Loss of confidence!

[Dirty Dog]

Honestly, I am still not sure what you are after.

Do you want us to tell you that MA aren't any good? I could do that but it isn't what I believe. Do you want someone to say Shazam! and turn you into a respected MA that everybody treats with respect. That's not going to happen either.

Do you seriously want answers on how to get your confidence back? That's a tough one. Especially when you haven't given us any clues as to what caused you to lose your confidence. Not sure anyone but yourself can, but without some clue what caused you loss of self confidence, it is very difficult if not impossible. Care to enlighten us?

I am also curious why you use the name Xanax? Are you currently undergoing treatment from a Psychologist or Psychaitrist? Are you taking some type of anti-depressant like Xanax? Is that when you noticed your lack of confidence?

I am inclinded to add to the advice not to just engage in a fight to see if you can gain confidence by beating some one up. From the way you sound, I think that would do you more harm than good. But perhaps some monitored and controlled sparring matches might. If you do, just keep yourself under control like a good martial artist should.

Xanax is not an antidepressant and shouldn't be used as such. It's a sedative/hypnotic and is used to treat agitation states. It's also very addictive and is one of those drugs that makes me cringe when I hear that people are taking it on anythinig like a regular basis.

 

[Kung Fu Wang]

Why am I suddenly feeling so afraid of everybody and all physical conflict?

Try to compete in tournaments or just do more sparring/wrestling. The day that you can put your opponents in defense mode, the day that your problem will be gone.

 

[DennisBreene]

Xanax is not an antidepressant and shouldn't be used as such. It's a sedative/hypnotic and is used to treat agitation states. It's also very addictive and is one of those drugs that makes me cringe when I hear that people are taking it on anythinig like a regular basis.

While I understand your concern; there are chronic anxiety disorders that are neurochemical and not specifically related to situational issues. If untreated, these disorders can seriously disrupt one's wellbeing and one's life. They also can lead inexorably to depression, which has a 10% mortality from suicide. I strongly recommend that decisions as to the advisability of long term pharmicotherapy be left up to qualified psychiatrists. While all of us have expertise in some things, we don't know an indiviuals issues well enough to have an informed opinion about their therapy unless we are the prescribing physician.

 

[Dirty Dog]

While I understand your concern; there are chronic anxiety disorders that are neurochemical and not specifically related to situational issues. If untreated, these disorders can seriously disrupt one's wellbeing and one's life. They also can lead inexorably to depression, which has a 10% mortality from suicide. I strongly recommend that decisions as to the advisability of long term pharmicotherapy be left up to qualified psychiatrists. While all of us have expertise in some things, we don't know an indiviuals issues well enough to have an informed opinion about their therapy unless we are the prescribing physician.

Certainly, however in most cases there are alternatives available that lack the addiction and abuse issues of Xanax. All too often, drugs like this are given long term without exploring those other options, and all too often they're being used to treat problems that are more of a somatization. Rooting out the causes and treating THEM, as opposed to throwing drugs at the symptoms, takes a huge investment in time that most (on both sides of the desk) are unable and/or unwilling to invest.
Drugs like Xanax are excellent choices for short term bandaids while underlying issues are dealt with, but in many cases, they simply mask the problem while doing nothing at all to help resolve it.

 

[DennisBreene]

Certainly, however in most cases there are alternatives available that lack the addiction and abuse issues of Xanax. All too often, drugs like this are given long term without exploring those other options, and all too often they're being used to treat problems that are more of a somatization. Rooting out the causes and treating THEM, as opposed to throwing drugs at the symptoms, takes a huge investment in time that most (on both sides of the desk) are unable and/or unwilling to invest.
Drugs like Xanax are excellent choices for short term bandaids while underlying issues are dealt with, but in many cases, they simply mask the problem while doing nothing at all to help resolve it.

I think we may have to agree to disagree on this one . I stand by my previous statement. Many of the chronic neuropsychiatric disorders are what used to be referred to as endogenous. They arise from neurochemical disruption, are often associated with a family history of similar disorders and presumably have a strong genetic link. The problems such disorders create in one's life are more often secondary to the biology, not the other way around. Intervention is predicated on reestablishing more functional neurotransmitter levels and talk therapy is most helpful in assisting the patient in achieving or reachieving relationships and behavioral approaches that are functional. Achieving such life goals is less successful and more difficult if the neurochemical house is not in order. Many established psychiatrists would likely recommend valium for chronic anxiety disorders as once or twice daily dosing is possible and leads to smoother blood levels and a more consistant response. I am a little concerned that judgements about what specific therapies are appropriate for specific individuals when we are not specialists in psychiatry and are not privey to the details of an individuals case can undermine confidence in treatment.

 

[Dirty Dog]

I think we may have to agree to disagree on this one . I stand by my previous statement. Many of the chronic neuropsychiatric disorders are what used to be referred to as endogenous. They arise from neurochemical disruption, are often associated with a family history of similar disorders and presumably have a strong genetic link. The problems such disorders create in one's life are more often secondary to the biology, not the other way around. Intervention is predicated on reestablishing more functional neurotransmitter levels and talk therapy is most helpful in assisting the patient in achieving or reachieving relationships and behavioral approaches that are functional. Achieving such life goals is less successful and more difficult if the neurochemical house is not in order. Many established psychiatrists would likely recommend valium for chronic anxiety disorders as once or twice daily dosing is possible and leads to smoother blood levels and a more consistant response. I am a little concerned that judgements about what specific therapies are appropriate for specific individuals when we are not specialists in psychiatry and are not privey to the details of an individuals case can undermine confidence in treatment.

Dennis, you seem to think I am saying that Xanax is EVIL and Must Be Destroyed or something. I'm not. I'm actually very aware of LOTS of psychiatric issues, since I deal with them every single day.
What I am saying is very simple. Xanax is often used to treat symptoms rather than problems. Even in the case of a neurochemical imbalance, it does nothing to correct the imbalance; it merely masks the symptoms. In some cases, it's used because right now it's the best we can do. In those cases, what we NEED is more effective treatments that address the actual problem, not merely mask symptoms. In many other cases, where actual problems could possibly be addressed, it's still used simply because it's easier than investing the huge amount of time and money that would be required to address the actual problem.
Xanax has a place in modern medicine, but that place is not nearly as big as the one it's currently occupying.

 

[DennisBreene]

Dennis, you seem to think I am saying that Xanax is EVIL and Must Be Destroyed or something. I'm not. I'm actually very aware of LOTS of psychiatric issues, since I deal with them every single day.
What I am saying is very simple. Xanax is often used to treat symptoms rather than problems. Even in the case of a neurochemical imbalance, it does nothing to correct the imbalance; it merely masks the symptoms. In some cases, it's used because right now it's the best we can do. In those cases, what we NEED is more effective treatments that address the actual problem, not merely mask symptoms. In many other cases, where actual problems could possibly be addressed, it's still used simply because it's easier than investing the huge amount of time and money that would be required to address the actual problem.
Xanax has a place in modern medicine, but that place is not nearly as big as the one it's currently occupying.

Mark,
Of course I'm very aware that you are familiar with these drugs and the patients who need them. I'll admit I am guilty of playing devils advocate to a certain degree. Anxiolytics aren't as targeted as SSRI's etc. but for now they are all we have for front line treatment of very debilitating anxiety disorders. I'm sure we're both aware of improper use among practioners who don't understand the meds or the conditions. I am concerned that non-medical people are given the impression that there are no significant reasons for the use of these medications in patients with chronic diseases. In those cases these meds are more than a bandaid and can be crucial in controlling symptoms and allowing patients to function. In these cases, the root of the problem is not behavioral or situational and I would like to see these syndromes accorded the concern and respect that non psyciatric disorders are afforded. People need to know that individuals with such disorders cannot "pull themselves up by their bootstraps" or be analyzed into self awareness and recovery, but they can lead very normal and productive lives with the assistance of medication. I'm sure you are aware of this. I'm simply taking the opportunity to advocate aggressively for awareness and parity when it comes to mental health issues. I apologise for putting this on center stage for so long and I'll drop the issue for the common good. Thanks for the open debate though, it's a pleasure sparring with you.

 

[GaryR]

But when I saw that MA doesn't provide the combat side, well....then it is no longer "martial

Did you have an experience recently when your MA failed you? I didn't see a story regarding this...

MA does provide a combat side, if this is not true for you, find another teacher. It is just about HOW you train as it is about what you train. Sparring alone isn't good enough, you need to find a school that does Adrenal stress response training. Doing the right scenario training will help your confidence.

I have seen many dissillusioned martial artists. Most of which is after a training session and I demonstrate how what they are doing is crap. Seeing 20+ years of training in someone be crushed in moments over and over in a short period is bad, but necessary if the illusion is to be broken. The recovery is helped by changing up your training, style, etc. It helped these people to wipe their minds of the past, and move forward, nothing can change what has happened to you, or what training you have lacked, all you can do is press and be positive.

You also need therapy and a psychiatrist to look into medications, SSRI's etc. Regardless of causation, sometimes even a temporary fix of SSRI's can bring you out if it.

Also you can try to find something non-MA related to boost you up. Something you are good at, be it music or whatever.

Try reading a book, Anthony Robbins has a book called Ultimate Power. This can teach you how to get your mind into a more positive and confident state.

Good luck to you. Just don't give up!

G

 

[Monkey Turned Wolf]

Did you have an experience recently when your MA failed you? I didn't see a story regarding this...

MA does provide a combat side, if this is not true for you, find another teacher. It is just about HOW you train as it is about what you train. Sparring alone isn't good enough, you need to find a school that does Adrenal stress response training. Doing the right scenario training will help your confidence.

I have seen many dissillusioned martial artists. Most of which is after a training session and I demonstrate how what they are doing is crap. Seeing 20+ years of training in someone be crushed in moments over and over in a short period is bad, but necessary if the illusion is to be broken. The recovery is helped by changing up your training, style, etc. It helped these people to wipe their minds of the past, and move forward, nothing can change what has happened to you, or what training you have lacked, all you can do is press and be positive.

You also need therapy and a psychiatrist to look into medications, SSRI's etc. Regardless of causation, sometimes even a temporary fix of SSRI's can bring you out if it.

Also you can try to find something non-MA related to boost you up. Something you are good at, be it music or whatever.

Try reading a book, Anthony Robbins has a book called Ultimate Power. This can teach you how to get your mind into a more positive and confident state.

Good luck to you. Just don't give up!

G

Not sure if this reply was specifically for xanax, or for anyone who has been 'disillusioned', but if the intent was for Xanax, he's not on this site anymore. Hasn't posted in over 2 months, and his account is suspended/under review.

 

[GaryR]

Not sure if this reply was specifically for xanax, or for anyone who has been 'disillusioned', but if the intent was for Xanax, he's not on this site anymore. Hasn't posted in over 2 months, and his account is suspended/under review.

Yeah, it was for Xanax, me quoting him directly before the response should have been your clue. I didn't read the rest of the thread, was responding to the OP, thanks for the info, hope the guy is ok.

 

[Monkey Turned Wolf]

Yeah, it was for Xanax, me quoting him directly before the response should have been your clue. I didn't read the rest of the thread, was responding to the OP, thanks for the info, hope the guy is ok.

Well, sometimes post something for one person, with the intent that all should read it :uhyeah:

 

[GaryR]

Well, sometimes post something for one person, with the intent that all should read it :uhyeah:

Lol, sure. It's good advice and holds true regardless of who reads it. I for one do not normally read an entire thread before posting a response.

Perhaps I should start a thread on "disillusionment"? But in and of itself the thread would just get more resistance then it would do any good. Here we (had) and poster struggling with such an issue, most (to whom it applies) will deny it exists and be completely oblivious. Admittance is the first step to recovery, without it, nobody can be helped!

G