Anxiety-Fear-Depression and the Civilized Mind

[akrvbob]

Rather than hijack another thread, I'm starting a whole new thread. It begins with a quote from me and then Steve asks a question:

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Civilization instills fear and paranoid in it's citizens in order to better control them. For some it's so deep that they can't be anywhere but around other people and cities.

For a million years we lived in nature but in the last 7000 years of civilization we've largely lost it.  That's why we're all so fucked up, it's part of the "civilized" mind! 
Bob

[font=Verdana, Arial, sans-serif]Bob, I just have to respond to this. I wonder if this is why I am so depressed and anxious most of the time. Just this morning I woke up in a fright, anxious, scared, panic, and then nauseated and heavy sweating. I was getting ready to call 911 because I thought I was having some sort of attack, stroke, etc. I took my blood pressure and it was pretty normal 135/77. Then after about 30 minutes I came back to normal. I am in good physical health according to my Dr, and all the tests that come back from my well check. About a year ago I told him of these so called attacks ( that usually happen in the mornings ), and that I am usually depressed and anxious lots of the time. He just wrote me a RX for anti depressant like it was for aspirin. I took 2 days of those and freaked out. Needless to say I can't handle those. It was like my body and mind was rejecting them and reacting in a way to make me scared of them so I would stop putting them in my body.[/font]

[font=Verdana, Arial, sans-serif]People around me that I live with say I must have mental problems because I am so down and depressed most the time and very irritable, and ill tempered. I can't stand to go to public places where there are lots of people, I just want to run from that sort of venue. I hate being around lots of people and driving through big cities makes me nervous and very irritable. I want to get to places that are serene and peaceful. And, no, I don't consider myself antisocial.[/font]

[font=Verdana, Arial, sans-serif]I have been out West and it does seem to have a calming effect on me. I want to hook up my little Runaway trailer and take off. Out West is the first thing that comes to my mind. Now here is the kicker......I am actually somewhat in fear of doing that. I have taken many road trips before and had no problems. But I keep holding myself back for mostly unknown reasons. I get all excited to take off and then I start talking my self out of it. [/font]

[font=Verdana, Arial, sans-serif]Could this be the fear and paranoid actions you are speaking of? If my symptoms are what you are talking about is there any suggestions you can offer to overcome this and help me get moving?[/font]​

 

[akrvbob]

As successful as America is in so many ways, in the 2000's the one thing it has utterly failed to do is make it's citizens happy. On the whole, we are a very unhappy people trying desperately to find a way to endure another day. There is a great deal of scientific research being done to try to understand why our society is so very unhealthy mentally, emotionally and physically. 

The symptoms are everywhere of our failure to find contentedness:

* Ever-increasing suicide rates.
* An epidemic of depression.
* Skyrocketing rate of prescriptions for depression.
* Massive addiction to alcohol, and legal and illegal drugs.
* Behavioral addictions at an all time high: co-dependence, compulsive and excessive sexual activity, gambling, compulsive eating,    shopping and spending money, over-working.

The science is conclusive, it isn't a problem with America, it's our separation from nature. We evolved to spend 100% of our time in nature and by constantly increasing our separation from it we have been on a steady decline. Now that our disconnect from nature is extreme, our misery is extreme. We've declared war on nature, and we are the main victim.  

I've been a fearful and mildly depressed person my whole life so I can understand exactly where you are coming from. If I hadn't changed my whole life, I can't imagine how bad it would be now, I don't even want to think about it.  

One very big part of my transformation was moving into a van. The connection to nature was life-changing and eventually with it came the realization that everything society had told me was a lie and I rejected it all. That gave me the freedom to rebuild my life by living as naturally as I possibly could by following the lifestyle of nearly all humans before 10,000 years ago--I LIVE AS A NOMAD!!

Each of us evolved to be NOMADS and it is no wonder we are miserable when we are not.

Based on my experience and my extensive reading on the importance of re-connecting to nature, I recommend you get in the trailer and move.

I think this is the most important thing I've ever written and I really believe if you will actually do what it says you will be much happier:
http://www.cheaprvliving.com/blog/healthy-vandweller-moms-advice/

After you read that, look how similiar it is to this advice i got from a book I read during a period of severe depression in my life:
http://www.cheaprvliving.com/blog/a-cure-for-depression/

 

[GotSmart]

[font=Verdana, Arial, sans-serif]* Ever-increasing suicide rates.[/font]

[font=Verdana, Arial, sans-serif]The US is #30 on this list.  12.6 per 100,000 vs 83.0 for Greenland #1[/font]

[font=Verdana, Arial, sans-serif]http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_by_suicide_rate[/font][/SIZE]

[font=Verdana, Arial, sans-serif][size=small][font=Verdana, Arial, sans-serif]* An epidemic of depression.[/font][/font]

[font=Verdana, Arial, sans-serif][size=small][font=Verdana, Arial, sans-serif]The US is #1 on this list.  I think it is tied directly in with the next item.[/font][/font][/size]

[font=Verdana, Arial, sans-serif][size=small][font=Verdana, Arial, sans-serif]http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Epidemiology_of_depression[/font][/SIZE][/font]

[font=Verdana, Arial, sans-serif][size=small][font=Verdana, Arial, sans-serif][size=small][font=Verdana, Arial, sans-serif]* Skyrocketing rate of prescriptions for depression.[/font][/font][/size][/font][/size]
[font=Verdana, Arial, sans-serif][size=small][font=Verdana, Arial, sans-serif][size=small][font=Verdana, Arial, sans-serif][size=small][font=Verdana, Arial, sans-serif]* Massive addiction to alcohol, and legal and illegal drugs.[/font][/font][/size][/font][/size][/font][/size]

[font=Verdana, Arial, sans-serif][font=Verdana, Arial, sans-serif][font=Verdana, Arial, sans-serif][font=Verdana, Arial, sans-serif]Death rate by drugs per country.  US is rated #37 out of 192 as of 2011 A rate of 1.5 per 100,000 as opposed to 29.1 per 100,000 for the highest rated country, Afghanistan.[/font][/font][/font][/font]

[font=Verdana, Arial, sans-serif][size=small][font=Verdana, Arial, sans-serif][size=small][font=Verdana, Arial, sans-serif][size=small][font=Verdana, Arial, sans-serif]http://www.worldlifeexpectancy.com/cause-of-death/drug-use/by-country/[/font][/SIZE][/font][/font][/size][/font][/size]

[font=Verdana, Arial, sans-serif][size=small][font=Verdana, Arial, sans-serif][size=small][font=Verdana, Arial, sans-serif][size=small][font=Verdana, Arial, sans-serif][size=small][font=Verdana, Arial, sans-serif]* Behavioral addictions at an all time high: co-dependence, compulsive and excessive sexual activity, gambling, compulsive eating,    shopping and spending money, over-working.[/font][/font][/size][/font][/size][/font][/size][/font][/size]

[font=Verdana, Arial, sans-serif][font=Verdana, Arial, sans-serif][font=Verdana, Arial, sans-serif][font=Verdana, Arial, sans-serif][font=Verdana, Arial, sans-serif]I am having problems with that.  How do you measure that?  How can you tell?  One person's limited viewpoint is not the same as another's.  Perhaps the GNP?  The us is growing at a much slower rate than in many years.[/font][/font][/font][/font][/font]

[font=Verdana, Arial, sans-serif][font=Verdana, Arial, sans-serif][font=Verdana, Arial, sans-serif][font=Verdana, Arial, sans-serif][font=Verdana, Arial, sans-serif]http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_by_GDP_(real)_per_capita_growth_rate[/SIZE][/font][/font][/font][/font][/font]

[font=Verdana, Arial, sans-serif][font=Verdana, Arial, sans-serif][font=Verdana, Arial, sans-serif][font=Verdana, Arial, sans-serif][font=Verdana, Arial, sans-serif]The population is growing.  The rich are getting richer, and class warfare has separated us into the ultra rich, and everyone else.  Not to be political, but I personally see the leadership encouraging the discrimination between the differences, while masking it as something else.  Meanwhile they are robbing us blind.  Is it any worse than when the robber barons controlled everything, and a life was worth nothing?  I do not think so.[/font][/font][/font][/font][/font]

[font=Verdana, Arial, sans-serif][font=Verdana, Arial, sans-serif][font=Verdana, Arial, sans-serif][font=Verdana, Arial, sans-serif][font=Verdana, Arial, sans-serif]I come from a diverse clan.  One part of my family has 15 documented generations in the US, while the other part is 1st generation.  I am unique in that my grandfather was born in 1859, my mother in 1915, and I was born in 1959. My current family has members from Scotland, Sicily, Holland, Germany, Estonia,  Ethiopia, US Native, Russia, plus many other countries.  [/font][/font][/font][/font][/font]

[font=Verdana, Arial, sans-serif][font=Verdana, Arial, sans-serif][font=Verdana, Arial, sans-serif][font=Verdana, Arial, sans-serif][font=Verdana, Arial, sans-serif]I had the advantage of hearing about what the world was like during many different era's.  [/font][/font][/font][/font][/font]

[font=Verdana, Arial, sans-serif][font=Verdana, Arial, sans-serif][font=Verdana, Arial, sans-serif][font=Verdana, Arial, sans-serif][font=Verdana, Arial, sans-serif]My mother was raised in a coal town, and Grandma had to make shine to support the children after grandpa was killed in the coal mine.  Those that survived became leaders of society.  [/font][/font][/font][/font][/font]

[font=Verdana, Arial, sans-serif][font=Verdana, Arial, sans-serif][font=Verdana, Arial, sans-serif][font=Verdana, Arial, sans-serif][font=Verdana, Arial, sans-serif]How? By overcoming adversity, hard work, and helping out others.  [/font][/font][/font][/font][/font]

[font=Verdana, Arial, sans-serif][font=Verdana, Arial, sans-serif][font=Verdana, Arial, sans-serif][font=Verdana, Arial, sans-serif][font=Verdana, Arial, sans-serif]Wanting to completely revert to the Neolithic age where people were all nomads would mean nobody is a farmer, rancher or makes wheels, vans, or even solar panels.  [/font][/font][/font][/font][/font]

[font=Verdana, Arial, sans-serif][font=Verdana, Arial, sans-serif][font=Verdana, Arial, sans-serif][font=Verdana, Arial, sans-serif][font=Verdana, Arial, sans-serif]Some people are perfectly happy being builders in one spot.  Creating bridges and ships to bring the world together.  Or even working the Mcdrive through helping feed hundreds every day.   [/font][/font][/font][/font][/font]

[font=Verdana, Arial, sans-serif][font=Verdana, Arial, sans-serif][font=Verdana, Arial, sans-serif][font=Verdana, Arial, sans-serif][font=Verdana, Arial, sans-serif]Others need the solitude, as society has burned them out.  [/font][/font][/font][/font][/font]

[font=Verdana, Arial, sans-serif][font=Verdana, Arial, sans-serif][font=Verdana, Arial, sans-serif][font=Verdana, Arial, sans-serif][font=Verdana, Arial, sans-serif]Bob, you have found your happy place.  Wandering about using the modern world to show how to live simple.  There are those that need it.  [/font][/font][/font][/font][/font]

[font=Verdana, Arial, sans-serif][size=small][font=Verdana, Arial, sans-serif][size=small][font=Verdana, Arial, sans-serif]I followed your dream for 9 months, but now I need to use all my skills to protect my family.  I will be back on the road as soon as I can.  The Walkabout helped me clear my mind of years of garbage on dealing with society.  [/font][/font][/font][/size]

[font=Verdana, Arial, sans-serif][size=small][font=Verdana, Arial, sans-serif][size=small][font=Verdana, Arial, sans-serif]BUT~~~[/font][/font][/size][/font][/size]

[font=Verdana, Arial, sans-serif][font=Verdana, Arial, sans-serif][font=Verdana, Arial, sans-serif]It has reaffirmed my belief in the same society.  The world is getting better.  The current generation is less materialistic and selfish than the last one. Yes we have our problems, but they are being solved within.  The next 50 years will show a society that my grandfather could never envision in his wildest dreams. [/font][/font][/font]

[font=Verdana, Arial, sans-serif][font=Verdana, Arial, sans-serif][font=Verdana, Arial, sans-serif]We are still growing as a people.  The USA is a young society, and still in growing pains.  The children shall lead us to a more peaceful existence.  How???[/font][/font][/font]

[font=Verdana, Arial, sans-serif][font=Verdana, Arial, sans-serif][font=Verdana, Arial, sans-serif]Stay tuned if you can. [/font][/font][/font]

 

[ilovemyvan]

Steve, you need to look into your difficulties. Go see a professional not just your family doctor. I can relate to everything you are saying. The anxiety, the rage the sense of hopelessness. It seems like all of a sudden for no reason what so ever you're at the mercy of something but you don't know what the something is or what to do to get things under control.

It's very tempting to say that a move into nature will take care of it all, but no matter where you go there you are....nothing in your head changes. I'm very sorry that your silly doctor didn't recognize the severity of your difficulties. I don't think he knew what you are really going thru. Go somewhere else.

There is no shame in admitting that we suffer from mental illness. It took me a long, long time to finally come to this conclusion and admit that I needed help. More and more it is becoming clear that mental illness is a PHYSICAL ILLNESS just like cancer or diabetes or any other sickness. It is a physical malfunction, the chemicals in our brain get out of wack, no amount of will power can change that. It's exactly the same as a diabetic not having any control over the malfunctioning of his/her pancreas.

Don't delay, get some help. I know all of this sounds very dramatic, I'm sorry about that however it needs to be taking care off. In the mean time try to recognize and avoid the triggers. What set of circumstances start the chain of events you are describing? Can you walk away from these circumstances as soon as you recognize them?

Do not hesitate to send me a private message if you are more comfortable with that.

My heart goes out to you. You are not alone.

Nicole

 

[cyndi]

The difference, for me with regard to anxiety and depression and my agoraphobia, when I am living on the road as opposed to in a house is like night and day.

Yes,when I am on the road, I do have some anxiety. Generally the anxiety can be tied to moving locations. Once I am on the road it dissipates. It's much easier for me to deal with and work through than when I am tied to a house.

As for medications? Been there, done that. The doctors turned me into a zombie to the point that I could not advocate for myself. I'm anti-depressant free, now. I still deal with depression and anxiety but I've learned to manage it on my own. Being outdoors, living life makes that possible.

Steve, my unprofessional advice is to make a plan to attend the RTR and meet the many people who deal with these problems and live this life. You'll see the possibilities, first hand.

 

[wagoneer]

The one thing I have learned and taken to heart is it's a bad trade off gathering money to gathering peace of mind.I have taken to filling my glass a job in itself. Never been a drug person but the "civilized drug of choice" alcohol. Been 5 days clean and will continue without leaving a trail of destruction. In short LIFE IS SHORT. Make of it what you can .

 

[ilovemyvan]

Vandella,

Good to know that you found what works for you. Me, I have to avoid too much socializing, attending the RTR would sent me into a downward spiral that would last for several days. Some people respond well to medications, some don't. It's not a one solution fits all unfortunately.

I compare mental illness to diabetes a lot because my sister is diabetic and to be honest with you I wish I could, like her, have a daily test that would show me what chemicals I have to adjust that day to have a better life. It infuriates me when my mind takes off on a tangent that I can't control. It frustrates me no end because from the outside I have a prefect life. There is absolutely no reason for me to go into these dark places. I wish I could quiet this other side of me. I too do not respond to medications. That doesn't mean that Steve will not. Steve you own it to yourself to check it out. You might be one of the lucky ones.

I also sometimes envy my mom's sister who had a lobotomy. She went from being tortured mentally to being happy like a child. It's drastic and should not be done anymore but I envy the simple happiness that she lived after the procedure. Having a choose I would not do it but she was so happy.

I better stop before I trigger something unpleasant.

Take care

Nicole

 

[GotSmart]

Nicole;

At RTR, there is a lot of desert to park in.  There are usually two weeks of scheduled talks, and you do not have to go to all or any of them.  

I was parked about 1/2 mile away, as my cat would not allow me to socialize with any dogs.

Sometimes you need people, and sometimes you do not.  I understand.  

It is just a place where you can see the person on the other side of that keyboard.

 

[ilovemyvan]

Got Smart (I love your username)

Thanks for your kindness. Even the RTR set up would not work. You know doing the same thing over and over again expecting different results is a bit silly. I had to learn the hard way... I'd love to go, it sounds like so much fun and as you say getting to meet the person on the other side of the keyboard would be great.

I can't complain, I did a lot of fun stuff in my life, however it needed to be adjusted in the last 10 years or so. I'm still managing fun stuff it's just different from what it was. I'm grateful for every good day coming my way.

This treat is not about me, it's about Steve, I just thought of something, you say that you're anxiety seem to happened more in the morning. Have you considered that caffeine could be the cause? I might be totally off base but it's worth a look.

All the best.

 

[cyndi]

At the last RTR I attended. I parked across town and stopped by every other day or so. I know of others that do this, too. How much and how close you choose to park and socialize is completely up to you. Quartzsite is a big place.

Many, if not most of the RTR attendees are loners by nature. They understand the need for privacy and solitude. So, even if you park closer it's easy to limit your socialization to what works for you. 

The point to carry away from this is that the RTR is a place where you can see that this life is simple and do-able. And by meeting people who are actually thriving in this lifestyle assuage your fears.

Also a couple of recent events, where van-dwellers in need, were helped by other vandwellers aid in illustrating that even out in the desert your community has your back and you're not alone.

 

[ttpadilla]

I am a (happily) single, 49 year old woman, traveling with just her fabulous dog, Bella, and tomorrow will be 7 weeks since I "hit the road". Yes, of course there has been some anxiety/fear about heading into the unknown, and other matters, but I am SO much happier, day-to-day than I was before. I used to scream inside at the knowledge that I was STUCK! Stuck in a job that I hated, in a place I didn't want to be forever, because I couldn't get ahead of my bills, and had to keep working harder and harder so that I could hand my money over to someone else. I was STUCK next to noisy neighbors in Sacramento, stuck in terrible heat waves, stuck never seeing anything or going on vacation, because I just couldn't see a way out. I was so miserable that I frequently prayed for death because I just couldn't face another day of being STUCK!

Even after my two youngest boys decided to move to San Diego when their Dad moved down there, I stayed stuck. And then after 4 years, I realized I was the only one standing in my way. I'm currently working as a Camp Host, in an area far outside the city, and because my dial up internet restricts my social networking, I'm actually happy to see people up here once in a while. But I also get the solitude I crave, several days a week. I am surrounded by fresh air and beautiful scenery, and wake up to the sun rising, and birds singing, rather than an alarm clock.

I am not in my "dream rig" and I didn't have all my bills paid off (although my payments are manageable) and I only had $1500 when I started out (and most of that went to repairs and gasoline for the motor home, getting from Oregon to Central California), and my transmission blew up on the motor home so I have no idea how I'm getting out of here at the end of summer, but I'm actually experiencing life, instead of wrapping myself in an isolation bubble of fear. When I have anxiety, I come here, and write it down, and find out how "not alone" I am, because everyone to some extent has anxiety and fear about something. It really helps.

I see people saying they would "love to do something, but their anxiety keeps them from it" and I know that feeling deep down because that's how I lived for most of my adult life. But seriously, step back and ask yourself WHY you're standing in your own way... Then take one tiny step forward. And take another. And when you see that you have survived (and maybe even enjoyed!) those tiny steps, go ahead and leap!

 

[MikeRuth]

Nana4twins said something that really got me and not because I say it but because a friend did. Notice I didn't say does.
If your thinking life is not worth living get help!

I lost my best friend who frequently said I hope I go to sleep and never wake up! He didn't! It was natural cause but that doesn't make any difference.

On a personal note I suffer anxiety occasionally  as I think more people do and don't realize it. Mine stems from legal issues with a conservatorship of which I have very little control and have to deal with the idiotic legal system. One that seemly no longer has common sense. It's frustrating and at times makes it really tough for me. Main thing is I recognize it and when I do feel it I do my best to immerse my self in something else, like work or a hobby. Maybe that outlook could be of help to someone else here. I hope so.




Mike R

 

[Sameer]

I have a spiritual routine that I perform every day. I can only say what works for me, and I don't know what will work for you. My routine keeps me grounded and grateful. I wander around the Southwest with no fear of anything. I feel protected and 'like I have something' in my corner. Developing a Spirituality might help. It removes you from the mundane to another level. It is a highly developed routine that works for me. It keeps me in a positive state of mind. My dog, Mr. Pico keeps me grounded too. I have a responsibility to him to give him the best possible life, so I don't have time for dwelling on the 'negative' aspects of my way of life. All of this keeps me in a state of Peace and Happiness. I go where it makes me happy. I am full of excitement planning new adventures. I am leaving Flagstaff for Southwest Colorado tomorrow and I am so excited I have butterfly's in my stomach anticipating a new adventure. Every day I try and live full of wonder and joy for the life I live. Living in Nature is the key for me and nurturing my Spirituality. I can only tell you what works for me. Every one has a 'key' to happiness...we just have to find it by going on a quest for 'the answer to happiness'.

 

[Sameer]

Since this is on my mind this morning and I have concern for you, I wanted to share a few more ideas that work for me, and might work for you. I think all of us in this lifestyle are more alike than we are different.
I am a Boondocker by nature. Desert or in the Forest. I always pick a beautiful place, I wake up and go for a walk and study the area. I go on line and study the area. Sunset crater erupted just a 1000 years ago in Flagstaff. After awhile I become indistinguishable, both in smell and appearance from the other Desert or Forest creatures...it is liberating! Take pictures and share them with friends on the Forum or Facebook. I keep in contact with others who I consider 'The Tribe' on Facebook. Always I set up an outside space and enjoy my surroundings. Make a trip to Moab or Monument Valley. These places will take you outside of yourself as they do me. Develop daily routines and instead of sitting and thinking go outside. Spend lots of time outside of the van. Nurture the ancient memories of your ancestors that are deep within your Soul. Treat yourself well! Nothing wrong with a great lunch at Carls Jr or an Iced Coffee from Mc D's. Your thoughts can dig you a hole...switch gears and do something to take you away from that process. May be my ideas won't help, but I hope you understand my intentions.

 

[offroad]

Our USA society has no respect for emotional-mental disabilities and challenges. Connection with nature is a healing process. Always. Try to find a daily connection back to nature to feel better.

 

[rvpopeye]

Good post Sameer!

 

[vanman2300]

If anxiety in the AM is frequent it may be caused by dreams you can't remember. During the day your mind picks up on things it doesn't have time or inclination to deal with and puts if aside to be handled in a dream. Frequently these items have a lot of fear associated with their subject. So as an example say you had to take a boat ride knowing that if the boat sank you would surely drown not knowing how to swim. You aren't going to deal with the specter of that and make yourself freak out during the boat trip so you subconsciously deal with it in a dream. Sometimes you can keep having the same dream over and over without realizing it and if it is never resolved AM anxiety might be a common occurrence.

In a dream psychology course I took many years ago we had to record dreams we remembered. The more you try to remember the more you actually do. I was surprised at some of the subjects my mind was dealing with. Maybe you might be able to discover the hidden source of your anxiety the same way?

 

[towhee]

As a complete newbie to van dwelling. I noticed that after 4 months of desert sun and solitude that I felt mentally and emotionally different on my return to city life. I felt  much calmer and happier. I think there is a lot to what bob and others say about the difficulties of living in busy noisy crowded complicated civilization. Maybe there is a mismatch between what our brains evolved to do and what we currently ask them to do. 

I estimated that of my 4 months camping That I was with other people about half the time and completely alone half the time. That might be a good mix forme. I need both. 


I know I miss it and will be back on the road in beautiful places as soon as I can. 

My computer is misbehaving so I will stop there.

 

[Magicwolf]

Steve,

I felt a lot the way you describe. I don't know you so I can really only speak for my experience and relate that way, but maybe it can help someone.
 
I am what's called a highly sensitive person.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Highly_sensitive_person
http://hsperson.com/

In a nutshell, about 15-20% of the population has a biological difference in their nervous systems and thus the way they process sensory input. I've known for years what PTSD feels like and I've not fought in a war but I never knew why. I just thought I was nuts and no one understood me. I've had life-threatening depressive crashes as well as terrible anxiety attacks. Crowded places are overwhelming. I can also get very irritable very quickly. I can pick up things off of others, the environment or even the general 'feel' of a place. When I get triggered, even someone just touching a doorknob will make me jump.

My advice to you is be your own best detective and see if you can pinpoint what is going on with you. (Whether it be similar to my experience or something else.) Sometimes things out of the norm can get labeled by the mainstream incorrectly. If you can find out some of what makes you tick, you are then best able to help yourself properly.

It helped a lot for me to have validation that I wasn't crazy; I was struggling to fit in a society in which or about 80% wasn't designed for somebody living with a highly amped-up electrical system - no wonder I've felt like I've not fit in anywhere! I now know that I can't try and pull off the lifestyles that most others have without much hell because that lifestyle (the traditional 'keeping up with the Jones' style) isn't suited for me and my nervous system then overloads.

Other suspects you could also look at could be vitamin/mineral imbalances (I tend to run low on vitamin D3 and magnesium which causes further depression and anxiety problems). You might see if you feel worse after certain foods. Sometimes hormonal imbalances can cause a lot of problems.

And Bob is absolutely correct. Fear and paranoia is pushed at every turn and it's programmed into a great many people. It's sort of like an action-firewall. Fear helps ensure that people won't much help or depend on themselves and will stay in line. Happy news is rarely shown. Shows/media are becoming more increasingly dark, graphic and violent. While this can and does affect many, for an HSP, it's literally intolerable. I have to make a concentrated effort to tune OUT the excessive bad news and negativity - even if that means not reading headlines and choosing carefully what I watch. Nature calms me (it is one of the few things that does) and gives my tired and zinged nervous system a rest.  

The good news is fear can absolutely be beaten. Peel at your fear like an onion, even when it's unpleasant or scary, don't stop at the surface. Keep following the layers until you dig out what's going on at the core. What exactly are you afraid of? Write down every reason, examine them. Is it fear of failure, change, the unknown? Sometimes people will be afraid and stay where they are because even though they're unhappy, it's familiar and thus comfortable.

I would also suggest meditation - or even simply quiet time with no cell phones, distractions, etc., and focusing on the things that make you feel happy and relaxed - even small things like the peacefulness of a forest or the wide open (unpopulated) spaces. It takes practice. If you can get your mind in a better place, sometimes answers for positive things for yourself become more apparent.

 

[dragonflyinthesky]

I am not ashamed to bare myself on this forum. I was very close to a nervous breakdown due to to much of everyday life, businesses and family and friend and business partner all piling up on me, more than I felt I could handle. I took off much sooner than I planned to (I had been planning to go on the road full time next year) One of the forum members, Mr Loo Reed, set up a Florida gathering. I made things fall into place and took off mid Feb this year not knowing who I truly was meeting up with or how to actually live on the road. I figured it out as I have gone along and have had other full timers bend over backwards to help me. Being out in my little trailer, even times I am alone, such as I am now, well, I feel as if it has saved my live. My family said I am running away. True but I am in control finally of saving my life.

Dragonfly