Help!

[ShakeyD]

Just curious, but has anyone had bad anxiety and was able to completely or at least mostly, overcome it? If so, what was it that helped? Desperate...

[Stippler]

Hello ShakeyD welcome to the group! I have had bad anxiety for over 30 years. I have learned to just try to accept it because the more I fight it, the worse it seems to get. It is not easy to accept it, but I have not really found any ways to get rid of it, so I might as well accept it and love myself anyway. I used to take anxiety meds (benzos) but they made my anxiety and depression far worse - even landing me in the hospital numerous times. If you do choose to take meds, you might do better by asking the doctor to not begin with benzos - or anything else that is habit forming because that can possibly lead to more problems. Benzos have their place but might best be a last resort. There is also a very good book called "Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway," by Susan Jeffers. That was a very helpful book for me. Therapy can also help. It is okay to feel anxiety. It doesn't make you less a person. Best of luck to you. Sending positive energy. 🙏🙏🙏

[ShakeyD in reply to Stippler]

Thanks for your reply

[blackcat64013]

Hi ShakeyD,Thanks for your post.

I tried quite a few self help suggestions from various forum members like meditation, walking the dog, fidget spinners and stress balls but found the talking cure (therapy) was the most life changing.

From the therapeutic experience, having someone guide you through a purposely brought on anxious episode in safe space, was so beneficial.

It was about learning what my markers of an impending anxious episode were, how to urge 🏄‍♀️ surf through my anxious emotions and come out in a calmer place..

The first few attempts were messy business, lots of stress and tears 😢. Trusting the therapist knows what to say and do was important.

I feel much better than before and can concentrate on working through depression now.

There is so much literature on anxiety on the Web and in books.

Take from all these resources. Take the tips that work for you. Remember that although we are all normal people with hidden struggles, we are not suffering the same anxiety.

It's like collecting your personal tools and putting them in your 🧰 toolbox.

Allow time to work out what you have, need and want.

All the best 🐈‍⬛

[ShakeyD in reply to blackcat64013]

Thank you for your help on

[sunshinefan]

Hi ShakeyD- I have anxiety too. I find meditation, listening to relaxing music, coloring, taking a walk, calling a friend and taking a nap to be the best for me. But like someone else said, we aren't the same so take what works for you and leave the rest. I take hydroxyzine for my anxiety and it works pretty well. It's like Benadryl but a little stronger. I hope this helps.

[ShakeyD in reply to sunshinefan]

Thank you for your help. I've tried hydroxyzine. Doesn't seem to have an affect on me but thanks again