I'm new.

[1OshunDreamer]

I'm looking for ways to minimize my anxiety. I've realized recently, through journaling, that I've really had it all my life. I've gone to counseling and can't find the right person. I do take anti-depressants and anti-anxiety meds.

[Made4Match]

Hello there!

Welcome to the site, I think it's great that you reached out!

I too have struggled and continue to struggle with anxiety. Some of the things that I have found helpful in the past have included writing out my emotions. I've found that when I find myself becoming anxious, taking a minute to stop and process what around me is making me anxious has helped. Visualizing where I am and what I'm doing as well as going through it in my head has greatly calmed some of my anxiety. I also feel creating a routine has helped me. It can be hard to plan out a full week, but when I know I will consistently be doing something, it has helped me! I also feel self-care is an important part too.

If you don't mind me asking, have you been able to identify what has been making you anxious? Is it social settings, work, school, relationships, or certain places? I also want to encourage you to continue trying counseling. Sometimes it can take some time to find the right person to work with. I believe they're out there though!

[1OshunDreamer in reply to Made4Match]

Hi Made4Match. my husband and I separated in December. My health started to spiral, I was losing hair by the handfuls and kept catching every virus that would come my way.

I read some self help things about divorce and 2 suggestions kept coming up. Journaling and taking a solo vacation.

The journaling actually helped me realize I've always had anxiety and many anxiety attacks.

The solo vacation really straightened out my head and I felt great for about a month. And now I'm back to square one.

[Made4Match]

Hello again!

I'm so sorry to hear about you and your husband. Separating can be so hard to process and work through.

Have you considered talking to a doctor in regards to some of the health side effects you've been experiencing? You shared that your solo vacation really helped you. Do you remember some of the specific things you did during your time there that you could bring back into your everyday life? I wonder if applying them into your everyday schedule may help you?

[1OshunDreamer in reply to Made4Match]

I did go to my doc

We couldn't find anything through blood tests or the exam to explain the problems other than stress. We added a temporary anxiety med to take as I needed.

Through the journaling, I had a lot of lightbulb moments, more than I've had at any counseler.

On the solo vacation, I didn't have everyday life which allowed me to work through anxieties.

When got back, my hair and nails started growing back.

[1OshunDreamer in reply to Made4Match]

Something you said just gave me a lightbulb moment! You said, "into your everyday schedule". I don't have one. I've been in Retail Management my entire career. It's a much harder job than the average person thinks. I stepped down from a huge position in my company 2 1/2 years ago because the anxiety was getting bad. However you just made me see something I missed. I've never had a schedule or routine. I schedule to the trend of business. No set hours. Holy cow! Thanks for your comment! I have some thinking to do.