HI Tomo thanks for talking about this. I am a physician and had always thought anxiety was just a mental state until it happened to me. I was about 40 years old, and was getting a patient ready for a procedure interviewing him. He was there with his wife and looked a little like me and was my age. He had a newly diagnosed cancer (lethal) and was there to get a vascular line put in by me in order to receive chemo. As I was talking with him I started feeling dizzy. So I went into the other room where the beds were and lied down. Started shaking and had trouble breathing. My mind immediately determined I must be sick probably sepsis from some infection. I ordered my resident to draw blood to send for culture. was giving orders telling the nurse start an IV on me and get an ecg. I thought I must be really sick. Had them wheel me to the ER . I explained to my colleague the ER doc I was septic with some strange infection, He looked at me and said "maybe, yet let me give you a little benzodiazepine like drug to at least relax you while we figure out what is wrong ". As soon as the drug went in I was completely normal. He told me I had just had a panic attack. What was so surprising to me was the physical component. I wasn't thinking at the time about anxiety or being anxious. It is almost like having a seizure run through your body. Only in retrospect did I put two and two together that seeing the patient that looked like me being so sick created inner, below the level of consciousness extreme anxiety. I then looked back at my life objectively and realized I had this thing "anxiety" all the time. I remembered sometime when I walk into a large store with a lot of stimuli I get a little dizzy not nervous. I always had thought I must have some strange medical condition when that happened. Everyone has worry and anxiety it is normal. The difference with anxiety disorder is it is a biochemical predisposition to having this release of adrenaline or sympathetic response inappropriately. I am very thankful you created this video as sometimes being different in anyway is very isolating as there is no one to share your story with making you feel isolated.
Thank you for sharing. Anxiety really can gives you wrong thought. Very convincing. Interesting part is not knowing working about something but this could be happening. Don’t worry Don’t compare Don’t expect too fast Be kind to yourself tomofujitamusic.creator-spring.com/
Anxiety symptoms are caused by a surge of adrenaline. Fighting anxiety and fear of anxiety causes a further release of adrenaline. As a lifelong sufferer from anxiety, the acceptance model taught by Dr Claire Weekes in her books and on RUclips has given me a way of dealing with it and greatly reduced the symptoms. I have no connection to Dr Weekes.
@tragus44 Can't speak for you but it's my general observation that hard workers and people who deal with others are more subject to anxiety than less say sensitive people. I can relate to the felling of "dizziness" and it's likely because you are interested in doing a good job and are always look for ways to improve. I've found that meditation helps immensely.
living with autism and social anxiety disorder is a challenge every day. The worst part is when people think I have overcome the disorder because I have done things like travelling around the world by myself. Anxiety disorders aren't something you overcome, you just learn how to deal with them. I explain to people I am able to do the things I do, not because I have conquered my anxiety, but it is more like the person who has a fear of heights who takes up sky diving. I refuse to let it stop me
Thanks for sharing! You can explain what's going on. I respect who you are. Do you own highend silent headphone when you are traveling? That's really helping me when I travel. I don't hear anything.
@@TomoFujitaMusic I don't, but sound doesn't trigger my anxiety. Even crowds are ok. It is one on one or small groups that set it off. Even talking on the phone I have to rehearse before I make the call.
Response to bkmeahan ...Very brave comment best to you. Wish you might have said something related to your musical experience or guitar but ty . It looks by your photo you are a musician I will check out your channel in the future
@@TomoFujitaMusic Yes! Noise cancelling headphones and foam earplugs like the construction workers use; I don’t leave home without them. Thank you for sharing your very personal story, Fujita-sama. 🙏🏻🤘🏻🎸
If your mind is in the past, you are depressed. If it´s in the future, you have anxiety. If you´re living Now, you´re ok. Good man Mr Fujita..wish you all the best.
I am guilty of letting what happened earlier today or the last interaction that I had with somebody ride my shoulders a bit and I worry about my next interaction in that if I can reciprocate it to better control of the outcome. Other than that Anything more than a day away in either direction is beyond my emotional cup😂
Tomo you're always so good about reducing other people's anxiety. "Be kind to yourself. Don't expect too much too soon. Practice slowly and be patient"- guitar wisdom.
I developed anxiety when I was 14, now 19 it hasn’t exactly gotten better but I am so very grateful for music and my guitar, it has been one of the few things that helps me release all of that tension. If you have anxiety I would absolutely recommend trying to find an expressive outlet, I hope you may find some help there.
Hey friend I too developed anxiety at around the same age and I also suffer from schizophrenia. I really recommend searching up David Goggins. It's really helped me turn those things against themselves to go from giving me fear, anxiety and depression, to giving me drive to push myself to my limits then using those negative things to push myself further. It's helped me turn my self-hate into strength because I never want to go back to who I was before. I hope this helps and remember to not discredit progress,. I hope this helps, stay safe out there (:
It will get better friend! I dealt with it for years in my early twenties and it was miserable… it took over all aspects of my life, but Eventually it got better to where it was non-existent. Reducing your stress levels make a huge difference and also working on cognitive therapy. Find exercise to do when anxiety starts to come on and battle your way through it… just know, no matter how bad it gets, nothing bad is going to happen to you. It will go away and life will get better. I hope you find relief brother… nobody deserves to live with that monster.
Hi Tomo, I am 72 years old and I am also a cancer patient, so anxiety lives permanently inside me. I try to fight it with small things but that personally help me a lot, like improving my guitar sound with the few things I can afford, or composing my own music, but also listening to you ( having you as a teacher and friend would be a dream ) makes me feel better. Thank you very much for this video, a big hug🤗
Thanks for sharing. My sister had a cancer so I feel deeply. Guitar playing definitely help. Try this 3 foundation exercises for focus, determination, make something happen. This might help you. I will make this lesson video on my Guitar Wisdom. Song writing ready help you heal your soul. You're welcome!
Replying to Edo Leonardi... Hi there thank you for sharing your story. I'll be 69 shortly and iv been fooling with the guitar since I was 12. Iv had anxiety most of my life. My family kicked me out when I was 16 alone and basically with nothing..Somehow 8 survived! i can easily say music and playing guitar has been a big reason I'm still here. I can go into my room alone and find great comfort playing guitar . It has also connected me with others I admire greatly both directly and indirectly. We are both fortunate to be able to learn from Master Tomo and to be part of his community here . I wish you all the best, and by the way, what kind of music do you enjoy playing?
Very interesting story. I have a very similar life to yours. I retired and gave my recording studio equipment to the local high school. Sold 90% of my instruments. I play everyday at least 2 hours. I play only finger style now. And I have never felt better. I have emphysema and sense Covid I’ve been isolated. This has only made me play better. I only have to please me, and my dogs and not to forget my wife. So free. I enjoy your talks, please don’t stop. Thanks
Thanks for sharing! I am downsizing right now! I want more simple life with my family. Good job! I have 3 foundation exercises practice routine that help me calm down deeply. Be thankful! Thank you!
I find it hard to part with things and hold on to them especially musical instruments and gear. Thank you for your thoughts and congratulations on your musical progress! I think that is rare and special
I have anxiety, if I dwell on the past I can drift into remorse, if I think too much about the future I can get fearful. If I practice living in today and minding my own business and just to do the next thing in front of me things usually go well. If I focus more on fixing my own problems rather then bitchin’ about someone else’s my life in better. The last thing I try to remember when something or someone upsets me I ask myself “Do I want to be right or do I want to be happy?”. Stay strong Tomo, sometimes I forget “Life is fair, it’s hard on all of us”. Remembering this helps me avoid feeling like a victim.
Thanks for sharing! Think about Mr.Bean! Don’t worry Don’t compare Don’t expect too fast Be kind to yourself www.osiamo.com/Pickboy-Wisdom-Picks-by-Tomo-Fujita
This is probably one of the most important lessons you'll ever give. It's a life lesson that will relate to many people and its really good to hear that no-one is alone in their trials and tribulations. It's also really good to hear that you learn to manage these situations and clearly you have because you are so well respected in your musical field. Thanks for your honesty and sharing your experience. I'm sure it will benefit others. As for the piece where you say legend on the left, legend on the right......I think you missed the fact that there was a legend in the middle and yes that is Tomo Fujita.....Music is the best therapy for anything in my opinion. Whenever I'm low, pick up the guitar and immediately feel better.
Such a powerful video and thank you so much for having the courage to share. I, like many others, have also dealt with this and I think more leaders like you should be discussing it.
Ever since experiencing a home invasion, managing anxiety has been a real part of my life and, like you said, it is a hard thing to talk about with people. As a musician/performer, it’s a tough thing to reconcile, because you always have to meet and work with new people, new situations. The anxiety is always there but as you say, it’s like a roommate that I pay less and less attention to as the years go by. Life sometimes can be hard but it is always beautiful. Thank you for sharing your story Tomo
Thanks much for revealing so much. It’s very important and inspiring to see you succeed despite your challenges. I suffer from depression but have made a career in music. It’s been hard but great. You are helping us a lot.
I've been struggling with very severe anxiety for quite a while now, and it's always nice to hear a story like this from someone you look up to. Makes me feel more normal, thanks.
I AM ALMOST 68yrs. Of age. I PLAYED DRUM SINCE THE SEVENTH GRADE. THEN A FEW YRS. AGO I DECIDED I WANTED PLAY PIANO AND GUITAR. SO NOW I AM TRYING MY HEART OUT TO LEARN GUITAR AND PIANO. I ENJOY YOUR CHANNEL. SINCERELY ROY TENNESSEE FAUGHT.
One thing that you mentioned in your video hits home. Sensitive people are prone to anxiety. I went through a terrible time for years and didn't understand why me. I was fisically fit, raced motorcycles, traveled cross country, restored old houses with my wife. Then it started. The same symptoms that you described. I got so bad I couldn't drive my car to the doctors. I fought taking meds. Maybe that was a mistake, not sure. My wife's support and constant reassurance to try various methods to deal with it eventually allowed me to get back to almost normal. This world has become very unkind and it hurts to see others suffer. Thinking too much about the negative can make my anxiety flare up. Like you I try to focus on the good. Best advice I received was surround yourself with happy kind people. I'm 68 years old now and just learning to play guitar. Thank you for your videos.
Thank you for sharing! To me, playing guitar and Don't worry, Don't compare, Don't expect too fast, Be kind to yourself... really helped me! My goal is a little above the middle! Thank you so much! My pleasure!
Many times in my life there have been upsetting events and hard times that I had to work through. Playing my guitar has always been a positive way to deal with stress and anxiety. I also enjoy playing the blues to help me through those times since it really makes you feel like you're not alone. The artists who played these blues are all linked in that we are human and we have good times and bad. Stay strong out there and just try to be as positive as you can. It really does make a difference.
Anxiety is a very complex ailment for many people. Some people who have never suffered from it may ask questions like, how can someone like this who is such a great guitar player and musician, who seems to have it all get anxious about things? Listening to guys like you is a great medicine for other sufferers, and talking about it can only be a positive thing and help yourself too.
Thanks for sharing. Many musician has this! Very common. Funny part is not trying to be nervous but naturally without thinking.... panic attack will sneak in. Music, guitar playing is a great medicine. This thing can make more positive things and all good!
Been there many years ago; hospital etc.. For me, making sure I get enough sleep is paramount to dealing with my anxiety. Unfortunately anxiety may disrupt good sleep. "When the demon is at your door, in the morning it won't be there no more, any major dude will tell you." - Steely Dan. Another thing that always helped my anxiety was recognizing how many millions of people also deal with the issue. That concept removed some of the teeth of my anxiety. I wasn't alone in my situation. Another quote that helped me was "Nothing is neither good nor bad, lest thinking make it so." Understanding my perspective on things was making them positive or negative. Thank you for making this video - your experience with the mystery of anxiety was just like mine; exhausted and overthinking and overanalyzing. I'm your age and as the years have passed, I've been able to come up with tools that help me - and lately I almost never have anxiety attacks.
Thanks so much for making this Tomo. The sensation you described (heart beating too fast, feeling faint, etc...) are symptoms of a panic attack, a very acute form of anxiety. I once heard a singer talk about how he had his first panic attack in the middle of a performance and since he'd never experienced anything like that, he really thought he was dying. Your advice about living with it, sleeping, eating well, and thinking about positive things are really valuable advice.
You're very welcome Anthony! You're very open to talk about this topic too. Thank you so much! Very beginning, those panic attacks were so scary. Now I think about something else when it's happening. Sleeping & preparing well, being positive thinking really helped. My practice routine is really helping my feeling. Yes. You can live with your room mate. Thank you!
To hear a master of positivity share this sort of history is a profound experience. I am now 68, and although I have learned how to manage the anxiety and depression that have always been part my my nature, I still have room to learn from the experiences of others. Thank you, Tomo, for caring enough about other people to share the lessons you have learned. You are a great man.
Hi Tomo, I’m struggling with anxiety for about 8 years now and it stems from a trauma in my childhood. As a kid there was I time I experienced panic attacks as well but no one around me took it for serious or knew what it was, therefore it was left untreated. I’m going to therapy for about 2 years now and I must say it helps a lot. Of course most of dealing with it and healing lies within oneself. I’ve learned so much through it and try to live with it as best as I can. I realized by taking care of myself helps me best and heals my inner child. I’ve just started learning guitar, because it was something I’ve always wanted to do as a kid but didn’t had the resources to do so. Now that I’m older I want to live without having any regrets and being more confident. That’s why I think me learning the guitar helps immensely with my healing journey! Thank you so much for sharing your experience and opening up about your past to your community! That just shows how much you trust us and I for myself appreciate it a lot. Thank you!!
Thanks for sharing. Good job! Panic attacks are a great sign for taking care of yourself. Guitar playing, guitar practice routine will heal it too. No regrets! My rule! You're welcome! Thank you!
You have anxieties too? Granted I only know you from your videos but I see you as one of the chillest dudes in the world. Well it’s always nice to find commonalities with others!
It's hard to explain what it's like to have anxiety attacks to someone who has never had them. You are not alone. I'm still learning to deal. Thanks for sharing some of your story. From Brazil.
You have been a major inspiration for me to pursue learning how to play the guitar. While I was in the army I would always watch your videos whenever I could. Thank you so much for your content and always remember there are people on here who really appreciate everything that you do!
Fighting anxiety my whole life. The worst was bad case stage fright, performing on stage. Now older and retired it's getting worse. I hear you my brother it's rough. We can stand together to fight it. I am here for you and you are here for me, thank you for this. Yes guitar helps.
Thanks for sharing. That's very natural to many people. You can prepare more performance part & prepare how to feel part. Don't fight! Be friend with this. You're welcome.
I had a complete mental breakdown about 4 months ago, and that's when I decided to learn guitar. I needed something to help me find peace and that's what it did for me... It gave me inner peace and even though I still have anxiety, I can now pick up my guitar and practice and I feel soooooo much better. It literally is medicine for the soul, much better than the pills the doctor's will give you. Thank you very much for your video's, I love them!!
Thank you for sharing. Try simple exercises. Those really helped me. You can do some body exercises too. Simple one is to walk 30 minutes a day. Stretch your body etc. Eat healthy foods, No drink too much alcohol. Don't eat food after 8pm. Thank you so much!
@@TomoFujitaMusic I do walk, every day before I practice, I have better practice time after I clear my mind with a good walk. Thank you for your advice, I really appreciate it. I love your channel.😍😍
Tomo, your story is almost identical to mine. I struggled for years with anxiety attacks. They started when I was 18 and I couldn’t control them. Then just thinking about having an attack would make me have one. It was really horrible and led to drinking and drugs to try to deal with it, but that just made it worse. It took a long time for me to learn how to control it. Just like you I recognized that it was all in my head and I needed a mental tool to help. Now I’m 55 and I very rarely have any, but if I feel it coming I can control it very quickly just by using the mental tool I learned and by using a breathing technique. People who don’t have them usually don’t understand and will say things like “what’s wrong with you? Why can’t you just relax”, and they get rude or angry. People need to learn more about it so thank you for sharing your story.
Thank you for sharing! Very scary but once you know what to do. You can live with it. Actually you can be much healthier because you want to be prepared ... sleep well, eat well, exercise well, be prepared well!
The same introspect we rely on to thoughtfully improve ourselves often puts people at odds when we focus on something we cannot understand, control, and resolve. It is hard to cope with, hard to look inward and ascertain you have something from your Id ringing your alarm bells, and hardest to articulate the ask for help. So I salute you, Fujita Sensei, for having the courage to very publicly share your struggle. Anyone with crippling anxiety or depression is encouraged to find a person or a place to get these thoughts out of your head and into daylight, where their power to control you diminishes as dialogue develops. Ive certainly had anxiety, fear, and true despair from work, personal loss. Enjoying music really has helped cane it out of me, even when someone else plays it. Singing also profoundly helps me purge an emotional blockage. What you mentioned about sleep, karate, health; all of that being consistent has similarly + positively affected my ability to navigate this life. At any rate, anyone who struggles with something they cannot understand or resolve is encouraged to share their demons in a safe space where we can talk-out the power they exert over you. It is a normal part of the human experience to feel not great and together we can work it out.
Omg...now i know why i like you. Anxiety ,and what if? crippled me. Everything you're saying in this video could have come from my own life. When i was 19, i decided to try guitar. I've never been to concentrate on anything long enough to learn. But the guitar was different. I taught myself cowboy chords, and in about 3 months, i found myself playing with some neighbors. They told me i was very talented. The kid taught me Norwegian wood. I still remember like yesterday. He said you're playing that better in 15 minutes than i could in 6 months, and i need to pursue music. I was so full of self-doubt i almost thought he was making fun of me. I never saw him again, and i put the guitar down and didn't pick it up for years. Then i tried a few years later, and my girlfriend would sgame the songs i would pick, and i would get self-conscious .so for the last 25 yrs I'd play for a few weeks and put it down. And not touch it for years. So, 23 years later, i get sick. Like death sick. So i refused to die without learning to play some of my favorite songs. Because of how i felt about myself, i surround myself with very negative ppl. My now ex told me i wouldn't make it more than two weeks playing the girl. I tried everything drugs .they didn't work, so i stopped no real issue. But it still almost killed me. I eventually just locked myself away whenever possible. So the only way i could play the guitar is when im calm, and because I'm autistic or something, i see patterns. But that only happens when im calm. My life was literally the worst it ever was . But i was happy. Why? That freaking guitar lets me be me. Because i got into a car accident, i had to relearn what I learned the previous year. I would choke the hell out of the neck. After a two lvl acdf surgery, i couldn't hold the guitar while standing. I'm only just starting now. But because i lost all my strength, i had to learn to have a light touch and proper form. So i had to learn to breathe . I had to correct my posture. I started stretching. This guitar gave me peace. I've only ever had in fleeting moments. Real peace. I feel good about myself now. My god, to think i could have just played the guitar . That's why i was so grateful for your tiny bit of help. I live youtube because i can be honest. I could have never said any of this in the real world. So again, what you have helped me with in my life is priceless and can't be put into words. Im going to stop trying and just say thank you for the last time. I think you get it.
Thank you so much for sharing! I had too much expectation so I changed that part. Now I am happy if I can go a little above the middle! No number one, only one! Be kind to yourself! Don't compare! Don't expect too fast! Don't worry! Guitar is amazing! I am so thankful and grateful! You did a great job! I am so proud of you!
I've had anxiety attacks since I was a kid, and I'm older than you. I really appreciate hearing about your experiences and what's helpful for you. I'm not a guitarist, but I love music; your playing, teaching and philosophy are great! Very glad you're here!
Dear Tomo, thank you for sharing your experience. I had a similar experience where I ended in a hospital as well. I believe it was a break point for me. I kept avoiding everything that causes stress, yet I was experiencing it nearly every day. I can easily say I missed a wonderful life. Reason I am writing because I am coming back. After all these years. Music is helping me. I wanted to play the guitar, but I never had the courage. I am 46 now and practicing everyday. I don't scare to fail anymore, I just t-want to learn. I have an excellent teacher who genuinely support my progress. You are also one of very rare people who feels me more enthusiastic about life and especially music. Thank you for that. I wish you all the best.
You're very welcome! We all have this! That could happened! I found GUITAR. I am so grateful. This made me so careful about my body & mind condition so I have been doing my daily stretching and workout very steady. Thank you so much for sharing! Great to hear that! Thank you!
Hey Tomo! First of all great video, I think it’s really helpful to hear that even someone as positive and a great player as you also has dealt with anxiety. Thank you so much for sharing Tomo, these videos you’ve been doing discussing topics have been amazing!
One love tomo , I too have attacks and it is as scary as a heart attack or watching my guitar hit the floor , helplessly. We as brothers and sisters should learn to love one another and empathize with each others short falls. Peace, love and granola✌️
Hi Tomo ! I had you as a Lab/Ensemble teacher at Berklee during the 90’s. I had the same anxiety issues while I was there. It’s great to hear you talk about it.
BTW I learned some really great things from you back then - thank you! It’s strange but you were the 1st professor to tell us “If it says play a half note, play a half note. If it says play a dotted quarter note, do that….etc”. It sounds simple but a lot of people don’t do that. I now tell my students the same thing. ありがとうございました。😊
You know something? It takes a lot of courage to talk about something so personal. Especially knowing how cruel some people can be. I too suffer from this. It hasn't been easy. Some days are really difficult, but playing my guitar helps keep away the negative and brings in the positive. I'm glad I found your music and I also hope to learn from you as well. God bless you.
Ohayo Tomo-San I live with anxiety as well and it could literally ruin one's life and turn it upside down ( in my case ), especially when you have a family , kids and things going on .. I've been living with anxiety for like 7 years now , there's a lot to tell about it , it's such a "special" journey , all i've learned through the years i've been dealing with it , it's that most anxious people live in their heads , that have lost control on their emotions and just believe whatever the mind tell them , in short we gave full power to our mind on us and we just follow whatever it tells us , remedy ?! well the only way to get better it's to get the control back , and to remind yourself that not every thought you get in your head it's " true " and it's a "fact" , in a matter of fact , 90% of your thoughts it's pure imagination and fiction , so what's the solution you might ask , all you can do it's to simply ACCEPT any thought or feeling that comes with , you and me have been programming our minds to fear the fear and to fly when things gone out of OUR "control" and such .. trust me i've been through this for many years i've been failing many attempts to get better , i've read LOT of books , watched like thousands of videos about it , only way that works for me at least .. is not giving a damn and accept whatever it throws on my , anxiety just fires for 10 minutes then it's gone when my mind notice that i'm not giving a f*** it just leaves me alone , so whenever you feel anxious or about to get a panic attack in some situation like you're in public or something that trigger it for you , just tell yourself this " i don't care no matter what happen to me i just don't care so there you go anxiety do your thing it's not like the first time anyways" ( you'll feel anxious and you'll feel like you're about getting a panic attack and that's completely OK and normal ) and last thing i'd like to mention , i know most of us people that deals with anxiety , thinks that their life is ruined forever and that they will never be happy again and that you're alone , you're NOT alone , there's millions of people like us around the world , we're just so GOOD on hiding it , you'll be alright , anxiety and it's feelings it's just a bunch of chemicals chaos happening in your body , you're not weak you're not crazy , you're just caring too much about everything your head telling you , wish you all a good health it's a war i know a scary one indeed , but you'll WIN anxious people are very brave warriors i know that because i see it . BE THE MASTER NOT THE SLAVE.
Thanks for sharing! Not fun having anxiety attacks. but I have learned through this... how to prepare ahead, lower my expectation, be thankful before do anything etc. I am so fortunate. Thank you.
Good morning Tomo. Just wanted to send you some love and I hope you have a nice day today and get to share some music. Your impact continues to ripple out to the world. Thank you for doing so much to make the world a better and more joyful place for so many people!
Just under 3 minutes in, I was thinking.. why is Tomo telling my story .. anxiety probs all my life, musical mother showed me the mouthharmonica and opened up my ears; without karate, played waterpolo .. Carlton etc, .. did Larry cause a trauma in me😊? wonderfull open, honest and helpfull story, TY Tomo.🎉 great teacher and rollmodel you are. Even for a 63 year old greyhound.. finding out to live with myself , still have 'm , acceping it: wise man You are. TY, no compare.😊
Thank you for sharing! You're very young! A lot of possibilities! Don’t worry Don’t compare Don’t expect too fast Be kind to yourself www.osiamo.com/Pickboy-Wisdom-Picks-by-Tomo-Fujita
Thank you for opening up like this. I agree with your point that when we are tired things can do downhill quickly. I had anxiety attacks as a youngster, then really bad after combat service in Vietnam (1967). After a lot of searching I have found a great resource from Japan to handle it. It's the study of the writings of Ichiro Kishimi and Fumitake Koga.
Hi Mr. Fujita. I’m a beginner, self-learning guitar at 61 yrs young through many guitar tutorials on RUclips. I came upon one of your videos by accident and have come to learn more about you afterwards. Well this video that you’re sharing with the world on your personal struggle with anxiety is probably best of all your videos. I think a lot of beginner guitarist/ musicians experience a bit of anxiety when learning. …For that matter, this video should be the first video of all your lessons. Like you, I’m a Larry Carlton fan too 😊 -Oh, I forgot to mention, I experience clinical anxiety. Knowing who you are a great guitar player and honorable teacher, I really believe I can now learn grow with confidence in my journey in the beautiful sounding world of guitar. Thank you, -K
My favorite thing about this channel is that you always take your time to help us and answer our comments and questions. Thank you Tomo you are very positive influence to a lot of people on here.
I am blues /rock guitarist - bassist and i am 62 y old. I never had anxiety until i had problems at work place caused by other / rude bully people. Yes, i had depressions more times in past because of war in my country - Jugoslavia, divorce with first wife etc .But !!! Music was always with me - my main healler. ( I come from music family and started play bass guitar when 16. Now i am here - 62 of age. My atuttude after painful divorce when i was 45 years of age was : "Everyone can abandon me but music never !!! " We musicians are suptle and sensitive human beings and we think different then many other people. Btw. I love your music, your jazzy/bluesy guitar style. I saw many your videos on Utube incuding your blues sessions with famous blues guitarists - Eric Gales and other blues guitarists , I can not remember names. Great blues sessions. I am sure music did help you a lot all these years to overcome your anxiety problems. Take care Master. 👍
Thanks for sharing. There are good people & not good people. I had similar problems. I try not ignore it. then something will come back. So I understand it clearly and I don't pay attention. Simple example, driving in high way... someone cut you off, then I just away from them and don't get angry because it won't do anything with these people. It's hard but you can look for more positive things & positive people. Music is so powerful. (I divorced once too! I left everything behind. I started over with one guitar & nothing! So I feel you very deep!) Thank you so much! Hope you will enjoy more!
I have your same problem Tomo, and I am developing many antidotes. All your tips are great: get prepared in advance, sleep, healthier living...Also conscious breathing and meditation help!
Thanks so much Tomo! I’ve had anxiety/depression in the past and thankfully have learned to manage it- talking about it was really what helped me even though it was the absolute last thing I wanted to do. Hopefully you’ve encouraged others to talk and realise they aren’t alone. I always appreciate your positivity and your open handed teaching through Guitar Wisdom, thank you so much and lots of love as always from bonnie Scotland! 👍🎸💥🤘
I have the same anxiety . Too much pressure got to me as a kid, too. Little panics attacks…When you have a high interest , but you realize you can’t accomplish the goal …it’s like a fear that you can’t make it. Breaking things into chunks and preparing ahead helps me. I also have trouble playing in front of larger group…anxiety makes me forget what I’m doing. And I have a thing where I have to have my practice area organized or I can’t get going practicing. Anxiety makes me want to keep things in predictable order. I am 61 now and still my roommate is anxiety! Thank you for sharing …❤🙂👍
Thanks for sharing! I never worked hard before age 13... so it was so much pressure! Now i can control it! Took me a long time! Anyone can do this very well. Guitar playing, especially practicing foundation will help! Chromatic scales, R37 swing groove, triads!
I had a really rough abusive childhood so I know anxiety well. My go to for dealing with it is long walks in nature. Playing guitar or listening to relaxing music also helps. Wish you all the best. I can tell you have a good soul.
Thanks for sharing. Many ways to cool down your feeling. My daily routine (a few things) is really helping me. Meditation and make me think nothing. Thank you so much!
Thanks for sharing this. I have suffered from anxiety and depression for many decades. Mental health is often over looked and you just brought it back on the map. Thanks Tomo!
In my 20s I developed severe anxiety. It got so bad that on three occasions I hyperventilated to the point of passing out. I went through numerous medical and psychological tests. They looked for blood sugar. They looked for hormonal levels. They ultimately found nothing. At the time I was a pilot, when I reported these occurrences to the flight surgeon, I was immediately grounded and lost my flight physical. That was that. As you might imagine, this made my anxiety even worse. Then one day I was driving on the freeway and began to feel anxious, I really panicked as I thought I might pass out and cause a major accident. I exited as fast as I could and as soon as I was out of danger, my anxiety disappeared. I mustered up the courage, told myself that I was in charge of myself, and got right back on the freeway. My anxieties never came back.
Thanks for sharing. That must been so hard to take. Similar to my way to major recording session. We have choices and no need to be number one or amazing! I look for a little above the middle. That has been working for me.
One of my close friend who owned a music night club in Japan. He was a rugby player who injured really bad... so he was very depressed and started drinking at jazz bar in Japan.... then he thought what if?... He gave up his rugby and went to USA... visited many cities and he got an idea of making those nice music nightclubs in Japan! He stared to work at several restaurants to learn how to cook... so once he learned Japanese...quit... Italian... quit.. he repeated so he can make his own menus. Now he is very successful in that industry but he still loves rugby... His music club named "RUG" Now i know why!
Hi. I have had Generalized Anxiety Disorder all my life. In 49 now. When I was 26 I took a course on anxiety and depression. I wrote myself a note when I wasn’t anxious that said this anxiety attack will go away it’s go. I read that note every time I had anxiety attack and slow believed I’d be ok. Then anxiety went away
Thank you for sharing. I had really bad one in the past then I changed how I feel things so I am doing good now. We are humans so we are not perfect! If I over thinking and worry about something unnecessary then I could have anxiety attack clearly! But I just think something else.
Hi Tomo! I've been following your channel almost since the beginning. You are a huge inspiration to me! When I was applying for the highest level of music school in my country, I had an anxiety attack during my audition. It meant everything to me, to get into that school. But because of my anxiety attack, I performed at the lowest perfomance I could've done, even though my skill level was about good enough to get in... I even had to stop my second song, mid song, because of the anxiety... And afterwards I had to speak with the teachers. And even though I told them I had an anxiety attack right in front of them, they still told me I probably never should pursue music in my life... They told me that music is not for everybody... It crushed all my dreams of becomming a guitar teacher, which was what I always wanted to do. It's been about 6 years since that day. And my anxiety made me give up on ever trying to audition again for music school... I learned that I didn't want to be in environment, where the teachers and students all had a perfectionistic mentallity. It was too much pressure... So I gave up on my dream, even though I probably could've pushed through... Seeing you succeed so much with music, even though you suffered with so much anxiety is really inspiring. You truely are one of the worlds greats! Keep up the good work!
So happy to hear that! Thank you so much! Thanks for sharing. You can control this. They said "You should control this then you can do what you wish. Just dry answer so don't take peoples opinions. You can change that! Many pro musicians has anxiety attacks but they are prepared & they can handle it. Teaching job is amazing too! You can make people happy!
Response to Martin Schmeltz .. Heartbreaking to read please give yourself another chance. There are other avenues to persue. That was probably the wrong school for you and they did you a favor. Your time and money are valuable don't waste them on this school.
There is no distinction, no separation, between "mental health" and "health" beyond that which we falsely believe. Honest, real conversations like this one are what we need to break down that illusory barrier so we can address and treat these matters as the very real challenges they are. Thank you, Tomo, for all you do.
I think overall anything with bad feeling, feeling down, worrying... Basic foundation. 1) Sleep well 2) Eat well 3) Physical exercises More stress with homework or excess playing time on video game or obsessive TikTok? I will think about anything that can help people. You're welcome! Thanks so much for your thoughtful thought.
Thank you for this Mr Fujita. When someone who’s skills and craft seem beyond attainable reveals their vulnerabilities and struggles, it inspires people beyond their self imposed horizons.
I too suffer from anxiety. It made gigging hard. I would drink to calm my nerves but you can't do that forever. Anxiety touches every aspect of my life, so I feel for you, Tomo. I hope you find peace.
I so much appreciate this conversation. I have been overcoming anxiety issues my whole life (I am 53). A couple of times I ended up passing out and in the hospital. People in my life tried their best to understand but they didn't. Thanks for sharing a very personal and misunderstood issue. Every person has something they are dealing with, we should be compassionate and respectful of that.
I started getting migraines from stressful work in my late 40’s. I was able to go part time which gives my more time to play guitar and other things. Migraines slowly went away. You have to listen to you body and not just force things.
I’ve been on a hiatus from my musical career for the last 4 years because of high anxiety. Anxiety, along with the other issues that it brings, have the potential to totally drain the joy out of your life. Thank you for sharing your story and I hope you’re doing well!
Thank you for sharing, Tomo. I had a severe problem with this when I was a teenager and young adult. What helped me was: -Practicing slow breathing from the diaphragm-out-breath twice as long as the in-breath. I counted 4 for the in-breath and 8 for the out-breath, but any count is fine as long as it’s slow. -Practicing progressive muscle relaxation. I practiced both this and the breathing every day when I was calm and eventually I developed the reflex to both slow down my breathing and relax my muscles when I was stressed too. -Total acceptance of whatever I’m feeling as a physical sensation, just letting it wash through me as I calm my breath and body (principle of what you resist persists). This helps for pain too. -Good life hygiene like you said-good sleep, avoiding junk food and substances, and regular exercise (very important). -Positive mindset, also like you say. Being kind to myself, not worrying or comparing. SO important! -And here’s one of the most important things. I know it sounds “woo,” but this really changed my life: standing in my own light and radiating love to everyone and every thing (including the furniture! 😊) around me. There’s no right or wrong way to do it, just use your imagination and let yourself believe it’s real (or just fake it till you make it). A lot of creative people are very sensitive and empathic and we pick up other people’s energy and take it on to ourselves, so sometimes when we feel anxious out of nowhere it’s not because we’re crazy but because we’re picking up on someone else’s distress without realizing it! Standing in our own light and radiating love is a protection-it allows us to sense what’s happening around us without taking it on to ourselves. The other stuff I mentioned before was helpful and important but this has had the most positive impact on my life. I haven’t had an episode in more than 20 years. If you want to learn more about that, I suggest reading the book “Working with Subtle Energies” by David Spangler. I have also had good results from simplifying my life, throwing out stuff I don’t need, and cleaning and organizing my home. There’s a saying “As above, so below”-just like taking care of our inner self helps make our material life and environment better, also taking care of our material environment and life helps our inner selves.
You're very welcome! Thank you so much for sharing! Very important! Yes! Simplify things will help a lot. Now I do my fast walk, stretching & workout...5-6 days a week. This has been really helping me.
Firstly, I want to thank you for having the courage and candor to share something so deeply personal! I am no stranger to anxiety and while I have only had 1-2 full-blown anxiety attacks in my life, it's been a part of my life and increasingly so in the last years. It seems like a more recent decision to be more open about personal things (if the video about gear is any indication) and again I applaud you because responses on social media can be tough to deal with. I always had the stupid notion that Japanese culture is very buttoned up in this regard: one does not ever share one's feelings and innermost personal thoughts. How wrong I was! Apologies. You are a special human being, Tomo-San. I appreciate you. 共 ありがとう ございます
Great story! Everyone has their own baggage that they carry, and it is that baggage that makes that individual special! The baggage that you carry has made you an amazing guitar player, as well as an amazing teacher and human being! Don’t worry about what people think about you! Not everyone is perfect! You have taught so many people many things that they will carry with them for the rest of their lives! You just keep being you and keep doing what you do, because that’s your thing and you do it extremely well!! As your shirt says “Don’t worry, be kind to yourself “!
Music is Wisdom, I have used it from the age of 7 and have learned so much from, the people, the cultures, happiness, sadness and joy. One thing I know is you can't see the notes. you can't touch the notes....but you can FEEL it. Music is the most powerful medium to mankind, it's highly therapeutical 😌 Subscribed 👌
Tomo, thank you for your honesty. It is amazing how many of us have dealt with, or are dealing with anxiety. It does help to talk about it and how each of us deal with it. You will never know how many people that you have touched and helped, but I am sure it will touch many.
Its been 14 years of anxieties and panic attack, I am 44 years old, its hard and limiting. There is a treatment which I discovered (about to start) called Morita Therapy which is from a brilliant Japanese professor that discovered a way to deal with that (shinkenshitzu or something like that). Music can be helpful since I focus on something else but thinking about it and making it bigger than the nothing its suppose to be. Tomo, thank you for the video, its nice to feel not alone with this.
Thanks for sharing, these are important topics. What I've learned is that the harder I fight anxiety, the harder it hits me, the more I accept anxiety, the less it hits me. It's still there, and sometimes almost feels incapacitating, but it's definitely become something I can live with since I stopped fighting it. Meditation was instrumental for me in this. I would love the hear what your anxiety "sounds" like if you had channel it through your guitar, as my anxiety is often a source of inspiration. I can find do so cathartic.
As you can see, there are many of us who have been in a situation like yours. It is much more common than we imagine in this sick society. Thank you for sharing the experience.
I'm so surprised. You look son quiet, so secure of yourself that I 'd never thought about anxiety for you. It makes you have more values for me. In all the years I've been playing with bands. A lot of people saw me live thinking of a serious and secure guy but the fact is I'm a shy and nervous one. Coming on stage every time was ( and is now, sometimes) a great challenge. You're for me a giant, Tomo. Congrats...
Thank you for sharing this, Tomo! I can completely relate. I have been suffering from anxiety and panic disorder since the 80's and maybe before (not sure). It has kept me from experiencing and being a better person. It also keeps me from playing guitar with other people. The anticipation leads to such intense feelings that I just stay away from it. I have been to a therapist and that really helps. The only way that I can take the edge off is by taking anxiety meds. Again, thank you so much for sharing your story. It does help others 🙂
This anxiety attack is very new to me, I had 3 times since last year's September and it turned my life upside down. I also had panic attack too. Im 27 and been playing guitar for more than 10 years,I really really thank you for sharing this and I felt everything you said, and yes I'm dealing with it and moving on with my life. This video is like Gold for me and I have downloaded it.
I've admired your playing for years, little did I know you were such a good, honest, kind, and sensible person too, Mr Fujita. I hope soon I'll get the chance to subscribe to your program to learn guitar, it would be an honor to have someone like you as a teacher. Thank you for what you do and for sharing your stories. I'd love to hear more conversational videos from you.
Hi, I think you're a very nice person (and good guitar teacher and player as well), not so many people share personal experience and thinking in a sincere and honest way. I'm pretty sure that your thinking and advices might help other people. Music and guitar, like many other human activities, may be very stressing, so the key in the life is to be capable of dealing properly with stress, not an easy task sometimes. Keep on an good luck!!!
Hi Tomo, I identify with your condition, for 30 years I had a great career but I become such a perfectionist that I was my worse critic and eventually could not live up to the higher and higher standards I set myself. This led to anxiety and panic attacks. Playing guitar has kept my mind focused now I have retired and I am learning to be more relaxed about life. Anxiety still comes and goes but I have learned that I’m not perfect and good days will follow bad ones. Thank you for your honesty and I wish you well on your journey.
Another great lesson. Your passion inspires me daily Fujita San, I hope whenever you feel anxious or down you can reflect on how many peoples lives you improve daily! ❤
Guitar has relieved anxiety my 95% of the time. I have played for over 35 years. When I started just before high school I was causing trouble. Minor crimes out of frustration... vandalism, arson. When I grabbed a guitar it was like a feeling of expression I never had. Powerful catharsis. I ended playing in front of high school two years later and every performance was the most cathartic experience that the students responded to with a mass of "energy". I was in a zen state when playing but did practise all the time...especially when supposed to be doing homework. Anyway, many bands and touring years later, my last remaining relative, my father, passed away. I come from a very small family. Only child born to only children. I hit a depression which also involved anxiety compounded with mid life crisis and breakup with a girlfriend (who made me feel like family). I could barely have the energy to play guitar, but when I did, for the first time I became aware of it being a therapy, though it likely always had been, but in a more ""explosive" outward therapy, as opposed to "inward" self focused ruminations. After a couple years coming out of that I resumed bebop studies and I found myself more focused than ever after approaching this style on and off for 30 years. If I didn't have my study of music harmony and guitar now, I honestly don't know how I would live. Yes, as Frank Zappa said; "...music is the best."
Thank you so much for sharing. Guitar is amazing! I do my practice routine everyday so I feel that I accomplish something, and gain confidence too. Anytime you can learn more music theory (harmony) then easy to understand jazz! Music is my friend!
@@TomoFujitaMusic , I was playing Jackson 5 "Never Can Say Goodbye" yesterday and thought, this is Tomo style rhythm guitar. Then, me and my keyboard player jammed Delvon Lamar Trio songs. This is why I really enjoy your style...and growing up on James Brown and Parliament. One of the funnest gigs I played was opening for Bootsy Collins. You're great Tomo!
@@banjobanjo-xn7lq Thanks for sharing. I love band sounds, piano playing & horn section etc. 2 types of guitar playing/ 1) Shapes, visually 2) Sound, intervals Thank you so much!
Great video indeed; I know anxiety very, very well indeed and I had to learn how to deal with it throughout my entire life and that's why I feel tremendous respect and admiration for you. And just like you, I've never allowed this "wild beast" to wreck my life or stop me from doing the things that I want. Thanks a lot for sharing your experience and setting such a precious example.
Thanks so much! Thanks for sharing! You can live it peacefully! Almost I have this... but I don't use it. Because this, I am careful on many things so I am thankful.
Thank you for sharing this. I have struggled my entire life with anxiety. Like you, I didn't do much of anything when I was younger. I didn't try hard on school, I got in trouble doing dumb things, and didn't realize why I was that way until I got much older. I have played the guitar for 44 years. And I have always felt like an imposter, even though I can play most any type of music. But when I see your videos and hear you speak openly about yourself, I feel better knowing I'm not alone. I can tell you are genuinely kind and I wonder if you truly know how much good you are doing for the world by sharing your passion, knowledge, and honesty. Thank you for being you and for your amazing lessons.
I really appreciate your sharing. I deal with the same thing. Some days are better than others. Guitar helps, the gym helps, quality diet, and I study Stoicism. That is the biggest help by recognizing that I am in control of my thought process. I could go on and on…. Thanks again❤
Feel better sir. I have had anxiety as long as I can remember. I have found ways to reduce it. I have a very active mind and love to learn so that is one good thing.
Truly amazing and such a brave person you are to share. I suffer from anxiety also. It can make you worry and it can hurt physically sometimes. It does pass with time and learning how to control it and live with it gives you your power and life back. Awesome vid and hoping it helps someone! 🤘🔥
I used to be a surgeon. Just only few years before I retired a Psychiatrist diagnosed me of chronic anxiety. I first cannot understand that, until I realised that it explains my life: my way of being, my achievements, and what I couldnt achive during my profesional career. I never professionally failed nor have an attack, and my way to liberate it was been agressive in most aspects of my life, including the music I wrote and play in guitar. I think I may never have achieved my goals without it, but I regret all the people around me that I neglected or harrased. I wish I would have being conscious of that, early. Thank you for talking about it openly.
This is very unique and cannot simply explain that it is like mathematically. Thank you for sharing. Many pro musicians has this but they can manage it well.
@@TomoFujitaMusic I received a new answer from “you” asking me to write you to a telegram account with your name. Last week I received a similar message from other person in youtube which I previously wrote. It is a scam. You can warn your followers that is not you. Blessings,
Tomo, thanks for sharing your story. This will help others understand that you can look happy on the outside with a great personality but inside dealing with anxiety. More and more popular RUclipsrs are discussing mental health and how the last couple of years has taken a toll. This help their followers know they are not alone and nothing is wrong with them. Always that stigma with the general public that depression and anxiety was brought on by individuals lifestyle/behavior. That’s far from the truth. It can be triggered by any major point in time of someone’s life. That’s usually the case imo. Bless you Tomo.
You're welcome! i always talk about topic with all my private lesson students. I really felt that this topic is very important for all of us. As long as I maintain my foundation of life..then no dealing with anxiety but it will happy anytime if I feel sudden pressure. Like anyone. Learning guitar will help control this very much! Thank you so much!
Tomo, that personal-experience, witness was epic! You are such a kind, patient, and generous soul - let alone hugely gifted musician and guitarist. I've always struggled to cope with stage performance, and still do to this day. Your advice is invaluable. God Bless!
Tomo, I’m sorry you have suffered from anxiety. I have too. As you said, it takes too many words. My first attack, that I remember, was in 1973. I was 20 years old and driving home from college. The terrifying experience came on as you said, sinking.. fear.. terrible. I struggled and navigated my way home. I got medical help- nothing. At that point, the possibility of recurrence was always in my mind. And my mind was not disappointed. The attacks came frequently and out of nowhere. They were absolutely terrifying.. beginning with the sinking sensation. There was no help anywhere. I developed coping strategies. Avoidance of crowds, social interactions, a couple of beers in a small cooler in the car. I didn’t feel like I could have a life. I fought. I learned if I let myself be tired, the attacks could happen. I avoided and I coped. My grandfather’s doctor listened to me and gave me a name and said I think he can help you. He was a practicing psychoanalyst- not a psychiatrist. I went through a year of therapy, hypnosis, self-hypnosis. It made a difference. Did it fix the problem- absolutely not. It’s still there 40 years later. But I’ve been able to control it. I don’t suffer now but I know it can come back. More than a decade ago, my son was completing a 4 year high school study in classical guitar. He was brilliant. He also pursued composition on his own. Berklee was one of the next possible destinations for his development. He likely would have been your student. There were signs. He broke down and was eventually diagnosed as schizophrenic. He would never get to anywhere like Berklee. He suffered, endured and persevered for 13 years. At the end, we lost him to suicide. He composed music prolifically during those years. I hope to play his music one day. I’ve played guitar since the Beatles came on Ed Sullivan. I’m practicing and learning harder than ever. I can still have an anxiety attack but I prefer not to. Thank you for what you give Tomo.
@@johnstrandberg1652 Thank you for sharing! Thank you so much! I still remembered that dull feeling & sinking down... not anymore like what you said that it could happen if I push something very stressful. So sorry to hear about your son. Hope music & guitar playing can heal your soul. You're welcome! Thanks again for sharing. PS, One of my students.. was just your son. He was so happy & bright.. I really enjoyed teaching. Everything was great... but later he took his own life in 2022. I wish I could help him.
To be human is to be anxious. The key is to understand its role and not treat it as a sickness. Not to run from it or be afraid. I think of anxiety as my internal alarm system alerting me to inspect what is going on with me. It is actually a good thing but very very sensitive and it is a skill to learn. This has taken me a very long time to learn because nobody ever helped me with it. I had to learn on my own and I became very serious about learning how to mitigate it years ago and I work at it every day. Hope this helps those who are really suffering.
Thanks so much for sharing your insights on this subject. It’s a big help to many of us “regular folk” who assume anyone with your talent is beyond problems with anxiety. I remember reading that Paul McCartney said that people think he is beyond not worrying about his music since he has "made it". He says he still starts from the beginning for his projects and wonders if they'll be any good. I realize more and more that my limitations in playing (and other endeavors) are related more to tension and not being relaxed. Thank you so much.
Tomo there are a lot of things in this world that can unnerve even the most steely eyed people, but you just have to take life one day at a time don’t try to live too fast, and although there is highs and lows, remember that while setbacks may happen you just have to remind yourself it’s not gonna be today and keep that positive attitude😊
Thank you so much! I am doing well now. Guitar is really helping. My problem was "perfectionist" now I am much mellow and slow down. Don’t worry Don’t compare Don’t expect too fast Be kind to yourself tomofujitamusic.creator-spring.com/
I had Anxiety so bad for years that I could not work anymore, then one day not feeling great near death went to the hospital and had my heart arteries scoped and found they were 80% plugged up, after quadruple by pass and recovery I am now 100 % Anxiety free, I have never felt better at 60 years old, keep on rockin😊
Also used to suffer from severe anxiety attacks. Therapy help me to realize it was just another emotional state like happy/sad, etc, which allowed me to put it in perspective and move forward..
HI Tomo thanks for talking about this. I am a physician and had always thought anxiety was just a mental state until it happened to me. I was about 40 years old, and was getting a patient ready for a procedure interviewing him. He was there with his wife and looked a little like me and was my age. He had a newly diagnosed cancer (lethal) and was there to get a vascular line put in by me in order to receive chemo. As I was talking with him I started feeling dizzy. So I went into the other room where the beds were and lied down. Started shaking and had trouble breathing. My mind immediately determined I must be sick probably sepsis from some infection. I ordered my resident to draw blood to send for culture. was giving orders telling the nurse start an IV on me and get an ecg. I thought I must be really sick. Had them wheel me to the ER . I explained to my colleague the ER doc I was septic with some strange infection, He looked at me and said "maybe, yet let me give you a little benzodiazepine like drug to at least relax you while we figure out what is wrong ". As soon as the drug went in I was completely normal. He told me I had just had a panic attack. What was so surprising to me was the physical component. I wasn't thinking at the time about anxiety or being anxious. It is almost like having a seizure run through your body. Only in retrospect did I put two and two together that seeing the patient that looked like me being so sick created inner, below the level of consciousness extreme anxiety. I then looked back at my life objectively and realized I had this thing "anxiety" all the time. I remembered sometime when I walk into a large store with a lot of stimuli I get a little dizzy not nervous. I always had thought I must have some strange medical condition when that happened. Everyone has worry and anxiety it is normal. The difference with anxiety disorder is it is a biochemical predisposition to having this release of adrenaline or sympathetic response inappropriately. I am very thankful you created this video as sometimes being different in anyway is very isolating as there is no one to share your story with making you feel isolated.
Thank you for sharing. Anxiety really can gives you wrong thought. Very convincing. Interesting part is not knowing working about something but this could be happening.
Don’t worry
Don’t compare
Don’t expect too fast
Be kind to yourself
tomofujitamusic.creator-spring.com/
Thank you for sharing.interesting perspective and experience to hear from a doctor. Blessings!
Anxiety symptoms are caused by a surge of adrenaline. Fighting anxiety and fear of anxiety causes a further release of adrenaline. As a lifelong sufferer from anxiety, the acceptance model taught by Dr Claire Weekes in her books and on RUclips has given me a way of dealing with it and greatly reduced the symptoms. I have no connection to Dr Weekes.
I have that experience too when I go into a big store or mall.
I have anxiety also.
@tragus44 Can't speak for you but it's my general observation that hard workers and people who deal with others are more subject to anxiety than less say sensitive people. I can relate to the felling of "dizziness" and it's likely because you are interested in doing a good job and are always look for ways to improve. I've found that meditation helps immensely.
living with autism and social anxiety disorder is a challenge every day. The worst part is when people think I have overcome the disorder because I have done things like travelling around the world by myself. Anxiety disorders aren't something you overcome, you just learn how to deal with them. I explain to people I am able to do the things I do, not because I have conquered my anxiety, but it is more like the person who has a fear of heights who takes up sky diving. I refuse to let it stop me
Thanks for sharing! You can explain what's going on. I respect who you are. Do you own highend silent headphone when you are traveling? That's really helping me when I travel. I don't hear anything.
@@TomoFujitaMusic I don't, but sound doesn't trigger my anxiety. Even crowds are ok. It is one on one or small groups that set it off. Even talking on the phone I have to rehearse before I make the call.
Response to bkmeahan
...Very brave comment best to you. Wish you might have said something related to your musical experience or guitar but ty . It looks by your photo you are a musician I will check out your channel in the future
@@bkmeahan It's so hard but you don't need to be perfect or to prove anyone! We are humans & we make mistakes and okay!
@@TomoFujitaMusic Yes! Noise cancelling headphones and foam earplugs like the construction workers use; I don’t leave home without them. Thank you for sharing your very personal story, Fujita-sama. 🙏🏻🤘🏻🎸
If your mind is in the past, you are depressed. If it´s in the future, you have anxiety. If you´re living Now, you´re ok. Good man Mr Fujita..wish you all the best.
Well said! I want people to ease on this. Thank you so much!
I am guilty of letting what happened earlier today or the last interaction that I had with somebody ride my shoulders a bit and I worry about my next interaction in that if I can reciprocate it to better control of the outcome. Other than that Anything more than a day away in either direction is beyond my emotional cup😂
Tomo you're always so good about reducing other people's anxiety.
"Be kind to yourself. Don't expect too much too soon. Practice slowly and be patient"- guitar wisdom.
So happy to hear that! I want to be helpful to others. Thanks so much! Yes! Guitar Wisdom. Wisdom words!
I developed anxiety when I was 14, now 19 it hasn’t exactly gotten better but I am so very grateful for music and my guitar, it has been one of the few things that helps me release all of that tension. If you have anxiety I would absolutely recommend trying to find an expressive outlet, I hope you may find some help there.
i agree 100%
Hey friend I too developed anxiety at around the same age and I also suffer from schizophrenia. I really recommend searching up David Goggins. It's really helped me turn those things against themselves to go from giving me fear, anxiety and depression, to giving me drive to push myself to my limits then using those negative things to push myself further. It's helped me turn my self-hate into strength because I never want to go back to who I was before. I hope this helps and remember to not discredit progress,. I hope this helps, stay safe out there (:
Thank you for sharing!
@@TomoFujitaMusic
It will get better friend! I dealt with it for years in my early twenties and it was miserable… it took over all aspects of my life, but Eventually it got better to where it was non-existent. Reducing your stress levels make a huge difference and also working on cognitive therapy. Find exercise to do when anxiety starts to come on and battle your way through it… just know, no matter how bad it gets, nothing bad is going to happen to you. It will go away and life will get better.
I hope you find relief brother… nobody deserves to live with that monster.
Hi Tomo, I am 72 years old and I am also a cancer patient, so anxiety lives permanently inside me. I try to fight it with small things but that personally help me a lot, like improving my guitar sound with the few things I can afford, or composing my own music, but also listening to you ( having you as a teacher and friend would be a dream ) makes me feel better. Thank you very much for this video, a big hug🤗
Thanks for sharing. My sister had a cancer so I feel deeply. Guitar playing definitely help. Try this 3 foundation exercises for focus, determination, make something happen. This might help you. I will make this lesson video on my Guitar Wisdom. Song writing ready help you heal your soul. You're welcome!
Replying to Edo Leonardi...
Hi there thank you for sharing your story.
I'll be 69 shortly and iv been fooling with the guitar since I was 12.
Iv had anxiety most of my life. My family kicked me out when I was 16 alone and basically with nothing..Somehow 8 survived!
i can easily say music and playing guitar has been a big reason I'm still here.
I can go into my room alone and find great comfort playing guitar .
It has also connected me with others I admire greatly both directly and indirectly.
We are both fortunate to be able to learn from Master Tomo and to be part of his community here .
I wish you all the best, and by the way, what kind of music do you enjoy playing?
You are an inspiration sir. Thank you for all the good you've done for so many. ✌️
Very interesting story. I have a very similar life to yours. I retired and gave my recording studio equipment to the local high school. Sold 90% of my instruments. I play everyday at least 2 hours. I play only finger style now. And I have never felt better. I have emphysema and sense Covid I’ve been isolated. This has only made me play better. I only have to please me, and my dogs and not to forget my wife. So free. I enjoy your talks, please don’t stop. Thanks
Thanks for sharing! I am downsizing right now! I want more simple life with my family. Good job! I have 3 foundation exercises practice routine that help me calm down deeply. Be thankful! Thank you!
I find it hard to part with things and hold on to them especially musical instruments and gear.
Thank you for your thoughts and congratulations on your musical progress! I think that is rare and special
I have anxiety, if I dwell on the past I can drift into remorse, if I think too much about the future I can get fearful. If I practice living in today and minding my own business and just to do the next thing in front of me things usually go well. If I focus more on fixing my own problems rather then bitchin’ about someone else’s my life in better. The last thing I try to remember when something or someone upsets me I ask myself “Do I want to be right or do I want to be happy?”. Stay strong Tomo,
sometimes I forget “Life is fair, it’s
hard on all of us”. Remembering this helps me avoid feeling like a victim.
Thanks for sharing! Think about Mr.Bean!
Don’t worry
Don’t compare
Don’t expect too fast
Be kind to yourself
www.osiamo.com/Pickboy-Wisdom-Picks-by-Tomo-Fujita
This is probably one of the most important lessons you'll ever give. It's a life lesson that will relate to many people and its really good to hear that no-one is alone in their trials and tribulations. It's also really good to hear that you learn to manage these situations and clearly you have because you are so well respected in your musical field. Thanks for your honesty and sharing your experience. I'm sure it will benefit others. As for the piece where you say legend on the left, legend on the right......I think you missed the fact that there was a legend in the middle and yes that is Tomo Fujita.....Music is the best therapy for anything in my opinion. Whenever I'm low, pick up the guitar and immediately feel better.
Thank you so much! Thanks for sharing.
Such a powerful video and thank you so much for having the courage to share. I, like many others, have also dealt with this and I think more leaders like you should be discussing it.
Thanks so much!
Ever since experiencing a home invasion, managing anxiety has been a real part of my life and, like you said, it is a hard thing to talk about with people. As a musician/performer, it’s a tough thing to reconcile, because you always have to meet and work with new people, new situations. The anxiety is always there but as you say, it’s like a roommate that I pay less and less attention to as the years go by. Life sometimes can be hard but it is always beautiful. Thank you for sharing your story Tomo
I forgot to mention as well, music itself, the act of playing, and the art of guitar also help me deal with anxiety
Thanks for sharing! Just like having a roommate. My pleasure.
Thanks much for revealing so much. It’s very important and inspiring to see you succeed despite your challenges. I suffer from depression but have made a career in music. It’s been hard but great. You are helping us a lot.
@@ledaswan5990 You're welcome! Thanks for sharing! Life is struggle but it's worth working on!
I've been struggling with very severe anxiety for quite a while now, and it's always nice to hear a story like this from someone you look up to. Makes me feel more normal, thanks.
Thanks for sharing. Thank you!
You are very very very very normal! You are also probably a sensitive and kind person too.
I AM ALMOST 68yrs. Of age. I PLAYED DRUM SINCE THE SEVENTH GRADE. THEN A FEW YRS. AGO I DECIDED I WANTED PLAY PIANO AND GUITAR. SO NOW
I AM TRYING MY HEART OUT TO LEARN GUITAR AND PIANO. I ENJOY YOUR CHANNEL. SINCERELY ROY TENNESSEE FAUGHT.
@@royfaughttennesseefaught957 Thanks for sharing! Thank you!
@@TomoFujitaMusic THANK YOU
One thing that you mentioned in your video hits home. Sensitive people are prone to anxiety. I went through a terrible time for years and didn't understand why me. I was fisically fit, raced motorcycles, traveled cross country, restored old houses with my wife. Then it started. The same symptoms that you described. I got so bad I couldn't drive my car to the doctors. I fought taking meds. Maybe that was a mistake, not sure. My wife's support and constant reassurance to try various methods to deal with it eventually allowed me to get back to almost normal. This world has become very unkind and it hurts to see others suffer. Thinking too much about the negative can make my anxiety flare up. Like you I try to focus on the good. Best advice I received was surround yourself with happy kind people. I'm 68 years old now and just learning to play guitar. Thank you for your videos.
Thank you for sharing! To me, playing guitar and Don't worry, Don't compare, Don't expect too fast, Be kind to yourself... really helped me!
My goal is a little above the middle! Thank you so much! My pleasure!
Many times in my life there have been upsetting events and hard times that I had to work through. Playing my guitar has always been a positive way to deal with stress and anxiety. I also enjoy playing the blues to help me through those times since it really makes you feel like you're not alone. The artists who played these blues are all linked in that we are human and we have good times and bad. Stay strong out there and just try to be as positive as you can. It really does make a difference.
Thanks for sharing! Blues playing is healing your soul! I play blues everyday!
Anxiety is a very complex ailment for many people. Some people who have never suffered from it may ask questions like, how can someone like this who is such a great guitar player and musician, who seems to have it all get anxious about things? Listening to guys like you is a great medicine for other sufferers, and talking about it can only be a positive thing and help yourself too.
Thanks for sharing. Many musician has this! Very common. Funny part is not trying to be nervous but naturally without thinking.... panic attack will sneak in. Music, guitar playing is a great medicine. This thing can make more positive things and all good!
Been there many years ago; hospital etc.. For me, making sure I get enough sleep is paramount to dealing with my anxiety. Unfortunately anxiety may disrupt good sleep. "When the demon is at your door, in the morning it won't be there no more, any major dude will tell you." - Steely Dan. Another thing that always helped my anxiety was recognizing how many millions of people also deal with the issue. That concept removed some of the teeth of my anxiety. I wasn't alone in my situation. Another quote that helped me was "Nothing is neither good nor bad, lest thinking make it so." Understanding my perspective on things was making them positive or negative. Thank you for making this video - your experience with the mystery of anxiety was just like mine; exhausted and overthinking and overanalyzing. I'm your age and as the years have passed, I've been able to come up with tools that help me - and lately I almost never have anxiety attacks.
Thank you for sharing! Thank you so much!
You're very welcome!
Thanks so much for making this Tomo. The sensation you described (heart beating too fast, feeling faint, etc...) are symptoms of a panic attack, a very acute form of anxiety. I once heard a singer talk about how he had his first panic attack in the middle of a performance and since he'd never experienced anything like that, he really thought he was dying. Your advice about living with it, sleeping, eating well, and thinking about positive things are really valuable advice.
You're very welcome Anthony! You're very open to talk about this topic too. Thank you so much! Very beginning, those panic attacks were so scary. Now I think about something else when it's happening. Sleeping & preparing well, being positive thinking really helped. My practice routine is really helping my feeling. Yes. You can live with your room mate. Thank you!
To hear a master of positivity share this sort of history is a profound experience. I am now 68, and although I have learned how to manage the anxiety and depression that have always been part my my nature, I still have room to learn from the experiences of others. Thank you, Tomo, for caring enough about other people to share the lessons you have learned. You are a great man.
Thank you so much for sharing. You're welcome!
Thank you for sharing your experience. Shared pain is half the pain, shared joy is twice the joy
You're welcome! Sharing is good thing to do.
Hi Tomo,
I’m struggling with anxiety for about 8 years now and it stems from a trauma in my childhood. As a kid there was I time I experienced panic attacks as well but no one around me took it for serious or knew what it was, therefore it was left untreated. I’m going to therapy for about 2 years now and I must say it helps a lot. Of course most of dealing with it and healing lies within oneself. I’ve learned so much through it and try to live with it as best as I can. I realized by taking care of myself helps me best and heals my inner child. I’ve just started learning guitar, because it was something I’ve always wanted to do as a kid but didn’t had the resources to do so. Now that I’m older I want to live without having any regrets and being more confident. That’s why I think me learning the guitar helps immensely with my healing journey!
Thank you so much for sharing your experience and opening up about your past to your community! That just shows how much you trust us and I for myself appreciate it a lot.
Thank you!!
Thanks for sharing. Good job! Panic attacks are a great sign for taking care of yourself. Guitar playing, guitar practice routine will heal it too. No regrets! My rule! You're welcome! Thank you!
@@TomoFujitaMusic Thank you so much!! I'll try my hardest! :)
Suffered through it my whole life.. breathe man...breathe..thanks for having the courage to talk about this...it will help a lot of people 😁♥️
Thanks for sharing. You're welcome.
You have anxieties too? Granted I only know you from your videos but I see you as one of the chillest dudes in the world. Well it’s always nice to find commonalities with others!
Yes! Thank you!
It's hard to explain what it's like to have anxiety attacks to someone who has never had them. You are not alone. I'm still learning to deal. Thanks for sharing some of your story. From Brazil.
Thanks for sharing. You're very welcome.
You have been a major inspiration for me to pursue learning how to play the guitar. While I was in the army I would always watch your videos whenever I could. Thank you so much for your content and always remember there are people on here who really appreciate everything that you do!
So happy to hear that. You're welcome!
Fighting anxiety my whole life. The worst was bad case stage fright, performing on stage. Now older and retired it's getting worse. I hear you my brother it's rough. We can stand together to fight it. I am here for you and you are here for me, thank you for this. Yes guitar helps.
Thanks for sharing. That's very natural to many people. You can prepare more performance part & prepare how to feel part. Don't fight! Be friend with this. You're welcome.
I had a complete mental breakdown about 4 months ago, and that's when I decided to learn guitar.
I needed something to help me find peace and that's what it did for me... It gave me inner peace and even though I still have anxiety, I can now pick up my guitar and practice and I feel soooooo much better. It literally is medicine for the soul, much better than the pills the doctor's will give you.
Thank you very much for your video's, I love them!!
Thank you for sharing. Try simple exercises. Those really helped me. You can do some body exercises too. Simple one is to walk 30 minutes a day. Stretch your body etc. Eat healthy foods, No drink too much alcohol. Don't eat food after 8pm. Thank you so much!
@@TomoFujitaMusic I do walk, every day before I practice, I have better practice time after I clear my mind with a good walk. Thank you for your advice, I really appreciate it. I love your channel.😍😍
@@Samantha-xz6ie Good job! I love walking in the woods everyday. You're welcome! So happy to hear that.
Tomo, your story is almost identical to mine. I struggled for years with anxiety attacks. They started when I was 18 and I couldn’t control them. Then just thinking about having an attack would make me have one. It was really horrible and led to drinking and drugs to try to deal with it, but that just made it worse. It took a long time for me to learn how to control it. Just like you I recognized that it was all in my head and I needed a mental tool to help. Now I’m 55 and I very rarely have any, but if I feel it coming I can control it very quickly just by using the mental tool I learned and by using a breathing technique. People who don’t have them usually don’t understand and will say things like “what’s wrong with you? Why can’t you just relax”, and they get rude or angry. People need to learn more about it so thank you for sharing your story.
Thank you for sharing! Very scary but once you know what to do. You can live with it. Actually you can be much healthier because you want to be prepared ... sleep well, eat well, exercise well, be prepared well!
Listening to you lowers my anxiety levels.
So happy to hear that! Thank you!
Thank you for sharing your struggle, Tomo. I'm sure there are a lot of us that can relate.
You're welcome! Yes totally.
Thank you very much for sharing, Tomo! You are a true inspiration, not only as a musician, but as a human being!
My pleasure!
The same introspect we rely on to thoughtfully improve ourselves often puts people at odds when we focus on something we cannot understand, control, and resolve. It is hard to cope with, hard to look inward and ascertain you have something from your Id ringing your alarm bells, and hardest to articulate the ask for help. So I salute you, Fujita Sensei, for having the courage to very publicly share your struggle. Anyone with crippling anxiety or depression is encouraged to find a person or a place to get these thoughts out of your head and into daylight, where their power to control you diminishes as dialogue develops. Ive certainly had anxiety, fear, and true despair from work, personal loss. Enjoying music really has helped cane it out of me, even when someone else plays it. Singing also profoundly helps me purge an emotional blockage. What you mentioned about sleep, karate, health; all of that being consistent has similarly + positively affected my ability to navigate this life. At any rate, anyone who struggles with something they cannot understand or resolve is encouraged to share their demons in a safe space where we can talk-out the power they exert over you. It is a normal part of the human experience to feel not great and together we can work it out.
Thanks for sharing. Thank you so much! Positive feeling is so important!
Omg...now i know why i like you.
Anxiety ,and what if? crippled me.
Everything you're saying in this video could have come from my own life.
When i was 19, i decided to try guitar. I've never been to concentrate on anything long enough to learn. But the guitar was different.
I taught myself cowboy chords, and in about 3 months, i found myself playing with some neighbors.
They told me i was very talented. The kid taught me Norwegian wood. I still remember like yesterday. He said you're playing that better in 15 minutes than i could in 6 months, and i need to pursue music.
I was so full of self-doubt i almost thought he was making fun of me.
I never saw him again, and i put the guitar down and didn't pick it up for years.
Then i tried a few years later, and my girlfriend would sgame the songs i would pick, and i would get self-conscious .so for the last 25 yrs I'd play for a few weeks and put it down. And not touch it for years.
So, 23 years later, i get sick. Like death sick. So i refused to die without learning to play some of my favorite songs.
Because of how i felt about myself, i surround myself with very negative ppl. My now ex told me i wouldn't make it more than two weeks playing the girl.
I tried everything drugs .they didn't work, so i stopped no real issue. But it still almost killed me. I eventually just locked myself away whenever possible.
So the only way i could play the guitar is when im calm, and because I'm autistic or something, i see patterns. But that only happens when im calm.
My life was literally the worst it ever was . But i was happy.
Why? That freaking guitar lets me be me. Because i got into a car accident, i had to relearn what I learned the previous year. I would choke the hell out of the neck.
After a two lvl acdf surgery, i couldn't hold the guitar while standing. I'm only just starting now.
But because i lost all my strength, i had to learn to have a light touch and proper form. So i had to learn to breathe .
I had to correct my posture.
I started stretching.
This guitar gave me peace.
I've only ever had in fleeting moments.
Real peace. I feel good about myself now.
My god, to think i could have just played the guitar .
That's why i was so grateful for your tiny bit of help. I live youtube because i can be honest. I could have never said any of this in the real world.
So again, what you have helped me with in my life is priceless and can't be put into words. Im going to stop trying and just say thank you for the last time. I think you get it.
Thank you so much for sharing! I had too much expectation so I changed that part. Now I am happy if I can go a little above the middle! No number one, only one! Be kind to yourself! Don't compare! Don't expect too fast! Don't worry! Guitar is amazing! I am so thankful and grateful! You did a great job! I am so proud of you!
I've had anxiety attacks since I was a kid, and I'm older than you. I really appreciate hearing about your experiences and what's helpful for you. I'm not a guitarist, but I love music; your playing, teaching and philosophy are great! Very glad you're here!
Thanks for sharing. You're welcome! Thank you so much
Dear Tomo, thank you for sharing your experience. I had a similar experience where I ended in a hospital as well. I believe it was a break point for me. I kept avoiding everything that causes stress, yet I was experiencing it nearly every day. I can easily say I missed a wonderful life. Reason I am writing because I am coming back. After all these years. Music is helping me. I wanted to play the guitar, but I never had the courage. I am 46 now and practicing everyday. I don't scare to fail anymore, I just t-want to learn. I have an excellent teacher who genuinely support my progress. You are also one of very rare people who feels me more enthusiastic about life and especially music. Thank you for that. I wish you all the best.
You're very welcome! We all have this! That could happened! I found GUITAR. I am so grateful. This made me so careful about my body & mind condition so I have been doing my daily stretching and workout very steady. Thank you so much for sharing! Great to hear that! Thank you!
Hey Tomo! First of all great video, I think it’s really helpful to hear that even someone as positive and a great player as you also has dealt with anxiety. Thank you so much for sharing Tomo, these videos you’ve been doing discussing topics have been amazing!
You're very welcome! I am a human! Proud to be not perfect.
Tomo, thank you for sharing your experience. As someone who plays guitar and lives with panic disorder, it helps to know that we aren’t alone in this.
You're very welcome! We all have small or big! We can live with it nicely!
Great post Tomo. Anxiety is more common than most would imagine. You’ve helped a lot of people here. ♥️🙏🏻🌅🎵🎶🎸🎼
Thank you! Hope I can be helpful!
One love tomo , I too have attacks and it is as scary as a heart attack or watching my guitar hit the floor , helplessly.
We as brothers and sisters should learn to love one another and empathize with each others short falls.
Peace, love and granola✌️
Thanks for sharing! Thank you!
Hi Tomo ! I had you as a Lab/Ensemble teacher at Berklee during the 90’s. I had the same anxiety issues while I was there. It’s great to hear you talk about it.
Thank you Kevin!! Thanks for sharing!
BTW I learned some really great things from you back then - thank you! It’s strange but you were the 1st professor to tell us “If it says play a half note, play a half note. If it says play a dotted quarter note, do that….etc”. It sounds simple but a lot of people don’t do that. I now tell my students the same thing. ありがとうございました。😊
@@kevinmittleman7154 So happy to hear that. I like to show, explain a lot of details. Thank you!
You know something? It takes a lot of courage to talk about something so personal. Especially knowing how cruel some people can be. I too suffer from this. It hasn't been easy. Some days are really difficult, but playing my guitar helps keep away the negative and brings in the positive.
I'm glad I found your music and I also hope to learn from you as well.
God bless you.
Thank you so much! I just want everyone feel more comfortable!
Ohayo Tomo-San
I live with anxiety as well and it could literally ruin one's life and turn it upside down ( in my case ), especially when you have a family , kids and things going on ..
I've been living with anxiety for like 7 years now , there's a lot to tell about it , it's such a "special" journey , all i've learned through the years i've been dealing with it , it's that most anxious people live in their heads , that have lost control on their emotions and just believe whatever the mind tell them , in short we gave full power to our mind on us and we just follow whatever it tells us , remedy ?! well the only way to get better it's to get the control back , and to remind yourself that not every thought you get in your head it's " true " and it's a "fact" , in a matter of fact , 90% of your thoughts it's pure imagination and fiction , so what's the solution you might ask , all you can do it's to simply ACCEPT any thought or feeling that comes with , you and me have been programming our minds to fear the fear and to fly when things gone out of OUR "control" and such .. trust me i've been through this for many years i've been failing many attempts to get better , i've read LOT of books , watched like thousands of videos about it , only way that works for me at least .. is not giving a damn and accept whatever it throws on my , anxiety just fires for 10 minutes then it's gone when my mind notice that i'm not giving a f*** it just leaves me alone , so whenever you feel anxious or about to get a panic attack in some situation like you're in public or something that trigger it for you , just tell yourself this " i don't care no matter what happen to me i just don't care so there you go anxiety do your thing it's not like the first time anyways" ( you'll feel anxious and you'll feel like you're about getting a panic attack and that's completely OK and normal ) and last thing i'd like to mention , i know most of us people that deals with anxiety , thinks that their life is ruined forever and that they will never be happy again and that you're alone , you're NOT alone , there's millions of people like us around the world , we're just so GOOD on hiding it , you'll be alright , anxiety and it's feelings it's just a bunch of chemicals chaos happening in your body , you're not weak you're not crazy , you're just caring too much about everything your head telling you , wish you all a good health it's a war i know a scary one indeed , but you'll WIN anxious people are very brave warriors i know that because i see it .
BE THE MASTER NOT THE SLAVE.
Thanks for sharing! Not fun having anxiety attacks. but I have learned through this... how to prepare ahead, lower my expectation, be thankful before do anything etc. I am so fortunate. Thank you.
Please continue to take good care of yourself - body and soul.
Thank you so much! Everyone is so supportive!
Good morning Tomo. Just wanted to send you some love and I hope you have a nice day today and get to share some music. Your impact continues to ripple out to the world. Thank you for doing so much to make the world a better and more joyful place for so many people!
Good morning! Thank you so much! You're very welcome! My pleasure!
Just under 3 minutes in, I was thinking.. why is Tomo telling my story .. anxiety probs all my life, musical mother showed me the mouthharmonica and opened up my ears; without karate, played waterpolo .. Carlton etc, .. did Larry cause a trauma in me😊? wonderfull open, honest and helpfull story, TY Tomo.🎉 great teacher and rollmodel you are. Even for a 63 year old greyhound.. finding out to live with myself , still have 'm , acceping it: wise man You are. TY, no compare.😊
Thank you for sharing! You're very young! A lot of possibilities!
Don’t worry
Don’t compare
Don’t expect too fast
Be kind to yourself
www.osiamo.com/Pickboy-Wisdom-Picks-by-Tomo-Fujita
Thank you for opening up like this. I agree with your point that when we are tired things can do downhill quickly. I had anxiety attacks as a youngster, then really bad after combat service in Vietnam (1967). After a lot of searching I have found a great resource from Japan to handle it. It's the study of the writings of Ichiro Kishimi and Fumitake Koga.
You're welcome! Thank you for sharing. Glad to hear that.
Hi Mr. Fujita. I’m a beginner, self-learning guitar at 61 yrs young through many guitar tutorials on RUclips. I came upon one of your videos by accident and have come to learn more about you afterwards. Well this video that you’re sharing with the world on your personal struggle with anxiety is probably best of all your videos. I think a lot of beginner guitarist/ musicians experience a bit of anxiety when learning. …For that matter, this video should be the first video of all your lessons. Like you, I’m a Larry Carlton fan too 😊 -Oh, I forgot to mention, I experience clinical anxiety. Knowing who you are a great guitar player and honorable teacher, I really believe I can now learn grow with confidence in my journey in the beautiful sounding world of guitar.
Thank you,
-K
My favorite thing about this channel is that you always take your time to help us and answer our comments and questions. Thank you Tomo you are very positive influence to a lot of people on here.
So happy to hear that! I really enjoy reading everyone's comments. I am so fortunate. You're welcome!
I am blues /rock guitarist - bassist and i am 62 y old. I never had anxiety until i had problems at work place caused by other / rude bully people. Yes, i had depressions more times in past because of war in my country - Jugoslavia, divorce with first wife etc .But !!! Music was always with me - my main healler. ( I come from music family and started play bass guitar when 16. Now i am here - 62 of age. My atuttude after painful divorce when i was 45 years of age was : "Everyone can abandon me but music never !!! " We musicians are suptle and sensitive human beings and we think different then many other people.
Btw. I love your music, your jazzy/bluesy guitar style. I saw many your videos on Utube incuding your blues sessions with famous blues guitarists - Eric Gales and other blues guitarists , I can not remember names. Great blues sessions. I am sure music did help you a lot all these years to overcome your anxiety problems. Take care Master. 👍
Thanks for sharing. There are good people & not good people. I had similar problems. I try not ignore it. then something will come back. So I understand it clearly and I don't pay attention. Simple example, driving in high way... someone cut you off, then I just away from them and don't get angry because it won't do anything with these people. It's hard but you can look for more positive things & positive people. Music is so powerful. (I divorced once too! I left everything behind. I started over with one guitar & nothing! So I feel you very deep!) Thank you so much! Hope you will enjoy more!
I have your same problem Tomo, and I am developing many antidotes. All your tips are great: get prepared in advance, sleep, healthier living...Also conscious breathing and meditation help!
Thanks for sharing! Great to hear that.
I deal with anxiety as well and IBS. You cant just shake it off. It is a strange struggle. You are not alone my friend
Thanks for sharing. I am doing really well now. I just don't push too much! I am very busy with very organized schedule and plans. Thank you so much!
Thanks so much Tomo! I’ve had anxiety/depression in the past and thankfully have learned to manage it- talking about it was really what helped me even though it was the absolute last thing I wanted to do. Hopefully you’ve encouraged others to talk and realise they aren’t alone. I always appreciate your positivity and your open handed teaching through Guitar Wisdom, thank you so much and lots of love as always from bonnie Scotland! 👍🎸💥🤘
You're welcome! Thanks for sharing! I am doing pretty good! I love working for my Guitar Wisdom.
I have the same anxiety . Too much pressure got to me as a kid, too. Little panics attacks…When you have a high interest , but you realize you can’t accomplish the goal …it’s like a fear that you can’t make it. Breaking things into chunks and preparing ahead helps me. I also have trouble playing in front of larger group…anxiety makes me forget what I’m doing. And I have a thing where I have to have my practice area organized or I can’t get going practicing. Anxiety makes me want to keep things in predictable order. I am 61 now and still my roommate is anxiety! Thank you for sharing …❤🙂👍
Thanks for sharing! I never worked hard before age 13... so it was so much pressure! Now i can control it! Took me a long time! Anyone can do this very well. Guitar playing, especially practicing foundation will help! Chromatic scales, R37 swing groove, triads!
Tomo you are the best, always stay positive!
Thank you!
I had a really rough abusive childhood so I know anxiety well. My go to for dealing with it is long walks in nature. Playing guitar or listening to relaxing music also helps. Wish you all the best. I can tell you have a good soul.
Thanks for sharing. Many ways to cool down your feeling. My daily routine (a few things) is really helping me. Meditation and make me think nothing. Thank you so much!
Dear Tomo, that was comforting . Appreciate it so much for what you've share.
Thanks for sharing! You're welcome!
Thanks for sharing this. I have suffered from anxiety and depression for many decades. Mental health is often over looked and you just brought it back on the map. Thanks Tomo!
You're very welcome! It's so easy to get this condition! I sleep well! I work out so I don't get this. Thank you!
In my 20s I developed severe anxiety. It got so bad that on three occasions I hyperventilated to the point of passing out. I went through numerous medical and psychological tests. They looked for blood sugar. They looked for hormonal levels. They ultimately found nothing. At the time I was a pilot, when I reported these occurrences to the flight surgeon, I was immediately grounded and lost my flight physical. That was that. As you might imagine, this made my anxiety even worse. Then one day I was driving on the freeway and began to feel anxious, I really panicked as I thought I might pass out and cause a major accident. I exited as fast as I could and as soon as I was out of danger, my anxiety disappeared. I mustered up the courage, told myself that I was in charge of myself, and got right back on the freeway. My anxieties never came back.
wish it was that easy to lose it.
Thanks for sharing. That must been so hard to take. Similar to my way to major recording session. We have choices and no need to be number one or amazing! I look for a little above the middle. That has been working for me.
One of my close friend who owned a music night club in Japan. He was a rugby player who injured really bad... so he was very depressed and started drinking at jazz bar in Japan.... then he thought what if?... He gave up his rugby and went to USA... visited many cities and he got an idea of making those nice music nightclubs in Japan! He stared to work at several restaurants to learn how to cook... so once he learned Japanese...quit... Italian... quit.. he repeated so he can make his own menus. Now he is very successful in that industry but he still loves rugby... His music club named "RUG" Now i know why!
Awesome.
Hi. I have had Generalized Anxiety Disorder all my life. In 49 now. When I was 26 I took a course on anxiety and depression. I wrote myself a note when I wasn’t anxious that said this anxiety attack will go away it’s go. I read that note every time I had anxiety attack and slow believed I’d be ok. Then anxiety went away
Thank you for sharing. I had really bad one in the past then I changed how I feel things so I am doing good now. We are humans so we are not perfect! If I over thinking and worry about something unnecessary then I could have anxiety attack clearly! But I just think something else.
Exactly. I’m new to guitar and your videos are excellent. I’m am getting your beginner guitar lessons as soon as my fingers callous up.
Good job! Thank you!
Hi Tomo! I've been following your channel almost since the beginning. You are a huge inspiration to me! When I was applying for the highest level of music school in my country, I had an anxiety attack during my audition. It meant everything to me, to get into that school. But because of my anxiety attack, I performed at the lowest perfomance I could've done, even though my skill level was about good enough to get in... I even had to stop my second song, mid song, because of the anxiety... And afterwards I had to speak with the teachers. And even though I told them I had an anxiety attack right in front of them, they still told me I probably never should pursue music in my life... They told me that music is not for everybody... It crushed all my dreams of becomming a guitar teacher, which was what I always wanted to do. It's been about 6 years since that day. And my anxiety made me give up on ever trying to audition again for music school... I learned that I didn't want to be in environment, where the teachers and students all had a perfectionistic mentallity. It was too much pressure... So I gave up on my dream, even though I probably could've pushed through... Seeing you succeed so much with music, even though you suffered with so much anxiety is really inspiring. You truely are one of the worlds greats! Keep up the good work!
So happy to hear that! Thank you so much! Thanks for sharing. You can control this. They said "You should control this then you can do what you wish. Just dry answer so don't take peoples opinions. You can change that! Many pro musicians has anxiety attacks but they are prepared & they can handle it. Teaching job is amazing too! You can make people happy!
Response to Martin Schmeltz ..
Heartbreaking to read please give yourself another chance. There are other avenues to persue. That was probably the wrong school for you and they did you a favor. Your time and money are valuable don't waste them on this school.
There is no distinction, no separation, between "mental health" and "health" beyond that which we falsely believe. Honest, real conversations like this one are what we need to break down that illusory barrier so we can address and treat these matters as the very real challenges they are. Thank you, Tomo, for all you do.
I think overall anything with bad feeling, feeling down, worrying...
Basic foundation. 1) Sleep well 2) Eat well 3) Physical exercises
More stress with homework or excess playing time on video game or obsessive TikTok? I will think about anything that can help people. You're welcome! Thanks so much for your thoughtful thought.
Thank you for this Mr Fujita.
When someone who’s skills and craft seem beyond attainable reveals their vulnerabilities and struggles,
it inspires people beyond their self imposed horizons.
You're welcome! Thank you!
I too suffer from anxiety. It made gigging hard. I would drink to calm my nerves but you can't do that forever. Anxiety touches every aspect of my life, so I feel for you, Tomo.
I hope you find peace.
Thanks for sharing. Try something different please. You can make your feeling better. Thank you so much!
I so much appreciate this conversation. I have been overcoming anxiety issues my whole life (I am 53). A couple of times I ended up passing out and in the hospital. People in my life tried their best to understand but they didn't. Thanks for sharing a very personal and misunderstood issue. Every person has something they are dealing with, we should be compassionate and respectful of that.
You're welcome! Thanks for sharing! We are humans & proud to be not perfect!
I started getting migraines from stressful work in my late 40’s. I was able to go part time which gives my more time to play guitar and other things. Migraines slowly went away. You have to listen to you body and not just force things.
Thanks for sharing. Please enjoy your guitar playing!
I’ve been on a hiatus from my musical career for the last 4 years because of high anxiety. Anxiety, along with the other issues that it brings, have the potential to totally drain the joy out of your life.
Thank you for sharing your story and I hope you’re doing well!
Thanks for sharing. You can live with this. Make you healthy. You're welcome!
@Eduardo Zanchi Official Channel I hope you can find some peace and get back to your musical passions.
@@kerbyfab Thank you for your kind words!
Thank you for sharing, Tomo. I had a severe problem with this when I was a teenager and young adult. What helped me was:
-Practicing slow breathing from the diaphragm-out-breath twice as long as the in-breath. I counted 4 for the in-breath and 8 for the out-breath, but any count is fine as long as it’s slow.
-Practicing progressive muscle relaxation. I practiced both this and the breathing every day when I was calm and eventually I developed the reflex to both slow down my breathing and relax my muscles when I was stressed too.
-Total acceptance of whatever I’m feeling as a physical sensation, just letting it wash through me as I calm my breath and body (principle of what you resist persists). This helps for pain too.
-Good life hygiene like you said-good sleep, avoiding junk food and substances, and regular exercise (very important).
-Positive mindset, also like you say. Being kind to myself, not worrying or comparing. SO important!
-And here’s one of the most important things. I know it sounds “woo,” but this really changed my life: standing in my own light and radiating love to everyone and every thing (including the furniture! 😊) around me. There’s no right or wrong way to do it, just use your imagination and let yourself believe it’s real (or just fake it till you make it). A lot of creative people are very sensitive and empathic and we pick up other people’s energy and take it on to ourselves, so sometimes when we feel anxious out of nowhere it’s not because we’re crazy but because we’re picking up on someone else’s distress without realizing it! Standing in our own light and radiating love is a protection-it allows us to sense what’s happening around us without taking it on to ourselves. The other stuff I mentioned before was helpful and important but this has had the most positive impact on my life. I haven’t had an episode in more than 20 years. If you want to learn more about that, I suggest reading the book “Working with Subtle Energies” by David Spangler.
I have also had good results from simplifying my life, throwing out stuff I don’t need, and cleaning and organizing my home. There’s a saying “As above, so below”-just like taking care of our inner self helps make our material life and environment better, also taking care of our material environment and life helps our inner selves.
You're very welcome! Thank you so much for sharing! Very important! Yes! Simplify things will help a lot. Now I do my fast walk, stretching & workout...5-6 days a week. This has been really helping me.
Don’t worry
Don’t compare
Don’t expect too fast
Be kind to yourself
www.osiamo.com/Pickboy-Wisdom-Picks-by-Tomo-Fujita
Firstly, I want to thank you for having the courage and candor to share something so deeply personal! I am no stranger to anxiety and while I have only had 1-2 full-blown anxiety attacks in my life, it's been a part of my life and increasingly so in the last years. It seems like a more recent decision to be more open about personal things (if the video about gear is any indication) and again I applaud you because responses on social media can be tough to deal with. I always had the stupid notion that Japanese culture is very buttoned up in this regard: one does not ever share one's feelings and innermost personal thoughts. How wrong I was! Apologies. You are a special human being, Tomo-San. I appreciate you. 共 ありがとう ございます
You're welcome! Thanks for sharing. Thank you so much!
Great story! Everyone has their own baggage that they carry, and it is that baggage that makes that individual special! The baggage that you carry has made you an amazing guitar player, as well as an amazing teacher and human being! Don’t worry about what people think about you! Not everyone is perfect! You have taught so many people many things that they will carry with them for the rest of their lives! You just keep being you and keep doing what you do, because that’s your thing and you do it extremely well!! As your shirt says “Don’t worry, be kind to yourself “!
Thank you! Thanks for sharing! Well said!
Music is Wisdom, I have used it from the age of 7 and have learned so much from, the people, the cultures, happiness, sadness and joy.
One thing I know is you can't see the notes. you can't touch the notes....but you can FEEL it.
Music is the most powerful medium to mankind, it's highly therapeutical 😌
Subscribed 👌
Music is win? Tayler Larson (my former student) Thanks for sharing. Music is medicine. Thank you!
Tomo, thank you for your honesty. It is amazing how many of us have dealt with, or are dealing with anxiety. It does help to talk about it and how each of us deal with it. You will never know how many people that you have touched and helped, but I am sure it will touch many.
You're welcome! Thank you!
Its been 14 years of anxieties and panic attack, I am 44 years old, its hard and limiting. There is a treatment which I discovered (about to start) called Morita Therapy which is from a brilliant Japanese professor that discovered a way to deal with that (shinkenshitzu or something like that). Music can be helpful since I focus on something else but thinking about it and making it bigger than the nothing its suppose to be. Tomo, thank you for the video, its nice to feel not alone with this.
Thank you for sharing. You're welcome. Hope you feel better.
Thanks for sharing, these are important topics. What I've learned is that the harder I fight anxiety, the harder it hits me, the more I accept anxiety, the less it hits me. It's still there, and sometimes almost feels incapacitating, but it's definitely become something I can live with since I stopped fighting it. Meditation was instrumental for me in this. I would love the hear what your anxiety "sounds" like if you had channel it through your guitar, as my anxiety is often a source of inspiration. I can find do so cathartic.
You're welcome! Thanks for sharing! Play slow blues!
As you can see, there are many of us who have been in a situation like yours.
It is much more common than we imagine in this sick society.
Thank you for sharing the experience.
So fortunate to read all of comments! Amazing! You're welcome! Thank you!
Very Cool, Thankyou for sharing your story. I too suffer Anxiety and Depression. But find getting lost in music helps me. All the best.
Thanks for sharing!
I'm so surprised.
You look son quiet, so secure of yourself that I 'd never thought about anxiety for you.
It makes you have more values for me.
In all the years I've been playing with bands.
A lot of people saw me live thinking of a serious and secure guy but the fact is I'm a shy and nervous one.
Coming on stage every time was ( and is now, sometimes) a great challenge.
You're for me a giant, Tomo.
Congrats...
Thank you for sharing! I got same feeling on many successes people. We are all humans that are not perfect. You're a beautiful soul! Thank you!
Thank you for sharing this, Tomo! I can completely relate. I have been suffering from anxiety and panic disorder since the 80's and maybe before (not sure). It has kept me from experiencing and being a better person. It also keeps me from playing guitar with other people. The anticipation leads to such intense feelings that I just stay away from it. I have been to a therapist and that really helps. The only way that I can take the edge off is by taking anxiety meds. Again, thank you so much for sharing your story. It does help others 🙂
You're welcome! Thanks for sharing! My guitar is my therapist! And our cats! My wife!
This anxiety attack is very new to me, I had 3 times since last year's September and it turned my life upside down. I also had panic attack too. Im 27 and been playing guitar for more than 10 years,I really really thank you for sharing this and I felt everything you said, and yes I'm dealing with it and moving on with my life.
This video is like Gold for me and I have downloaded it.
Thank you for sharing! It's so hard but you can all manage this. You're very welcome!
I've admired your playing for years, little did I know you were such a good, honest, kind, and sensible person too, Mr Fujita.
I hope soon I'll get the chance to subscribe to your program to learn guitar, it would be an honor to have someone like you as a teacher.
Thank you for what you do and for sharing your stories. I'd love to hear more conversational videos from you.
Thank you so much! Please join my Guitar Wisdom. You're welcome!
Thank you
You're very welcome! Thank you!
Hi, I think you're a very nice person (and good guitar teacher and player as well), not so many people share personal experience and thinking in a sincere and honest way. I'm pretty sure that your thinking and advices might help other people. Music and guitar, like many other human activities, may be very stressing, so the key in the life is to be capable of dealing properly with stress, not an easy task sometimes. Keep on an good luck!!!
Thanks so much for your kind words.
Hi Tomo,
I identify with your condition, for 30 years I had a great career but I become such a perfectionist that I was my worse critic and eventually could not live up to the higher and higher standards I set myself. This led to anxiety and panic attacks. Playing guitar has kept my mind focused now I have retired and I am learning to be more relaxed about life. Anxiety still comes and goes but I have learned that I’m not perfect and good days will follow bad ones. Thank you for your honesty and I wish you well on your journey.
Thank you for sharing. I was a strong perfectionist and I had to change it. Please enjoy your life. You're welcome!
Another great lesson. Your passion inspires me daily Fujita San, I hope whenever you feel anxious or down you can reflect on how many peoples lives you improve daily! ❤
Thank you so much! Hope this will help many people.
Guitar has relieved anxiety my 95% of the time. I have played for over 35 years. When I started just before high school I was causing trouble. Minor crimes out of frustration... vandalism, arson. When I grabbed a guitar it was like a feeling of expression I never had. Powerful catharsis. I ended playing in front of high school two years later and every performance was the most cathartic experience that the students responded to with a mass of "energy". I was in a zen state when playing but did practise all the time...especially when supposed to be doing homework. Anyway, many bands and touring years later, my last remaining relative, my father, passed away. I come from a very small family. Only child born to only children. I hit a depression which also involved anxiety compounded with mid life crisis and breakup with a girlfriend (who made me feel like family). I could barely have the energy to play guitar, but when I did, for the first time I became aware of it being a therapy, though it likely always had been, but in a more ""explosive" outward therapy, as opposed to "inward" self focused ruminations. After a couple years coming out of that I resumed bebop studies and I found myself more focused than ever after approaching this style on and off for 30 years. If I didn't have my study of music harmony and guitar now, I honestly don't know how I would live. Yes, as Frank Zappa said; "...music is the best."
Thank you so much for sharing. Guitar is amazing! I do my practice routine everyday so I feel that I accomplish something, and gain confidence too. Anytime you can learn more music theory (harmony) then easy to understand jazz! Music is my friend!
@@TomoFujitaMusic , I was playing Jackson 5 "Never Can Say Goodbye" yesterday and thought, this is Tomo style rhythm guitar. Then, me and my keyboard player jammed Delvon Lamar Trio songs. This is why I really enjoy your style...and growing up on James Brown and Parliament. One of the funnest gigs I played was opening for Bootsy Collins. You're great Tomo!
@@banjobanjo-xn7lq Thanks for sharing. I love band sounds, piano playing & horn section etc. 2 types of guitar playing/ 1) Shapes, visually 2) Sound, intervals Thank you so much!
Great video indeed; I know anxiety very, very well indeed and I had to learn how to deal with it throughout my entire life and that's why I feel tremendous respect and admiration for you. And just like you, I've never allowed this "wild beast" to wreck my life or stop me from doing the things that I want. Thanks a lot for sharing your experience and setting such a precious example.
Thanks so much! Thanks for sharing! You can live it peacefully! Almost I have this... but I don't use it. Because this, I am careful on many things so I am thankful.
Thank you for sharing this. I have struggled my entire life with anxiety. Like you, I didn't do much of anything when I was younger. I didn't try hard on school, I got in trouble doing dumb things, and didn't realize why I was that way until I got much older.
I have played the guitar for 44 years. And I have always felt like an imposter, even though I can play most any type of music. But when I see your videos and hear you speak openly about yourself, I feel better knowing I'm not alone.
I can tell you are genuinely kind and I wonder if you truly know how much good you are doing for the world by sharing your passion, knowledge, and honesty.
Thank you for being you and for your amazing lessons.
Thank you for sharing! Be kind to yourself & be kind to others!
I really appreciate your sharing. I deal with the same thing. Some days are better than others. Guitar helps, the gym helps, quality diet, and I study Stoicism. That is the biggest help by recognizing that I am in control of my thought process. I could go on and on…. Thanks again❤
You're welcome! I love guitar so much! Good job!
Feel better sir. I have had anxiety as long as I can remember. I have found ways to reduce it. I have a very active mind and love to learn so that is one good thing.
Thanks so much! Thank you for sharing.
Truly amazing and such a brave person you are to share. I suffer from anxiety also. It can make you worry and it can hurt physically sometimes. It does pass with time and learning how to control it and live with it gives you your power and life back. Awesome vid and hoping it helps someone! 🤘🔥
Thank you! Thanks for sharing! You can control this!
I used to be a surgeon. Just only few years before I retired a Psychiatrist diagnosed me of chronic anxiety. I first cannot understand that, until I realised that it explains my life: my way of being, my achievements, and what I couldnt achive during my profesional career. I never professionally failed nor have an attack, and my way to liberate it was been agressive in most aspects of my life, including the music I wrote and play in guitar. I think I may never have achieved my goals without it, but I regret all the people around me that I neglected or harrased. I wish I would have being conscious of that, early. Thank you for talking about it openly.
This is very unique and cannot simply explain that it is like mathematically. Thank you for sharing. Many pro musicians has this but they can manage it well.
@@TomoFujitaMusic I received a new answer from “you” asking me to write you to a telegram account with your name. Last week I received a similar message from other person in youtube which I previously wrote. It is a scam. You can warn your followers that is not you. Blessings,
@@leonardo.rafael That's a scam! I never ask to send my message to anyone! Thanks you!
Tomo, thanks for sharing your story. This will help others understand that you can look happy on the outside with a great personality but inside dealing with anxiety. More and more popular RUclipsrs are discussing mental health and how the last couple of years has taken a toll. This help their followers know they are not alone and nothing is wrong with them. Always that stigma with the general public that depression and anxiety was brought on by individuals lifestyle/behavior. That’s far from the truth. It can be triggered by any major point in time of someone’s life. That’s usually the case imo. Bless you Tomo.
You're welcome! i always talk about topic with all my private lesson students. I really felt that this topic is very important for all of us. As long as I maintain my foundation of life..then no dealing with anxiety but it will happy anytime if I feel sudden pressure. Like anyone. Learning guitar will help control this very much! Thank you so much!
Tomo, that personal-experience, witness was epic! You are such a kind, patient, and generous soul - let alone hugely gifted musician and guitarist. I've always struggled to cope with stage performance, and still do to this day. Your advice is invaluable. God Bless!
Thank you so much! You can prepare & you can do it!
first！！
2nd! Good job!
Tomo, I’m sorry you have suffered from anxiety. I have too. As you said, it takes too many words. My first attack, that I remember, was in 1973. I was 20 years old and driving home from college. The terrifying experience came on as you said, sinking.. fear.. terrible. I struggled and navigated my way home. I got medical help- nothing. At that point, the possibility of recurrence was always in my mind. And my mind was not disappointed. The attacks came frequently and out of nowhere. They were absolutely terrifying.. beginning with the sinking sensation. There was no help anywhere. I developed coping strategies. Avoidance of crowds, social interactions, a couple of beers in a small cooler in the car. I didn’t feel like I could have a life. I fought. I learned if I let myself be tired, the attacks could happen. I avoided and I coped. My grandfather’s doctor listened to me and gave me a name and said I think he can help you. He was a practicing psychoanalyst- not a psychiatrist. I went through a year of therapy, hypnosis, self-hypnosis. It made a difference. Did it fix the problem- absolutely not. It’s still there 40 years later. But I’ve been able to control it. I don’t suffer now but I know it can come back. More than a decade ago, my son was completing a 4 year high school study in classical guitar. He was brilliant. He also pursued composition on his own. Berklee was one of the next possible destinations for his development. He likely would have been your student. There were signs. He broke down and was eventually diagnosed as schizophrenic. He would never get to anywhere like Berklee. He suffered, endured and persevered for 13 years. At the end, we lost him to suicide. He composed music prolifically during those years. I hope to play his music one day. I’ve played guitar since the Beatles came on Ed Sullivan. I’m practicing and learning harder than ever. I can still have an anxiety attack but I prefer not to. Thank you for what you give Tomo.
@@johnstrandberg1652 Thank you for sharing! Thank you so much! I still remembered that dull feeling & sinking down... not anymore like what you said that it could happen if I push something very stressful. So sorry to hear about your son. Hope music & guitar playing can heal your soul. You're welcome! Thanks again for sharing. PS, One of my students.. was just your son. He was so happy & bright.. I really enjoyed teaching. Everything was great... but later he took his own life in 2022. I wish I could help him.
To be human is to be anxious. The key is to understand its role and not treat it as a sickness. Not to run from it or be afraid. I think of anxiety as my internal alarm system alerting me to inspect what is going on with me. It is actually a good thing but very very sensitive and it is a skill to learn. This has taken me a very long time to learn because nobody ever helped me with it. I had to learn on my own and I became very serious about learning how to mitigate it years ago and I work at it every day. Hope this helps those who are really suffering.
Thanks for sharing.
Thank you for being vulnerable and sharing. Sometimes I get anxiety especially when playing. I dream of being able to let go andplay free.
You're welcome! More preparation, prepare more foundation!
Thanks so much for sharing your insights on this subject. It’s a big help to many of us “regular folk” who assume anyone with your talent is beyond problems with anxiety. I remember reading that Paul McCartney said that people think he is beyond not worrying about his music since he has "made it". He says he still starts from the beginning for his projects and wonders if they'll be any good. I realize more and more that my limitations in playing (and other endeavors) are related more to tension and not being relaxed. Thank you so much.
You're very welcome! Thank you so much! Thanks for sharing! We are humans!
Limitation is a great source of creation!
@@TomoFujitaMusic well said!
Tomo there are a lot of things in this world that can unnerve even the most steely eyed people, but you just have to take life one day at a time don’t try to live too fast, and although there is highs and lows, remember that while setbacks may happen you just have to remind yourself it’s not gonna be today and keep that positive attitude😊
Thank you so much! I am doing well now. Guitar is really helping. My problem was "perfectionist" now I am much mellow and slow down.
Don’t worry
Don’t compare
Don’t expect too fast
Be kind to yourself
tomofujitamusic.creator-spring.com/
I had Anxiety so bad for years that I could not work anymore, then one day not feeling great near death went to the hospital and had my heart arteries scoped and found they were 80% plugged up, after quadruple by pass and recovery I am now 100 % Anxiety free, I have never felt better at 60 years old, keep on rockin😊
Thank you for sharing. So glad that great news.
Thanks for sharing, Tomo. The most powerful drug in the world: SLEEP.
You're welcome! Yes! That's I care a lot so I am in ease feeling. Very important! And exercises, eating habits. Balance!
Also used to suffer from severe anxiety attacks. Therapy help me to realize it was just another emotional state like happy/sad, etc, which allowed me to put it in perspective and move forward..
Thanks for sharing! Good job!
I had a mild case of anxiety, physical fitness and playing my guitar got me through my issues, also meditation is part of my daily routine.
Thanks for sharing! Good job!