How do you start to deal with anxiety? I know it's a problem, I just need a starting point

[Jayce21]

[Hidden]

My advice would be the doctors first, tell them everything you feel get all the balls rolling for anything you may need, there is lots of options but some unfortunately have waiting lists x x hope this helps x donver

[LadySaabra]

the cliché is to recognise anxiety in the first instance

the doctors is the best option but given the usual timescale (about 4/5 months personally - depends where you are/what is available) between that and assessments/referals the next best things are to find out as much about anxiety (and possibly stress/depression as well cos they usually crop up somewhere in the mix), try various relaxation techniques meditation/mindfulness ect - and coming here is also really good

good luck

sam x

[Hidden]

Hello

We can try breathing exercises, or you could possible try some relaxation techniques.

Sometimes they work for me when I have sudden attack.

I us the Maxwell Technique for mental health and the Alexander technique for pain control, you could ask the doctor or CPN to train you to do one of this self help methods

Think this is something you would benefit your condition.

Also their is a further new system called WELLNESS, sadly this is so new I know very little of

[Stacey83]

Hi...talking about it and not keeping it all in is the first thing other wise u will just get worse. I think trying to do things to keep u busy to tat helps for sum medication for others maybe counciling x

[leveller]

I find my GP/NHS to be fairly unhelpful (although when I was really bad my previous GP was brilliant - really it depends on the GP). I've suffered from anxiety for so long and had so much (private) counselling that I think I know more than they do!!

If it's your first episode, then the GP is a good place to start. They can offer drugs or counselling. If the counselling is on the NHS, it can (sometimes) take AGES to get it, so get there and get your name down as soon as possible. If you can afford it, look privately and get seen sooner when you need it. I'm currently 5+ weeks in (since I visited my GP) and my booking in appointment isn't until the end of September..... Of course your health authority may be better than mine!

Drugs can help. I have used them in the past, but now prefer to try counselling, relaxation, talking to friends and increasing my exercise levels first - by which time hopefully the anxiety will feel more manageable and you can do without the drugs (keeping them as an option if all else fails).

Good luck xxx