Back after hiatus

[evilspicy]

Hello all! It's been some months since I've been around on here and I've been feeling the need to check in. The good news is that my 2 p.m. bouts of anxiety are no longer rearing their ugly head every day and I am sleeping more than I have in years, which is making a huge difference in my moods and how well I handle the moments of anxiety/hypervigilance. The anxiety still comes, as do my moments of extreme discomfort, but I find that I am handling them better every day. Intensive therapy, medication, and self-care is finally paying off and I wanted to take a moment to encourage others who may be going through the dark times. It CAN get better. It may never be perfect or ideal, you may always struggle with some aspect of the anxiety/ptsd/depression demons, but with time and the right care, things can improve to where you can live your life again.

These days I am still stressed (unbelievably) but I am handling that stress. I made an offer on a home with some property and it was accepted. Now I am a nervous wreck about making it to the closing table, but of all the things to be a nervous wreck about, I'll take it. Even a year ago, I couldnt have imagined I'd have things together enough to be trying to buy a house (i couldnt even imagine that I'd be sleeping through the night).

My point is, hang in there. Don't give up on yourself, even when it hurts and things seem hopeless. Reach out for help, try the therapy, consider the medication, ask for the things you need, dont be afraid to take on the challenge of your own demons.

it CAN get better.

[Hb2003]

I’m so glad that things are improving lots of kindness love and support ❤️🙏- Hiba

[Agora1]

Thank you so very much for passing your success on to others who feel as if there

is no end to anxiety. If may never be perfect but the more you put into it, the better

the control and acceptance you will have.

Anything worthwhile takes time and work. Challenge Anxiety when it rears it's ugly

head and lying thoughts. Once you have the tools to dismiss it's lies, Anxiety no longer

sees you as a challenge. You are now in control. Happy Days ahead. Continued success

evilspicy. You've got this my friend xx

[evilspicy in reply to Agora1]

Thanks, Agora1! It's still a day at a time, but those days are better than they have been in a long time. I just want everyone who is going through their dark night of the soul to find the same glimmer of light and hope.

[Agora1 in reply to evilspicy]

Me too..."passing it forward" has been my goal for this forum. xx

[Elephantlover99]

I have extreme anxiety and agoraphobia and I feel like it’s never going to end. I’m seeing a therapist who tells me to just get out there, try all the things but it’s hard when I do t even want to leave my house! I also see a psychiatrist that is beginning to be of no help. What ways have you dealt with your anxiety besides therapy and medication? I really need to find a way to get my life back.

[evilspicy in reply to Elephantlover99]

Hey! I'm sorry things are difficult right now. First, I would consider looking around for a more understanding therapist. It's wrong to be told "Just get out and try a, b, or c." A therapist should understand that that isn't necessarily the answer for everyone. I had to go through a few therapists (remember, they work for YOU) before I found one that I felt really connected with me. Within 2 months of working with him, I was experiencing profound progress. other than therapy and medication, I wear over the ear headphones 99% of the time. Sometimes I feel that anxiety and fear when I go to walk outside of my apartment. If I have headphones on, it signals to other people that I am not available for conversation. Also, it surrounds me in a bubble of whatever music calms me. It's very much a type of armor, like a forcefield for me. I drink hot herbal tea constantly! I tried acupuncture (in the ear) for stress and anxiety and found that the results were instant, I felt calmer (not crawling out of my skin) and they last for about a week to two weeks. I'm not a religious person, but I pray all the time and FOR ME it helps me get from one moment to the next. Long, hot showers, a mindless game on my phone, writing songs/letters/poems/emails, sketching.... lots and lots of sitting with myself and asking myself what i need in this moment? Naps! CBD oil, feeding the birds (I love that time during the day). Texting someone (or a few someones) and saying "Hey, I'm having some anxiety. What's up with you?" Pacing... lots of pacing, lol! Making lists, doing a budget, having a houseplant. It can seem so hard to find ways to deal with the anxiety and a lot is trial and error. I will say that the headphones trick saves me majority of the time. Feel free to message me, youre not alone.

[Elephantlover99]

Thank you so much for the advice! I have headphones that I rarely use but maybe I will start.

[evilspicy in reply to Elephantlover99]

Can't hurt to try it. I like a mixture of smooth guitar, classical, or some of the solfeggio frequencies for anxiety relief, and anything upbeat for motivation. I hope it helps you!