Thank you Douglas for being dedicated to helping people like this. You definitely deserve more views and subscribers for what you do. You have really helped me through hard times in my life.
Thank you for your kind words. You might want to tune into my live video Q&A chat tomorrow, November 1 at 11 am Pacific Time. Just go to my RUclips channel home page at that time.
I have been living with horrible anxiety for about 6.5 years, and I gotta say, exercise has been an answer to my prayers. I work out almost every night now and I have noticed my anxiety is almost gone. I was so confused when my anxiety didn't act up especially since my anxiety is like clockwork. I couldn't even drive without having panic attacks or getting dizzy and now I feel the anxiety rising and then it goes down almost immediately. It's the strangest thing but I know exercise is the key to keeping my anxiety away. I can think more clearer and my body feels stronger. So weird that exercise was the answer all along.
Eat healthily, keep yourself hydrated, sleep in complete darkness at night, and exercise even for atleast 30 minutes every day, that's the key to be anxiety/depression-free for me. I used to have horrible racing thoughts before sleeping, I'd be worried about everything 24/7, my heart would be racing all day, had no motivation to do anything, was angry and sad all day . It is so much easier to heal once your body is healthy and not messing up with your thoughts
This is exactly how I am. And when I try and do things that I'm nervous about, I always mess up because my anxiety gets so bad I start to shake and panic, always end up messing up! 😖
@bangtanbangtan8338 Mate you described my list of my biggest issue ever since 2018 due to stress and bottled-up emotions, I maybe should be exercising as much as I can even if I did not want to it should help plus I am aware but I am like stuck in a cage, I pray this day and night it will help my severe depression and anxiety 😭🙏
Hi Doug. I love this video. I had crippling panic and Agoraphobia for 10 years and I started to run out of pure desperation. The first few days I couldn't even run around my neighborhood I was too fearful of going far from home fearing heart attack etc. Anyways I kept going I knew I had to keep going I adopted a mindset of " i don't care if I die on a run I'm done with this anxiety and panic " I ran almost every single day for 5 months in the 4th month I ran the Dublin half marathon. Incredible. And the 5th month I took a plane journey to see my girlfriend in Paris France. Running changed my life. I ran into panic and my Agoraphobic zones. And I lost my fear of panic. I'm so grateful beyond words I am recovered 3 years now 🙂💪🏾👍🏾
Thats a wonderful story. Might you be interested in appearing on my Back From the Brink video series where people share how they overcame depression or anxiety?
@@DouglasBloch hi Doug. I'm just returning to this comment to say I'm still extremely interested in taking part in your back from the brink series. Hope to hear back from you 🙏🏽
I'm suffering from anxiety disorder from 3 years... Taking medication... And now when I was running I loosing my mental stability...can u plz tell me Wat is my problem....
@@abdullahasif1889 Lifting weights doesn't trigger my anxiety since the time spent lifting is so little and the 1m to 1m30s rest inbetween keeps the heart rate low. Cardio screws me up bad and I have anxiety attack for 2 to 5 hours after even power-walking for 30 minutes. It all really depends on the individual. Cardio is good for some, bad for others. Lifting is good for some, bad for others.
Walking always helps me relieve my stress and symptoms..but it is temporary and limited. I Needed to examine and correct core beliefs given to me as a child from religious indoctrination. I had a very hard life because of it..but now I can be proud that I made it Through it and I plan to make up for it!
It really does work. Even if you are a smoker or don't consider yourself fit. Aerobic style exercises and streching works better than any pill I ever took.
The second half of this video is exceptionally worded. I’m a psychiatric RN and this is extremely beneficial as it makes sense using large muscles to trick your brain into fleeing the threat. Bless you for helping people. Your struggles and experience are helping so very many
Thanks Michelle. It's a good service you are providing. Have you seen a copy of my book Healing from Depression? I think that it might be a helpful tool for your patients. Here is a link. www.amazon.com/gp/product/0892541555/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_bibl_vppi_i2
I've been out for 2 walks today but I can't walk from long due to an accident that left me with a disability. However getting out in the fresh air and walking at my own pace is still exercise. I'm just taking things one hour at a time as that is all I can deal with at the moment and that's ok. Nothing worse than putting too much pressure on myself. I am my own worst critic, but today has been a good day and I've managed to achieve everything on my to do list. I'm proud of myself today.
Nice work. It's good that you are getting fresh air. I lived in Scotland during the summer of 1982 and loved it. But I left in September before the winter set in.
Exercising can absolutely help anxiety. Absolutely. I love it. My therapist didn't even suggest it. I just did it myself one day because you all know how it is. You get so anxious you don't know what to do with yourself. You just have to go and run like a maniac. Now I'm trying to make running into a routine , first thing in the morning. Wonders.
One night last week I was feeling anxious all day At night I decided to sit outside early evening and decided to water my lawn I felt brilliant and relaxed afterwards
I'm currently experiencing a severe relapse of anxiety and depersonalization. The first time I ever had a panic attack, it was attributed to poor lifestyle choices, including inadequate exercise and diet. The most challenging aspect for me right now is maintaining persistence and willpower. As you so eloquently describe in this video, I am fully aware that exercise is beneficial for me. I've experienced complete recovery in the past, but my struggle lies in maintaining consistency. It's evident that exercise positively impacts my mental well-being, and I've even achieved complete recovery before. The issue arises when, during those moments of recovery, I neglect to sustain my exercise routine. Consequently, I find myself in relapses like the current one. On day three of this relapse, the challenge is real, but I am pushing through. The endorphin rush after a workout, run, or bike ride is truly amazing. I've felt about 90% better already in these past few days, albeit temporarily. I understand that the healing process is not instantaneous, and it's difficult to stay committed during setbacks. Despite the slipbacks, I've been finding solace in the knowledge that 'this too will pass.' Your videos serve as a beacon of motivation for me, and I appreciate your words of encouragement. Thank you for being a source of inspiration during challenging times.
Had 2 ER visits in the last few weeks. Totally new to panic attacks as of this year. I’m 30 and former military (meaning I’m in okay physical shape and have added some extra padding since getting out at 24 lol) YES. Work it out!!! I work my butt off. I even took a night job so I could sleep in and work out before my ‘day’ starts. Life is great now
Exercise absolutely helps. Anxiety seems to be some kind of excess energy, very different from depression. Exercise helped me against depression, but it's way more effective against anxiety in my experience.
You hit the proverbial nail on the head Douglas! The only thing to aid me in my depression and anxiety is walking fast with my wee dog, Mollie and my other dogs who sadly passed away a few months ago. Dealing with the major loss of my furry babies has left me heartbroken, despondent and at my lowest. I walk my emotional pain away each morning and would highly recommend some form of exercise to all. Warmest regards from a chilly Scotland 😉
I hope that you still have Molly to walk with. Look forward to your participating in the next live chat on Wednesday at 11 am Pacific Coast Time. (7 pm Scotland time, I believe).
Walking fast is the only thing that works for me. If I exercise I go into absolute meltdown a few hours later. I have tried regular exercise and it just leads to regular loss of mind , regular panick attacks and regular emotional distress I turn into a crybaby lol only briefly but over nothing and for no purpose. Have you had experiences like this? I have also become a hermit I find it impossible to socialize have a relationship and hard to not overreact to everything they diagnosed me with gad and paranoia but I feel the paranoia is a subsidiary of gad just very intense fight or flight I am waiting on cognitive therapy but I was diagnosed incorrectly for at least 17 years.
Overwhelmed with anxiety and feeling gutted... so I can't even move or muster up the strength to do any exercise....yes I also have restlessness and agitated. But I know I must aim to resume my exercise routine. Soon. Exercise is lifesaving I'm sure 🐺🌞🐈
Great video Douglas , started doing 2 hours walks a day. I actually had an endorphin rush late on in the walk. Swimming does help too, but i think walking in nature is unbeatable . The sun helps a lot. Today is a great feeling day
Thank you so much for confirming what I thought was the answer to my severe anxiety. I have started exercising & already noticing a difference. Still early stages. Will keep you posted on how I go 👍
This gives me hope to listen to, I used to be VERY active before 2020 with zero panic attacks and after the pandemic started, my anxiety went 📈 and I have panic attacks on the daily, not racing heart ones but dissociating ones and I’ve been terrified to exercise, even walking to my mail box I’ve been terrified, I’m a firm believer in diet and exercise but there’s just this mental wall up that’s making me scared to even try to exercise
I think if you saw a good counselor you would be able to get over your fear and get back into exercise. When we can’t overcome our problems alone it’s best to call in the help of one or more people
I was just diagnosed with anxiety and PTSD. I just came across this video, and everything you have said makes so much sense to me. Exercising has helped tremendously!! Thank you!
This has been my experience too!! I have GAD and panic disorder as well. I was on Lexapro and Klonopin PRN since 2020. That is also when I started running “for my life” as you said. 3 years and a half marathon later, I got cleared to start tapering down. It has been 2 weeks since I started and in that time frame I can feel my anxiety getting trapped in my body throughout the day, then at 5pm when I get moving- my heart rate goes up and at first it’s a very uncomfortable feeling as my body feels like it’s getting MORE anxious, then POOF about halfway through and on the cool down, it all melts away and I am calm and perfectly relaxed throughout the evening.
Yes!!! It works!! The hard part is getting started, lacing up my shoes... getting out the door & down the street. But when I do. Huge difference!!! It’s natural Prozac!
it's so hard to just get going. Once an avid exerciser, have now become so stuck and sedentary. Miss the way my body looked and felt but am having trouble pinpointing my "why". Seems I don't feel enough and just so exhausted from stressors out of own control. Thank you for altruism.
Thank you. YES, exercise really works. I've had daily severe anxiety for over 45 years [now 65]. I hadn't done any exercise for 3 years because of health, family dramas etc. [Just the time when I SHOULD have exercised, but didn't have the physical or mental 'get-up-and-go']. I could barely take a shower, much less prepare a meal! Three days ago, I went for a walk. I set 'some' goals. If I can get up this small hill - that will do for today. Then, when I reached the top, it was down hill to the Marina - that will do for today. Then I just kept walking [albeit slow]. I walked 6 km. When I got home I thought I would be exhausted, BUT felt so good [and pleased with myself!], I did some basic chores, that I had felt too immobilized to do previously. Brisk walking had worked for me before, so now I'll gradually build up to a brisk pace, with some heavy breathing and [obviously] some sweat! Pat, Australia. [And also smoke and drink!]
Thank you so much for this video. I have been suffering from anxiety and panic attacks for about 3-4 years now off and on....what i just realized now is that i havent been on a regular exercise program for around 5 years now ...this made me go WOW! that could be one of the reasons! thank you
i started swimming this morning and i have been very calm since then...I will do my best to implement exercise on a daily basis. It's funny bc i used to always be very active and then i just stopped..I eat very well but maybe the exercise portion is what i am lacking ...i tend to have lots of energy
Literally sat and stared at my Ativan medication.. good 10ms in and told my self... Just run outside for a while... (I sprinted because my lil bro ran away with my keys yesterday and I chased him down and let me tell you I felt amazing in that short sprint.) So I'm using that small basis on a bigger scale and sticking to a workout regimen... Primarily walk/jog
When I was in college I would take a long walk every afternoon. It was always beneficial, giving me a safe way to deal with over-anxious feelings. Later in life I found out that many others were.feeling on edge much of the time. The difference was that they would drink alcohol or smoke weed.
thank you kind sir... i was scared of exercising after tons of atacks for months, my teacher told me it helped to exercise to release toxins from our body, but thanks for reassuring us of how to follow up on that shitty disease, i gained a lot of weight from that but now i'll go back to exercising, thanks
And it heals depression too, I can assure you it alleviates depression symptoms by a great extent, at least it worked for me, I was running 20-30 mn everyday, although it takes time, you will see results after a few weeks. Plus it restores your self-confidence and hope. Running and sophrology/relaxation saved me. Antidepressants gave me mild HPPD condition, I couldn't take them, for the best I think. Unfortunately I had a pneumothorax 2 weeks ago, I fear my lung collapses again because it can happen, but I can't run anymore for at least 3 months, time to apply Douglas tips and work on negative/intrusive thoughts...
Thank you, Douglas. Great video, and your calm demeanor is perfect for your audience. You mentioned you dealt with depression in the past. You are the type of person I like to hear feedback from. A lot of doctors only know about depression and anxiety through what they read in a book. They kind of get it, but they also don't.
Yes, I have dealt with depression many times and have had a number of depressive episodes, some of which were quite serious. So you can say that I know about depression through being in the trenches.
I have had very bad anxiety attacks, depression, and some unwanted suicidal thoughts and exercise practically reversed it all. I felt even cocky in social situations. Unfortunately I worked out 1+ hr a day 6 days a week and it lead to some muscle strains and I havent exercised since and my anxiety has gone right downhill will my weight too
I just watched your RUclips, so awesome. Thank you . Just having this shakes inside of my body not outside, is inside. And makes me anxiety nervousness bad. D Middle of the night were driving just to calm me down. I do not know what’s going on inside of me, blood tests are good. But feeling off. Feels squeeze my whole being. I have been doing exercises for last 10yr after this covid I stopped .. then this is what I get , struggling mostly night time. Hope I can hear from you . God speed.
I hope you can find a good therapist to work with who specializes in anxiety and maybe even see a sleep doctor. There is a way that you can experience healing
@@DouglasBloch thank you so much for quick reply. Your so good. I may find here but for time being Financially not pretty good for now. I continually walking daily, and started my daily exercise, eat good food lessen meat and surrendering to God. God speed.
Weight lifting recently saved me, i'll do it to exhaustion every day if i have to. I feel high as a kite afterwards because the anxiety is gone. Makes me want to cry lol.
I have been having my anxiety come back after several years. During those years i would bike walk and weight lift. Didn’t have any anxiety really. Well this last year my anxiety has been very bad and I haven’t been doing any working out. Well the couple of weeks I have been waking up with my heart racing and feeling very nervous. Well this morning I woke up my heart starting thumping out of my chest because I felt so nervous, I almost called an ambulance. Instead my wife suggested we go for a walk before that. I went on a 30 min walk and now I am sitting her completely calm and feel better. Please just exercise even just a nice brisk walk just do it. Find the time I think it will save your life. I am at this point going to get back into working out I’m done over working and over worrying.
I feel like exercise has helped me more than anything else, even if you just walk for an hour a day. I spent my entire life exercising, then covid came, I quit, I ate crummy, I drank nightly, and smoked cigs off and on. Last two years my body has been a mess, chronic stress achey all over, waves of unwell, anhedonia, anxiety, hate it. Cutting down the drinks at night, stopping the cigs, eating better, and exercise help big time, but if you do enough exercise in a day to stress your body enough, it truly helps more than anything. I've not had a cig for a couple weeks, that helped with depression as well.
Back years ago my first anxiety attack occurred due to drug use. I immediately stopped, but it became so bad I wanted to die. Meds pulled me out of SI, but a daily walking routine is what actually fixed the issue. I didn't have an anxiety attack for three years until my depression became that bad again through other reasons, and then I stopped walking/lifting, and ate like crap, gained a bunch of weight and was back in the same problem.. anxiety attacks daily. It makes me feel as if we're not meant to be sedentary like that at all, and if we do so, our brain goes a little haywire.
Totally agree douglas i practice yoga this form of movement does make me feel less anxious i go on long walks i also am a constuction worker to everyone with these probs like myself move always moove. Cliff australia. Thanks again doug
You’re welcome. We are in Australia do you live? Have you ever been on one of my live chats? Would you be you interested in learning about my long-distance mental health coaching program?
Here is the link to my program. Please let me know if you have any questions. It would be good to work with you. healingfromdepression.com/mental-health-coaching/
I'm stuck in fight for flight mode. I try running but one of the symptoms is I can't breathe properly. I can't get a full breath of air in and it's scary.
Years ago when anxiety first sprouted up I was an ultra hypochondriac with my heart. Take a small, slow-paced or decent-paced walk, even if it's only .25 miles. The next day do the same. Then start building up in increments to a mile. Take a day off or two per week at that point. Then start walking multiple miles in a day. Then months into this routine, you can start to try adding weight to your walks (backpack etc.), or just walking faster. You'll notice a considerable difference in how you feel.
Since our rational brain is offline when we are in fight or flight....the best thing is not to let our mind take over, keep the anxiety alarm in your body and it needs to stay there....Deep breaths for a few minutes and then exercise. These are my new coping mechanisms when I feel stressed- deep breathing, exercise, acknowledging that my body has an alarm and saying thank you for alarming me but my life is not in danger, I'm ok and I am safe. This is uncomfortable but it will pass.
ive been trying to work out to cure my anxiety but after i end up feeling super light headed, weak and even more anxious than before. i’m afraid it’s a heath problem but i’ve been to the doctor quite a few times and they tell me it’s just anxiety. they said exercise would help but i feel worse than before
If I may add to this , I had this problem too. I found not exercising vigorously at first is much better for people with anxiety. Heart palpitations and raised bp which are a normal part of exercise very closely mimic anxiety and can be scary for some people. I found easing in and working my way up to be much better. Yoga, walking , gardening ...calming yet active things tend to work best. I am able to run now without getting that anxious likeheaded feeling. But its took several months of calm exercise to get there. Just my experience. Thought it might help!
Hello Mr. Bloch. The issue is, when anxious, the thought of my heart rate going up scares me. If I start walking briskly I actually get more nervous, because I become more aware of my heart rate going up. I just find it hard to not be nervous doing cardio when I know that will make my heart rate go up. I'm at the point I'm nervous to go to sleep because I've woken up a few times in the past month with my heart rate between 150-70. I do some breathing exercises and can usually make it come down after 10 minutes. But I then feel nervous and anxious for much of that day. Anyways I'm just trying to figure out how I can convince myself to "go outside and run" when I feel nervous making my heart rate go up on purpose. Keep in mind 2 important facts: Up until a couple months ago, I was actively playing in year round tennis leagues plus pick up ice hockey twice a week. Also, I went through my 20's (I'm 40) with occasional racing heart issues, always thought something was wrong with me. All heart tests for decades came back negative. Finally in 2012 I was diagnosed with SVT (because my racing heart actually lasted long enough they caught it at the ER). The moment I found out there WAS something wrong, my anxiety went down as I had my answer for the racing heart. Had an ablation later 2012, and had no issues up until a month ago when I woke up with my heart going around 150. So at this point, I've been going through heart tests to find out if a) my SVT is back which can happen if the same or new "short circuit" extra nerve forms, or b) Have I literally developed an anxiety disorder. ** With this said, because of the SVT I also get nervous exercising :( Sorry for this long message but I wanted to paint a picture.
320hp I wish more people would have shared with you as your story came very close to home to my own. Up until February of this year I was a fairly happy, healthy, and easy going person. In February however, out of the blue I had my first server panic attack at age 30. I didn’t know I was having a panic attack, in fact, I thought it was a heart attack due to the symptoms being the same. I went to the ER and was diagnosed with heart palpitations. That was is. They didnt mentioned panic attacks, anxiety or anything. So this just left me more anxious until I had another panic attack 3 days later with the same symptoms. The second ER visit diagnosed me with GAD and panic disorder due to my constant state of worry. I’m assuming my stress and worries finally caught up with me to the point my body stepped in. Since all this started, things have gotten better, but like you, I worry about exercising because the thought of getting my heart rate alarms me. Sometimes randomly my heart rate just runs wild and I have to calm myself down (usually ending with me feeling very fatigued). I have noticed though, when I go for walks I do feel great afterward. I think what I’m going to do is continue my walks and over time keep building myself up to jogs and ultimately running. Hope to hear back from you and see how your situation has changed since you left this comment! Hope things have improved for you!
I know how you feel about exercising and sleeping issues. I had an exercise-induced SVT a very long time ago. I have anxiety disorder with panic attacks. Fortunately, the SVT disappeared itself a very long time ago and I still have no problem with exercise now, but I am still battling against the ongoing anxiety, especially jaw clenching and intense restlessness. Anxiety is really disgusting.
You are welcome. I also wanted to let you know about a crowdfunding site that I have started to help me fund my videos and websites. Please feel no obligation to contribute, but if you would like to take a look, here is the website. www.patreon.com/douglasbloch
Thank you Douglas for being dedicated to helping people like this. You definitely deserve more views and subscribers for what you do. You have really helped me through hard times in my life.
Thank you for your kind words. You might want to tune into my live video Q&A chat tomorrow, November 1 at 11 am Pacific Time. Just go to my RUclips channel home page at that time.
I will, thank you.
Douglas Bloch I always loved exercise but going through an episode of anxiety.
Thanks I’m going through similar stuff I’ll try exercising to help
walking and swimming in the morning biking in the afternoon are my daily routines.been panick attack free for a year already.
Nice.
yes!! good for you!!
Wow happy for you
Ok ima go walking right now. Hahaha
how much time do you spend on exercise??
I have been living with horrible anxiety for about 6.5 years, and I gotta say, exercise has been an answer to my prayers. I work out almost every night now and I have noticed my anxiety is almost gone. I was so confused when my anxiety didn't act up especially since my anxiety is like clockwork. I couldn't even drive without having panic attacks or getting dizzy and now I feel the anxiety rising and then it goes down almost immediately. It's the strangest thing but I know exercise is the key to keeping my anxiety away. I can think more clearer and my body feels stronger. So weird that exercise was the answer all along.
Thanks for sharing. Exercise helps many people with anxiety and with depression.
by dizzy? do you mean constant swaying and off balance while in traffic or around too many people?
noo way thats crazyyy
@@mirnesg1538 I think so, like your equilibrium being off
this gives me hope
Eat healthily, keep yourself hydrated, sleep in complete darkness at night, and exercise even for atleast 30 minutes every day, that's the key to be anxiety/depression-free for me. I used to have horrible racing thoughts before sleeping, I'd be worried about everything 24/7, my heart would be racing all day, had no motivation to do anything, was angry and sad all day .
It is so much easier to heal once your body is healthy and not messing up with your thoughts
I totally agree
This is exactly how I am. And when I try and do things that I'm nervous about, I always mess up because my anxiety gets so bad I start to shake and panic, always end up messing up! 😖
@bangtanbangtan8338 Mate you described my list of my biggest issue ever since 2018 due to stress and bottled-up emotions, I maybe should be exercising as much as I can even if I did not want to it should help plus I am aware but I am like stuck in a cage, I pray this day and night it will help my severe depression and anxiety 😭🙏
Hi Doug. I love this video. I had crippling panic and Agoraphobia for 10 years and I started to run out of pure desperation. The first few days I couldn't even run around my neighborhood I was too fearful of going far from home fearing heart attack etc. Anyways I kept going I knew I had to keep going I adopted a mindset of " i don't care if I die on a run I'm done with this anxiety and panic " I ran almost every single day for 5 months in the 4th month I ran the Dublin half marathon. Incredible. And the 5th month I took a plane journey to see my girlfriend in Paris France. Running changed my life. I ran into panic and my Agoraphobic zones. And I lost my fear of panic. I'm so grateful beyond words I am recovered 3 years now 🙂💪🏾👍🏾
Thats a wonderful story. Might you be interested in appearing on my Back From the Brink video series where people share how they overcame depression or anxiety?
@@DouglasBloch absolutely Douglas I would love that
Pls help me to come out of my anxiety. I have cardio phobia. Having pain all over the upper body
@@DouglasBloch hi Doug. I'm just returning to this comment to say I'm still extremely interested in taking part in your back from the brink series. Hope to hear back from you 🙏🏽
Nice man, how are you now
For anxiety, the best is to exercise then meditate after :)
I'm suffering from anxiety disorder from 3 years... Taking medication... And now when I was running I loosing my mental stability...can u plz tell me Wat is my problem....
@Joseph Dejesus tqs bro. For yur support
I lift weights and I think it calms my nervous system..like it burns that negative hyper energy
I feel exactly the same
Lifting weights might trigger your anxiety but walking, running, swimming and cycling will surely keep it down
@@abdullahasif1889 Lifting weights doesn't trigger my anxiety since the time spent lifting is so little and the 1m to 1m30s rest inbetween keeps the heart rate low. Cardio screws me up bad and I have anxiety attack for 2 to 5 hours after even power-walking for 30 minutes. It all really depends on the individual. Cardio is good for some, bad for others. Lifting is good for some, bad for others.
@@aahlstrom93 sounds interesting
@@abdullahasif1889 for whatever reason, lifting weights makes me feel _so_ calm and good, its like life changing. Every day from now on.
Walking always helps me relieve my stress and symptoms..but it is temporary and limited. I Needed to examine and correct core beliefs given to me as a child from religious indoctrination. I had a very hard life because of it..but now I can be proud that I made it Through it and I plan to make up for it!
It really does work. Even if you are a smoker or don't consider yourself fit. Aerobic style exercises and streching works better than any pill I ever took.
The second half of this video is exceptionally worded. I’m a psychiatric RN and this is extremely beneficial as it makes sense using large muscles to trick your brain into fleeing the threat. Bless you for helping people. Your struggles and experience are helping so very many
Thanks Michelle. It's a good service you are providing. Have you seen a copy of my book Healing from Depression? I think that it might be a helpful tool for your patients. Here is a link.
www.amazon.com/gp/product/0892541555/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_bibl_vppi_i2
I've been out for 2 walks today but I can't walk from long due to an accident that left me with a disability. However getting out in the fresh air and walking at my own pace is still exercise. I'm just taking things one hour at a time as that is all I can deal with at the moment and that's ok. Nothing worse than putting too much pressure on myself. I am my own worst critic, but today has been a good day and I've managed to achieve everything on my to do list. I'm proud of myself today.
Nice work. It's good that you are getting fresh air. I lived in Scotland during the summer of 1982 and loved it. But I left in September before the winter set in.
Love you man
Exercising can absolutely help anxiety. Absolutely. I love it. My therapist didn't even suggest it. I just did it myself one day because you all know how it is. You get so anxious you don't know what to do with yourself. You just have to go and run like a maniac. Now I'm trying to make running into a routine , first thing in the morning. Wonders.
One night last week I was feeling anxious all day
At night I decided to sit outside early evening and decided to water my lawn
I felt brilliant and relaxed afterwards
I'm currently experiencing a severe relapse of anxiety and depersonalization. The first time I ever had a panic attack, it was attributed to poor lifestyle choices, including inadequate exercise and diet. The most challenging aspect for me right now is maintaining persistence and willpower. As you so eloquently describe in this video, I am fully aware that exercise is beneficial for me. I've experienced complete recovery in the past, but my struggle lies in maintaining consistency.
It's evident that exercise positively impacts my mental well-being, and I've even achieved complete recovery before. The issue arises when, during those moments of recovery, I neglect to sustain my exercise routine. Consequently, I find myself in relapses like the current one. On day three of this relapse, the challenge is real, but I am pushing through. The endorphin rush after a workout, run, or bike ride is truly amazing. I've felt about 90% better already in these past few days, albeit temporarily.
I understand that the healing process is not instantaneous, and it's difficult to stay committed during setbacks. Despite the slipbacks, I've been finding solace in the knowledge that 'this too will pass.' Your videos serve as a beacon of motivation for me, and I appreciate your words of encouragement. Thank you for being a source of inspiration during challenging times.
Had 2 ER visits in the last few weeks. Totally new to panic attacks as of this year. I’m 30 and former military (meaning I’m in okay physical shape and have added some extra padding since getting out at 24 lol)
YES. Work it out!!! I work my butt off. I even took a night job so I could sleep in and work out before my ‘day’ starts. Life is great now
This explains why cardio and walking feels like it’s healing me from anxiety. Thank you for what you do.
Hi Maria, are you still doing well with exercise?
"I am swimming for my life"
Yes, this is exactly how I feel when I exercise to reduce anxiety.
Exercise absolutely helps. Anxiety seems to be some kind of excess energy, very different from depression. Exercise helped me against depression, but it's way more effective against anxiety in my experience.
You hit the proverbial nail on the head Douglas! The only thing to aid me in my depression and anxiety is walking fast with my wee dog, Mollie and my other dogs who sadly passed away a few months ago. Dealing with the major loss of my furry babies has left me heartbroken, despondent and at my lowest. I walk my emotional pain away each morning and would highly recommend some form of exercise to all. Warmest regards from a chilly Scotland 😉
I hope that you still have Molly to walk with. Look forward to your participating in the next live chat on Wednesday at 11 am Pacific Coast Time. (7 pm Scotland time, I believe).
Walking fast is the only thing that works for me. If I exercise I go into absolute meltdown a few hours later. I have tried regular exercise and it just leads to regular loss of mind , regular panick attacks and regular emotional distress I turn into a crybaby lol only briefly but over nothing and for no purpose. Have you had experiences like this? I have also become a hermit I find it impossible to socialize have a relationship and hard to not overreact to everything they diagnosed me with gad and paranoia but I feel the paranoia is a subsidiary of gad just very intense fight or flight I am waiting on cognitive therapy but I was diagnosed incorrectly for at least 17 years.
Overwhelmed with anxiety and feeling gutted... so I can't even move or muster up the strength to do any exercise....yes I also have restlessness and agitated. But I know I must aim to resume my exercise routine. Soon. Exercise is lifesaving I'm sure 🐺🌞🐈
Yes, you must. See my comment!
Lovely video my life changed when i started to exercise. It was tought i had many panic atrack on the way but i never abandoned my routine.
Great video Douglas , started doing 2 hours walks a day. I actually had an endorphin rush late on in the walk. Swimming does help too, but i think walking in nature is unbeatable . The sun helps a lot. Today is a great feeling day
Thanks Douglas
The sun is Gods gift to us
Douglas, your videos are so so helpful. Even just listening to you speak is so calming.
Thanks.
Thank you so much for confirming what I thought was the answer to my severe anxiety. I have started exercising & already noticing a difference. Still early stages. Will keep you posted on how I go 👍
Thank you so much my anxiety has waxed and waned since Covid 19. God Bless you
This gives me hope to listen to, I used to be VERY active before 2020 with zero panic attacks and after the pandemic started, my anxiety went 📈 and I have panic attacks on the daily, not racing heart ones but dissociating ones and I’ve been terrified to exercise, even walking to my mail box I’ve been terrified, I’m a firm believer in diet and exercise but there’s just this mental wall up that’s making me scared to even try to exercise
I think if you saw a good counselor you would be able to get over your fear and get back into exercise. When we can’t overcome our problems alone it’s best to call in the help of one or more people
Thank you for keeping it simple, great video. I swim/run a few times a week and it’s vital for me to keep anxiety at bay.
I love every person in this comment section
I was just diagnosed with anxiety and PTSD. I just came across this video, and everything you have said makes so much sense to me. Exercising has helped tremendously!! Thank you!
This has been my experience too!! I have GAD and panic disorder as well. I was on Lexapro and Klonopin PRN since 2020. That is also when I started running “for my life” as you said. 3 years and a half marathon later, I got cleared to start tapering down. It has been 2 weeks since I started and in that time frame I can feel my anxiety getting trapped in my body throughout the day, then at 5pm when I get moving- my heart rate goes up and at first it’s a very uncomfortable feeling as my body feels like it’s getting MORE anxious, then POOF about halfway through and on the cool down, it all melts away and I am calm and perfectly relaxed throughout the evening.
So so helpful. Thank you. Subscribed
I'm glad the video was helpful
Yes!!! It works!! The hard part is getting started, lacing up my shoes... getting out the door & down the street. But when I do. Huge difference!!! It’s natural Prozac!
The like dislike ratio is proof of the good you are doing Douglas Bloch
it's so hard to just get going. Once an avid exerciser, have now become so stuck and sedentary. Miss the way my body looked and felt but am having trouble pinpointing my "why". Seems I don't feel enough and just so exhausted from stressors out of own control. Thank you for altruism.
You are welcome
Realaxin the body’s muscles they really do heal the depression and all psychological disorders
Thank you for your commitment and wisdom. You have a new subscriber. Well appreciated 👍🏽
God bless you
Thank you. YES, exercise really works. I've had daily severe anxiety for over 45 years [now 65]. I hadn't done any exercise for 3 years because of health, family dramas etc. [Just the time when I SHOULD have exercised, but didn't have the physical or mental 'get-up-and-go']. I could barely take a shower, much less prepare a meal! Three days ago, I went for a walk. I set 'some' goals. If I can get up this small hill - that will do for today. Then, when I reached the top, it was down hill to the Marina - that will do for today. Then I just kept walking [albeit slow]. I walked 6 km. When I got home I thought I would be exhausted, BUT felt so good [and pleased with myself!], I did some basic chores, that I had felt too immobilized to do previously. Brisk walking had worked for me before, so now I'll gradually build up to a brisk pace, with some heavy breathing and [obviously] some sweat! Pat, Australia. [And also smoke and drink!]
Thank you so much for this video. I have been suffering from anxiety and panic attacks for about 3-4 years now off and on....what i just realized now is that i havent been on a regular exercise program for around 5 years now ...this made me go WOW! that could be one of the reasons! thank you
The regular exercise should help. Let me know how it works.
i started swimming this morning and i have been very calm since then...I will do my best to implement exercise on a daily basis. It's funny bc i used to always be very active and then i just stopped..I eat very well but maybe the exercise portion is what i am lacking ...i tend to have lots of energy
Literally sat and stared at my Ativan medication.. good 10ms in and told my self... Just run outside for a while... (I sprinted because my lil bro ran away with my keys yesterday and I chased him down and let me tell you I felt amazing in that short sprint.) So I'm using that small basis on a bigger scale and sticking to a workout regimen... Primarily walk/jog
Excellent decision
When I was in college I would take a long walk every afternoon. It was always beneficial, giving me a safe way to deal with over-anxious feelings. Later in life I found out that many others were.feeling on edge much of the time. The difference was that they would drink alcohol or smoke weed.
Thanks so much for this and your other excellent videos, exercise really does help my anxiety, especially when I first wake up in the morning.
thank you kind sir... i was scared of exercising after tons of atacks for months, my teacher told me it helped to exercise to release toxins from our body, but thanks for reassuring us of how to follow up on that shitty disease, i gained a lot of weight from that but now i'll go back to exercising, thanks
You are welcome.
And it heals depression too, I can assure you it alleviates depression symptoms by a great extent, at least it worked for me, I was running 20-30 mn everyday, although it takes time, you will see results after a few weeks. Plus it restores your self-confidence and hope. Running and sophrology/relaxation saved me. Antidepressants gave me mild HPPD condition, I couldn't take them, for the best I think. Unfortunately I had a pneumothorax 2 weeks ago, I fear my lung collapses again because it can happen, but I can't run anymore for at least 3 months, time to apply Douglas tips and work on negative/intrusive thoughts...
Thank you, Douglas. Great video, and your calm demeanor is perfect for your audience. You mentioned you dealt with depression in the past. You are the type of person I like to hear feedback from. A lot of doctors only know about depression and anxiety through what they read in a book. They kind of get it, but they also don't.
Yes, I have dealt with depression many times and have had a number of depressive episodes, some of which were quite serious. So you can say that I know about depression through being in the trenches.
Exercise is helping a lot.
Our bodies are designed to be active everyday.
Forgot to say that I am looking forward to your live chat on Wednesday here in freezing Scotland. Bless you Douglas 😀
I'm looking forward to receiving your questions.
I have had very bad anxiety attacks, depression, and some unwanted suicidal thoughts and exercise practically reversed it all. I felt even cocky in social situations. Unfortunately I worked out 1+ hr a day 6 days a week and it lead to some muscle strains and I havent exercised since and my anxiety has gone right downhill will my weight too
I just watched your RUclips, so awesome. Thank you . Just having this shakes inside of my body not outside, is inside. And makes me anxiety nervousness bad. D Middle of the night were driving just to calm me down. I do not know what’s going on inside of me, blood tests are good. But feeling off. Feels squeeze my whole being. I have been doing exercises for last 10yr after this covid I stopped .. then this is what I get , struggling mostly night time. Hope I can hear from you . God speed.
I hope you can find a good therapist to work with who specializes in anxiety and maybe even see a sleep doctor. There is a way that you can experience healing
@@DouglasBloch thank you so much for quick reply. Your so good. I may find here but for time being Financially not pretty good for now. I continually walking daily, and started my daily exercise, eat good food lessen meat and surrendering to God. God speed.
Having my struggles for almost a decade.. I find cycling as my relief whenever I feel very anxious or depressed.. Exercise really helped me..
Doug, thank you so much for this video. Great information. It was very informative.
You are welcome
Thank you so much. I'm really struggling.
Keep persevering and remember these words, "this too shall pass."
Love your joke's aswell as your channel Douglas, looking forwards to you next live session on Wednesday!!
Thanks. At 11 am Pacific Coast time. What was the joke I told intros video?
Douglas Bloch; another trying day said the lawyer. Ha..ha.!
Thank you for this video
THANK YOU..!!!!
🙏🏻💙
He is awsome.. I wish he was my therapist..
I’m glad you find this video is helpful
Excellent video. You have to burn them off! Great point.
You deserve a millon veiws sir
Thanks for your kind words
Weight lifting recently saved me, i'll do it to exhaustion every day if i have to. I feel high as a kite afterwards because the anxiety is gone. Makes me want to cry lol.
Facts, my first savior and love was the gym/training
Thank you so much
You are welcome
I have been having my anxiety come back after several years. During those years i would bike walk and weight lift. Didn’t have any anxiety really. Well this last year my anxiety has been very bad and I haven’t been doing any working out. Well the couple of weeks I have been waking up with my heart racing and feeling very nervous. Well this morning I woke up my heart starting thumping out of my chest because I felt so nervous, I almost called an ambulance. Instead my wife suggested we go for a walk before that. I went on a 30 min walk and now I am sitting her completely calm and feel better. Please just exercise even just a nice brisk walk just do it. Find the time I think it will save your life. I am at this point going to get back into working out I’m done over working and over worrying.
thankyou Douglas much appreciated information
I feel like exercise has helped me more than anything else, even if you just walk for an hour a day.
I spent my entire life exercising, then covid came, I quit, I ate crummy, I drank nightly, and smoked cigs off and on.
Last two years my body has been a mess, chronic stress achey all over, waves of unwell, anhedonia, anxiety, hate it.
Cutting down the drinks at night, stopping the cigs, eating better, and exercise help big time, but if you do enough exercise in a day to stress your body enough, it truly helps more than anything.
I've not had a cig for a couple weeks, that helped with depression as well.
reach out to
Nuelpsychstore
on Instagram got psychs it really help
I'm new just started getting anxiety attacks i will do anything to learn how to control this.
You might want to look at a video I made called "how to rewire your anxious brain."
Wow this video made the whole difference!!
I'm glad it was helpful
Thank you so much Douglas this was very helpful
I like your beginning jokes. Thank you for sharing. Great video.
Thanks. Some people think the jokes are dopey, but they do release the pleasure chemical "dopamine" in the brain.
Thanks Doug, I always appreciate Your videos!
Glad you like them!
Needed this video today🧡🙏🏽💙
i have suffered anxiety and panic attacks 15 years now. if it was not for walking I would be goosed. no greater enemy than our own thoughts.....fact
Back years ago my first anxiety attack occurred due to drug use. I immediately stopped, but it became so bad I wanted to die. Meds pulled me out of SI, but a daily walking routine is what actually fixed the issue. I didn't have an anxiety attack for three years until my depression became that bad again through other reasons, and then I stopped walking/lifting, and ate like crap, gained a bunch of weight and was back in the same problem.. anxiety attacks daily. It makes me feel as if we're not meant to be sedentary like that at all, and if we do so, our brain goes a little haywire.
Yes, we do need to move
How you feel physically helps how you feel mentally..When you are fit and healthy you will feel much better..Which helps with anxiety.
wonderfu video, thank you so much. this works!!!!!!!!!
swimming for winning, helps with sleep and breathing
Totally agree douglas i practice yoga this form of movement does make me feel less anxious i go on long walks i also am a constuction worker to everyone with these probs like myself move always moove. Cliff australia. Thanks again doug
You’re welcome. We are in Australia do you live? Have you ever been on one of my live chats? Would you be you interested in learning about my long-distance mental health coaching program?
Douglas Bloch yes i would doug
Douglas Bloch doug i live sydney
Two of my other clients live in Sydney and one lives an hour away. You folks should get together
Here is the link to my program. Please let me know if you have any questions. It would be good to work with you. healingfromdepression.com/mental-health-coaching/
Oh my god you made me remember what I wanted to forget, Zoloft side effects...
Thank you douglas, great video!
Very welcome
I'm stuck in fight for flight mode. I try running but one of the symptoms is I can't breathe properly. I can't get a full breath of air in and it's scary.
Try brisk walks. Or simple walking.
Try slow jogging. Trust me, you'll feel much better. Speaking from personal experience.
Trust me buddy you are not gonna die by this. give it a try
Same
Years ago when anxiety first sprouted up I was an ultra hypochondriac with my heart. Take a small, slow-paced or decent-paced walk, even if it's only .25 miles. The next day do the same. Then start building up in increments to a mile. Take a day off or two per week at that point. Then start walking multiple miles in a day. Then months into this routine, you can start to try adding weight to your walks (backpack etc.), or just walking faster. You'll notice a considerable difference in how you feel.
Please talk more about the importance of the diet. I like your videos thank you.
On November 12, 2018 I’m going to upload a video on the relationship between gut health and brain health where I will talk about diet.
Thanks Douglas. That's good
Very informative. Wow! Thank you very much
Awesome video Douglas and SO true x
Thanks Douglas
Thank you for this Douglas! 😀🙏🏻
Great vid as usual i need much more exercise
Hi Dr.Douglas, thankyou so much for the videoo, may I also ask whether there is a online Q & A or similar like that
Thank you for your wisdom, and dedication.
get moving. Thank you sir!
Since our rational brain is offline when we are in fight or flight....the best thing is not to let our mind take over, keep the anxiety alarm in your body and it needs to stay there....Deep breaths for a few minutes and then exercise. These are my new coping mechanisms when I feel stressed- deep breathing, exercise, acknowledging that my body has an alarm and saying thank you for alarming me but my life is not in danger, I'm ok and I am safe. This is uncomfortable but it will pass.
Always inspirational Doc. Happy Holidays to you and your family. Wishing you God blessing
when I exercise I feel better at the moment of exercise but when I stop the anxiety trigger and very exhausted of it
Same problem broo Mee took....
ive been trying to work out to cure my anxiety but after i end up feeling super light headed, weak and even more anxious than before. i’m afraid it’s a heath problem but i’ve been to the doctor quite a few times and they tell me it’s just anxiety. they said exercise would help but i feel worse than before
Then try other coping strategies. CBD oil works for some.
If I may add to this , I had this problem too. I found not exercising vigorously at first is much better for people with anxiety. Heart palpitations and raised bp which are a normal part of exercise very closely mimic anxiety and can be scary for some people. I found easing in and working my way up to be much better. Yoga, walking , gardening ...calming yet active things tend to work best. I am able to run now without getting that anxious likeheaded feeling. But its took several months of calm exercise to get there. Just my experience. Thought it might help!
These jokes are so corny but I love them 🙂 Definitely helps you relax from the beginning 👍
Great video
I can relate to your writing income. Great passion. Lousy pay.
Important addition..
head and body massage with oil and stretching of toes .
Praise nad meditation of God
Like your vids very straight to the point gives me hope thanks.
Thank you.
Hello Mr. Bloch. The issue is, when anxious, the thought of my heart rate going up scares me. If I start walking briskly I actually get more nervous, because I become more aware of my heart rate going up. I just find it hard to not be nervous doing cardio when I know that will make my heart rate go up. I'm at the point I'm nervous to go to sleep because I've woken up a few times in the past month with my heart rate between 150-70. I do some breathing exercises and can usually make it come down after 10 minutes. But I then feel nervous and anxious for much of that day. Anyways I'm just trying to figure out how I can convince myself to "go outside and run" when I feel nervous making my heart rate go up on purpose. Keep in mind 2 important facts: Up until a couple months ago, I was actively playing in year round tennis leagues plus pick up ice hockey twice a week. Also, I went through my 20's (I'm 40) with occasional racing heart issues, always thought something was wrong with me. All heart tests for decades came back negative. Finally in 2012 I was diagnosed with SVT (because my racing heart actually lasted long enough they caught it at the ER). The moment I found out there WAS something wrong, my anxiety went down as I had my answer for the racing heart. Had an ablation later 2012, and had no issues up until a month ago when I woke up with my heart going around 150. So at this point, I've been going through heart tests to find out if a) my SVT is back which can happen if the same or new "short circuit" extra nerve forms, or b) Have I literally developed an anxiety disorder. ** With this said, because of the SVT I also get nervous exercising :( Sorry for this long message but I wanted to paint a picture.
320hp I wish more people would have shared with you as your story came very close to home to my own. Up until February of this year I was a fairly happy, healthy, and easy going person. In February however, out of the blue I had my first server panic attack at age 30. I didn’t know I was having a panic attack, in fact, I thought it was a heart attack due to the symptoms being the same.
I went to the ER and was diagnosed with heart palpitations. That was is. They didnt mentioned panic attacks, anxiety or anything. So this just left me more anxious until I had another panic attack 3 days later with the same symptoms.
The second ER visit diagnosed me with GAD and panic disorder due to my constant state of worry. I’m assuming my stress and worries finally caught up with me to the point my body stepped in.
Since all this started, things have gotten better, but like you, I worry about exercising because the thought of getting my heart rate alarms me.
Sometimes randomly my heart rate just runs wild and I have to calm myself down (usually ending with me feeling very fatigued).
I have noticed though, when I go for walks I do feel great afterward.
I think what I’m going to do is continue my walks and over time keep building myself up to jogs and ultimately running.
Hope to hear back from you and see how your situation has changed since you left this comment! Hope things have improved for you!
I know how you feel about exercising and sleeping issues. I had an exercise-induced SVT a very long time ago. I have anxiety disorder with panic attacks. Fortunately, the SVT disappeared itself a very long time ago and I still have no problem with exercise now, but I am still battling against the ongoing anxiety, especially jaw clenching and intense restlessness. Anxiety is really disgusting.
Whahaa I always take neurotic walks as well although I don't run like crazy, I walk fast and then look at the trees for mindless focus on green xD
Sounds like a good practice.
I love your videos I find them really helpful! Thanks!
You are welcome. I also wanted to let you know about a crowdfunding site that I have started to help me fund my videos and websites. Please feel no obligation to contribute, but if you would like to take a look, here is the website.
www.patreon.com/douglasbloch