Please read. Need help.

[the_raven_1313]

Hi guys. I have a major problem but I don’t know if this is the right place to post this, so if it isn’t, my apologies. I have had acute anxiety for just over a year now and it is so bad that I have not been able to venture outside my home for a year now as any time I try I end up having a major panic attack. Recently I read an article in a magazine that stated that Aikido could be good for people that suffer from anxiety, though the article didn’t mention the severity of anxiety that it can help. As you can tell with what I said about my level of anxiety, it is quite severe. What I am wanting to know is, is this article accurate when it states that Aikido can help anxiety sufferers and if so is there anybody here that can give me any hints of tips on what I could do to help my situation? I am very sorry for going on a little but I have tried various things to help my situation and I basically don’t know what else I can do. Can some one please help? Many thanks.

 

[DRAGONKING]

Probably many martial arts could help you, as long as you find a good dojo with a capable instructor. Aikido is a trully remarkable art which has much to offer anyone who seeks its rewards. You would need to find a good sensei, local to where you live, as the only way to learn Aikido fully is to practice on the mat with others training in the Way of Harmony. In my experience, most dojo`s are friendly, welcoming places, with good people in them. I wish you every success and happiness in whatever you seek, my friend.

Regards,
DragonKing.

 

[DRAGONKING]

Probably many martial arts could help you, as long as you find a good dojo with a capable instructor. Aikido is a trully remarkable art which has much to offer anyone who seeks its rewards. You would need to find a good sensei, local to where you live, as the only way to learn Aikido fully is to practice on the mat with others training in the Way of Harmony. Aikido dojo`s are generally very welcoming to new or would be students and in my own experience, I have found most contain friendly, good people. I wish you every success and happiness in whatever you seek, my friend.

Regards,
DragonKing.

 

[matt.m]

I agree, it all comes down to the school. The training environment makes all the difference in the world that is for sure. In my Tae Kwon Do class we have a student that has anxiety, working forms along with the basic punching techniques helps him to relax.

I also agree that most schools are welcome and inviting areas. If they are not then do not go there. I also train Hapkido at my school as well. So the best answer I can give as well is to just start. That is how you begin your journey.

 

[the_raven_1313]

Thanks for the info guys but unfortunately, like I said in my post my anxiety is so bad that I haven't even been able to leave the house for just over a year. That is how bad it is. Every time that I try I end up freaking out and having major panic attacks. That is why I asked if anybody could give me some hints or tips on anything that I could try. I would be really grateful for any help or ideas.

 

[jhogan]

Thanks for the info guys but unfortunately, like I said in my post my anxiety is so bad that I haven't even been able to leave the house for just over a year. That is how bad it is. Every time that I try I end up freaking out and having major panic attacks. That is why I asked if anybody could give me some hints or tips on anything that I could try. I would be really grateful for any help or ideas.

1 - AIKIDO may or may not help in the end. But be aware that to get to that point you first have to deal with going to a dojo, outside, actually working with a partner or more, with touching, in very close quarters. Are you in a position to do that immediately?

2 - I would contact professional help to deal with your problem; not going out in over a yr is something that requires someone who knows what they are doing rather than strangers on a web board.

 

[shihonage]

Hi guys. I have a major problem but I don’t know if this is the right place to post this, so if it isn’t, my apologies. I have had acute anxiety for just over a year now and it is so bad that I have not been able to venture outside my home for a year now as any time I try I end up having a major panic attack. Recently I read an article in a magazine that stated that Aikido could be good for people that suffer from anxiety, though the article didn’t mention the severity of anxiety that it can help. As you can tell with what I said about my level of anxiety, it is quite severe. What I am wanting to know is, is this article accurate when it states that Aikido can help anxiety sufferers and if so is there anybody here that can give me any hints of tips on what I could do to help my situation? I am very sorry for going on a little but I have tried various things to help my situation and I basically don’t know what else I can do. Can some one please help? Many thanks.

I had severe social anxiety many years ago, Aikido did help me over the years. Not quite as bad as yours, but mine was 90% there, I'd say. I did get out of the house, but only when required, and it was always hard/painful work.

In the beginning, expect things to be overwhelming. Too much stuff, too many people, mats, etc. However, most Aikido dojos are friendly toward newcomers. So, give it three months, by then you should start feeling used to it.

 

[squire]

take one step at a time - any kind of exercise is good for anxiety, low self-esteem, depression and the like. try start off with a wee bit of walking, swimming or gentle exercise, and as you get into it, and your confidence grows, tackle something a little more adventurous then! good luck

 

[Aikilove]

I would say, like Jhogan, that you really should seek out professional help if possible. The problem, as you probably are well aware of, is that it is a down going spiral. You really need to find a way to break the spiral fast.

Be honest with yourself. Do you want to break out of the spiral?
When you decide that you indeed do, and only then (no point before), start to take action. In baby steps!

In any of the steps, if it's too much just go back, but try again very soon (dont fall back to the spiral).

Just go outside your door. Then stand there for a minute.

Walk around the house. Take deep breath (try using your belly not your shoulders to breath with.

In the beginning it's all about breaking out of the spiral, not to actually do anything. By walking around your house then back, you are taking control of your life in a safe way. It also loosens the boundraries of your house as the only safe place.

Remember to relax shoulders and to breath calmly and naturaly (again try using your belly).

Next if you have anyone you trust, have this person come over and repeat the first steps with them at your side. This step should reverse the sense that interaction with other people is only safe inside of the house.

Try to spend longer and longer time outside your house (but close to it in the beginning). Again if possible have someone spend time with you outside the house.

Try closing your eyes (for prolonged time) while outside, building up a sence of security in yourself and your surrounding without having to actually see it.

Be creative. Anything you can figure out to do actively reversing the spiral have the sole purpose of keeping you active and aware of your problem.

Realize the seriousness of this problem and that for long time forward you will have to actively find things to do that reverse the spiral.

Don't feel comfortable in any step and stay there. You will need to find new steps to walk for a long time. Aikido might be one such step, but only after many others have been taken.

I'm no professional in this field, but these are generaly accepted measures to take to reverse similar spirals.

You have to be the one to take the steps. No one else can do it for you.

Good luck.

/J

 

[the_raven_1313]

Thank you all for your advice and encouragement and also to you Aikilove for the detailed advice. I will try those things and hopefully they will help me. Many thanks.