Anxiety, Depression, and OBE

[Gaarden]

I am a junior in high school, and ever since late October of 2004, I have had nothing but the obsessional thought of death, of myself and all I love. I have been very unhappy, switching medications, seeing therapists, and even am on a program to treat my condition. However, it has been 6 months since it all began, and I still have my obsessional thoughts of death, and this has made me loose my focus and ability to think. Also, it feels as if I just drag myself through the day, all day every day, like I am wearing lead shoes. I have had racing heart palpitations, and feel tired at the same time. I have done some research on life after death, NDEs, and, finally, OBEs. I went to amazon.com to find a book on Astral projection, and Astral Dynamics was on the top of their list. I now have the book, and am currently in chapter 3, when I realized I might have a problem: my obsessional thoughts might affect my ability to Astral project or have any kind of OBE. This is especially troubling for me, considering the fact that finding out what happens after death, and finding out if I am more than my body, is the predominant reason why I have began my research and got this book. As an agnostic, I have trouble finding faith and believing in something without objectionable searching and reasoning, which is also a reason why I'm interested in Astral projection and OBE. I used the search function to find topics from other people on depression/anxiety and its affect on OBE, but found the information within to be lacking. Any information and/or advice for my obsessional thoughts of death, my anxiety, my depression, and how it affects OBE, would be greatly appreciated! (Note: I looked up in Astral Dynamics if emotional imbalance would be a problem for OBE, and it said that it can become and is a problem, but offered no specific advice for anxious/depressed people. Also, I am a perfectionist, which makes it so I have to re-read what I don't understand, and this makes me take longer to read/write than most people, which could also become a problem.)

[Ivanda]

Dear Gaarden,

Im sorry for your trouble; however, at least for me, depression and anxiety have been great tools for developing my spirituality. It has made me ask unending questions and seek the truth... OBE is just one way. In the process I learned to meditate, calm my mind, open up to God... Nevertheless, I hope that depression is over for me and I can manage my anxieties in a better way. Depression causes terrible suffering, I don`t think anything can be worse than this hell.

I think u are on the right path. Keep asking your questions and seeking the answers. One thing I noticed that I am much more successful in my OBE attempts when I`m happy, peaceful, excited about life...I guess it has to do with the energy of LOVE, which is unsurpassed. Try achieving OBE yourself, there are many good tips in the books and also on this message board. We all are different, some people need OBE to change their lives.

Oh gosh, I wish I had NDE myself

Good luck,
love,

Ivanda

[yormie]

Hi, in my experience meditation will help you enormously in all the areas you mentioned. If you stick to it you can almost guarantee positive results. It should help ease both anxiety, depression AND your ability to OBE. There    are a few techniques in Astral Dynamics although if your looking for more detailed stuff the web has plenty. The important thing is to stick at it because many people find it tough at first.

[redcatherine]

I am a junior in high school, and ever since late October of 2004, I have had nothing but the obsessional thought of death, of myself and all I love. I have been very unhappy, switching medications, seeing therapists, and even am on a program to treat my condition.

It is good that you are seeking medical help and counseling . Please don't give up . Life is only beginning for you and it would be a tragedy to throw it all away .

As an agnostic, I have trouble finding faith and believing in something without objectionable searching and reasoning, which is also a reason why I'm interested in Astral projection and OBE.

Consciousness does exist after death of the physical body and the suicide realm is not a picnic . I have spoken to spirit who committed suicide.It seems that their hell has not become better but worsened  by their act . It is easier to resolve issues with the body and to communicate with the body than it is  without it . I have met those that escape it  or rather leave it but the anxiety, depression and isolation that one feels before the act would seem to deepen when one is surrounded by the unfamiliar spirits that have done the same act .

This is especially troubling for me, considering the fact that finding out what happens after death, and finding out if I am more than my body, is the predominant reason why I have began my research and got this book.

Familiar surroundings and people are a great comfort which we miss more when we pass over . It is much more comfortable to associate with the loved ones that are in spirit than to be isolated with others that are depressed still . The feelings are still there in consciousness so that the realm they exist in becomes contagious with depression . So very hard to lift from then . Please don't consider it a way out . Please do continue to seek and to get help .

It is never hopeless even in the suicide realm of the afterlife on the lower planes. One method of getting out is to help others .I have spoken to those who have left by communicating with the live ones and asking forgiveness for the pain that they gave them by this act and by helping the ones around them to find the light and hope that is there by connecting with the Godhead . There are angels and guides that minister to those in this realm but can we hear them there when we ignored them here .

Think , you are obviously intelligent by your discourse here . Be rational .Why exchange one set of troubles for a worse set ?  Find the joy love light and laughter instead . Find out what makes you happiest and if it does no harm then do it .

Have you made a list of what you want to do when you are independent and no longer going to school ? What truly interests you ? ....travel , music ,people ,study Find it out .Set your goals and then hitch your wagon to a star and set about it .

Let no one have control of your happiness but you . No one has a corner on suffering we all percieve it . it is only how we react to it that is different so if you cannot change the situations in front of you change your reaction to them .

Above all love yourself and know you are worthy . Consider that you may be affected by chemical inbalance or spiritual negative attachments if your anxiety does not seem rooted to your environment , situation or relationships . If you suspect this do something about the whole self not just the mind .

[patapouf]

I think what the others have said is right, as you can see, many people here will give you good advices. Life have many good things; look toward it.

For OBEs, there are certain things that will help you with obsessional thoughts pattern. It is true that meditation will help you a lot; you need to get in control of  the habit of how your mind is dragging you in this obsessive state. Since you are reading Astral Dynamics, take a particular attention of the Mind Taming chapter (p.208). You will have to work on the thought control type of exercice; to be aware when you fall in this obsessive state. Basically, to ''catch'' the negative thoughts and push them away or transform it in a positive one if you can. Me also I need to work on this chattering mind; it is like your computer having pop-ups everytimes. Without ''pop-ups'', you can concentrate fully on what you are doing. I know it is ''easier said than done'' but I'm trying to help somehow....

Take care,

[Gaarden]

Oh, I understand now. No, I am not suicidal, nor am I around a negative family (quite the opposite, really), but thanks for that insight anyways. It may come in handy someday, if someone I know becomes suicidal. Anyways, I appreciate all of your insight. I think Tom is right: I should deal with astral projection when I am not as afraid. It'll still be there when I feel better! However, I will look into meditation techniques, which should help to calm me down when I get panicky. I'll look around here for some of those meditation techniques. Thanks for the help!

P.S: Did you know that 1 out of every 5 Americans (male and female included) have a depressive condition of some kind? It's true, and it may shock many of you. As humans, we are masters of hiding emotions from others, and putting up "masks" that aren't the real us. Think about it, the ratio is even higher if the entire world is considered!

[patapouf]

P.S: Did you know that 1 out of every 5 Americans (male and female included) have a depressive condition of some kind? It's true, and it may shock many of you. As humans, we are masters of hiding emotions from others, and putting up "masks" that aren't the real us. Think about it, the ratio is even higher if the entire world is considered!

Indeed, it is a sad thing to hear Gaarden. There was a program that was talking on this subject but I did not have the time to watch it. A woman was telling how depression was one (if not the most) ''popular illnesses'' around the world. It is true that many hide how they feel to others and many think that anti-depressant pills will solve all their problems. I have experienced myself some of the symptoms of heart palpitations coming from anxiety some times ago and you can get control out of this if you want to; breathing technique and clearing the thougths really helps.

Take care,

[Gaarden]

Now that all has been said, I just realized something: I am not afraid to Astral Project, just of dying, really. I read in the back of Astral Dynamics something very interesting: that, if one has a conscious astral projection, they wouldn't be experiencing anything new when dying. Which means that, if I get successful at AP, the fear and sting of death would greatly diminish, and would eventually become completely eliminated. However, I am still a bit confused about pain at death, but I'm sure I'll find those answers in AP'ing as well, by talking to the dead. However, I have another question, one not answered readily in the book as well: will the anti-anxiety and anti-depression medication I take affect my ability to AP? I don't drink, I don't smoke, and those prescription medications are the only "substances" I use. Thanks for the advice!

[Leannain]

i'm more afraid of living,than dying,i guess it's easier to die

[Anonymous]

I had a near death experience a few years ago. A car accident. Felt no pain at the time but hovered over the scene and saw the cars lined up from either end. It was so vivid and haunted me for weeks. That's when I got interested, no, obsessed with OBE. Since the accident I've been on 6 or 7 anti-depressants but still practice OBE with occasional vibrations and one successful exit. It was beautiful and affirmed, once again, that the soul lives on after the physical body is no longer in the picture. I see therapists regularly and recommend them highly. I tell mine all about my OBE adventures. My advice is to take it slow with the practicing, yet keep your interest and research high, take your medications and stay close with your treatment team and realize that things change. Life will not always be stuck in this particular situation, things will shift. And you are so young yet, you truly have your whole life to explore and experience. Fear of death should not be a concern. The adventure of life should be your obsession. Good luck, we have lots in common.

[zeitaxxl]

HI!

I was my self always very sabotaged by the depression and anxiety when I was very yang!

I discovered a very good technique to get rid of it: and this is to try to be altruistic!

I am not suggesting just a very good general attitude toward other people's life.
It's not enough.
I recommend you to be really not selfish, to try really a permanent method to help others.  As long as you are concerning about others and not about yourself, any depression is getting lost!

If you do this by your own will, in a very short time you will not have any feelings about death and inutile life...
You will find that there is a meaning of life...

See you,
Tam

PS: Have ever try TONGLEN?
It's a very interesting method of meditation to 'take' other peoples' problems into your life...If you have enough courage to do this, you will not have your own problems as in the past...

[french_hustler]

yup... i live not for my self but for others.  Anyways... what ever happens man, obe or not, i really wish you get out of any trouble you're facing.  Just keep your head up

[BillionNamesofGod]

I think it's pretty clear to me, that depression / anxiety or any kind of mental imbalance is not a good grounding for Astral Projection.

It will only, make things worse for you, Higher dimensions is a very big leap, for even someone who is perfectly OK.  It can only lead to confusion and even more trouble if you aren't mentally OK.

To be blunt if you can't handle the Physcial Daily Realm of real life, you don't have a chance in trying to handle unseen dimensions of RTZ, Lucid, OBE or Astral Realms.  It's difficult enough for people who are can handle normal waking reality!  AP is a "Path" and you can't be mentally unstable in anyway if you are going to succeed at AP.  It really is as simple as that.
 
Hope that makes sense.  You have to be ready to get into this stuff, I suggest you stay clear of it , the Fear Alone that's experienced is enough to unbalance anyone! In some ways, it's as if you can only succeed in AP, if you succeed in normal waking life, so that you are happy.

My suggestion, would be to back off for a while.