Anxiety/panic attacks

This one is easier to answer. You have nothing to worry about! They aren't resets or relapses because you aren't consciously controlling them. Also, they are normal as part of a reboot. Your body is used to releasing a lot of ejaculate fluid. When we stop, it can build up. The body handles this in two ways: wet dreams or re-absorption (your body will actually reabsorb the fluid - kind of like internal recycling lol).

I think the farther into your reboot you go, they will lessen.

I'm assuming you aren't doing things like looking at potentially triggering stuff or fantasizing before bed. That would also make a wet dream more likely.

In short, nothing to worry about other than changing the sheets!

 

That's a grey area for me, sort of. I went for 42 days before resetting. This new streak is almost a bit harder than my very first streak, even though I still have all of those good coping skills.

If I had to give an educated guess, I'd say our brains REALLY enjoyed the dopamine fix we both got from resetting and are working hard to trick us into resetting again. The big thing is to have good coping skills, and tough it out. Make sure you have contact here (like we're talking). Do you keep a daily journal on the site? I find that that is very helpful. Accountability partners can also make a huge difference.

My guess is that every reboot (after a reset) is going to be slightly or even really different. From my own experience, this one feels a bit more difficult. But, I will rise to the challenge! And, so will you, my friend! We can do this!

 

You have described it perfectly! I have trouble meeting new friends, too, for the same reason you mention. It's one step at a time, really. My AP suggested things like Meetup.org, where you can join a group of like-minded people depending on what the group is about. You don't have to be everyone's best friend immediately, but going to the group and participating at some level is socializing. And, eventually, you get better at it. I just read an article that one study says it takes 90 hours of quality time spent together (not all at once, of course LOL) for people to become good friends. I don't know if that's true, but I'll say it took some pressure off of me. I always felt like "instant friendship" should be a thing and it's not in the face-to-face world.

I'm with you on knowing what pmo would ultimately do to me, too! I started at about 13. Back then it was magazines (no Internet). Then VHS tapes. Then the Internet and DVDs. It's taken me until earlier this year to realize what a problem I had. And, I'm 50 years old.

 

Me, too. I agree it is something we should both work on. Like anything, it does become less scary the more you do it. And socializing does help with anxiety. I’m glad we’re talking and I look forward to working together to achieve our goals.

 

Great, me too! Right now it does suck and it is tough, but you have a plan to handle it. And you will overcome it. Isolation can be a factor in anxiety. But anxiety will soon be under control with your plan. I am an only child and was very shy as a kid. I was more outgoing in my 20s, but not anymore.

 

I think you have plenty of time to do that. Are you still going to call the doctor next week?

 

Okay. That’s a good plan. I wish you the best! Like we’ve already talked about, please don’t wait too long.

 

Good. And please, take my word for it, this is something that can be treated. You are going to be fine, even though it feels so bad now.

 

I’m glad to hear that. Because it’s true. Thank you! I am happy that you will keep me updated. In the meantime, keep referring back to that message I just sent if it will help you. And you can always reach out to me. I’m happy to listen.

 

That's great to hear, my friend! I know the feelings you described. Activity and socializing do help distract us from the feelings, but when we're alone again, they come back. The tiredness and head feeling heavy are likely from the reboot, too. Just keep an eye on things (as I know you are!) and reach out (whether to me, the forums, that church counselor, or a doctor) if things get worse again. Thank you for the update! Please feel free to say "hey" whether to update or just chat. We're all in this together!

 

I just wanted to share my experience with anxiety and panic attacks.

I truly believe PMO is the reason why I have those two. I've struggled with this problem for a long time and I can truly say that P especially is the cause of this. And yes, after a relapse and starting over my streak, they occur more often and can get really bad if I continue to PMO. So the longer I don't do PMO, the more toned down the anxiety is for me. However, that does not mean it completely goes away. Even almost a week of PMO free I still found myself struggling with anxiety but not as intense when I'm on Day 0 for an example. I'm able to control my thoughts and reduce or even prevent a panic attack the more absent I am from PMO.

And like you mentioned, isolation is where it hits the hardest. Even a text message to someone or calling someone during an episode always helps me calm down and feel better. Staying busy doing anything and not having a ton of thoughts run through your mind always helps too. Just thought I'd share because you're not the only one. I hope everything continues to get better for you!