Want to get over anxiety

[Trees2357]

I've been struggling with anxiety and depression for 5 years. How can I get better.

[NewUserx]

I’ve only been struggling with anxiety for 6 months and I’m finding it hard

I can’t imagine how you feel going through it for 5 years!

Are you on any medication?x

[Trees2357 in reply to NewUserx]

Yes but my husband doesn't want me on meds so it's always a fight

[Trees2357 in reply to NewUserx]

I'm scared of the medicine too. That it will damage my brain.

[NewUserx in reply to Trees2357]

Yes I haven’t tried medication yet because im scared of it too! The side effects worry me too much!

[Cat33]

Anxiety is just horrible but you can get better

Firstly I'd recommend the DARE response book by Barry McDonagh or any books by Dr Claire Weekes

I've just done a mindfulness course and it's been amazing It's shown me that anxiety comes from thoughts the what ifs the what is going to happen thoughts Once you can divert your thoughts you will get well Sounds too simple to be true I know but it does work

Practice relaxation techniques as often as you can Loads of lovely vidoes on you tube I recommend Michael Sealey his voice is so calming

Also there is a great video by a Dr Barry on you tube Doctor Explains Pani Attacks that you might find comforting

Try medication for a short term if you feel it would help but I think the best way is to go for natural relief as medication can just mask your symptoms

I don't know how your anxiety affects you but if you analyse it I bet it starts with thoughts ? If it does then that's fantastic as you can change your thoughts and get well

Wishing you loads and loads of luck you can and will get rid of anxiety stay positive 😊

[Trees2357 in reply to Cat33]

How did you get over thoughts and fear

[Cat33 in reply to Trees2357]

The key is to lose your fear of the fear Ask yourself what makes you feel anxious then is it really going to happen The answer will probably be no it won't and can't

I don't know what frightens you but I guess it's the horrible physical symptoms you get ? Once you accept they can't hurt you you will start to lose your fear of them

I have found reading DARE over and over makes me feel great

Hope I'm making sense x

[designguy]

For me, taking medication helped to be able to start to experience what "normal" was like with the anxiety diminished. It also helped to slow down and become aware of the thoughts contributing to the anxiety. In my experience, just taking the meds did not eliminate the anxiety, it helped me to be better able to cope with it.

I suggest that the best way to overcome anxiety disorder is to learn everything you can about it and why you have anxiety disorder. Anxiety is a paradox, the more you struggle with it, the more it persists. The way to heal is by total acceptance of it. Another good book is "Quit anxiety now with smart therapy" by Sallee Mclaren. It explains it and offers specific steps for dealing and healing from it. it's available on Amazon in electronic and hardcopy formats. I had anxiety disorder for over 40 years and wish there had been the information available back then that there is today. By making a commitment to yourself, you can learn to accept it and overcome it, too.

[Trees2357 in reply to designguy]

I have it for 5 years and I can't stand the fear. Always crying.

[Trees2357 in reply to designguy]

I don't know how to get better if I'm afraid of the fear.

[Cat33 in reply to designguy]

Great reply I totally agree with all you are saying

[designguy]

Have you tried working with a therapist? If not, that might be a good way for you to start. I suggest finding a therapist or treatment center that specializes specifically in treating anxiety disorder. I tried working with general therapists who claimed to know how to treat anxiety but in my experience it wasn't helpful and even counter productive.

The reality is that you have to take the first step for your recovery, nobody else can do it for you. Start with working with a therapist and/or reading one of the books Cat33 or I recommended. You can do it, it's just getting over getting started. Look at it as conquering one of your fears.

[Trees2357 in reply to designguy]

I.have seen therapists. How can I get better if I can't stop being afraid. The anxiety is so bad the thoughts are just running. I'm on meds and afraid I won't get off because anxiety is bad

[Trees2357]

I have seen many therapists. I'm afraid of the anxiety especially fear. I have pain in my ribs, bladder, and back from the anxiety. How can I get better if these thoughts are obsessive and anxiety is so bad the thoughts are just going. I'm on meds

[designguy in reply to Trees2357]

When I had a very rough episode like you are describing, I would just surrender to it and imagine myself being attacked by a bear. Especially if I was at home or someplace where i had some sort of privacy. Supposedly when you get attacked by a bear the best thing to do is to lay down and curl up in a ball and not try to fight it off and it will go away. The same thing is true for anxiety. Over time, I realized that the anxiety would dissipate and I would be ok. It takes hours and even a few days for all of the adrenaline to dissolve and your body to calm down. I was also so exhausted that I would just let my mind race with whatever scary thought that came up and try to not get attached to it and just let them come and go. It's your thoughts - the what if's, that are fueling your anxiety. When you realize they are just thoughts, they lose their power. I'm not saying it was easy and it does take time, commitment and patience with yourself, but it is definitely doable.

Vonna is right, there is "no cure for anxiety" because it is hard wired into our DNA. It's our fight or flight response malfunctioning. But there is a big difference between learning how to accept it and there being a cure for it.

[Indigojoe]

how is the Ranch going for you Trees?

[Lostjoy]

Hi, I’m having a bit of a rough day myself. I would love to find a way to be anxiety free.

Unfortunately there is no easy fix. I’ve read that it takes time and commitment.

I assume you are home? Is there a way for you to have an exercise routine? Maybe even yoga? Maybe if you can write out a schedule to follow for yourself every day.

My job prevents me from doing much. I feel stuck and trapped. Wish I could help you more. It’s good to be able to come here and talk with other like minded people though.

Wishing you better days ahead.

[Trees2357 in reply to Lostjoy]

How do you work with anxiety

[Lostjoy in reply to Trees2357]

It hasn’t been easy. My job doesn’t require me to be around other people though.

[Trees2357 in reply to Lostjoy]

I'm crying everyday

[Lostjoy in reply to Trees2357]

I cry a lot also. Unfortunately your the only one who can get yourself better. That’s a hard one for me right now also because I don’t feel like doing the work required to get better. I’m so tired.

[Vonnah]

I don't know and don't listen to people who say there's a 'cure'. There is no cure for any mental illness. Depression=chemical imbalance.

So people just learn how to manage it better, learn how to live with it, and find ways to help you cope and keeping your busy.

Try working out, a hobby, try something new like painting,etc., join support groups in person if you can to meet new people, eat heathly, etc.

I still have severe depression. And anxiety. Still haven't found a way to live but other people act like they figure it out so i don't know to be honest.

I was diagnosed with depression at 17 but i believe i had it since 12 and I'm 20 now so that's 9 years.

[Trees2357]

I'm really scaredI have pain from the tension. Also, I'm on meds and afraid I won't be able to get off because I've been on them too long. But feel I'm too anxious to get off. The doctor took my klonopin down 1/4mg and I'm feeling fear in my stomach.