2764 replies to this topic

[fishinghat]

"The only thing I will add to Hat's post is potentially to put any further drop on hold during the vacation period. Resume on your return where you will most likely be in a stronger place."

 

Good point!!

[Axlejames]

Thank you both. I am glad to have the information you provide I hope that you are doing well my friends I truly do. I have a question for you IUN. I was scrolling through netflix and I came across this UK bloke named Darrin Brown. What do you think of him? I think he is basically the new James Randi to tell the truth , however as a Christian I find him repugnant in one of his specials he was trying to debunk spiritual healing I will not lie it triggered me and triggered some of the old wounds I have but I am trying to soothe myself by reminding myself that the guy just seems to be an angry former Christian . What are your thoughts bud

[invalidusername]

Darren Brown is a paradoxical con-artist. He debunks other magicians (and spiritual healers) by telling them how these things "work". So he makes people believe his processes work by explaining how others work. People therefore put false trust in what he does and says because people are under the impression he is telling the truth. His whole hypothesis rests on the brain being easily malleable by the influence of the correct proportions. Everything is a placebo essentially... including Christianity. It is all part of his persona.  

 

I agree there are the "bad apples" of the faith healer world, and I too know there are people out there who are simply making money from  making people believe what they want. Brown says that if you get enough adrenaline pumping through a person's system, they will feel as though they are healed because adrenaline is a natural pain killer. Weak argument by any standard, but he is right that imposters exist and should be exposed, but do not tar them all with the same brush. There have been plenty of studies on how people have been healed through prayer, meditation and energy. These things are way above our level and are not supposed to be understood at a human level. 

 

"I'd read a few books written by Christian apologists that make you feel like it's a very well-tested historical event. But the moment you look outside of that and actually look at how the Bible was put together, it's a very different story,"

 

This is what he said in an interview. It's nothing new. If he became an aethiest based purely on the lack of evidence for parts of the Bible, then he clearly never understood the religion at all. Of course the brain can be moulded to believe certain things. So what is to say that the books he has read "evidencing" the falsities of the Bible aren't doing the same thing? I agree that the Roman Empire at the time may have had a hand in some of the writing, but without diminishing the value of the Bible in any religion, belief in God goes a whole lot further than the Bible. 

 

If he truly understood how the brain works, he would know that it gets in the way of us reaching the higher levels of consciousness that allow us to connect with the Divine. Brains want to understand, to have something shown to work - so if that is all you know, then you won't have any time for religion. This is why we have faith. But for me, it is not even a question of belief - I know what is out there. I have seen and felt things far beyond the brain that tell me what I need to know. I am not afraid of dying. I have more reasons than the Bible to evidence my sound knowledge of an afterlife and a deity. 

 

People are entitled to their own opinion and just like Brown, I started out as a Christian. I had questions that couldn't be answered so I read 100's of books, attended groups, events on everything from Buddhism to witchcraft, from Eckhart Tolle to Alistair Crowley. After 44 years on this globe, I consider to have made a very reasoned and firmly based decision in my practise of Spirituality, which ironically isn't far removed from where I started with Christianity. I have found my path and honestly have much sorrow for people like this man who has strayed so far from his path.

 

If a person spends all their time looking in the wrong direction, they will never find what they seek and be satisfied with what their blinkered view shows them. Some people live in a hole never looking up. They don't see beyond that which surrounds them. Turn you head to the skies.

 

God exists.

 

You could argue with these sorts of people until you are blue in the face, but they have chosen to limit their awareness. Their loss. Darren Brown came to fame by tricking people into believing things - so why should we believe anything he says!!

[Axlejames]

Darren Brown is a paradoxical con-artist. He debunks other magicians (and spiritual healers) by telling them how these things "work". So he makes people believe his processes work by explaining how others work. People therefore put false trust in what he does and says because people are under the impression he is telling the truth. His whole hypothesis rests on the brain being easily malleable by the influence of the correct proportions. Everything is a placebo essentially... including Christianity. It is all part of his persona.  

 

I agree there are the "bad apples" of the faith healer world, and I too know there are people out there who are simply making money from  making people believe what they want. Brown says that if you get enough adrenaline pumping through a person's system, they will feel as though they are healed because adrenaline is a natural pain killer. Weak argument by any standard, but he is right that imposters exist and should be exposed, but do not tar them all with the same brush. There have been plenty of studies on how people have been healed through prayer, meditation and energy. These things are way above our level and are not supposed to be understood at a human level. 

 

"I'd read a few books written by Christian apologists that make you feel like it's a very well-tested historical event. But the moment you look outside of that and actually look at how the Bible was put together, it's a very different story,"

 

This is what he said in an interview. It's nothing new. If he became an aethiest based purely on the lack of evidence for parts of the Bible, then he clearly never understood the religion at all. Of course the brain can be moulded to believe certain things. So what is to say that the books he has read "evidencing" the falsities of the Bible aren't doing the same thing? I agree that the Roman Empire at the time may have had a hand in some of the writing, but without diminishing the value of the Bible in any religion, belief in God goes a whole lot further than the Bible. 

 

If he truly understood how the brain works, he would know that it gets in the way of us reaching the higher levels of consciousness that allow us to connect with the Divine. Brains want to understand, to have something shown to work - so if that is all you know, then you won't have any time for religion. This is why we have faith. But for me, it is not even a question of belief - I know what is out there. I have seen and felt things far beyond the brain that tell me what I need to know. I am not afraid of dying. I have more reasons than the Bible to evidence my sound knowledge of an afterlife and a deity. 

 

People are entitled to their own opinion and just like Brown, I started out as a Christian. I had questions that couldn't be answered so I read 100's of books, attended groups, events on everything from Buddhism to witchcraft, from Eckhart Tolle to Alistair Crowley. After 44 years on this globe, I consider to have made a very reasoned and firmly based decision in my practise of Spirituality, which ironically isn't far removed from where I started with Christianity. I have found my path and honestly have much sorrow for people like this man who has strayed so far from his path.

 

If a person spends all their time looking in the wrong direction, they will never find what they seek and be satisfied with what their blinkered view shows them. Some people live in a hole never looking up. They don't see beyond that which surrounds them. Turn you head to the skies.

 

God exists.

 

You could argue with these sorts of people until you are blue in the face, but they have chosen to limit their awareness. Their loss. Darren Brown came to fame by tricking people into believing things - so why should we believe anything he says!!

Outstanding thank you sir. I had done some reading on my own about him and came to this same conclusion he is a liar and has no real moral standard not to lie. So why trust anything he says. I am very happy to hear from you my friend and glad that you have found your way. I also appreciate you being apart of my life as I navigate to find mine. God bless brother. So far with the adderall i have noticed an uptick in anxiety, however I also notice i have my focus back and i am trying to lean into that positive rather than the anxiety I look at it is its there ok move on. Love ya guys 

[Axlejames]

Adderall has me cranked up again not sure what to do 

[invalidusername]

When you say cranked me up again AJ, can you define? More alert, anxious, restless?

[Axlejames]

all the physical symptoms of anxiety and panic (diareeaha, breathing issues, etc....) but none of the mental feelings I guess butnow the mental is coming too not sure what to do it helps me focus but at what cost

When you say cranked me up again AJ, can you define? More alert, anxious, restless?

[invalidusername]

I am really not sure what to suggest on this one - might be one for Hat as he is more familiar with Adderall. But often is the case that one drug counteracts with the other and despite this, they are still prescribed by doctors without really knowing the interactions. 

 

Such a tough situation. Sorry I can't be of more help, but I have really suffered today. Have been hit by a bout of depression that is hard to ignore. Trying my best to let it be and wait for the new day.

 

Thinking of you my friend. Take care.

[fishinghat]

This does not sound like a side effect of Adderall. Your doses of medications been stable lately?

 

Any stress that could have set this off?

[Axlejames]

This does not sound like a side effect of Adderall. Your doses of medications been stable lately?

 

Any stress that could have set this off?

Yeah i had some stress too. A couple of hard days at work. I think the Adderall sets off the fight or flight response then add the stress from work and I have some kind of infection in my gums that the dentist told me to see a specialist about and now I am under bad health anxiety again worry that the infection will spread to my brain or elsewhere and I may get sick and die. I dont blame the adderall but I think it set off my fight or flight witch ive read is a possiblity with it. any advice can you die from a tooth issue

[fishinghat]

Sounds logical. If he/she had thought the gum infection was serious they would have sent you to the ER but gum issues are almost always easy to treat. Just focus on controlling the stress.

[Axlejames]

Sounds logical. If he/she had thought the gum infection was serious they would have sent you to the ER but gum issues are almost always easy to treat. Just focus on controlling the stress.

thank you bud I appreciate this i am glad I have some people in my life who understands this process i can turn to. thankfully this time i didnt get to the i want to harm myself phase you are an amazing resource and friend you and IUn I appreciate you guys a lot

[fishinghat]

We are always glad to help AJ. There are so many challenges in life that we all need to help each other to have a good life.

[invalidusername]

Well done for catching the moment before it got too far. That is a good sign...

 

And yes - there are always challenges in life that we all need help with. As long as we have each other...

[Axlejames]

So dr gave me a couple of choices we could switch to Ritalin or try 5 mg of Adderall for 2 weeks then move up to 10 and see if I handle it better. Been having angry uncontrollable outburst but I realize its cause i am already stressed/anxious so any little thing just sets me off. Been working on relaxation techniques and just chilling out. 

[fishinghat]

Ritalin and Adderall have had little help in treating withdrawal in most members. It is hard to say if it will be successful in your case or not.

[Axlejames]

Took an at home Covid test its positive and I am freaking out the only symptom I have is a scratchy throat.  My health anxiety is going nuts

[fishinghat]

If I remember right you are vaccinated? Right?  You should be Ok just get plenty of rest, drink a lot of water and watch if you get short of breath. 

[Axlejames]

I am not vaccinated I have been on the fence because I was worried about potential side effects

[fishinghat]

Has your dr prescribed any medication for it? There are some new meds that if taken during the first few days of the infection significantly reduce the time and severity of the illness.

[Axlejames]

Has your dr prescribed any medication for it? There are some new meds that if taken during the first few days of the infection significantly reduce the time and severity of the illness.

im going to go to the VA today to get an actual test and I asked about meds going to ask again if it come back positive for sure.

[Axlejames]

Actual test came back positive dr . said to double up on my vitamin d and rest get vitamin c I am worried about blood clots is there a natural way of making sure I dont end up with them

[fishinghat]

Aspirin does not work for blood clots from covid unluckily. Omega 3 and antidepressants slow clotting some though.

[Axlejames]

Pray for me please

[fishinghat]

Will do.

[Axlejames]

So I am on day 3 or 4 not sure how that works and basically ive just had a scratchy throat and some congestion. The biggest issue is my anxiety I had a panic attack the first day and some other ones the last few days thats set off my hyperventilating and some stomach problems. I am lonely as well cause I cant have anyone around me until after Friday

[fishinghat]

You will make it. You are tough AJ.

[invalidusername]

AJ - I am so sorry for not being here for you for the last few days. My wife has been needing attention around the clock and I am absolutely exhausted.

 

Getting covid is almost inevitable at the moment - especially as you have a family. I dare not think what it did for your health anxiety as I would be exactly the same. I am so sorry that you had to go through this. But at Hat has said, you really are tough and you have been through much worse. You will come through all this.

 

It has been a fair few days now, so hopefully you are through the worst of it - keep us posted and of course prayers will continue for you.

[Axlejames]

AJ - I am so sorry for not being here for you for the last few days. My wife has been needing attention around the clock and I am absolutely exhausted.

 

Getting covid is almost inevitable at the moment - especially as you have a family. I dare not think what it did for your health anxiety as I would be exactly the same. I am so sorry that you had to go through this. But at Hat has said, you really are tough and you have been through much worse. You will come through all this.

 

It has been a fair few days now, so hopefully you are through the worst of it - keep us posted and of course prayers will continue for you.

I am on day 6 now it really really sucks. My health anxiety was under control so I thought. As far as symptoms went it was mild not even my worst cold I am afraid to say that cause I know it could have been much more serious. My anxiety is through the roof again sweaty palms constant worry just feel off my body is so weak and tired its not even funny 

[fishinghat]

Like you say, it could have been worse.