Comfort from anxiety?

[E.B]

I've touched on this before. Does anyone ever almost get a comfort feeling from anxiety? I know it sounds insane but i could swear that sometimes i get a comfort, the only thing i can think of is that it brings relief when you realize you are ok, but that may not be at.

I've even almost longed/or felt comforting feeling for the time when my anxiety was terrible. Thinking of when I would go out for a walk or prepare to watch TV during those times...strange.

Anyone else?

 

[bin_tenn]

I would feel a sense of euphoria following a few days of panic attacks or other periods heightened / severe anxiety. I do believe that does come from finally realizing we're well. But as far as feeling comfort from anxiety itself, I don't think so.

 

[Gooze17]

I would feel a sense of euphoria following a few days of panic attacks or other periods heightened / severe anxiety. I do believe that does come from finally realizing we're well. But as far as feeling comfort from anxiety itself, I don't think so.

Hey bin how long would your periods last? I know everyone’s different but I’m curious. I’m in a 2 week multiple daily panic attack constant high anxiety thing. It’s been just wonderful

 

[MATD]

I can understand what you are saying and relate, it’s not strange in the least. Anxiety is like an old friend, comfortable and safe. I’d also like to share my recovery experience with you. Right now I feel comfortable and safe, calm and relaxed. This after a period of anxiety and intense rumination. It probably won’t last long, I don’t expect it to right now, but I’ll take it while it lasts and I know there will be more. It feels good, nothing pressuring me in my mind, no tension like I normally have in my body.

 

[bin_tenn]

Hey bin how long would your periods last? I know everyone’s different but I’m curious. I’m in a 2 week multiple daily panic attack constant high anxiety thing. It’s been just wonderful

There is no real answer, no pattern, at least for me. Sometimes it would last a couple days, other times weeks or even months.

 

[Gooze17]

There is no real answer, no pattern, at least for me. Sometimes it would last a couple days, other times weeks or even months.

I don’t think I’ve ever said this. But you spend a good amount of time on here talking to and helping others, you’re a hell of a guy and thank you for being here to help so many people so often

 

[Corey05]

I can understand what you are saying and relate, it’s not strange in the least. Anxiety is like an old friend, comfortable and safe. I’d also like to share my recovery experience with you. Right now I feel comfortable and safe, calm and relaxed. This after a period of anxiety and intense rumination. It probably won’t last long, I don’t expect it to right now, but I’ll take it while it lasts and I know there will be more. It feels good, nothing pressuring me in my mind, no tension like I normally have in my body.

I have the same thing as mentioned above. I too am having one of those euphoric days, even though I too know that it likely won't last too long. Tomorrow could look totally different if I get even the smallest trigger that sets off my anxiety.

 

[MATD]

I have the same thing as mentioned above. I too am having one of those euphoric days, even though I too know that it likely won't last too long. Tomorrow could look totally different if I get even the smallest trigger that sets off my anxiety.

To be clear, I can’t describe my feeling as euphoric, the definition of which is intense excitement or happiness. My experience is one of calm, quiet, relaxed.

 

[bin_tenn]

I don’t think I’ve ever said this. But you spend a good amount of time on here talking to and helping others, you’re a hell of a guy and thank you for being here to help so many people so often

Some folks like to disappear once they've found their path through their darkest days. I like to stick around and pay back all the debt I inevitably owe for everyone who's helped me. And I just generally care about people and love helping.

If it weren't for absolutely loving what I do, and having what seems to be a natural inclination for it (software engineering), I'm positive I'd be in a health field - mental or physical medicine. Although, I do work for a healthcare company - just in IT.

 

[Jonathan123]

Oh yes!! And a big thank you for all you guys on here for devoting your time and effort into answering posts. It's all about fellowship with fellow sufferers and compassion and understanding. Two very vital virtues.

As for there being comfort in anxiety, strangely, that can happen. I posted yesterday about depression like being in a prison with an open door. We are comfortable inside so why go out into a cruel world. All chronically anxious people are sensitive. This world is no place for sensitive people. So we get tired of it all and anxiety can set in. But when we begin to feel better, even if only a little bit, it will feel strange, and almost want ourselves to go back being anxious. It's all about taking the rough with the smooth.
Whatever happens, and I do mean whatever, take it all with calm acceptance. No one would ever says it's easy. But given the will it can be done.

 

[LotusTree]

I know that for me when I am feeling anxious, my head tells me that the anxiety is putting off bad things from happening, that I am in control. But underneath it all, my almost buried intellect knows that this not true.

 

[Amw311]

It’s interesting.
I agree in some ways but also don’t. I’ve got a story that relates to this somewhat.

I remember during a period of intense panic several years ago, I had my husband take me to the ER for probably the second time that particular year. I was an anxious mess; shaking, crying, basically hyperventilating in the waiting room and in the ER room. I was in such a horrible state. The doctors ran dozens of tests and did ultrasounds etc etc. They ended up telling me all was okay. As my husband and I were walking out of the hospital (he remembers to this day) I was singing my favorite songs and basically skipping and dancing to the car. A mere hour prior I was convinced I was nearing death or at very least, a death sentence via terminal illness diagnosis. And suddenly I was happy as a clam as if nothing even happened. Bizarre and pretty sick honestly.
As far as being in that deep state of panic — absolutely do NOT enjoy it in the slightest, nor do I find comfort in it. Perhaps the feeling of contentment upon finding out you are okay is something we subconsciously crave. Who knows. I hate my anxiety though, I truly do.

 

[Jonathan123]

It’s interesting.
I agree in some ways but also don’t. I’ve got a story that relates to this somewhat.

I remember during a period of intense panic several years ago, I had my husband take me to the ER for probably the second time that particular year. I was an anxious mess; shaking, crying, basically hyperventilating in the waiting room and in the ER room. I was in such a horrible state. The doctors ran dozens of tests and did ultrasounds etc etc. They ended up telling me all was okay. As my husband and I were walking out of the hospital (he remembers to this day) I was singing my favorite songs and basically skipping and dancing to the car. A mere hour prior I was convinced I was nearing death or at very least, a death sentence via terminal illness diagnosis. And suddenly I was happy as a clam as if nothing even happened. Bizarre and pretty sick honestly.
As far as being in that deep state of panic — absolutely do NOT enjoy it in the slightest, nor do I find comfort in it. Perhaps the feeling of contentment upon finding out you are okay is something we subconsciously crave. Who knows. I hate my anxiety though, I truly do.

We can go from feeling happy to being downright miserable in minutes. Anxiety is like that. We may be at a party and having a good time when WHAM! 'IT' hits us. Something may have triggered it. A sight, sound or even a smell. The secret still lies in acceptance. Keep going with what you are doing. Do not retreat or vacillate before it. It always passes if we don't add fear to fear. Trying to put out a fire with a bucket of petrol is not a good idea. Adding fear to fear is like that.

 

[MATD]

I’ve experienced many instances of what is described as anxiety being comfortable and safe. I guess I should have shared this earlier? On the road to recovery, before I learned about acceptance, I still struggled hard, but I had small periods where I thought I was thinking better. I thought I had rounded the corner to recovery. Then thoughts and images came to mind about what recovery was like left me feeling very vulnerable and fearful. Just the thought and feeling of being what I perceived to be vulnerable sent me scurrying back to my safe haven of anxiety. I was glad to pull that blanket back around me for safety. What I didn’t understand at the time was that those thoughts and feelings were still the bluff of anxiety. I still feel the need to scurry back from time to time, where I perceive it to be safe, where I don’t have to put myself out there and be exposed and vulnerable. But now I know it’s just the bluff of anxiety and I can do my best to call the bluff for what it is, my mind is still trying to protect me from perceived threats. It sure isn’t easy either, but I’m determined to stick with it.

 

[E.B]

Thank you for all the input. Very much appreciated. I am a very nostalgic person in nature and wonder if that has something to do with it as well...

 

[Jason75]

I've touched on this before. Does anyone ever almost get a comfort feeling from anxiety? I know it sounds insane but i could swear that sometimes i get a comfort, the only thing i can think of is that it brings relief when you realize you are ok, but that may not be at.

I've even almost longed/or felt comforting feeling for the time when my anxiety was terrible. Thinking of when I would go out for a walk or prepare to watch TV during those times...strange.

Anyone else?

No . It is there everyday 24/7 besides when I sleep, which is the only relief I get.

 

[SB2017]

It’s interesting.
I agree in some ways but also don’t. I’ve got a story that relates to this somewhat.

I remember during a period of intense panic several years ago, I had my husband take me to the ER for probably the second time that particular year. I was an anxious mess; shaking, crying, basically hyperventilating in the waiting room and in the ER room. I was in such a horrible state. The doctors ran dozens of tests and did ultrasounds etc etc. They ended up telling me all was okay. As my husband and I were walking out of the hospital (he remembers to this day) I was singing my favorite songs and basically skipping and dancing to the car. A mere hour prior I was convinced I was nearing death or at very least, a death sentence via terminal illness diagnosis. And suddenly I was happy as a clam as if nothing even happened. Bizarre and pretty sick honestly.
As far as being in that deep state of panic — absolutely do NOT enjoy it in the slightest, nor do I find comfort in it. Perhaps the feeling of contentment upon finding out you are okay is something we subconsciously crave. Who knows. I hate my anxiety though, I truly do.

This is me. To a T!!

 

[derrickmyles]

I've touched on this before. Does anyone ever almost get a comfort feeling from anxiety? I know it sounds insane but i could swear that sometimes i get a comfort, the only thing i can think of is that it brings relief when you realize you are ok, but that may not be at.

I've even almost longed/or felt comforting feeling for the time when my anxiety was terrible. Thinking of when I would go out for a walk or prepare to watch TV during those times...strange.

Anyone else?

Well, to be honest sometimes it felt good to have anxiety, staying far away from the social things and surroundings. But on a serious note, it is a serious mental illness, It should be get treated even at the early stage. And yes it can be treated through counseling and combination methods ( medicine + counseling). But researches have shown the best treatment method to get rid of anxiety is counselling. I also took counseling sessions and it helped to overcome my problem and trust me it worked well for me.
I also follow these steps to make some positive changes in my life
Control Your Breath.
Try Exercise or Continuous Muscle Relaxation.
Prepare yourself/ acceptance of your health issues to move forward.
Start Slow.
Take Focus On You.
Speak Back to Negative Thoughts in a positive way.