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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 7 of 7. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by babbler20 on July 7, 2014, at 18:18:47
Hi, I've had horrible anxiety all my life. It is the reason that I got fired and the reason that I can't find another job. I've tried everything and nothing works. Has meditation worked for anyone? If so, how many weeks did it take before it lowered your anxiety level? Thanks in advance.
Posted by Hugh on July 8, 2014, at 18:57:21
In reply to Does Meditation Work for Anxiety, posted by babbler20 on July 7, 2014, at 18:18:47
I've been meditating off and on for years. I've also suffered from terrible anxiety. Has meditation helped my anxiety? Not much. But it has helped many other people. And the great thing about it is it's free. So give it a try. Even US Marines are doing it now. The Marines have found that they need to do it at least twelve minutes every day. Any less than this and they begin to lose their gains.
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/01/19/magazine/breathing-in-vs-spacing-out.html
I recommend that you read 10% Happier by Dan Harris. It has some very good pointers on how to practice mindfulness meditation.
You say that you've tried "everything." Does this include neurofeedback? I used to feel extremely uncomfortable whenever I was in public places. Since doing neurofeedback, I no longer feel this way when I'm out in public. I've heard it said that meditation is like shaving without a mirror and neurofeedback is like shaving with a mirror.
Posted by Babbler20 on July 9, 2014, at 0:21:25
In reply to Re: Does Meditation Work for Anxiety, posted by Hugh on July 8, 2014, at 18:57:21
Hi Hugh,
Thank you so much for this article. I will definitely read it before I go to bed. I haven't tried Neurofeedback because it sounded like expensive BS, but if it helped you, it's worth a shot. Thank you.
Posted by Hugh on July 9, 2014, at 9:14:48
In reply to Re: Does Meditation Work for Anxiety, posted by Babbler20 on July 9, 2014, at 0:21:25
Neurofeedback is expensive, but it isn't BS. I did it in 2000-01. It didn't give me the complete remission I was hoping for, but it did reduce my depression somewhat and eliminated my fear of public places. Also my allergies and frequent heartburn improved dramatically after doing neurofeedback. In the years since I did it, neurofeedback equipment and protocols have improved quite a bit, and I plan on doing some more of it. A good book about neurofeedback is A Symphony in the Brain by Jim Robbins.
I know you're in the LA area. Susan Othmer in Woodland Hills is one of the best-known neurofeedback clinicians in the country. Victoria Ibric in Pasadena has a good reputation. Here are some neurofeedback clinician directories:
http://www.esiaffiliatesforum.com/providers/us/California/126
http://www.brainmaster.com/clinicians/us/usa-clinicians
This directory is targeted at veterans seeking neurofeedback for PTSD, but it lists more clinicians than the other two directories:
http://member.homecoming4veterans.org/hc4v/directory.do
I've read that Petra Schwarzwald in West LA offers neurofeedback that is less expensive than most providers in LA.
http://www.eegym.com/about/our-team
There's a neurofeedback protocol called "brain circuit training" that has been getting some spectacular results in the last couple years. To find out if there is anyone in LA who uses this protocol, email Peter Van Deusen (the clinician and trainer who developed it) at info@brain-trainer.com
Posted by babbler20 on July 9, 2014, at 17:24:28
In reply to Re: Does Meditation Work for Anxiety, posted by Hugh on July 9, 2014, at 9:14:48
Wow, thank you for all the information. I really appreciate it. How do you know I'm in the LA area by the way?.
Posted by Hugh on July 10, 2014, at 7:47:35
In reply to Re: Does Meditation Work for Anxiety, posted by babbler20 on July 9, 2014, at 17:24:28
You're welcome. You mentioned LA in one or two of your posts about TMS.
Posted by babbler20 on July 11, 2014, at 19:06:59
In reply to Re: Does Meditation Work for Anxiety » babbler20, posted by Hugh on July 10, 2014, at 7:47:35
Wow, you have a good memory. Thanks again.
This is the end of the thread.
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