All,

For some reason I get a big anxiety attach and panic if I drive over large, high bridges. It is weird, becuase I have never felt this way before and it seemed to only occur after I have gotten out of MA and of course stopped meditating. Do you think meditation could help with the anxiety? IT feels like I don't have control when the fear comes over me.

Thanks,

- Jason

MrMoyer,
What you are experienceing is quite common. Anxiousness in the face of a specific situation i.e Snake, Spider, or Bridge is reffered to as a Phobia. If the fear affects the quality of you life dramatically you can get help from a counselor, Doctor, or trusted experienced friend. One reason you may experience them more when you are not training is that when we exercise we are able to burn off adrenalen and release endorphins which create pleasant feelings. Biology plays a part in anxiety as does our thinking. A sort of chicken or the egg story. Again what you are experiencing is common.

Oldman - thanks for the comment. I did check into a counselor once, but they are so quick to offer medication for it, and I don't know if I want to go that route.

Gephyrophobia - Fear of crossing bridges.

p.s.
oldman,
Gerontophobia- Fear of old men.

That is very often the case. Medication can be helpful but so can talking. One thing to be cautious about is inadvertantly reinforcing fears by say, avoiding snakes or bridges. Anxiety is normal as is a fearful response to an actual threat. Anxiety can become a disorder when we become afraid of being anxious. There can be biological causes or contributions. As far as medication goes many folks would preffer to do without. Imagine if your best friends blood pressure were dangerously high. If a qualified M.D. suggested a medication with diet and exercise he might do both and benefit. Most people in our culture want the pill. If he were unable to lower his blood pressure with exercise alone I don't think you would think less of him for following his Doctors perscription at least for a season. Good luck

I got a bit sidetracked for a second there. About meditation it can be helpull witha warning though. If a person is clinically depressed it is not a good idea to practice an insight oriented practice as they would be prone to rumination and that might compound their problem. If a person is merely anxious though not depressed, meditation, primarily "progressive relaxation" can be very helpful.

Do keep in mind I'm not a Doctor.

I think that is a gem of advice that should be pinned waaaayyy up on top of this forum in its' own thread.

Quote:

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I got a bit sidetracked for a second there. About meditation it can be helpull witha warning though. If a person is clinically depressed it is not a good idea to practice an insight oriented practice as they would be prone to rumination and that might compound their problem. If a person is merely anxious though not depressed, meditation, primarily "progressive relaxation" can be very helpful.

Do keep in mind I'm not a Doctor.

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I agree, when you notice it isn't there, the absence suddenly becomes much more striking.

You could try with autosuggestion. Relax before sleeping or meditate with something like:
I`m calm,peacefull, confident. My mind is filled with happy and positive thoughts that neutralize any negative thought. I love bridges, they help me to get on the other side. They are man made and safe.
and/or
Imagine crossing the bridge happy,walking over it ,looking at it
or go face with the bridge, kick it yell at it,tell to it "I`M NOT AFFRAID OF YOU;YOU PIECE A ... STONE"

But it would be better to carry good thoughts.
Ok, i guess you get the point


Also if you lack of Mg your nerves get thinner and you start to lose your head, stress gets you easier for things that you wouldn`t normally care for.Eat bananas,soi,peanuts,green vegetable,potato not pealed.

For depression is good sun. Sun stops creating some depressive hormon.

Drs. and scientists have been finding more and more evidence that a weekly routine with plenty of physical excercise and prayer/meditation are beneficial to people who have depression/anxiety disorders. In the sun is always helpful as well.

Has anyone who has suffered with depression tried meditating on Metta Bhavna?

It's not myself who is suffering from depression but someone very close to me. They experience bouts of depression throughout the year but this current phase is particularly bad. I noticed that when they had a period of training at the gym they didn't experience depression and their spirits seemd to be high. But now they don't have the get-up-and-go attitude so no matter how much I try and encourage them to go to the gym I have no success and I don't want to nag them for fear of putting them into deeper depression.

If anyone has any suggestions for meditative techniques I'd greatly appreciate it!