Natural help

[Jepache28]

I don't like the way I feel. If anyone has gotten over anxiety and panic without medication please let me know what you are doing?

[AlexSZfutureRN]

Hey there. There's a couple things I can offer, but I just want to caution you first. As far as "getting over" anxiety and panic, I can only tell you what's gotten me through acutely bad episodes of it. I don't know of a long-term cure.

The things that help me most are largely preventative. I recommend doing your best to get enough good-quality sleep, eat healthy, exercise 2-3 times a week, drink enough water, get enough sunlight, and abstain from alcohol and smoking. When you're doing all that and you're still feeling anxious- because life is stressful sometimes and there's no way around that- there are still a lot of options available. A hot cup of tea or a hot shower will go a long way, so will cutting back on caffeine. Sometimes a "time out" of overwhelming situations is needed. I find practicing my religion to be relaxing; a lot of people who don't enjoy prayer, though, might find yoga and meditation very helpful.

It's generally a good idea to try out all the lifestyle modifications possible before turning to medications for help. But if you should try all the lifestyle mods you find here and elsewhere and still don't feel better, please keep your mind open to the treatments available. Also, if you should try herbals in an attempt to feel better, please remember to bring them up when you meet with your doctor- it's important!

Wishing you success and peace of mind!

[Jepache28 in reply to AlexSZfutureRN]

I have tired all the things you mention but nothing has worked. I really don't want to start medication.

[AlexSZfutureRN in reply to Jepache28]

Well, beyond that, can I ask about why you don't want medication? It might help me understand where you're coming from, especially because it sounds like you've done a great job of trying all that you can for yourself.

[Livehappily in reply to AlexSZfutureRN]

I also heard that medication can cause memory loss. I skipped my medicine sometimes and feel horrible when the attacks reoccurring.

[nedd in reply to AlexSZfutureRN]

Alex the books with the title Overcomming panic attacks or getting over x w or z and the like are a red rag to me. They set one up for failure.

To overcome means to fight, and anyone who suggests I haven't given my best shot should proceed with caution.

Sometimes there is no cure and we just have to do the best we can.

Go well

[Jepache28]

I just don't want to depend on medication for the rest of my life. Also the side effects like weight gain

[Hidden in reply to Jepache28]

Just because you take meds for depression does not mean you will be on them for life. Most people only end up taking them for a short time. They are useful to help you feel a bit better and more able to tackle your issues.

Not all meds will make you put on weight but even if they do like most things in life it is a trade off. It's your choice what you decide at the end of the day of course.

[nedd]

I have come to the conclusion that there isn't a pill for every ill. And my life is a work in progress. Work being the operative word. Some have to work harder than others to keep on trucking.

For me becoming informed about the way i felt was the start. Seek out happies where you can. And avoid doom and gloom merchants, including the news. Find dock leaves not stinging nettles among friends. And repeat after me

All things pass

The good and the bad.

It took years to tame the beast. And sometimes even now it will rear it's ugly head. When I use displacement actives, bike riding photography or listen to loud music. Sometimes of course your in the middle of a situation and can't get away. But often we know our triggers so can employ tactics not to over think before confronted. I had the most overwhelming attack when I knew something awful was on its way. And I had to cope. Which indeed it was. But my body sort of produced its own neutraliser. And I got a fix of calm. Before the storm true. It's only happened once. But things do always pass. Even if the outcome is unpleasant. Time marches on. Bedtime is a problem. I go for a walk in my head. And plan something I would like to do the next day. It doesn't matter if I can't do it. I have been all over the world in my head. Better than at tossing, turning and sweating.

I do mind work every day. In some form or other. It is essential for me.

Good luck.

Celebrate your victories however small. We all do the best we can with what we have. And are all works in progress.

Knit one purle one drop one! Sometimes in one of holes that get created something wonderful drops in.

That's how I came across whippet. Long story.