Anxiety hell. Fear of driving and accident database...?
OK, so please do not make fun of me for asking this question, but I have a fear of driving. Actually I have a fear of hurting myself or others accidentally when I am driving. Especially on highways. You may advice me to discuss this with a doctor, and you are right but in addition to that, one thing would help a lot. Does anyone know if there is a Traffic Accident Database (for California) I can search online so that if I start obsessing about whether I caused an accident or something I can look up and see if there was an accident in that area ? I hear people with OCD usually have similar fears. Also, even if you dont know of such a database, if you have similar experiences, I would love to hear about them. Thank you so much.
I hear voices in my head telling me to do evil things like murder or other things. When I answer those voices, I get a reply. I feel like I'm going crazy. What can I do?
Remember, the voices are coming from within you. So the answers are coming from within you too. Don’t talk to them in response, or try to maintain confidence. One phrase that works for me is actually a quote from Labyrinth. Whenever I hear the man in my head talking to me and commanding me to do things (you’re experiencing command hallucinations) I tell him, either mentally or out loud ““you have no power over me.” See a psychiatrist and ask if they can prescribe you either an antipsychotic or another mood stabilizer like lithium. Personally, antipsychotics didn’t work for me because my hallucinations kept coming back, but for most people they work. Lithium works for me, and I’m at only a moderate dose. I also see a therapist weekly to discuss stressors, which cause my hallucinations, so I manage my stress to keep the hallucinations away. This may not be the case if you have a schizophrenia spectrum disorder, as these are not rooted in anxiety. I haven’t been diagnosed with a schizophrenia spectrum disorder, I have severe OCD and Asperger’s which makes me psychotic. Good luck to you, I hope you find a form of treatment!
Christianity has ruined my life, how to cope?
Jordan, Your panic and paranoia is evident when reading your story. First of all, you need to understand that what you're feeling is normal for many people and you are not alone. I've experienced some of what you're describing. It'll get better. Just give it some time. You're a brave person to be honest with yourself about accepting what is true. Most religious people do not have the courage to ever even question. This is the effect that religion can have on people. You're not going to suffer in hell. Those are all just stories. In time you will begin to realize that you actually escaped the shackles of religion and you will be much better off. It'll just take time and you'll see it. You haven't lost anything from losing your faith because you never had any of the things it promised you, including hell. You actually gained understanding and knowledge that you are not the horrible person that Christianity says that we are at birth. Religion infects you with the disease and then conveniently provides you with the solution. Be happy you no longer believe. You'll eventually find real meaning in your life and you'll do it for the right reason and not because of an imaginary god. I highly recommend counseling. I've gone to counseling for the very same reason. Get it wherever you can, even if you just find some fellow atheists to talk to. Take care, you're going to be alright.