There is so SO much I want to say here about my story with anxiety but I feel like it would be too long and probably not the place. Just know that I relate to this and agree with you on such a strong level that I feel like I could write a whole essay on it. Lol. As someone also beginning to come out of the other side of a life ruled by anxiety, I want to congratulate you Finn. It's a bloody difficult road that at times seems endless. I'm SO happy you're finding your way now. It took me 11 years to come to the conclusion that I could be in control of my anxiety instead of it being in control of me. I wish i'd had advice like this available to me back then so this can only be a good thing and I really hope more people dealing with anxiety find you somehow. You're an amazing human. Keep up the good work.
Such a wonderful message to receive, thank you so much. Please do write your essay! I continue to learn everyday from peoples kind sharing and it enriches my life, I am sure it would others too. My anxiety turned a corner when I came to the realisation that trying to overcome it was pointless, that I just had to do things regardless of it and take the power out of it, be in control of it rather than it of me as you very wisely say. I am very glad things are better for you too, it just shows that these things can be worked with. Bless you
The thing that really struck me in your video was when you addressed how the terminology you use when referring to it can be harmful. For a lot of years when I had to talk about my anxiety I would always say I was "fighting it" or "suffering with it" and I think you really do convince yourself that that's what you're doing. It wasn't until I started CBT training with a one on one therapist that I realised there WAS a different way to look at it. I spent so long wanting to be "normal" that once I accepted my anxiety as perfectly normal, it seemed a lot less frightening to me. Also breaking things down into small, manageable tasks was a huge step in my recovery. I viewed everything as overwhelmingingly scary and was resolute that I couldn't do it before I even tried. But then taking a walk by myself to a local shop or taking my dog just outside my house started to give me confidence and like you...I finally built it up enough to go to Finland for the first time this year. I'd never flown before or gone anywhere without my family yet I went to a country i'd always wanted to go to and it's so empowering that every little victory adds up and adds just a little more confidence. Another thing that also really helped me was talking to my doctor and having him actually explain what was physically happening to me during a panic attack. He told me about Fight or Flight and explained exactly why you feel the way you do and what is happening inside and it seemed a lot less scary once I understood it just from a physical standpoint. It takes a lot of the unknown away which I think is what contributes to the fear of actually having the attacks.
It is wondeful to hear of your progress. Words are so very powerful and the way we talk about ourselves can set up how we feel emotionally. There kind of insights are powerful tools in overcoming mental helth issues that hold us back in life. Well done my friend and all the best
Bless you my friend, thank you. I genuinely want to help others to find a way out from feeling like this as I know from experince how painful it is, which is why I share
+FinnTheInfinncible I was about to say the same thing!! What camera are you using? Also, thank you very much for this video it's a really helpful perspective! :)
You explain things so well, i've been trying to discover new ways to deal with my anxiety and listening to you discuss these topics helps me understand my brain a little better, i'm definitely going to re-watch some more of your MH tip videos. Thankyou :)
My battle with anxiety has been a long ride, i don't actually remember a time in my life that it hasn't impacted my decisions etc. I've been out of work for 6+ years because i couldn't cope and had a couple on mental breakdowns and my anxiety/ depression has worsened as the months and years roll by. I do try my best to leave the house in the ways you suggested and that helped me a great deal when i was 17 but I'm now 30 over the last 6 years my anxiety and mental health have gotten worse. The mental health team here is rubbish, it took four and a half years to get an appointment and i have been messed around quite a bit by therapists too. i'm scared, i want to move forward and live life rather than just existing. I recently started having hypnotherapy so hopefully something will come from that. I'm so glad to hear you working through it and helping others through your videos too. Thank you for sharing Finn.
Its a tough journey and a long one, its taken me years too, Ive not worked at a full time job since 2005 because of it. Funding is so very stretched everywhere now but support groups can be found, have a look at your nearest MIND centre, they often run great courses on mental health stuff. I hope they hypnotherapy helps you. stay in touch
Finn, I just gotta say, it gives me so much hope that you're so happy now. I know it isn't easy all of the time, but you just seem so much more at peace than you did in your early videos (pre-T/early T) and it's awesome. I really hope to get where you are some day. P.S. you picked a great name :)
Thank yo so much my friend. It isnt easy but the hard work has great payoffs, I feel so proud and so grateful for the the life Ive worked hard to have today. And I agree re the name ;)
Found myself thinking about this video today, a while after I first watched it. I think that I properly understand now about making friends with anxiety! I have been learning so much about myself as a result of taking notice of how I cope with anxiety and how it manifests. Thank you for this video I have rewatched it again now, it's so useful!
Ah I am so glad! recovery starts in self reflection, getting to know ones self, being honest with yourself, from the knowledge gained there we can then begin to live life in a way that helps us navigate our challenges more easily! All the best to you!
Tomorrow I start university and I've been suffering from anxiety since... well, pretty much all my life! Just to know that I'm a few hours away from the first day of the rest of my life makes me extremely anxious and afraid, but this video was perfect timing! Thank you so much, this has helped me to relax and think that it won't be as bad as I think it will. As always, great video!
Thanks my friend, take it slowly, one step at a time, gradually challenging your thinking and challenging yourself to push yourself out of your comfort zone. All the best!
This is such wonderful, inspiring advice! So many times, people who don't have issues with anxiety just can't understand how difficult it can be to do things, or just motivate ourselves to do things, they take for granted being able to do easily.
I absolutely agree with you, people say, oh I have anxiety at times and I just ignore it, well if its serious anxiety its impossible to ignore! This is a seriously difficult and life impacting issue. Thanks my friend
Nice one Finn. This echoes my experience. I was brought up with the book "Feel the fear and do it anyway", which I mostly only remember the title from, but which has helped a lot, along with some of the sort of advice you give here. Just a silly thing of mine from today... it took me ages to press the nurse call button because I thought I should be able to do what I was going to ask her to do, and also because I was afraid it might be the wrong button and they might send a crash team in! That's my anxious brain!! So I eventually pressed the button very quickly and she came in all chirpy and did the thing, and that was it. No problem. A bit of a downer really ;-) Anyway, thanks for the vid! :-)
Ah that book is just fantastic!!! I know what you mean about feeling bad about asking for help and the anxiety it brings! Hope you are resting well buddy, happy healing to you!
That has been one of the hard things, reminding myself that I don't have to measure myself to others. That I need to recognise what I'm capable of and like you said congratulate myself when I've accomplished something. Even when it's doing mundane things like being able to do the chores around the house, which has become hard lately due to chronic pain and severe migraine issue, which then fuels the my depression and anxiety. But as you said meditation and things like that help a great deal.
I find this so hard too, I often find myself comparing myself to others and its just not helpful, they dont have my life, they are not me, the only true measure is against myself, what steps I make and my values in my life, but yes it is so hard to stop doing this! If you have such chronic issues then seemingly small things to others are massive achievements to you so do congratulate yourself!
I have started to do so, slowly but surely. teaching yourself to change those thought processes take a while, which obviously you know well. But, I'm getting there. :)
I don't suffer from anxiety, but I do suffer from depression. Your advice is great for depression, and hearing your thoughts on it out loud has helped me rethink some of the things I do to avoid going out and seeing people. I know it isn't good for me to stay in, but it sometimes just seems easier you know. But, thanks to you, I am going to try to get out this week a bit more.
Yes this approach is very much how I manage my depression and low moods too, it fact its how I manage everything. I know exactly what you mean, it does feel easier, safer, to just not try but it ultimately leaves us feeling worse. Going out, making little stepd makes us feel so good about ourselves and raising our self esteem in this way helps to spur us on. Its still an ongoing process for me too. All the best to you, one step at a time!
It certainly is, and I have dealt with it for many many years (I'm much older than you), but it's good to be reminded of what I need to do to help myself. I really enjoy your vlogs as you seem to have a very down to earth appeal to many people, not just to the transgender community. I find you very inspiring. Thanks Finn.
I can relate to this so much I think Finn me and you have walked similar paths in our life's - I have to admit I'm not where you are but I'm nearly there - Thanks for the information on this vlog it is very good. :)
I agree! I relate to a lot of what you speak about in your vlogs. It takes time buddy, its progress not perfection! Thanks my friend, glad the vlog is helpful
I suffer from anxiety and depression I live in Toronto ontario I drink a lot and then I self harm I have no friends and no one to talk to I hate my life and I hate that I have this
I've been where you are my friend it's hard. however, it doesn't have to be like this forever, getting some support it vital, whether that be a counsellor , a support group or whatever works for you then it's a case of making little steps day by day. keep the faith my friend
Well you look skinny ... I just noticed... either way you look good Mr ... maybe it was the new camera or lighting lol ... hope you are well :) I really enjoyed this video I can really relate to a lot you said.... it made my night. Thanks Mr Finn :) I feel I'm not alone
There is so SO much I want to say here about my story with anxiety but I feel like it would be too long and probably not the place. Just know that I relate to this and agree with you on such a strong level that I feel like I could write a whole essay on it. Lol. As someone also beginning to come out of the other side of a life ruled by anxiety, I want to congratulate you Finn. It's a bloody difficult road that at times seems endless. I'm SO happy you're finding your way now. It took me 11 years to come to the conclusion that I could be in control of my anxiety instead of it being in control of me. I wish i'd had advice like this available to me back then so this can only be a good thing and I really hope more people dealing with anxiety find you somehow. You're an amazing human. Keep up the good work.
Such a wonderful message to receive, thank you so much. Please do write your essay! I continue to learn everyday from peoples kind sharing and it enriches my life, I am sure it would others too. My anxiety turned a corner when I came to the realisation that trying to overcome it was pointless, that I just had to do things regardless of it and take the power out of it, be in control of it rather than it of me as you very wisely say. I am very glad things are better for you too, it just shows that these things can be worked with. Bless you
The thing that really struck me in your video was when you addressed how the terminology you use when referring to it can be harmful. For a lot of years when I had to talk about my anxiety I would always say I was "fighting it" or "suffering with it" and I think you really do convince yourself that that's what you're doing. It wasn't until I started CBT training with a one on one therapist that I realised there WAS a different way to look at it. I spent so long wanting to be "normal" that once I accepted my anxiety as perfectly normal, it seemed a lot less frightening to me. Also breaking things down into small, manageable tasks was a huge step in my recovery. I viewed everything as overwhelmingingly scary and was resolute that I couldn't do it before I even tried. But then taking a walk by myself to a local shop or taking my dog just outside my house started to give me confidence and like you...I finally built it up enough to go to Finland for the first time this year. I'd never flown before or gone anywhere without my family yet I went to a country i'd always wanted to go to and it's so empowering that every little victory adds up and adds just a little more confidence. Another thing that also really helped me was talking to my doctor and having him actually explain what was physically happening to me during a panic attack. He told me about Fight or Flight and explained exactly why you feel the way you do and what is happening inside and it seemed a lot less scary once I understood it just from a physical standpoint. It takes a lot of the unknown away which I think is what contributes to the fear of actually having the attacks.
It is wondeful to hear of your progress. Words are so very powerful and the way we talk about ourselves can set up how we feel emotionally. There kind of insights are powerful tools in overcoming mental helth issues that hold us back in life. Well done my friend and all the best
Your words are wise and full of love. That is what makes it genuine. I am taken by your patience and direct explanations. Great job Finn!
Bless you my friend, thank you. I genuinely want to help others to find a way out from feeling like this as I know from experince how painful it is, which is why I share
Your camera quality looks great here! Is it the lighting in that room? Who knows! Love it!
+TheRealAlexBertie ah that's good to know! It's a new camera! My old camcorder just wasn't doing the job!
+FinnTheInfinncible I was about to say the same thing!! What camera are you using? Also, thank you very much for this video it's a really helpful perspective! :)
Thank you so much! Its a panasonc lumix G7 mirrorless. Trying to get used to everything it can do!!!
love the quality finn! and thank you so much for this video x
Thank you! Glad the quality shows, my vlogs have been in dire need of it!
Thanks for your kind and helpful words Finn.
My pleasure, thank you for yours!
Honestly the background is awesome because of the sheep just chillin in the corner! Very very helpful video as usual
Ah yes, think they were having a little chinwag up there!!! Thanks my friend, very glad it was helpful
Crazy proud of you for how far you've come!!
so kind of you, thank you!
You explain things so well, i've been trying to discover new ways to deal with my anxiety and listening to you discuss these topics helps me understand my brain a little better, i'm definitely going to re-watch some more of your MH tip videos. Thankyou :)
My battle with anxiety has been a long ride, i don't actually remember a time in my life that it hasn't impacted my decisions etc. I've been out of work for 6+ years because i couldn't cope and had a couple on mental breakdowns and my anxiety/ depression has worsened as the months and years roll by. I do try my best to leave the house in the ways you suggested and that helped me a great deal when i was 17 but I'm now 30 over the last 6 years my anxiety and mental health have gotten worse. The mental health team here is rubbish, it took four and a half years to get an appointment and i have been messed around quite a bit by therapists too. i'm scared, i want to move forward and live life rather than just existing. I recently started having hypnotherapy so hopefully something will come from that. I'm so glad to hear you working through it and helping others through your videos too. Thank you for sharing Finn.
Its a tough journey and a long one, its taken me years too, Ive not worked at a full time job since 2005 because of it. Funding is so very stretched everywhere now but support groups can be found, have a look at your nearest MIND centre, they often run great courses on mental health stuff. I hope they hypnotherapy helps you. stay in touch
Finn, I just gotta say, it gives me so much hope that you're so happy now. I know it isn't easy all of the time, but you just seem so much more at peace than you did in your early videos (pre-T/early T) and it's awesome. I really hope to get where you are some day. P.S. you picked a great name :)
Thank yo so much my friend. It isnt easy but the hard work has great payoffs, I feel so proud and so grateful for the the life Ive worked hard to have today. And I agree re the name ;)
Found myself thinking about this video today, a while after I first watched it. I think that I properly understand now about making friends with anxiety! I have been learning so much about myself as a result of taking notice of how I cope with anxiety and how it manifests. Thank you for this video I have rewatched it again now, it's so useful!
Ah I am so glad! recovery starts in self reflection, getting to know ones self, being honest with yourself, from the knowledge gained there we can then begin to live life in a way that helps us navigate our challenges more easily! All the best to you!
Thanks so much for this video, Finn!
My absolute pleasure!!
Tomorrow I start university and I've been suffering from anxiety since... well, pretty much all my life! Just to know that I'm a few hours away from the first day of the rest of my life makes me extremely anxious and afraid, but this video was perfect timing! Thank you so much, this has helped me to relax and think that it won't be as bad as I think it will. As always, great video!
Thats good to hear! This is an exciting time my friend and a big step so the anxiety is normal! Try to relax and just enjoy it, all the best of luck!
all of this is so true! I'm trying to recover from anxiety too. I need to learn your way of thinking. thanks.
Thanks my friend, take it slowly, one step at a time, gradually challenging your thinking and challenging yourself to push yourself out of your comfort zone. All the best!
This is such wonderful, inspiring advice! So many times, people who don't have issues with anxiety just can't understand how difficult it can be to do things, or just motivate ourselves to do things, they take for granted being able to do easily.
I absolutely agree with you, people say, oh I have anxiety at times and I just ignore it, well if its serious anxiety its impossible to ignore! This is a seriously difficult and life impacting issue. Thanks my friend
As someone currently working very hard to try and make friends with my anxiety, this is really encouraging. Thank you!
Thanks my friend, all the very best to you!
Thanks Finn
Hello mate! My pleasure!
Thank you
a pleasure
Nice one Finn. This echoes my experience. I was brought up with the book "Feel the fear and do it anyway", which I mostly only remember the title from, but which has helped a lot, along with some of the sort of advice you give here. Just a silly thing of mine from today... it took me ages to press the nurse call button because I thought I should be able to do what I was going to ask her to do, and also because I was afraid it might be the wrong button and they might send a crash team in! That's my anxious brain!! So I eventually pressed the button very quickly and she came in all chirpy and did the thing, and that was it. No problem. A bit of a downer really ;-) Anyway, thanks for the vid! :-)
Ah that book is just fantastic!!! I know what you mean about feeling bad about asking for help and the anxiety it brings! Hope you are resting well buddy, happy healing to you!
Bless your heart. You will be a wonderful counselor.
Don't imagine I've given up waffling. I am saving it for your FinnFam page. Tee-hee!
Thanks goodness for that! I was feeling waffleless! Thank you sweets!
That has been one of the hard things, reminding myself that I don't have to measure myself to others. That I need to recognise what I'm capable of and like you said congratulate myself when I've accomplished something. Even when it's doing mundane things like being able to do the chores around the house, which has become hard lately due to chronic pain and severe migraine issue, which then fuels the my depression and anxiety. But as you said meditation and things like that help a great deal.
I find this so hard too, I often find myself comparing myself to others and its just not helpful, they dont have my life, they are not me, the only true measure is against myself, what steps I make and my values in my life, but yes it is so hard to stop doing this! If you have such chronic issues then seemingly small things to others are massive achievements to you so do congratulate yourself!
I have started to do so, slowly but surely. teaching yourself to change those thought processes take a while, which obviously you know well. But, I'm getting there. :)
I don't suffer from anxiety, but I do suffer from depression. Your advice is great for depression, and hearing your thoughts on it out loud has helped me rethink some of the things I do to avoid going out and seeing people. I know it isn't good for me to stay in, but it sometimes just seems easier you know. But, thanks to you, I am going to try to get out this week a bit more.
Yes this approach is very much how I manage my depression and low moods too, it fact its how I manage everything. I know exactly what you mean, it does feel easier, safer, to just not try but it ultimately leaves us feeling worse. Going out, making little stepd makes us feel so good about ourselves and raising our self esteem in this way helps to spur us on. Its still an ongoing process for me too. All the best to you, one step at a time!
It certainly is, and I have dealt with it for many many years (I'm much older than you), but it's good to be reminded of what I need to do to help myself. I really enjoy your vlogs as you seem to have a very down to earth appeal to many people, not just to the transgender community. I find you very inspiring. Thanks Finn.
Thats so kind thank you and I am glad to hear you are further down the road with it. Bless you
I can relate to this so much I think Finn me and you have walked similar paths in our life's - I have to admit I'm not where you are but I'm nearly there - Thanks for the information on this vlog it is very good. :)
I agree! I relate to a lot of what you speak about in your vlogs. It takes time buddy, its progress not perfection! Thanks my friend, glad the vlog is helpful
Brilliant. That is all. 😊✨x
Thank you!!!
Oh hey dat me
Oh hello! Great organisation, what a wonderful bunch you are!
Thank you very much!
I suffer from anxiety and depression I live in Toronto ontario I drink a lot and then I self harm I have no friends and no one to talk to I hate my life and I hate that I have this
I've been where you are my friend it's hard. however, it doesn't have to be like this forever, getting some support it vital, whether that be a counsellor , a support group or whatever works for you then it's a case of making little steps day by day. keep the faith my friend
thanks finn :)
have you been on a diet ? you look like you have gotten so skinny ☺
lol the last thing I am is skinny! I've lost 12lb since Jan, needed to shed the weight I'd put on pre and post stage one!
Well you look skinny ... I just noticed... either way you look good Mr ... maybe it was the new camera or lighting lol ... hope you are well :) I really enjoyed this video I can really relate to a lot you said.... it made my night. Thanks Mr Finn :) I feel I'm not alone
You are most definitely not alone. Thanks my friend, on all counts!