How does everyone prepare for a pending stressful period of time?

[Kellt]

I'm moving house in 8 weeks and just about feel like I'm on the straight an narrow with my anxiety and I desperately don't want a debilitating relapse. Can't anyone suggest how to prepare? Thanks

[agora]

If I was preparing, like you, I would make sure my diet was healthy (if I eat poorly I feel like crap), I would eat breakfast, eat at least every four hours and have lots of lean protein, veg and fruit. I would be as active as possible, I hate exercise and sport so that's gardening at the allotment for me. Plenty of sleep, and going to sleep at a regular time. Allow daily time for yourself to do as you please - could be staring into the middle distance, watching a film, listening to music, meditating or painting your toenails......make time for yourself.

[Kellt]

Thank you for your reply, these are the very simple things that we sometimes fail to maintain. A very valuable response thank you.

[khehla]

Hi,

I think you are very sensible to plan for this.

I don't really agree that painting your toenails and meditating will help your anxiety, but I suppose all options are worth trying!!!

I am also a sufferer. I am learning to control it but, like you, I am scared of unusual "extra high stress" moments pushing me back again.

So, I keep a stock of DIAZEPAM constantly available. They are over the counter

(or internet) in Portugal and I suppose other European countries. They are fast acting

but don't last long. Therefore they are ideal for short term events like the dentist or other other high stress situations..

If you consider your moving as a long term stress (packing, address change,legal admin etc.) then DIAZEPAM may not be the answer, but if it is moving day itself that is the stress then it may save the day !!.

I am not a promoter of self medication, but this is one area where it is valuable.

Dosage? I weigh 120kg. I take 4 x 5mg tablets . 1 every 15 mins before the "event"

That builds up my resistance.

Beware of driving, or activities needing high levels of concentration.

Often, the fact that the tablets are available if needed (in my wallet) is enough to get me through the "difficult" activity.

Some people will be horrified by my advice, but many, many, people use it.

If you have a GP that actually cares, and believes in your condition, ask his/her advice.

Good Luck,

I hope your move goes well, and you will be happy in your new home.

Thinking of you,

khehla

[Hidden]

Hi Kellt,

I wanted to answer this one, but doh forgot, hope I'm not too late.

I'm not sure if you have taken valium bit 20 mg would knock me right out, lol, I find and I'm 85kg 7.5mg is plenty, enough to keep you calm and still be able to do stuff, without getting wobbly. If your not taking drugs, deep breathe sit inside yourself, and look at it as an adventure, there's no hurry.

I would plan the big day as much as possible, make sure everything is ready to go, so you dont worry on that score, and like the above have some food stashed to keep your sugar levels up. I find protiens best.

Now once the furniture is on its way, you dont have to worry about that, just get yourself to the new house, EXPECT something to go tits up, as it usually does, but as long as you have all your bits on you, you can wait for that to arrive.

When we expect things to go wrong, we dont start atressing about it all so much, so what if the van with the furniture is late, as long as your safe in the new home its ok.

As you go out the door of your old home stop, say bye, put yourself in your body and slowly move forward, no rush.

Its all about staying with yourself, you will be ok and I presume you will have someone helping you too.

Think on it as a new adventure, a new start,

Wish you well

B

xxxx