Anxiety’s a Constant, so is Hope

[GusK]

I’ve been taking anxiety meds, praying, doing Buteyko breathing exercises (You Tube), and taking long walks twice a day during this siege. It’s rough; I’m 70 years old and healthy. What also helps are writing and talking, so reassuring to do both here. Kind of like talking....

[Gillyflower18]

I’m your age and have the same things. They are having difficulty finding a meg I can take but I’m hopeful they’ll find one. In the meantime I’m like you spend as much time outside as I can. I am still working and the job is mostly outdoors so that’s good. You should try the Positive Well Being group too. They have been very helpful to me in this tough time. Stay well.

[GusK in reply to Gillyflower18]

Please let me know how I can find Positive Well-being group. Go to website? I am looking for breathing relaxation techniques.

Always a puzzle for me with the meds; they are necessary but come with a price - physically, mentally, etc.

I take Trazodone, Buspirone, and Ambien 10mg to get my anxiety down and some sleep. Do you have any meds that seem to help you?

[Gillyflower18 in reply to GusK]

It’s part of HealthUnlocked just do a search in the site it should come up.

[GusK]

I am anxious. I take two anxiety meds, a sleep med, and can’t sleep more than 4 1/2 hours, with a couple of cat naps. Lifelong anxiety ramped up now. I have asthma too, but my lungs check out. I don’t seem to breathe well, the right way. Looking for help in breathing techniques, a variety so I can switch around.

[Hidden]

Indeed. I’m 22 and I was thinking I’m so exhausted fighting my illnesses and thinking to myself when this shall all be over, and now this makes me so hopeful that life indeed is about doing your best and hoping to wake up to a better tomorrow. Cheers guys. Proud.

[GusK in reply to Hidden]

That’s how you can make the best of the day. Stay in the moment. I got a good tip, something I had never tried. Helps with anxiety and shortness of breath. I breathed into a small paper bag covering my nose and mouth. Did that for a minute or so. The carbon dioxide gets into the lungs and calms you. It’s a welcome feeling. Hope this is helpful.

[Hidden in reply to GusK]

Seen that in movies

[Hidden]

Shall try. Thanks.

[GusK in reply to Hidden]

Small bag that covers. Breathe in, out... It helped prevent a panic attack about to happen. I was amazed. Now I’m doing it whenever I feel the shortness of breath. Changed my whole attitude back from despair to hope, even optimism.

[Hidden]

I’ll do anything that helps with panic attacks.

[GusK in reply to Hidden]

I hear you; they are brutal. Realize they are happening. They shall pass. At 22, you have a huge health advantage... I find best success with things I can do wherever I am.

Another breathing exercise that has worked for me:

Suck your stomach in;

Breathe in through nose

Hold breath for 10 - 12 seconds

Breathe out through nose

Last, breathe in through nose, counting to seven;

breath out through nose, count to eight.

Keep doing what works, alternate...you will find the key to getting calmer. For myself, I’m still finding mine, but the looking for it is the step you can take to try.