Too many symptoms, not enough solutions.

[Jeff1943]

Naturally, we all want to list the ways in which anxiety affects us but maybe we spend too much time swopping symptoms and not enough time telling others what recovery plans worked for us or have at least helped give some relief to anxiety disorder in all its many forms. I think that might be a bit more helpful, a bit more positive because sometimes the postings read like an Anxiety Symptoms Exchange Centre. It's only a suggestion of course.

[Vbee]

I agree. When i click on a post it is more than likely followed by lots of "me toos" and "it's horrible isn't it" with no mention of solutions or positive stories or advice. Your posts jeff are always a ray of sunshine with positive vibes and solutions on offer - well solution really as there is only "one" way when it is distilled down to accepting and allowing. I think the hardest part of all of this, in a globak society geared to instant reward and gratification is that we must allow the process time. This is why many turn to medication as they offer the promise of hope.and relief without the hard work. And it is hard work - daily questioning and a constant chatter - the paradox being that to find a place of peace and acceptance would quiet the chatter and allow sensitised nerves some rest. I think my favourite line of Claire Weekes is when she likens the anxious person to a student who, when feeling a bit of brain fag stops studying and gives their mind a rest. She then goes on to say that "you are a student who is constantly studying yourself and you NEVER give yourself a rest. Is it any wonder you're in the state you are in?" Keep up the encouragement jeff - some of us are listening......😂😂😂

[Jeff1943 in reply to Vbee]

Thank you for your words of encouragement, Brett, however I think you have no need to listen to me as you know more about the answers than I do and express them far more elequantly than my repetitive postings.

[Cjonesabq]

Certainly agree with you and i would love to here more about the solutions. My doctor would like me to make more lifestyle changes to help my anxiety and i want to do that too. Walking, eating less processed foods and refined sugar, prayer and breathing, distraction.

I am working to incorporate these things. Yesterday was a good day and today heart flutters are constant and bothersome... there when i go to sleep and there when i awake. Has anyone found some particular solutions to quiet these when they are bothersome? Would love to hear

[Vbee in reply to Cjonesabq]

Through my own experience i have found no matter the amount of accepting etc, because of your constant ruminations you are using up reserves of minerals and vitamins so sometimes there really is a biological cause through deficiency or depletion. Have a b complex vitamin (b6 and b12 are non negotiable), daily magnesium (either through powder into water - anything with citrate or glycinate will be absorbed better - don't have more than the recommended dosage otherwise you will be thinking you have a gut problem 😂😂....or have a warm foot bath with magnesium chloride or if you can't get that readily, grab some epsom salts), potassium through bananas and most important of all is hydration and sleep. Keep a diary of how much water you are drinking and you may be shocked - 33mls per kilogram of body weight is recommended. Also make a note for a couple of weeks bed times and waking times - try for 8 hours!!! Good luck 😎

[Jeff1943 in reply to Cjonesabq]

Heart flutters/missed heartbeats are common anxiety symptoms, but it's best to get the reassurance from your doctor that there's no physical cause. Sometimes medications can cause it too like tricyclic antidepressants. Otherwise the solution to quiet heart flutters when they're bothersome is the same as for all the other symptoms of general anxiety, that is to just accept them with the minimum of fear and preferably zero fear. When you cease to fear them and perhaps obsess about them (because you know heart flutters caused by anxiety can't harm you) they will die of neglect.

[Cjonesabq in reply to Jeff1943]

Thanks Jeff! Having had an EKG last week that was normal gives me reassurance that anxiety is the culprit. Practicing acceptance

[Kobojunkie in reply to Cjonesabq]

What medication does your doctor have you on? I have been a vitamin junkie for many years now, I continue to be. However, what I have noticed are the relief you get from vitamins diminish over time and before you know it, you are back to square one, assuming your symptoms have not escalated in all that time you were so focused on how "wonderful" vitamins are.

I would suggest you essentially cut out all caffeinated foods, and absolutely no alcohol. Of course take your vitamins daily(I think that is an essential for all of us), get some exercise, and relax more and try to do more of the things you love.

[Jeff1943 in reply to Kobojunkie]

Kobojunkie, I am also a vitamin junkie, for 40 years I have taken 20 different vitamin, mineral and health supplements every day. I never expected a buzz from them, they were/are long term insurance against the modern plague illnesses and of course the aging process. Hypochondria aside, they seem to be working quite well, I'm 74 now and no major issues.

I also take a low dosage statin and blood pressure tablet and a couple of amitriptyline tablets to boost the old serotonin levels, been on those for 20 years. If it works don't fix it. I think you're a bit hard on caffein and alcohol, everything in moderation, the French drink more coffee and wine than the rest of Europe put together and heart disease is the lowest in Europe. In fact, whenever the press track down the world's oldest man/woman they always make a point of saying they drink a large glass of wine or port every day. As you say, exercise, relaxation and doing the things you love are the real health boosters.

[Cat33]

Totally agree with you Jeff

[Stay_strong85]

You said it perfect. 😧😩

[Jeff1943]

I think we should learn to laugh at ourselves a bit more. One day in 1980 I was looking in a mirror and I noticed a white patch on my nose. It was where the skin is drawn over a muscular bit, that's why it was more white. But I immediately thought: "My God, I've got cancer of the nose!" I managed to convince myself of this. Of course it was nothing of the sort. But now, whenever I get some vague ache or pain or notice some mark on my skin or somesuch and I start to imagine all sorts of terminal causes I just say to myself: "Cancer of the nose!" and I just smile and laugh at myself and I forget about whatever it is and all is well.

[Funkyfaerie]

Can we not have an on going suggestions/answers post? It's a fab idea! Administrator?