How do you deal with your anxiety?

[bethanywalke]

After going through a bit of a rough patch with my career and family, I've suddenly started feeling very anxious all the time. It's impacting my work and also how social I am. I've been to the doctors and they've prescribed medicine but it only does so much.

 

I was wondering if anyone on here suffers from anxiety and how you combat it in day to day life. I want to enjoy spending time with my partner and going for drinks with the girls again.

[blackydog]

What I have found is that having a drink to relieve the anxiety / stress usually makes it worse.

[bethanywalke]

I don't generally drink, only in social situations.

[Mister M]

I know that when you're in the middle of uncertainty, keeping perspective is hard, however, you've identified the triggers (career & family), is this rough patch temporary?

You've mentioned that you like going out with your mates, could you talk to them about what's going on, so you increase your social support at this difficult time?

Exercise like swimming, walking or Pilates is excellent for stress - it'll help you not dwell on your difficulties & boost the endorphins in your body. Also the exercise will help you tire your muscles, so helping you sleep better.

 

Stay away from foods like chocolate & cakes. Tempting comfort food, but they cause fluctuations in your blood sugar, which only makes your anxiety worse!

 

If you feel that your situation isn't going to improve in the short term, could you let your manager at work know? I'm aware that some managers are more understanding than others; however you've said that how you feel is impacting on your work, so the last thing you need is someone at work on your back.

 

I cope with stress usually by sleeping, and losing myself in a book or a physical activity.

 

Good luck

[cassity]

I don't generally drink, only in social situations.

 

Think of something in your past which seemed very stressful at the time and now you look back and think, maybe even giggle at how pointless the worry/stress was. If you have work or family related issues..address them rather than burying them in prescriptions. If drugs are helping to a degree, use that relief to confront the demon.

[Guest makapaka]

Think of something in your past which seemed very stressful at the time and now you look back and think, maybe even giggle at how pointless the worry/stress was. If you have work or family related issues..address them rather than burying them in prescriptions. If drugs are helping to a degree, use that relief to confront the demon.

 

I do this now I'm a bit older. The amount of time i spent worrying and anxious between my mid 20s and mid 30's seems a real waste now given that very little came of that worry.

 

I still worry a lot but I am able to see the futility in it now which helps a lot.

 

My Nan once said "don't meet it half way kid" ie until a worry has been realised just forget about it. Hard I know but that was one of the best pieces of advice I ever got.

[lines]

Make sure you keep going out, it helps, nothing stressful, a leisurely afternoon walk does wonders.

 

I liked to pop into a certain local shop, hearing others gossip is a good tonic and it keeps you in the loop.

 

 

Drugs, yes and no, try not for long term.

 

 

Have you looked into CBT (Cognitive Behaviour Therapy) or Mindfulness? There's loads of videos on Youtube so you can do it at your leisure.

 

 

Oh, when you see yourself in the mirror, give yourself a wink or stick your tongue out, always makes me laugh! (and laughing helps for a positive tone in your voice)

[Becky B]

You can refer yourself to IAPT (Improving Access to Psychological Therapies) in Sheffield. Some of what they offer is online courses, as I think there's a long wait for face to face therapy, might be worth a look.

 

http://www.sheffieldiapt.shsc.nhs.uk/

 

Have you tried meditation? There are lots of free podcasts out there of guided meditations, I find they help when I'm feeling anxious. Or the shipping forecast on Radio 4...

[El Cid]

Make sure you keep going out, it helps, nothing stressful, a leisurely afternoon walk does wonders.

 

 

I suffer anxiety, although I never know what to call it, stress?

 

Trying to do the right thing helps. So getting out, exercise, dont spend too much time online, drink/socialise and talk to people.

I feel like the anxiety comes when I try to get things done, and then I just want to drink tea and watch TV.

 

I dont feel as happy as I did a few years ago, things stress me out, but I still have a job and my health; I just want more

[bethanywalke]

Thanks for the advice everyone.

 

My manager is very understanding and tells me to take what time I need or take a break when I need one. My friends are the same and I think being surrounded by great people makes a very positive impact on my health.

 

Meditation sounds like a good idea.

 

I was looking at forums on here http://patient.info/health/anxiety and they seem really good.

 

I didn't know that food can have an impact, but I'm trying to eat clean. New year right, mandatory diet :hihi:

 

I was thinking of doing exercises, but the classes sound like something that could trigger my anxiety. Swimming is a good idea, might be a good idea before work too to calm me before the day.

 

I need to start reading again, I bought like 10 books over Christmas, but haven't started one! I'm not getting enough sleep, so maybe exercise or reading or meditating might make that easier. I just got a new niece so walking her around the park and stuff, spending time with her might be good.

 

I'll try all of your suggestions!