Joe didn't want to go places with his friends because he was worried he would have an anxiety attack. When he experienced an attack, he would feel nervous, and his thoughts would race. His heart would beat very quickly. Medication and counseling helped Joe learn steps to overcome his symptoms and not let anxiety control his life.
View Video TranscriptJoe:
I had come to the conclusion that I got really nervous going to new places and places I hadn't been. I don't know why but, I had a friend that said “Hey, you want to drive down to Baltimore to go to dinner tonight?” I'd make up an excuse like, “Nah, I've got homework,” but really I was like, “Oh, I'm afraid if I go I'm going to have an anxiety attack,” and not that my friends wouldn't be supportive, but I just didn't want to put myself in that scenario, and I start feeling really nervous and then my head's racing and it's just, you can't control what's going on in your brain and it's just a vicious cycle, even if you start to think about it, it just gets worse and worse and then it's all mental for a while but then the physical symptoms start to kick in because it gets in your head, “Oh, I might have a panic attack,” and then you convince yourself that you are, then your heart starts racing and then you start to get the physical symptoms.
So what I was doing is I’d try to, and I did eventually, force myself to go to new places with friends and stuff, and I would wait as long as I could to see if I could mentally calm myself down before having to take the Valium and that was kind of the practice I took for it. I was trying to calm myself down and then as a last resort, knowing that I had the medication to take was comforting, but started out biweekly meeting with the counselor. It almost felt like we just had a casual conversation, we’d talk about my thought process during when I start to feel anxious and some kind of exercises I can do to calm myself down. I felt really comfortable speaking to the Counselor that I was with and it really helped out a lot.
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If you are experiencing dizziness, lie down for a few minutes with your head slightly elevated. Lifestyle changes such as drinking more water, getting enough rest, and avoiding alcohol or drugs can help. Medications and medical conditions such as heart disease or ear issues can also cause dizziness; consult a medical provider if you get dizzy on a regular basis. If you suddenly lose function in part of your body (e.g., arm weakness, face drooping, difficulty speaking) along with experiencing vertigo, this can indicate a serious problem, such as a stroke. Call 911 and seek medical help immediately. Learn more steps you can take on our Dizziness page.
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Learn what triggers episodes of noise or light irritation. Try making adjustments to computer and TV screens, and ensure you get the right amount of sleep. If you're taking medication and want to know if it could be affecting your sensitivity to noise or light, talk to your doctor. Certain drugs or medications may cause vision or hearing problems. Never stop taking a prescription without first consulting a medical professional. Learn more steps you can take on our Noise or Light Irritation page.
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To manage upsetting feelings after a nightmare, focus on what's real by touching and describing objects around you. If you're unable to sleep within 15 minutes, leave your bed briefly to wash your hands or drink water while avoiding any strenuous activity. Also, talk to your family, friends, or health care provider about what you're experiencing. They may be able to provide support and help you find solutions. Learn more steps you can take on our Nightmares page.
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There are many options for Veterans who want to cut down on or stop drinking alcohol or using drugs. One option is counseling, either one-on-one or in a group. Another involves medication to help reduce use. A third option is mutual-help groups. You can work with your doctor or counselor and try different types of treatment to find the one that's best for you. Learn more steps you can take on our Alcohol or Drug Misuse page.
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If I’m experiencing a gambling problem, what can I do about it right away?
The first step in addressing your challenges is to acknowledge that gambling has become a problem in your life and recognize that it is possible to make a change. Practice relaxation exercises such as deep breathing to manage stress and urges to gamble. Spend time with supportive people who do not gamble, and talk with your family, friends, or health care provider about what you're experiencing. They may be able to provide support and help you find solutions that are right for you. Learn more steps you can take on our Gambling page.
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Reckless Behavior
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What can I do if I’ve noticed myself engaging in reckless behavior?
There are ways to prevent yourself from engaging in risky behavior. Plan to avoid situations that might lead to recklessness. For example, leave early or late to avoid rush-hour traffic, or arrange a ride home if you'll be drinking. Talking with your family members, close friends, or a health care provider may help you find support and resources to address your challenges. Learn more steps you can take on our Reckless Behavior page.
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