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Crippling Fear of Violence

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Crippling Frontal Sinus Pain
December 12th, 2007
Hello,

I have what I presume is an unusual problem (since a thorough google search has never turned up any decent results).

I have a really serious problem with violence - even violence in jest causes me to become very emotionally withdrawn. Even playfighting with a girlfriend, or a friendly punch on the arm from an overenthusiastic friend, can be enough to "set me off". I feel emotionally desolate, incapable of any action or communication, and more often than not simply curl up into a ball on the floor, sometimes for up to an hour.

I find this really quite debilitating at times, and it leaves me to wonder what would happen if I was ever mugged or attacked in the street. I've no idea why this happens to me; I didn't have a particularly violent childhood or anything like that, and violence in games and movies don't bother me at all. I have ambitions to do martial arts someday but as you can imagine this reaction to even the slightest hint of a fight is something of a barrier.

How can I get over this problem?


-Annikk
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First Helper User Profile Galaxy
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Tayda2001
replied December 13th, 2007
Re: Crippling Fear of Violence
Have you sought out a therapist, or looked into Cognitive Behavioral Therapy?
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lunchtime
replied December 14th, 2007
I was afeared someone would say that.
No I haven't. I've been down that road before (for something else) and I didn't enjoy the experience. I would need to see that there is serious need for me to do that before trying it again.

Anyway, it seems an unlikely thing to want to cure someone of. "hai m8s, can make me so i can be violent without feeling remorse plxplx? plensing? kthx"

I'm posting here because it's easier than making a doctor's appointment. Why would you recommend cognitive behavioral therapy?


-Annikk
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Georgia59
replied December 14th, 2007
Especially eHealthy
cognitive behavioral therapy is a really effective treatment for all kinds of anxiety disorders. Anxiety disorders are actually quite treatable.

The thing about doctors is that you should definitely shop around and find one that you truly trust before you give up on them.
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Tayda2001
replied December 17th, 2007
Like Georgia said. CBT can be very helpful. While I still suffer from anxiety, it helps me to recognize what is really happening, and change the way I think about it. I still experience the physical symptoms of anxiety and panic attacks, however, if I'm anxious for a few days, I rarely go into a full fledged panic attack because I have learned how to recognize the symptoms, and calm myself down.

I have been much better since I began CBT, and I visited a few therapists before I committed, and while I still have pa's.. it's better
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Galaxy
replied January 17th, 2008
Supporter
I agree. CBT is the way forward with this. I also fear violence in the sense that I imagine every time I walk out the door - or indeed, any member of my family does - that there will be some act of violence awaiting me, or them. It is hard-wired into my brain and I find it hard to let it go. CBT does help, though, in getting you to look at everything that is causing you distress and slowly trying to work on altering faulty thought processes.

Please do not allow this fear to take over your life - make an appointment today.
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malshaw9
replied January 26th, 2012
fear of being attacked
Hi so glad to hear someone else has this problem thought i was the only one too. just started living alone and feel i have to stay up each night to avoid someone breaking in and attacking me. Dont know what its about always on the look out for potential violent situations and cant read anything about it or watch films about it even find the word hard to say. I am living a nightmare at the moment ok when im not on my own, dont feel that anyone understands, thanks for your imput.
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pazzo
replied February 7th, 2012
Hello guys,

Did such feelings and emotions started right after a particular incidents or just came to existence out of nowhere ?

Do you have excessive mood swings and anger I mean for instance you might start crying for no reason or you think everyone is trying to set you up, hurt you and the whole thing is about conspiracy and you don't feel warm no matter with who you are in company ?

Any suicidal thoughts and loss of interest in life, communication and work... ?

How about night time, any disturbing dreams or difficulties of falling asleep ?

Thanks.
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