad" strains from getting a grip, but I can only speculate.
throwaway_217 12y ago
Not sure if related, but my severe social anxiety started after I had a flu (as a kid, 2 weeks in bed) and was probably treated with antibiotics. I've just recently realized that there could be a connection. Haven't got rid of it. Edit: Just found this: http://www.scribd.com/doc/28819342/Experimental-Treatment-for-Social-Phobia#scribd http://www.scribd.com/doc/28819342/Experimental-Treatment-fo... I'm going to try it and report back.

deleted 12y ago

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Xcelerate 12y ago

As long as I can remember, I've always had intense social anxiety, but never generalized anxiety. In other words, interacting with people I don't know very well gives me intense anxiety, but that's about the only thing that does. I have no problem with public speaking, and I don't get anxiety when I'm by myself. Well, maybe a little bit, but not like the guy in the article. My main problem is that I obsess and overanalyze everything. For instance, I stood in the grocery aisle for half an hour trying to figure out which of two products was the better one. I ended up accessing research articles through my university's proxy service and reading them on my phone while I stood there. I started Nardil after a very weird/disturbing relationship left me in a depressed state for many months. I had never been depressed before that. But it eliminated the depression almost instantly, and greatly diminished my social anxiety. Although I'm thinking of stopping it soon because the side effects are pretty bad. I didn't notice them at first, but they've crept up and are very noticeable now. Hopefully when I stop it my ability to handle social interactions will remain now that I've had some practice with it.

autokad 12y ago

how I manage panic attacks and public speaking: public speaking: i pretend everyone in the audience is just 2 or 3 people, and that they are friends of mine. going into it isnt easy but once I get started that helps quite a bit. I teach a class so there is no avoiding public speaking, but I dont find that its much of a problem despite my dislike for it. for panic attacks, they are really something separate from the anxiety of speaking to a lot of people. so far the only thing that I have as a weapon is to try and thwart them before they start or ride out the storm by distraction - 2048 helps, it really does! after 4 years of no panic attacks I thought they were conquered, but I did have an episode, so its ongoing but managed I guess. depression: I was depressed for a long time. I was able to put an end to it by putting dark thoughts out of my mind, concentrating on good things, and not talking myself into thinking how bad things were. I consider it safely conquered. it sounds like a platitude "dont think negative things and you will get better" but its not. at first it is hard but then one day you will wake up and everything has changed. History: I get panic attacks every (so far) only on even years and so far (only between the months of may-august). i dont know why... I can have close calls outside of those time restraints but the full blown the world is ending panic attacks have only happened during those time frames. I really dont have an ability to stop them once they trigger from happening, they can happen at 4am or 3pm at work. distraction and not thinking about them seems to help the most. depression: I was depressed from 1998 to 2012. from 2010-2012 it was managed, but now I'm like a different person. I have never taken any medication for anything above.

hackaflocka 12y ago

Learn to meditate. It can cure anxiety. Source: personal experience.

someone903209 12y ago
Anxiety and the meditative state are, to put it simply, impossible to experience at the same time. Who is it that is anxious, when that anxious person no longer exists?
- 0xdeadbeefbabe 12y ago
  In my experience meditation effectively reduces panic, but I'm still aware of panic. It's like holding a hot coal.
  - someone903209 12y ago
    The hot coal is in your throat, not in your hand. Do you try to swallow it, or try to spit it up?
    - 0xdeadbeefbabe 12y ago
      Swallow. "try to spit" sounds like trying escape, and I think it would intensify the anxiety. But spitting does involve letting go. Hmmm maybe I'll try it. Now what would make me anxious.
mikejharrison 12y ago
I second this. Mindfulness meditation is really easy to pick up and has worked a treat for me.

taterbase 12y ago

For me, the most difficult part of conquering anxiety is the physical symptoms. Stomach duress, stress, sweating, and bracing for the next wave of anxiety. These symptoms feed into each other and can set off a new attack or make an existing one worse. I've found Hope and Help for Your Nerves by Claire Weeks to be the most helpful book on dealing with the physical symptoms. Once you're able to remove or at least tame the physical aspect you can better fight the mental manifestation. This book literally changed my life and I'd recommend that you don't hesitate to check it out if you suffer from anxiety in any capacity. http://www.amazon.com/Hope-Help-Nerves-Claire-Weekes/dp/0451167228 http://www.amazon.com/Hope-Help-Nerves-Claire-Weekes/dp/0451...

applecore 12y ago

If you feel intense anxiety prior to public speaking, you should directly address your issues with public speaking, rather than resorting to self-medication.

freedombeer 12y ago
If have to agree with this. Deal with the issue, or stop public speaking. Enjoy your life. Unless... Perhaps there are reasons people put themselves through the anxiety processes without dealing with the situation in a coherent fashion. Especially if it involves such drastic coping mechanisms.

contingencies 12y ago

Random naturalistic option: After quitting smoking I found drinking cocoa with hot water (not milk) helped me to calm down and concentrate. Obviously if you're flipping out properly it's not gonna help, but it does appear to have a surprising effect for the tamer challenges in life. I hadn't expected or heard of any such effects, but consistently felt so much more relaxed and focused after drinking it, which piqued my interest enough to look it up. There does appear to be some nebulous positive medical review of its effects in areas like blood pressure.

gumz11 12y ago

This article is great. I have fought with social anxiety for 5 years as a result of family complications and high school drama. I have been doing talk therapy for 6 months with very positive affects on my previously negative outlook on life. I've always viewed it as a disease, but this article portrays anxiety in a new light. Maybe my ability to view the world this way enables self creativity that I never knew existed... That thought is exciting. Thanks for sharing!

mrjj 12y ago

Guys please stop looking for the reason why you are using drugs. They are just awesome thats why. Nowadays we could be honest saying that. When anything awesome comes to our life we forget about stomach aches, spine aches or mental aches and feel the drive. But drugs and medicines have not awesome side-effects. I could be very nervous on weed and stimulators and after psychedelics (we are not talking about opiates usually its one-way road). The medical fact that you could be born predisposed to be nervous or could became that after the shock. So its your body nature. And there is only two ways: 1. Be where is awesome and do something awesome. You need it more then others. 2. Radically change your metabolism, reject yourself and became a Z-Zombie. Or the grave, but you can't avoid it, so it can wait, finally there will be no nerves to be nervous anyway. And you shouldn't dramatize what's going on. Panic attack its just several bad hours and you are not physically damaged after that. I have a couple of them per week, and one a day in bad times, but you're not dying, event not physically disabled, just misbalance moment in your nervous system. Ok just as planned 56 hours per week for a sleep, 3 for a toiled, 25 for internet hangout, 10 for a meal and 5 for the panic attacks, everything just as planned. When you are resting well, eating enough you'll reduce this time. So there is even a good news) When you have a hard panic attacks with adrenaline outburst (you know, you are "really dying", but before you should run to the toilet like sprinter) that's a bright moments, and you have couple bright days after them, just because its not happening with you now. Everyone wants a bright life, right? You've got a little for free, some kind of death and resurrection cycle) Brotherhood of anxious guys and girls are just a part of big picture, there is a epilepsy, head traumas and other ns diseases and we are not holding even the bronze medal. Want another good thing? Hypochondria, i really killing my physician with it. How dare you to say that i have no cancer! Lets check again! Two MRI per week is too much? Not too much for the such ill person, im sure that bastard is hiding somewhere between spine and lungs. My heart is ok?! I'll go to the other physician! You said something about spot on pancreas? Oh, that spot will kill me in a year for sure. (why did they asked me how long i didn't fart?). But my real hope is a inborn cyst "without diagnostic meaning" it's a real black horse, when i feel the headache i know that there is no brain left, only cyst with a liquid and alchohol inside, ready to explode. Hypochondria helps us to visit physician in a time, discover early problems and prevent them, so, statistically, we are more bulletproof that guys which seen a doctor once a life and suddenly dying from the stroke just before 50 anniversary. But there was a real killing thing in my life. One day i haven't sleep because i was anxious, guy from my work said something wrong (or i thought that he thought something wrong, i don't remember clearly). Then i feel strange smell, i sniffed and decided that there is a fire in my flat. So i raised a panic of the highest probe and evacuated my family. There was a real fire downstairs and all flat became filled with acrid fumes after 5 minutes. So my anxiety save me and my family, and we are in very good relations after this accident.