Anxiety

[Vonnieruth]

My husband and daughter are both out today leaving me on my own .Still get anxious about this and know I will feel bad till they come home Or at least one of them will Any suggestions

[Uttled00]

Hi - do something you enjoy to take your mind off it and try not to worry😀😀

[Vonnieruth in reply to Uttled00]

I find it hard to switch my mind off That's one of my problems

[JaneFinn]

Oh I’m sorry to hear how anxious you feel, Vonnie. Do you have any ‘exercises’ to do to relieve the anxiety? A combination of those (eg breathing exercises) and doing something you really enjoy doing to distract you might help? I’m all for a great book or a cosy video - and for me, they always have to have happy endings!

Failing that (or in addition to that), being busy at something can really help (even if it’s something like doing puzzles or doing online grocery shopping!). I’m sure you’re not wanting to risk triggering anything, so you won’t want to do something that pushes you too much physically while you’re on your own. But achieving SOMETHING is a great way to overcome both the anxiety and the sense of defeat that can creep in with debilitating medical conditions.

I do sympathise - my husband is currently away for nearly 3 weeks (and we have no kids so I’m alone) and although I don’t suffer from general anxiety, dealing with an AF event alone isn’t a nice thought. After having to be ‘rescued’ the other day when I was taken ill when out for a stroll, I’ve realised that another wise thing to do is to make practical plans for what I would do if it happened again (day or night). So maybe just even knowing you have a plan - eg who you could call - would help you feel less anxious? And hopefully it wouldn’t be needed!!

Good luck - breathe nice and slow, and try to even enjoy today. You’ll feel really proud of yourself afterwards 😊 x

[SRMGrandma Volunteer]

When I get anxious I do mindfulness meditations on Youtube. Meditating really does change your brain chemistry and it is such a positive way to induce peace and calm. As JaneFinn said in her excellent response, it is also great to plan to do something to just keep busy.

I feel some of that same anxiety when my husband leaves town, but it really does help to make a full agenda of plans so the time will fly. And meanwhile, nice deep breaths

[Vonnieruth]

So far I have hoovered up Done the washing and pegged it out Just having a brew now

[BobD Volunteer in reply to Vonnieruth]

Well done Vonnie. Staying busy is the secret of you can't do mindfullness exercises. This illogical anxiety is common with AF in the early stages but you WILL learn to accept it as you learn more about you and this mongrel condition. You have another life ahead of you so do work on this please for all your sakes.

[doodle68]

Vonnie I live alone in the middle of the countryside. If I am having a bad episode of AF and am not too breathless I do little jobs around the house, if I can't manage that I lay on the bed with the window wide open, do slow breathing exercise and listen to radio 4.

I have come to terms with the fact I have AF and during episodes can do nothing about it except keep calm. Getting anxious I have found actually makes it worse because it affects my blood pressure.

I know it I have any pain in my chest or my breathing gets too difficult I have the option to dial 999 so there is nothing to worry about .

[Vonnieruth in reply to doodle68]

Doodle You are like wonder woman lol I so wish I had your outlook and strength I really do Thank you for being you

[Vonnieruth in reply to doodle68]

Well I'm now taking a well earned rest I have hoovered and pegged washing out Baked a egg custard tart and a black cherry tart tipped with sponge Good anxiety therapy Kitchen looked a mess though lol

[Buffafly in reply to Vonnieruth]

Where do you live? I'll come and keep you company 🍝 ! I made blackberry ice-cream in my new gadget yesterday. Seriously I wish I was fit enough to do all that in one day 😮

[Vonnieruth in reply to Buffafly]

Oh how I bet that was lovely I live in a place called St Helens Where abouts are you

I was home alone and anxious so I kept busy

[Buffafly in reply to Vonnieruth]

Taunton Somerset unfortunately 🙁 , never mind, virtual pie!

[Vonnieruth in reply to Buffafly]

With viritual icecream Are you on Facebook

[Buffafly in reply to Vonnieruth]

I am but mainly to play a stupid game which I've given up temporarily.

[Vonnieruth]

Aw thank you for your replies It means so much This hot weather doesn't help either

[eleanor--1941]

Sit Down Put your feet up.Put both hands flat on your Tummy,close your eyes,close your mouth and slowly inhale through your nose then very slowly blow out through your lips as if you are gently blowing out a candle.Do this several times,until you feel calm.This can be used in any situation,when you are anxious.

Hope you feel better soon Vonnieruth.

I also do this when I go into AF,it helps a lot.

Eleanor,X

[Vonnieruth]

Thank you I took get very bad at A and E