Generalized Anxiety Disorder

[cattywampie]

I hate GAD. I need ways to cope with it before it gets too serious. Please, somebody help.

[Agora1]

Hi cattywampie, Medication is just a start in toning down your symptoms and fear.

However, it is but a band-aid effect. Seeking out therapy to address where the fears

are coming from is the answer. I'm happy that you are here with us as our own experiences

can help you go forward. Stay positive xx

[CL3V3R-G1RL]

Dare by Barry McDonagh can help you understand your anxiety better and help defuse those anxious thoughts. It's available in book or app. You can also find his videos on YouTube

Breathing exercises and even some grounding techniques like the Rainbow grounding. Take some deep breaths and follow ROY G BIV which is the colors of the rainbow...look around for something Red once you find it, study it for a second. Tell yourself something about this red thing, take another deep breath and move on to the next all color which is Orange. Do the same thing again. This technique helps keep you on the present.

Something to remember these sensations you feel are just that. They won't hurt you. You are safe in your body. Don't be afraid to talk to yourself. Tell your brain "hey we are fine. Yes, I got sweaty hands, big deal. They'll dry off. I appreciate you trying to protect me from possible danger. But this ain't 1 of those times."

Also look into getting a counselor that deals with anxiety. Find the root of your anxiety. Sometimes it can be brought on by stressful situations.

Anyways sending love and hugs 🫂 ❤️

[CanYouHearMe in reply to CL3V3R-G1RL]

Wow. This is great. I am going to use some of these tips for myself.

I hope cattywampie finds it helpful too,

[CL3V3R-G1RL in reply to CanYouHearMe]

You're welcome. Also if you ever have a panic attack or notice you feel one coming on, get a ice cold compress and put it on the back of your neck. If you can get more than 1. Put another on your chest. And find a super sour candy...pop 1 in your mouth. That sends a shock to your system and it redirects. So the sudden cold will redirect your mind to focus on the cold and breathing. Sour candy SA same thing...also helps with the cotton mouth or tightness in the throat because the glands start producing saliva.

Anyways hope it all helps you and anybody else

Love and hugs 🫂❤️

[blimpsgo180]

Something that drastically changed my GAD symptoms was diet and exercise. Try to eat more fruits vegetables, and whole grains, and less processed foods and meat. There's science to back it up. See here: nutritionfacts.org/topics/a...

Also helpful: There's nothing wrong with feeling anxious. Everybody feels anxious sometimes. The problem is when we have anxiety about anxiety about anxiety. Worrying about worrying. Try to deal with anxiety as it pops up, and don't worry about having anxiety in the future.

[linuxusr in reply to blimpsgo180]

When you reference "anxiety about anxiety" perhaps you are referencing ruminating thoughts that can be agitating or prevent sleep? Mindfulness does a good job killing ruminating thinking . . .

[blimpsgo180 in reply to linuxusr]

Mindfulness is definitely a useful tool.

When I'm referring to "anxiety about anxiety," it goes back to FDR: "The only thing we have to fear is fear itself." Don't fear fear. Don't be anxious about being anxious.

[linuxusr in reply to blimpsgo180]

Ha! Easier said than done!! I hope you are enjoying your Christmas. Here, in the Dominican Republic we celebrated yesterday. Today my wife left to bring the grandchildren home and I'm in the house by myself, feeling a little disoriented, so I'm planning an activity, and that happens to be the most centering activity I can do, a chemistry class that I'm taking online. I've been studying chemistry for more than a year. How about you?

[blimpsgo180 in reply to linuxusr]

Cool that you're taking a chemistry class! I'm taking math classes at community college. My aunt is in town and I'm spending time at my parents' house. Merry Christmas!

[linuxusr in reply to blimpsgo180]

Merry Christmas to you too! Cool that you are taking math classes! I am in my second semester of inorganic chemistry. The math is all algebraic and, rarely, calculus. Sometimes, I need an algebra refresh, for example, solving quadratic equations, but I decide not to bother and just input to ChatGPT Plus. What math classes are you taking. Any intention for a major? I attended a community college as well and I know that there you take General Education requirements, usually state mandated, and then you take prerequisites to what will be your major if you transfer to a university as an upper division student. What are your plans? I'm 71. I take it you are a bit younger than I, right? Nice that you can be at your parents' house.

[blimpsgo180 in reply to linuxusr]

I took a "college algebra" course last semester, and this semester, I am enrolled in "pre-calculus." I am 37.

[linuxusr in reply to blimpsgo180]

Nice. Approaching middle age and still learning. Pre-calculus seems to be a catch-all for everything that doesn't fit into calculus, whereas algebra is not possible without pre-algebra. For calculus you must be very strong on functions, particulary trig functions, so recency for trig is important. What's your next step? Continue to math or segue to another subject, I'm guessing, in the sciences?

[blimpsgo180 in reply to linuxusr]

I'm majoring in computer science, but I'm just getting an associate's degree.

[linuxusr in reply to blimpsgo180]

That's great. Don't say "just"! An A.A. degree in C.S. is a major accomplishment! You can tell from my handle that I run Linux (as my primary OS) for 20 years. I "build" all my computers. I felt I didn't have the brains for coding but ChatGPT Plus is now my tutor and I have learned how to install python3 and libraries; save .py scripts; use nano from terminal and/or python3 REPL. I am learning constructs such as loops and variables, with sample scripts for each to implement and vocabulary such as strings and argument operator (=) and so on. After I learn some more constructs, we'll come up with a mini-project to practice what I learn, including learning syntax, maybe converting F to Celsius. Are you using an AI for study/workflow?

[blimpsgo180 in reply to linuxusr]

I am just using lectures, my textbook, and my notes

[linuxusr in reply to blimpsgo180]

Do you run Linux?

[blimpsgo180 in reply to linuxusr]

Yes! I've been building computers since 2005, coming up on my 20 year anniversary. I dual boot.

[linuxusr in reply to blimpsgo180]

I've dual booted in the past but when GRUB gets corrupted, not easy to drop down a level and do a repair. Now I have a Linux box separate from my Windows machine (I HATE Windoze but I'm forced to use it on account of mandatory Win only software) as is the case for a lot of folk. How's your GAD been?

[blimpsgo180 in reply to linuxusr]

Yeah, dual booting can get tricky. My GAD has been basically non-existent, and I chalk that up to changes in diet and exercise, and not fearing running errands anymore. I still get anxiety attacks about once a week though. How about yours?

[linuxusr in reply to blimpsgo180]

Re: GAD, good for you! The worst of my anxiety and depression is now resolved with the SSRI setraline and a psychiatrist in the Domincan Republic where I am retired. After 50 years of relative stability and success my life took a big downturn three years ago. My biggest obstacle now is fear of leaving the house except for mandatory tasks. I'm like a prisoner in my home whereas I used to be a world traveler. All my attention now is on therapy.

[blimpsgo180 in reply to linuxusr]

Well, I suppose even a quick walk around the block is better than nothing. Baby steps...,

[linuxusr]

GAD is very tough if not, at times, terrifying. Mindfulness can help a little as it will center you and counter the terror that comes from no boundaries. Have you tried practicing it? On the other hand, in my opinion, the best help offering the greatest potential for relief is a competent therapist and/ or medication. Those solutions are complex and difficult to achieve but, in time, some relief is possible. Hoping that you are looking at those possibilities if you have not done so already. Plus 18 years old--a very difficult time in life.