Anxiety

Jillyslim

anyone got tips on how to cope with anxiety ? terrible feeling. i do try to keep my self occupied and think positive i firmly believe in self help.:)

Sinall

Is it that free floating anxious feeling about nothing in particular? I hate that! For me, exercise helps and a balanced diet is supposed to be beneficial for many things! If all else fails then sleep is to be recommended.

KyussBishop

+1 on exercise and diet, that helps a lot.

If your diet is not great, and you e.g. eat a fair amount of sugary stuff, or drink a lot of coffee, that can have quite a negative effect on your overall mindset.
I stopped drinking coffee altogether last year, and have felt all the more better for it since.

What kind of anxiety do you experience though? Is it situational? (and if so, what kind of situations?)

kerash

Try breathing exercises as detailed on this page http://www.chinese-holistic-health-exercises.com/anxiety-breathing-techniques.html

jokettle

Self help is a wonderful tool if used properly, but sometimes it's impossible to cope all by yourself. Venting every so often can do you the world of good if you're feeling overwhelmed.

I'd highly recommend confiding in a friend, venting on here or even calling a helpline like Aware. I used to work for them and it's not just for people with severe depression; anyone who needs to talk is more than welcome to call and you will be listened to with sympathetic, trained ears.

Personally, I couldn't deal with my own anxiety issues without outside help. I use my best friend, my mum and my boyfriend to help me cope!

Links234

I used to suffer from severe anxiety attacks, I think what you need to do is to get to the cause of the anxiety and deal with that. thats how I got over my anxiety

jokettle

Links234 wrote: »

I used to suffer from severe anxiety attacks, I think what you need to do is to get to the cause of the anxiety and deal with that. thats how I got over my anxiety

Out of interest, did you get to the cause yourself or did you get help from anyone? Don't answer if I'm being too nosy/personal, just tell me to mind my own

Links234

jokettle wrote: »

Out of interest, did you get to the cause yourself or did you get help from anyone? Don't answer if I'm being too nosy/personal, just tell me to mind my own

Yes, I did get to the cause myself without any kind of outside help. It took a lot of introspective thinking and time alone with no distractions and it was incredibly hard to deal with, but I managed it. You're not being nosy or too personal either.

Lia_lia

The only thing that fixed my anxiety issues is just making myself realise that it's all in my head.

squeakyduck

Maybe have a chat with a friend about your fears etc, or as others said try and get to the route of your anxiety.

Walking helps clear my head as well as a shower or a bath!

Giselle

The only time I've ever suffered pronounced anxiety was before an exam or test of some kind.

I dealt with it by distracting myself from the anxious feelings by getting busy or thinking about something else very deliberately so I didn't focus on it, because the more I thought about being anxious, the more anxious it would make me.

LivingDeadGirl

Does anyone else suffer from anxiety in social situations? I seem to feel worried and anxious about what I say/do etc and whether or not I'll be accepted and liked. I know it's not something that I should worry about but I guess it's a pattern I've formed over the years. It's really getting me down.

Abi

LivingDeadGirl wrote: »

Does anyone else suffer from anxiety in social situations? I seem to feel worried and anxious about what I say/do etc and whether or not I'll be accepted and liked. I know it's not something that I should worry about but I guess it's a pattern I've formed over the years. It's really getting me down.

As someone else said, it's in your head. Sometimes I let myself be completely drowned by a problem / problems that I don't feel up to seeing anyone, and become a little reclusive. I don't have an issue of being liked or accepted, just that I am unable to interact with anyone because I'm lost in my own shit. I've been like that for a couple of days now, and people asking if Im alright just makes me worse - hence the reason I go into hiding. I suppose its the worst thing you can do, but when you hit these patches you don't be really thinking straight.

LDG, if its an on-going problem, and you've noticed it becoming worse go to your GP.

As people have said, anxiety attacks exist solely in your head. Once you realise this, close your eyes and take deeps breaths, sending your awareness inwards.

margarite

Abigayle wrote: »

As someone else said, it's in your head. Sometimes I let myself be completely drowned by a problem / problems that I don't feel up to seeing anyone, and become a little reclusive. I don't have an issue of being liked or accepted, just that I am unable to interact with anyone because I'm lost in my own shit. I've been like that for a couple of days now, and people asking if Im alright just makes me worse - hence the reason I go into hiding. I suppose its the worst thing you can do, but when you hit these patches you don't be really thinking straight.

LDG, if its an on-going problem, and you've noticed it becoming worse go to your GP.

I agree with LDG problems when you get them either write what worrying you down on paper, have a mug of tea/coffee, then read what you have put down and either put in a Private Message to someone like me or a friend who really knows what it is like. I ve being there myself and sometimes the people who do not know what it is like, and therefore can not relate to you and what is happening. I do and did not go to see my G P until it was to late. I now know that writing to people that do not know me, can sometimes relate and give excellent advice. Do not hesitate to send me a private message if you need and want to. Good luck.:)

cards

Homeopathy and flower essences maybe.See somebody qualified and have a chat.I have used several different essences over the years and been surprised that they can actually work. They should be a lot more mainstream imo.

Also,meditate.Do some kind of grounding meditation daily because anxious people are generally not in their bodies as much as they need to be.Doing other things like gardening,washing the car,physical things help you to be in your body more.

and...Focus.Such an important point.People with anxiety focus a lot on what they don't want because they are scared. Your mind can only see pictures so if your walking into a shop going, "Don't freak out,Don't freak out!"
your mind just starts making freaked out pictures and then goes about creating that reality.You have to focus on being calm.Calming thoughts...breathe...ah...zen...mountain tops...!
And it takes just 17 seconds for a thought to start thinking iteslf so to speak...so once you start thinking a thought for that time , more thoughts come to you that are aligned with that way of thinking.

Blacktulip

when i got my attack i usually take rescue remedy bach flower, 5 drops under my tongue... it helps me alot.just try it and see how it works with you.
i think it would be better to know the reason why u are getting this attack.

squishykins

Blacktulip wrote: »

when i got my attack i usually take rescue remedy bach flower, 5 drops under my tongue... it helps me alot.just try it and see how it works with you.
i think it would be better to know the reason why u are getting this attack.

Yeah when I was getting stressed out about my exams I took that, though usually a syringe full (when I was in the full throws of worry, tears, panic attacks leading onto asthma attacks sort of thing), it works wonders

Eviledna

Anxiety can really be crippling. There are new medications out now that are really tackling it in a different way though, particularly the use of a nerve-calming medication usually used for fibromyalgia, it's called Lyrica. It's precription only, and it's usually precribed by a psychiatrist. Not many GPs will know of this medicine in that context yet as it is relatively new.

It is a real alternative to the usual anti-depressants that are handed out though. It doesn't have the common side effects of anti-depressants either, so you don't feel "drugged", just calmer and more secure.

Someone in my life is on it for generalized anxiety disorder and it is unbelievable the change in them since they are taking it. previously they had tried every single anti-depressant without sucess and with alot of side effects. But they weren't depressed, they were anxious. So it was tackling the wrong symptom. Since they are on Lyrica they are more confident, not so worried. They've described it as a wonderful holiday from worry. And they are delighted how much they can get on with real life. I've noticed a huge positive change in them.

Anxiety is so different from depression and other mental health issues, because every single person experiences it at some level, it can be really overlooked when it becomes chronic, and can then turn into depression.

It's really important if it is affecting your everyday life that you gather the courage to speak to a health professional that can discuss the benefits of the dual-pronged approach, medication plus talk therapy. You won't believe the change it could make in your life.:)

margarite

Eviledna wrote: »

Anxiety can really be crippling. There are new medications out now that are really tackling it in a different way though, particularly the use of a nerve-calming medication usually used for fibromyalgia, it's called Lyrica. It's precription only, and it's usually precribed by a psychiatrist. Not many GPs will know of this medicine in that context yet as it is relatively new.

It is a real alternative to the usual anti-depressants that are handed out though. It doesn't have the common side effects of anti-depressants either, so you don't feel "drugged", just calmer and more secure.

Someone in my life is on it for generalized anxiety disorder and it is unbelievable the change in them since they are taking it. previously they had tried every single anti-depressant without sucess and with alot of side effects. But they weren't depressed, they were anxious. So it was tackling the wrong symptom. Since they are on Lyrica they are more confident, not so worried. They've described it as a wonderful holiday from worry. And they are delighted how much they can get on with real life. I've noticed a huge positive change in them.

Anxiety is so different from depression and other mental health issues, because every single person experiences it at some level, it can be really overlooked when it becomes chronic, and can then turn into depression.

It's really important if it is affecting your everyday life that you gather the courage to speak to a health professional that can discuss the benefits of the dual-pronged approach, medication plus talk therapy. You won't believe the change it could make in your life.:)

Can you recommend someone or place I can go, I m on blood thinning tablets and have to be careful what I can take. Thanks you for all of the above information.:)

Leelaa22

One word - lexapro.

Ickle Magoo

Please refrain from randomly suggesting prescribed medications - the only person qualified to suggest medication for the OP is their general practitioner.

Many thanks

Ickle

Leelaa22

sorry
wont happen again

margarite

Leelaa22 wrote: »

One word - lexapro.

Is that your nick name or does mean something else.:D

Eviledna

Margarite, you would be amazed how competent and nice and helpful the psychaitrists are in your local hospital's outpatient service. They tend to be on the cutting edge with the latest medications, and understand the medicine/life balance, sometimes better than the average GP.

First stop is the GP though...ask for a referral. If you wish to go private and can do, the person in my life went public after going private previously and found them (a) worth the wait and (b) kind and more up to date and willing to listen.

I'm sure everyone's experience differs, but don't discount the public health service, it can be excellent.

Feel free to PM me if I can help more, and remember that the hardest part is deciding to tackle it, but it's soo worth it.

Sir Digby Chicken Caesar

if it's anxiety attacks you're getting, mild or strong.. keep an eye out for any triggers you might have. With me, it's hunger. I spent a year pretty much not eating, I'd have 2-3 small chicken strips with mustard for dinner every night... maybe a couple of crackers for lunch and i spent all my money on about an oz of weed a week, drinking about 2ltrs of coffee a day. so now if I even look at a joint I start getting panicky, hunger doesn't set me off unless i'm absolutely starving but the less i've had to eat the easier it is for say weed, or social anxiety to set me off.
someone else mentioned breathing exercises, but aside from exercises just keep an eye on your breathing in general. when I start getting a little panicky, i start breathing shallower and faster which can bring on similar symptoms to a panic attack and once you realise this, you start having an actual panic attack If you start feeling anxious at all just start controlling your breathing straight away, in through the nose hold for a few seconds, out through the mouth.

if they start getting regular though go to a doctor, panic attacks can be learned. The more you have them, the more likely you can be to have them in the future. So if you start having too many medication might be the way to go, for a time at least.

margarite

Eviledna wrote: »

Margarite, you would be amazed how competent and nice and helpful the psychaitrists are in your local hospital's outpatient service. They tend to be on the cutting edge with the latest medications, and understand the medicine/life balance, sometimes better than the average GP.

First stop is the GP though...ask for a referral. If you wish to go private and can do, the person in my life went public after going private previously and found them (a) worth the wait and (b) kind and more up to date and willing to listen.

I'm sure everyone's experience differs, but don't discount the public health service, it is excellent.

Feel free to PM me if I can help more, and remember that the hardest part is deciding to tackle it, but it's soo worth it.

Thank you for taking the time to write back to me, I have being to my G P and my specialist in the hospital, and have being advised that they have wrote to my ex psychiatrists who did not like the fact that I was not happy with his diagnosis and had gone for a second opinion. My G P is trying his best, but he is very busy, I have being told by the hospital that they have written to my ex psychiatrists and he is willing to see me again, but I know it will not work for me with him. I have spoken to other people that attend him and they say the same 'he s up himself, his decision is final and that the dbt course that I did was enough for me. I have talked to other people who was on this course and they are still attending their psychiatrists within the same clinic. What is so different from them to me? I need help badly, and being let down by everyone, as each day goes by I am getting back to that black hole where I attempted to end it all.

Novella

margarite wrote: »

Thank you for taking the time to write back to me, I have being to my G P and my specialist in the hospital, and have being advised that they have wrote to my ex psychiatrists who did not like the fact that I was not happy with his diagnosis and had gone for a second opinion. My G P is trying his best, but he is very busy, I have being told by the hospital that they have written to my ex psychiatrists and he is willing to see me again, but I know it will not work for me with him. I have spoken to other people that attend him and they say the same 'he s up himself, his decision is final and that the dbt course that I did was enough for me. I have talked to other people who was on this course and they are still attending their psychiatrists within the same clinic. What is so different from them to me? I need help badly, and being let down by everyone, as each day goes by I am getting back to that black hole where I attempted to end it all.

Believe me when I say that you are not the only one being let down. The health service in this country is shockingly bad, and while I haven't had much experience with it in other areas, I know from experience that the mental health service is appalling. You can't give up though. See your GP again, explain the gravity of the situation. Ask to be referred elsewhere. You gotta stick with it 'cause if you don't, sadly, you will slip through the cracks. Best of luck.

margarite

Novella wrote: »

Believe me when I say that you are not the only one being let down. The health service in this country is shockingly bad, and while I haven't had much experience with it in other areas, I know from experience that the mental health service is appalling. You can't give up though. See your GP again, explain the gravity of the situation. Ask to be referred elsewhere. You gotta stick with it 'cause if you don't, sadly, you will slip through the cracks. Best of luck.

That I m making sure of, I have had experience in both fields medical and Mental Health Services, if you try and kick up about either you are told you are not being rational. So this being said I am remaining rational and going at both my own G P s help and from my specialist help. Thank you again for taking the time to listen to me and wish more people would listen to each other.:)

Novella

margarite wrote: »

That I m making sure of, I have had experience in both fields medical and Mental Health Services, if you try and kick up about either you are told you are not being rational. So this being said I am remaining rational and going at both my own G P s help and from my specialist help. Thank you again for taking the time to listen to me and wish more people would listen to each other.:)

Good on ya, hope it works out and you get an appointment soon with someone who listens to you.

margarite

Novella wrote: »

Good on ya, hope it works out and you get an appointment soon with someone who listens to you.

Oh believe me I will, I used to be a private assistant, I m used to twisting people around so I am going to use those skills to allow the dr. to see the real me so that I can get help. If you lose your cool they put it down to having an episode and get labeled which does me no good. So I m have to let my guard down and let it all out for my own sake. Please wish me luck, I do not find it easy to do this. I do not like feeling in control but then I feel that people are not seeing the real me. Thank you again.:)