8 replies to this topic

[JR7]

For close to 3 years now, with something that started with a single thought (what if I can never get stop monitoring my breathing), I have done just that. I have been unable to remove the thought, and monitoring, of my breath from the forefront of my thinking. Because it's gone on for so long, the thinking has progressed to feeling as though I need to MANUALLY breath, specifically on the in-breath. You can imagine the hell this creates. It is the first thing I think of when I awake, and the last thing I think of when I go to sleep. The only reprieve is sleep. There is no compulsion, only obsession with a body function. I've seen 2 counselors, but they were of no real help. 

Any advice is welcomed. 

Thank you 

[Junk Master]

I've experienced similar obsessional patterns of thought, albeit for shorter periods of time, and believe intense aerobic exercise in combination with meditation to be the most effective non-pharmaceutical interventions.

 

Though very hard aerobic exercise it becomes possible to understand, as is the classic runner's slogan, "Don't worry, you'll pass out before you die."  If your level of exertion is high enough you will be unable to focus on your breathing.  Yet you will breathe.

 

Combined with practice of meditation, which fluctuates between intense focus on breathing, then shifts to external awareness, it is possible to regain control of the hypersensitive internal focus you describe.

 

It's also quite possible to achieve a similar breakthrough using hallucinogens like Psilocybin, Ayahuasca, Peyote, or LSD.  Obviously, using hallucinogens is a much more drastic approach then exercise and meditation!  

 

For me, the psychotherapeutic effects of just a couple hallucinogenic doses were profound.  After experiencing the psychotomimetic effects of hallucinogens, which completely removed any conscious ability to focus on my breathing I was, for long periods of time, able to break the OCD/Anxiety cycle of breath focus.

 

Finally, I strongly encourage you to continue to seek help.  The symptoms you describe are relatively common but the length of time (nearly three years...) you have been suffering is something no one should have to endure-- I can only imagine what you have been through through the lens of my own limited experiences.

 

Best wishes.

[Quaker32]

psychedelics for such a problem? seriously? 

 

[hdl_1]

I would look into adaptogens, Ashawaganda, L-Theanine, Valerian root, Bacopa Monierri and so on.
Stress reduction and the fact that adaptogens have a broad effect in modulating different bio systems may help you get rid of the issue.
This is just a theory but could be worth a try.

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[Quaker32]

What are adaptogens? Are these things safe to take> I know a lot of that sounds herbal, but I am just understanding how fucking delicate and intricate the brain and body systems are.......

[hdl_1]

Adaptogens are herbs that help the body adapt to stress and normalize bio functions.
They fall into the category of natural supplements and have a good safety record.
Here is a good article talking about adaptogens. I'm sure that there are multiple others on the net. You can also search for the specific ones I mentionned above (i.e. Ashawaganda, L-Theanine, Valerian Root, Bacopa Monierri, etc)

https://www.ncbi.nlm...26/#!po=7.85714

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[JR7]

Thank you all for your input. Clearly, this has not been a fun way to live. Im working with two theories: The fixation is completely neurochemical-based and if I fix that, the obsession will go away. They second theory is that this is a behavioral thought process issue and I need to continue to find a counselor with proper knowledge on how to help me. It seems as though once you become away of a thought and body sensation, you cannot just "forget it". 

 

With that said, my interest has become piqued by the above mentioned Ashawaganda, L-Theanine, and  Valerian Root adaptogens. I am absolutely going to research these more. 

 

​I would love some feedback on my theory assessment. 

​Thank you all again 

[Junk Master]

3 years of obsessing over manually needing to take an in-breath, and I have serious doubts Ash, L-Theanine, or Valerian root will do anything.

 

I'm a fan of ASH if you are overtraining, or a little overstressed-- good stuff.

 

L-Theanine is good for in combo with caffeine to cut a little edginess.

 

Valerian root is also pretty mild, and there are a few studies showing elevated liver enzymes with long term use.

 

I just think the problem described here is beyond adaptogens, then again there's always the placebo effect-- which does work!

 

For example, I can't think of any serious case of insomnia that was "cured" long-term with Valerian root or L-Theanine, and if there is an example--  amazing!  Furthermore, fantastic!

 

But for example, in my own attempts to deal with anxiety/insomnia, running through the usual series of herbal remedies just took months and months as well as a significant investment.

 

One of the reasons I believe the poster should continue to seek medical help is if he were to describe his symptoms to a neurologist, I believe at the very least, he would be prescribed a mild sedative.

 

Would that be the answer?  I have no idea.  But most likely it would have more of an effect than Valerian root, and would speed his path towards the correct cure in his case.

 

Again, I have had periods of similar obsessive thinking, so I'm just offering my opinion in light of my own empathy for suffering through this condition for 3 years.

[Catwoman]

Hi JR7, I'm sorry to read about your struggle. You posted earlier that you see similarities between obsessing over an unwanted thought and obsessing over a natural body process. I definitely agree with you. Our minds have become preoccupied with it. A thought is just a thought and it will go like all other thoughts....breathing is just breathing and it will happen anyway...BUT Trying to NOT pay attention has proven to be extremely hard.

I've been going over the same puzzle the last 6 months. Is it neurochemical, or a thought process gone wrong, did I become too fixated on the solution, is it genetics?
But I decided it must be a combination: the puzzle isn't complete but I'm no longer working on the puzzle.


I tend to agree with Junk Master on doubting that these herbs will work. I've not tried any of those myself though. I wanted to try Bacopa and Ashwaganda, but I've already spend money on NAC and Magnesium L-Threonate as well as some vitamins and fish oils. These do help a little, together with exercise and meditation, but my mind is still focused on that thought. I decided that instead of researching nootropics and supplements that -might help and take a lot of time to kick in- I rather try prescription medication to tackle my issue. It's too big and too chronic to treat with natural remedies (in my experience anyway).