Can't stop my mind from racing....

[proacct58]

I have been treating anxiety and depression for many years. Recently, I have been treated for addiction to the meds associated with treating anxiety.

Now off the meds, my mind races all the time, and my anxiety is almost debilitating. Help....

[Hidden]

Benzo withdrawal (if that's what you're withdrawing from) is the most brutal withdrawal there is. But as long as you're doing it correctly it is totally safe. Things that can help with physical symptoms are

-drinking water

-exercising (doesn't have to be anything crazy. you could just go for a short walk, even in your backyard)

-eating as healthy as you can

-avoiding sugar and caffeine

As for the racing thoughts the best advice I can give you is to remember it's just your anxiety rebounding after having been on the meds for so long. Your body is full of cortisol and you may be in fight-or-flight mode but you are safe. You can try breathing in 4 and out 6. Think about nothing but your breathing. Meditation works well for clearing your mind. It won't come easily though. One of the things I find is the most helpful is visualization. Visualization is where you picture yourself in a place where you would feel happy, calm, and comfortable. Then you imagine all five senses. How it looks, sounds, feels, smells. Keep your eyes closed and just imagine you're in this place for as long as you can.

Most of all avoid NEGATIVE thinking. Be optimistic! No matter how terrible you feel now, nothing, no emotion or situation, lasts forever. You will feel better. Try your best to stay around friends and family. Isolating yourself is one of the worst things you can do.

Good luck XO

[Peggy76 in reply to Hidden]

Thank God for people like you giving advice & knowagable about so many things ,yes the breathing exercise is good but sometimes hard to concentrate ,with all that I have going on health wise .I have ckd stage 3 / heart failure / anemia / osteoporosis so painful ,& trying to cut back oxynorm but still have tramadol +numerous medications cutting back oxynorm as I can only have i painkiller because of my kidneys , +' I've have a stinking cold !so sorry to moan so much !! But I feel I've had enough & feeling a bit sorry for myself .mind it dosent help being housebound .hope you are all keeping good.

Peggy x💐💐

[Chubbers]

I feel for you. I'm scared to ever come off the meds I've been on them so long! I'm sure you'll be ok as long as it is gradual. I'm sure the physical feelings suck. I'm sorry