Why is life worth living?

[MugNight]

I’d love to hear anyone’s experience with this. A close family member of mine would like to try this.

Psilocybin is being decriminalized in Colorado. You can’t sell it, but you can possess it. I’m 85% sure it won’t show up on an employee drug test.

You can eat stems and caps. You can make a tea. You can microdose in a pill form.

There are hundreds of strains and types. Some are body high. Some are more visual.

Some people grow their own from brown rice. Reddit has a whole page about the “Uncle Ben’s” method.

There are studies that say even one dose can reduce anxiety. It’s not a magic bullet. I uh hear good things though.

 

[State2015]

Thanks for bringing this topic up as I believe it’s something that’s a lot more common than people realize. Especially in the more “macho” world of sports fandom, it can be tough to let a guard down and be vulnerable.

Anxiety has been creeping up on me slowly ever since I left college and started working in the real world. It’s a resolution of mine to begin therapy this year! Some of the things that keep my mind at ease after work is over are exercising/running and video games. For me it’s great to have those as an outlet to keep my brain occupied on other things. I’ve found that taking a cbd/thc edible about an hour before bed really helps me wind down and get a full nights sleep

 

[cyclone13]

I sometimes wonder if when people try to help their condition by doing the big trip if it actually just makes it worse or negates since they also had to spend a bunch of money, go through stressful situations like flying etc. and really only getting a quick break from their situations.

As opposed to making it a daily routine of doing something that helps within the space that's easy to obtain despite what else is going on.

The problem with doing those big stuffs is they are not always doable. Most people (including me) can’t go on big trips all the time or spend big all the time. That’s unrealistic.

That’s why seeing and finding happiness in small things is realistic and will help a lot. It changes perspectives too that there are SO MUCH beauty in this life regardless of the cr.p going on in our lives

 

[dmclone]

I'm fortunate not to have any of these issues but it's a good reminder to take it easy on co-workers who may be experiencing these types of issues. I just met a remote worker for the first time last month and quickly realized that he had a lot of issues being around other people. I never noticed this in the previous year of working with him remotely, I just assumed he was quiet, which is pretty normal in my field of work. The challenging thing is I feel like I should say something but probably not and I don't know what that would be.

 

[BCClone]

I'm fortunate not to have any of these issues but it's a good reminder to take it easy on co-workers who may be experiencing these types of issues. I just met a remote worker for the first time last month and quickly realized that he had a lot of issues being around other people. I never noticed this in the previous year of working with him remotely, I just assumed he was quiet, which is pretty normal in my field of work.

This is where WFH can be good and bad. Some people may feel more at ease at home, whereas some may only get that social interaction from the office place and can dive into depression at home.

 

[Cloneon]

I know this may not be popular and I can only speak for myself. But, my environment and what I surround myself with played the biggest role in my ability to cope. As the most significant example, I was thrown into a situation where I, basically, had to give up my cell phone (I now live in a cell free area due to specific scientific research in the area). At first, I had legitimate 'withdrawals'. But about 2 weeks into it, I started to see the world around me in a much simpler form; a much less problematic form. I started to 'converse' with people again. I'd obtain the local news by recognizing a passerby in the car and stop to chat. I started to see the smiles on other people which helped me restore my confidence. I started to breath. And my mountain habitat was the perfect world to learn how to appreciate what God/Mother Nature/Luck gave us. We feed our deer family. We tend to our small hobby farm. I appreciate waking up.

 

[carvers4math]

I have had PTSD and the accompanying anxiety for 41 years. Many nights I don’t sleep because I can’t handle the dreams. I believe it is a contributing factor in my inability to keep weight on.

It was better when my kids were around because they added a sense of security. And it has improved since my husband works at home full time now.

My dog is a huge help to me. Nature helps me but I could never go for a walk by myself. I need my dog for a sense of security. Pretty sure the previous dog saved me from another assault during the lockdown when more people were out walking. A guy asking me too many intrusive questions. The usually gentle dog growled and bared his teeth at him, no doubt sensing my fear. And caring for my dog seems to distract my mind.

I volunteer at shelters for battered women and victims of sexual assault. At first I thought it would just add to how often I relive my assault and increase my anxiety. Instead, it gives me a sense of empowerment to try and help other women regain their lives in the hope that they don’t spend decades reliving their own nightmares. Somehow it makes me feel less a victim and more of a full person. Perhaps by sharing your experiences here, you are helping others as well as yourself.

 

[isufbcurt]

Don't believe you without evidence.

It's a family friendly site otherwise I would put forth evidence in all shapes and sizes

 

[madguy30]

The problem with doing those big stuffs is they are not always doable. Most people (including me) can’t go on big trips all the time or spend big all the time. That’s unrealistic.

That’s why seeing and finding happiness in small things is realistic and will help a lot. It changes perspectives too that there are SO MUCH beauty in this life regardless of the cr.p going on in our lives

That's basically what I'm alluding to. Big trips are either unattainable or require a big committment and don't have longevity.

As opposed to exercise or time outside or something else someone can control that doesn't require a rigid process.

 

[nrg4isu]

That's basically what I'm alluding to. Big trips are either unattainable or require a big commitment and don't have longevity.

As opposed to exercise or time outside or something else someone can control that doesn't require a rigid process.

I now take antidepressants for anxiety. I now believe that I "self medicated" or at the very least "self managed" via exercise and routine for years. I used to be an avid cyclist and triathlete, even going so far as to do an Ironman in 2014. The routine of exercise (and maybe its inherent benefits) kept my anxiety manageable. It wasn't until I had kids, and a lack of routine that I realized I had some real problems with anxiety.

I'm fully on board that big trips/vacations don't really help. They can I suppose, if they too have "structure"... meaning you fall into some sort of routine. But being spontaneous does not help my anxiety at all.

 

[intrepid27]

I didn't want to start a new thread because this topic would turn into a Fran Bash but Patrick McCaffery is taking a break from the team to deal with anxiety. first kudos to him for not trying to say this is something else. Secondly, If you were prone to anxiety, that is probably not the ideal house to grow up in.

https://apnews.com/article/sports-iowa-city-patrick-mccaffery-fran-d2c4f238ad3b51210fd44057af09769c

 

[BWRhasnoAC]

I’d love to hear anyone’s experience with this. A close family member of mine would like to try this.

They're fantastic.

 

[NoCreativity]

One thing I would like to add about jobs.

A few years ago I was staying at home full time with our baby and working a part-time job shuttling people around from a car dealership.

I cant even begin to tell you how many people I took to their corporate jobs who would start asking me how I got the job and if I liked it. About 99% of them would continue on with how "they would love to have a job like this that's fun with low stress".

I'm not really sure what point I'm trying to make, but i guess from personal experience most people would prefer not to get caught up in the corporate rat race but alot of times it's just the way it is.

 

[JustAnotherTimeline]

I began to develop severe anxiety and panic attacks back in 2015 following the traumatic discovery of finding my wife in our shower/tub covered in blood having a grand mal seizure. She was 38 weeks pregnant with our third child. I remember waiting for the ambulance while she continued to seize thinking I was going to lose my wife and my best friend. Thankfully, that dire outcome never came to fruition and she gave birth to a healthy girl some days later. However, she was diagnosed with epilepsy.

During the time I worked in a very high stress job that I was secretly unable to mentally handle. My wife could no longer drive her car for at least the next 6 months, and now I spent every waking moment worried she would have another seizure and I wouldn't be there for her. I forgot to mention before that had I not been there that morning she would have died. When she fell in the tub/shower her foot hit the drain and water was rising rapidly. She would have drown.

So I started having nocturnal panic attacks. It got so bad that I would have one every time I fell asleep. So, then I couldn't fall asleep. I began to experience constant anxiety symptoms almost 24/7 like racing heartbeat, palpitations, gastro, etc. I would do weird $hit like have to open our oven before going to bed and wave my hand in it exactly 3 times to ensure our house didn't burn down. I have rubbed many wounds into my own skin thinking I felt a tumor beneath.

Anyways, there is some hope present day. I have been on various meds and also CBT therapy. I found CBT quite helpful. Also, the most important thing I did was change my circumstance. I quit my job and took one 2 miles from my house that paid quite a bit less. However, there is almost zero stress, I work just 4 days, and I love who I work with. Best decision I ever made for my anxiety. I created the mental space that I needed and removed much of the stress I couldn't handle. This allowed me to get treatment for my actual issues.

I am still on meds, and get therapy from time to time. But, I am generally happy, optimistic, and grateful. But of course, anxiety and OCD still haunt me.

Don't lose hope. I am so sorry to hear about the pain detailed in this thread.

 

[BWRhasnoAC]

One thing I would like to add about jobs.

A few years ago I was staying at home full time with our baby and working a part-time job shuttling people around from a car dealership.

I cant even begin to tell you how many people I took to their corporate jobs who would start asking me how I got the job and if I liked it. About 99% of them would continue on with how "they would love to have a job like this that's fun with low stress".

I'm not really sure what point I'm trying to make, but i guess from personal experience most people would prefer not to get caught up in the corporate rat race but alot of times it's just the way it is.

We let it be like this. We don't demand change from politicians. When we do we don't force consequences.

 

[Clonefan32]

I've been dealing with anxiety for pretty much my entire adult life. Sometimes it's easily manageable, sometimes it isn't as much. My wife tries very, very hard to be understanding, but she's a very carefree individual who honestly believes everything just works itself out. She could not be wired any more differently than me, and I'd like to think that's part of the reason we work well together. It's been difficult to explain to her how something seemingly simple or basic can serve as a trigger and cause a shift in my mood. It's also hard for her to understand why I dwell on things and struggle to move on.

It's just a really hard thing to peg. Most days I'm fine, some days I'm not, and it's almost impossible to anticipate what can cause an onset of anxiety.

I've also done some research into Imposter Syndrome and I think that's a very, very real thing in my life.

 

[clonebb]

Don't believe you without evidence.

Pictures or not true.

 

[cymac2408]

I thank all of you who shared your stories. I have never experienced anything like all of you but it did hit me pretty hard and my heart goes out to all of you.

My defense mechanism to handle stressful situations has always been with humor or attempts at humor. I have never had it analyzed or figured out why I do this.

I wish all of you that are having hard times, anxiety and anything else one simple thing. Peace. I take it for granted but hearing your stories I wish it for all of you.

 

[KnappShack]

Having kids as an older guy has triggered some "interesting" thoughts. Seems my mind has now decided that I need to tackle my death head on and play back life events at random that aren't that great.

Anyone ever get a ******* disturbing or maybe really ******* clear comment from somewhere that makes you just stop?

Mind said clear as day - "You can't escape this". "I wish I was never born so I wouldn't have to die"

Stuff like that. Life events have ****** me up recently. Physical activity is the only thing that seems to help

 

[BCClone]

Having kids as an older guy has triggered some "interesting" thoughts. Seems my mind has now decided that I need to tackle my death head on and play back life events at random that aren't that great.

Anyone ever get a ******* disturbing or maybe really ******* clear comment from somewhere that makes you just stop?

Mind said clear as day - "You can't escape this". "I wish I was never born so I wouldn't have to die"

Stuff like that. Life events have ****** me up recently. Physical activity is the only thing that seems to help

There are times that I look at what I'm doing and trying to build up and think I would love to be able to see what happens during the my kids full life and maybe grandkids to see if what I'm doing is worth the effort or not. It would be much easier to just not worry about doing what I'm doing and just semi-retire and life easy street.