What I Needed to Hear to Avoid a Nervous Breakdown

In this video, author and mental health educator Douglas Bloch tells the story of how he used the power of encouraging and reassuring words, said by himself and others, to survive an episode of hellish anxiety. He then shares two strategies that describe how you can apply the power of encouraging words in your own life.

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[Handlegrip]

It really does help to hear somebody tells me it will be OK, you will get better, this is not permanent. The mornings are hard for me. Especially after a sleepless night.

[DianeLindenberger]

I have panic and depression from losing my mother and from having a relationship with a cruel male hope these words help

[annchurchill]

A chief aspect of depression is a lack of positive future orientation. My Mother always told me it was important to have something to look forward to. Other people not necessary.

[johnmccann]

Douglas I've just watched this video and you tell the story of asking your friend to re-assure you until you get yourself out of your dark hopeless moments. When my moments of darknees and anxiety come I revisit YOUR videos and listen to your advice and re-assurance.Although we have never met I consider you a very important friend who gives me hope when I get down and feel lost.And I want to thank you for being there.Stay well and positive.

[RedLPS]

I am currently living my darkest days, yet it's not due to any outside forces. It's all in my head. My struggle with coping and acceptance has manifested into isolation and agoraphobia. I am thankfully going to be getting ECT treatments in the near future to help lift my darkness. I appreciate all of these videos as they help put my condition into perspective. Take care.

[camey]

You have no idea how many people you are helping Douglas by providing this powerful technique. Whatever challenge you are currently facing, I'm quite certain you will be fine. And thank you for your help and support.

[hogarthay]

I always come back to you Douglas if I am tested. Your messages are like an angel in my corner

[charlesandrzejewski]

I like the one quote by I think Maya Angelou - people will for get what you say or what you teach them but they won't forget how you made them feel. I have to remember that because I get so caught up in learning new techniques and modalities and trying to apply them to each client and at the end of the day they probably just want somebody's compassion and presence

[cowboyjohnsontown]

Thanks for sharing this, Douglas. I appreciate your vulnerability in sharing a recent/current struggle. I agree with Mike- you'll get through this. Thanks for all you do!

[dreamcatcher]

This just happened today while I was driving. I had to call my wife and just talk to her and calm down, but she didn't know I was having an anxiety or nervous attack i couldn't tell her. It's a scary time. I have been experiencing headaches for the past month, and after an MRI and CAT scan, doctors can't figure out the issue. This has caused me to slowly breakdown. On top of an uncertain future with the economy and a high mortgage. I always had the confidence to lead my family out of any hard times, but if I'm not healthy then I can't do that. I believe this is causing me to have high axiety. I have never experienced this before.

[ryanbenson]

Thank you for sharing such personal moments in your life. Much appreciated, Douglas.

[homebody]

Doug, you’ve been through hell over and over again, and you always remain there for others.

[pmbluemoon]

Thank you Douglas, I'm glad you have stayed here to help us out by sharing your story, and I send you happiness and love, appreciation and hugs as well 💗
I have a saying on my fridge (magnet) "A misty morning does not indicate a foggy day."

[dragonbel]

This is one video I would like to go back to after I feel less anxious. For now I feel too anxious to even watch it until the end...

[jaredbond]

Yeah, I know what it's like to wake up in a panic. I've been suffering for 20 years now (since age 17). But I finally think things are going to change for me. For one, medication helps tremendously. I've tried dozens in my life, but mostly when I was young. When I got older, I became a serious alcoholic. I thought the cycle would never end. But I finally feel like I don't need to drink, now that I'm taking Prozac and gabapentin. Honestly, I take when needed, and it gets me pretty buzzed. But I don't crave it. Way healthier than alcohol (and cheaper). Also, stress has reduced, because I'm pretty sure I've gotten disability, first try. Didn't expect that. Best wishes to everyone. Medication helps a ton. It will give you the strength and calmness to improve your life. I never thought I'd be a "depression survivor", but I'm really looking forward to all the great things I'm gonna do in my life!

Agh, I can't resist saying one more thing. A big motivation for suicide is anger over your life, and against the world. Perhaps the hardest is thinking of your own stupid mistakes, inability to see, or just plain misfortune. But sadly.... the world doesn't care. You can only pick up the pieces, learn from it, and try to make whatever small difference you can. And don't beat yourself up for being a coward. It's really easy to wish you were dead. It's much harder to actually do it. I've been trapped in that loop for 20 years and I'm sick of it. It's not gonna happen. I don't necessarily regret my path, but it's time now to move on. And thankfully, life will be comfortable enough to do so. Get help, and make the changes that you know need to happen. Kill your anger and self-hate with medication. You can indeed get rid of that pain in your chest.

[React-ul]

I had the same over Christmas and new year, racing thoughts, sleepless nights, depression.

[acceptinglife]

Wow, what a powerful support system you have with Mike🥺

[lorenheard]

February is an awful month for me. My Grandma died before my birthday when I was very young( literally the day before my birthday, and the funeral the next day!) It feels imprinted on my brain and soul, and though it has been decades, I have always looked at my birthday as gloom and doom. Along with other depressive moments that have little to do with that memory... Got to keep going! It is a beautiful and sunny day. I will give the Lord God Thanks and work through the day. Thank you for your words!

[mae]

Douglas, I truly hope you are well, the gift of your channel is that it provides a community base to rest on, on the days when i and others feel like we are free falling, into that dark place, I think you are one of the bravest men I’ve never met, please keep on keeping on. You really do matter xx

[lisam]

Thank you so much for sharing your raw and real struggles, it helps me SO much to watch and listen to your videos and podcast. You have a very warm and reassuring voice and I appreciate everything you do to try to help others who are going through similar struggles. I listen to your podcasts multiple times when I'm going through painful times and it always helps. I'm so grateful to have found your book, videos and podcast. I really do not think there is anyone else doing what you're doing, it's a lifesaver for many I'm sure. People in pain want to connect with others who truly get it and we know you really get it. Thank you.