John, Volunteer Mentor | @johnbishop | Mar 2, 2022
Hello @flow65, You will notice we added to your discussion title so that other members who have tried biofeedback for anxiety can share their experience with you. Mayo Clinic does have some information on the use of biofeedback to treat anxiety and other symptoms --- Biofeedback: https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/biofeedback/about/pac-20384664
Are you currently considering biofeedback treatment?
Hello @flow65, You will notice we added to your discussion title so that other members who have tried biofeedback for anxiety can share their experience with you. Mayo Clinic does have some information on the use of biofeedback to treat anxiety and other symptoms --- Biofeedback: https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/biofeedback/about/pac-20384664
Are you currently considering biofeedback treatment?
Hi @flow65 I’m coming into this conversation a little late. But years ago, I did use bio-feedback for anxiety and panic attacks. And by years ago, I mean at least 38 years. I was 30 at the time. Obviously technology has changed a great deal since then but I had amazing results.
My bio-feed back sessions had electrodes on my head for brain waves and I think on my chest to measure heart rate. Have you ever had an EKG to monitor your heart? It’s that very same thing. The wires are placed on with little sticky tape. Nothing invasive at all!! And it’s not freaky or anxiety producing. Things may be much different now and even easier with computers and wireless outputs for readings.
But, basically, back then, while attached to the wires sending signals to this amazing new device, called a computer. (Haha yes, I’m that old!) there was a jagged but horizontal line across the screen. I had to do my best to keep the line as flat as possible using my thoughts to focus while various distractions kept popping up from time to time on the screen. It seemed impossible! However, eventually, with the feedback I was receiving from the monitor, I was able to focus only on my goal of flat line, blocking out everything else.
After that, there was a brief switch to mindfulness-based stress reduction to get me into real-life situations and not just being able to control a computer screen.
That ability to focus allowed me rise above any future debilitating panic attacks and I got my life back under control. I still have that singular focus when I need to get through a challenging time.
That leads me to this suggestion for you if you’re leery of bio-feedback. Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction. It was developed by Jon Kabat-Zinn, of U of Mass Medical School. My daughter has participated in this course and the results have been outstanding for her. Here’s the link https://mbsrtraining.com/
You don’t have to sign up for the course, but you can practice some of the meditative ideas under the menu Exercises. There are other sites online and videos on YouTube you might like to try.
Have you tried MBSR?
Hi @flow65 I’m coming into this conversation a little late. But years ago, I did use bio-feedback for anxiety and panic attacks. And by years ago, I mean at least 38 years. I was 30 at the time. Obviously technology has changed a great deal since then but I had amazing results.
My bio-feed back sessions had electrodes on my head for brain waves and I think on my chest to measure heart rate. Have you ever had an EKG to monitor your heart? It’s that very same thing. The wires are placed on with little sticky tape. Nothing invasive at all!! And it’s not freaky or anxiety producing. Things may be much different now and even easier with computers and wireless outputs for readings.
But, basically, back then, while attached to the wires sending signals to this amazing new device, called a computer. (Haha yes, I’m that old!) there was a jagged but horizontal line across the screen. I had to do my best to keep the line as flat as possible using my thoughts to focus while various distractions kept popping up from time to time on the screen. It seemed impossible! However, eventually, with the feedback I was receiving from the monitor, I was able to focus only on my goal of flat line, blocking out everything else.
After that, there was a brief switch to mindfulness-based stress reduction to get me into real-life situations and not just being able to control a computer screen.
That ability to focus allowed me rise above any future debilitating panic attacks and I got my life back under control. I still have that singular focus when I need to get through a challenging time.
That leads me to this suggestion for you if you’re leery of bio-feedback. Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction. It was developed by Jon Kabat-Zinn, of U of Mass Medical School. My daughter has participated in this course and the results have been outstanding for her. Here’s the link https://mbsrtraining.com/
You don’t have to sign up for the course, but you can practice some of the meditative ideas under the menu Exercises. There are other sites online and videos on YouTube you might like to try.
Have you tried MBSR?
Do you mean for the biofeedback? If I recall, my sessions were only 30 minutes each time. It was not stressful at all. There’s no pain, no shocks, nothing invasive. It was little wires taped to my head.
If you read @johnbishop post again, he added a link with the different types of biofeedback. https://connect.mayoclinic.org/comment/685681/
The time went so quickly because I was very focused. Since I was there for anxiety treatments I found it all very relaxing and a means to find relief. It’s not like you’re a character out of some science fiction movie with electrodes and probes. 🙃
I hope you don’t mind my asking, but what are the triggers for your anxiety?
Do you mean for the biofeedback? If I recall, my sessions were only 30 minutes each time. It was not stressful at all. There’s no pain, no shocks, nothing invasive. It was little wires taped to my head.
If you read @johnbishop post again, he added a link with the different types of biofeedback. https://connect.mayoclinic.org/comment/685681/
The time went so quickly because I was very focused. Since I was there for anxiety treatments I found it all very relaxing and a means to find relief. It’s not like you’re a character out of some science fiction movie with electrodes and probes. 🙃
I hope you don’t mind my asking, but what are the triggers for your anxiety?
Not too sure. It all started with the pandemic. I stopped my anti depressant. Long story. Adult son came back to live with us. Now off meds except Xanax and antihistamine. Right now worried and scared. Plus I have GERD. Reflux. It doesn’t help having that. I see a psychiatrist and therapist. Thank you.
Not too sure. It all started with the pandemic. I stopped my anti depressant. Long story. Adult son came back to live with us. Now off meds except Xanax and antihistamine. Right now worried and scared. Plus I have GERD. Reflux. It doesn’t help having that. I see a psychiatrist and therapist. Thank you.
Part of my story. Seen a psychiatrist for years. Was on celexa for anxiety. I had panic attacks years ago. They went away. Only occasional one. Then my psychiatrist stopped seeing patients. I was getting my prescription from my pcp. Then in spring of 2020 I slowly stopped taking my celexa. I guess it was gradual enough. Didn’t have problems. I had my mind on my daughters wedding in the fall. Then I looked on my old psychiatrists site and he was seeing patients. My husband blames himself for me going back. He thought I was doing better without him. Tried all different antidepressants even celexa. I kept getting real nauseous. Tried Pristiq and wasn’t working. Withdrawal was hell. Then a beta blocker for anxiety. Had trouble with that. My pcp told me maybe my body is trying to tell me something. No more drugs. But I’m afraid I can’t change my mindset. She suggested biofeedback, massage. I see a therapist whom I like. I’ve always been a worrier and a pessimist. So I need positive reinforcement. My husband tries everyday to help. It’s just recently been off beta blocker for anxiety. This is all new to me. I think I have generalized anxiety disorder. Right now I don’t believe I could change my mindset. I’m not positive. This is what I’m having trouble with. I know it takes time. I’m impatient. I’m in my 60’s. Right now no confidence. I know this was very long. Thank you for your time. I appreciate it.
Yes I have and it was therapist who suggested it as a possibility. I did it years ago to help with flying and it worked. I have found it difficult to find clinics or people who do this - I believe it is found under a different heading now. I think it is productive and does create calmness especially when anxiety is really high. I just joined this forum, so not sure how it works yet and whether you will get my posting.
ALMH
Hi
I had strange behaviour after covid. Anxiety was one of them.
I had an encephalograph which showed very atypical brain waves. I can only guess there is a connection.
I had neurofeedback mostly weekly from dec thru match. I am not sure if it did anything or time healed.
I dont seem to be experiencing the same issues at the moment.
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Hello @flow65, You will notice we added to your discussion title so that other members who have tried biofeedback for anxiety can share their experience with you. Mayo Clinic does have some information on the use of biofeedback to treat anxiety and other symptoms --- Biofeedback: https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/biofeedback/about/pac-20384664
Are you currently considering biofeedback treatment?
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2 ReactionsNot sure. My husband read you’re hooked up to electrodes. It would probably give me more anxiety.
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2 ReactionsHi @flow65 I’m coming into this conversation a little late. But years ago, I did use bio-feedback for anxiety and panic attacks. And by years ago, I mean at least 38 years. I was 30 at the time. Obviously technology has changed a great deal since then but I had amazing results.
My bio-feed back sessions had electrodes on my head for brain waves and I think on my chest to measure heart rate. Have you ever had an EKG to monitor your heart? It’s that very same thing. The wires are placed on with little sticky tape. Nothing invasive at all!! And it’s not freaky or anxiety producing. Things may be much different now and even easier with computers and wireless outputs for readings.
But, basically, back then, while attached to the wires sending signals to this amazing new device, called a computer. (Haha yes, I’m that old!) there was a jagged but horizontal line across the screen. I had to do my best to keep the line as flat as possible using my thoughts to focus while various distractions kept popping up from time to time on the screen. It seemed impossible! However, eventually, with the feedback I was receiving from the monitor, I was able to focus only on my goal of flat line, blocking out everything else.
After that, there was a brief switch to mindfulness-based stress reduction to get me into real-life situations and not just being able to control a computer screen.
That ability to focus allowed me rise above any future debilitating panic attacks and I got my life back under control. I still have that singular focus when I need to get through a challenging time.
That leads me to this suggestion for you if you’re leery of bio-feedback. Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction. It was developed by Jon Kabat-Zinn, of U of Mass Medical School. My daughter has participated in this course and the results have been outstanding for her. Here’s the link https://mbsrtraining.com/
You don’t have to sign up for the course, but you can practice some of the meditative ideas under the menu Exercises. There are other sites online and videos on YouTube you might like to try.
Have you tried MBSR?
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Hug
2 ReactionsThank you for the info. No I never tried MBSR.
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1 ReactionBtw do you know how long you’re hooked up? Thx
Do you mean for the biofeedback? If I recall, my sessions were only 30 minutes each time. It was not stressful at all. There’s no pain, no shocks, nothing invasive. It was little wires taped to my head.
If you read @johnbishop post again, he added a link with the different types of biofeedback. https://connect.mayoclinic.org/comment/685681/
The time went so quickly because I was very focused. Since I was there for anxiety treatments I found it all very relaxing and a means to find relief. It’s not like you’re a character out of some science fiction movie with electrodes and probes. 🙃
I hope you don’t mind my asking, but what are the triggers for your anxiety?
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionNot too sure. It all started with the pandemic. I stopped my anti depressant. Long story. Adult son came back to live with us. Now off meds except Xanax and antihistamine. Right now worried and scared. Plus I have GERD. Reflux. It doesn’t help having that. I see a psychiatrist and therapist. Thank you.
Part of my story. Seen a psychiatrist for years. Was on celexa for anxiety. I had panic attacks years ago. They went away. Only occasional one. Then my psychiatrist stopped seeing patients. I was getting my prescription from my pcp. Then in spring of 2020 I slowly stopped taking my celexa. I guess it was gradual enough. Didn’t have problems. I had my mind on my daughters wedding in the fall. Then I looked on my old psychiatrists site and he was seeing patients. My husband blames himself for me going back. He thought I was doing better without him. Tried all different antidepressants even celexa. I kept getting real nauseous. Tried Pristiq and wasn’t working. Withdrawal was hell. Then a beta blocker for anxiety. Had trouble with that. My pcp told me maybe my body is trying to tell me something. No more drugs. But I’m afraid I can’t change my mindset. She suggested biofeedback, massage. I see a therapist whom I like. I’ve always been a worrier and a pessimist. So I need positive reinforcement. My husband tries everyday to help. It’s just recently been off beta blocker for anxiety. This is all new to me. I think I have generalized anxiety disorder. Right now I don’t believe I could change my mindset. I’m not positive. This is what I’m having trouble with. I know it takes time. I’m impatient. I’m in my 60’s. Right now no confidence. I know this was very long. Thank you for your time. I appreciate it.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 ReactionsYes I have and it was therapist who suggested it as a possibility. I did it years ago to help with flying and it worked. I have found it difficult to find clinics or people who do this - I believe it is found under a different heading now. I think it is productive and does create calmness especially when anxiety is really high. I just joined this forum, so not sure how it works yet and whether you will get my posting.
ALMH
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 ReactionHi
I had strange behaviour after covid. Anxiety was one of them.
I had an encephalograph which showed very atypical brain waves. I can only guess there is a connection.
I had neurofeedback mostly weekly from dec thru match. I am not sure if it did anything or time healed.
I dont seem to be experiencing the same issues at the moment.