Anxiety frustration

[Msheatherlady]

Today had been a struggle and I feel like I’m on the brink of an emotional breakdown. I’ve been fighting the urge to cry all day because I’m frustrated with feeling this anxious again. I thought I was doing better but now I feel like I’ve taken steps bark and I hate it. I hate how anxiety makes me feel. I feel like I can’t relax and I’m too the point where I’m anxious about being anxious again which makes me think about all the things that make me anxious. Any words of encouragement would be greatly appreciated or any questions just ask

[Krn210]

Don’t look at it as having lost progress or back peddling. Some days are great...others not so much. It isn’t for lack of progress, it’s just the way the cookie crumbles sometimes. Recognizing that it’s anxiety and not something else is a big step in itself. You are doing well in your journey, don’t let yourself believe otherwise. Things will get better again. *hugs*

[Msheatherlady in reply to Krn210]

Thank you for the response! I really appreciate it. It’s really hard some days so it’s nice to know I’m not alone

[Agora1]

Hi Msheatherlady

It's like "Krn210" stated...some days are great, others not so much"

That's life. Life would be very boring if it weren't for the changes each

day. Embrace the good days because as morning comes after night, a bad

day will slip in. I always accepted the bad days as a way my body was telling

me I needed to rest. I no longer fear the fear of anxiety and that in itself has

given me calm. On the bad days, I turn to quieter times, meditating, coloring

or just plain treating myself to a day off. You don't have to be working to deserve

a day off. Anxiety is like having a full time job and more because it wears on your

physical and emotional state.

I use breathing in reducing the peaks of adrenaline. We all need to find ways

to calm the mind/body connection on those bad days. The key is to continue

using those tools even on the good days so that you are always prepared and

your body responds automatically. It's going to be okay. Everything in it's

time and then all will be good. xx

[LovePurple2 in reply to Agora1]

Agora1, no truer words spoken what you said, about having anxiety. It is like having a full time job & does wear on you! On days I have it...I get my pillows & blanket & curl up on my reclining couch, rest, watch tv & take a nap! I like what you said, you no longer fear the fear of anxiety & that has given you calm. How long did that take you not to fear the anxiety? I need to remember this!

I do better in the evening hours & when it is bedtime. I don't do well during the day time hours & I'm afraid something is going to happen to me. I'm on current meds for the anxiety & my doctor put me on Lexapro 10mg 1 a day at dinner & today makes 3 weeks being on it. Praying the new medicine will help!🙏🙏🙏

[Agora1 in reply to LovePurple2]

Hi Sun8, unfortunately, it took me many years in finally figuring it out that I was

perpetuating my anxiety by fearing it. Once I really started practicing Dr. Claire Weekes' theory of acceptance, I started going forward and getting unstuck.

Like you as well as many others, the mornings were bad with the anticipation of

a new day starting as well as higher adrenaline levels. By evening I always felt

calmer and more at ease.

I found that as I accepted anxiety, the period of time I felt anxious was shortened.

When awakening I would and still do my meditation and breathing before even getting

out of bed. Meditation again in midafternoon (which is my me time) and once again before bed. Even though I don't need it at bedtime, it prepares me for a good night's

sleep and makes the last thoughts of the day positive.

I too am on Lexapro and find it a good med for me. I take mine with lunch every day.

Stay with the medication, give yourself a chance. It can take between 4-6 weeks to reach full efficacy and even a little longer if the dosage has been upped.

Goodnight Sun8. I wish you well. xx

[Msheatherlady in reply to Agora1]

Thank you for this. It really helped and while I’m still having struggles I’m doing the best I can taking it day by day, heck even minute by minute when I need to. You are so right though. Anxiety is a full time job and it’s exhausting but I’m working towards better controlling it again

[JkBauer]

Hello Msheatherlady,

When I get upset or frustrated or confused, I turn on some contemporary Christian music and listen to it and be just breathe in and out until I start to feel like I am calming down.

YouTube‎ · ‎alanjacksonVEVO

This is one of my absolute favorite songs to listen to when I need picking up! (I will play it over and over).

The other thing I do to help settle myself down is to take a piece of paper and just start writing my thoughts down. it helps me to express my thoughts and emotions then I discard of it, tear it up and throw it away, I might burn it up in my kitchen sink and wash the ashes away, I might crumple it up and toss it in the garbage...

I hope you get to feeling better soon!

[Msheatherlady in reply to JkBauer]

Thank you I’ll have to check that out! I’m always open to trying new things that may help! I love writing it’s one of my favorite things to do when I’m anxious and o find it to be super helpful!

[pam4him]

First, breathe. It's okay and kind of normal to sometimes take steps back. It may mean your mind feels safe to bring something up to be dealt with. Second, try to do some self care to relax - yoga, stretching, warm bubble bath/shower with low lights, listen to calming music, use a meditation app, etc. Then maybe do some free journaling (just write whatever comes to mind) to see if what is making you anxious comes out. Just some ideas to try. The main thing is to be patient with yourself, and encourage yourself like you would a friend who was feeling anxious. Our self-talk can make things worse and many of us have to work at changing our internal voice from negative to positive. Prayers for peace, strength and wisdom.