New here

[kitsunara]

Hello, I'm new here. Just looking for help, support and a safe space while dealing with anxiety and depression... especially recently, they prescribed me new depression meds and they're increasing my anxiety. They did say I should expect that in the first few weeks but I hate how anxiety feels

[Vrt14]

Hi, please hang in there, getting used to a new medication takes time and patience. From my experience - taking probiotics helps with upset stomach. I don't like exercise but I love walking. Is your neighborhood good for walking?

[kitsunara in reply to Vrt14]

I've been trying some yeah, it's a lot easier to get down too since I've lost my apetite or feel nauseous when smelling food. I like walking, it's alrighty depending on how hot it is out there. >.<But thanks for the support! It means a lot, I was really worried about joining but I feel that maybe being around others going through the same hardships and their experiences and advice might help me with my road to recovery.

[AuntBea]

Yea, my anxiety sometimes feels like someone reached into my chest and is squeezing my heart. It’s awful.

But I truly have had good results from deep breathing exercises and aromatherapy. I know it sounds silly, but it calms me just enough that the worst part goes away and gives me a chance to re-group and calm down.

Also - when you feel that anxiety coming on, try thought substitution. Look around and find some one little thing that you like or that makes you smile. Any thing. Right now I see a picture that has a mat that’s a beautiful shade of green. Concentrate on whatever you see for a couple of minutes while breathing deeply

And make yourself smile, even when you don’t feel like it.

[kitsunara in reply to AuntBea]

Thanks! I've done breathing execises and those help me a little. I haven't tried aromatherapy yet but I've been meaning to so I'll get on that. Thought substitution is sometimes hard for me since I tend to overthink things but I'll definitely keep trying.