HATE anxiety

After a great weekend out working in the yard in beautiful weather, I wake up this morning and anxiety level is up with a vengeance. Heart flutters/palpitations, random flush/sweats in head, chest, feet & hands driving me crazy. The randomness just drives me nut and makes me want to scream. I know what it is but I'll never hate it any less : (

[majolie]

Yeah, it seems to come out of nowhere at times, right? But actually, your body and mind are simply getting your attention to take care of what's going on. There IS a reason for anxiety, whether it's a physical cause or something emotional/mental/psychological. Regardless, it's important to get to the root. Have you seen an MD and/or a psychiatrist or psychologist? Do you have any inklings what it could be related to (such as a traumatic event from your past that you're stuffing down)?

I'm a Registered Nurse who has had many patients with anxiety. Most of them are on meds, which does help to control the anxiety/panic, but is only a bandaid for what's going on underneath, at the root. Our bodies have been designed to alert us when something is awry!

Some practical things you can do are: plenty of exercise, no sugar or high-caffeine drinks, healthy food (no junk food, which causes all kinds of problems in the gut, joints, brain, etc.), good quality sleep, dealing with unresolved relationships or issues, laughter, confession and prayer, not abusing your body, and a strong support system. Not to say that doing ALL these things would get rid of your anxiety, but they all do help. If any of these areas are lacking, instead of getting overwhelmed, just do the next right thing. Every day is an opportunity to do at least ONE thing that gets you one step closer to health and joy.

You've probably heard the recent statistics of our culture's skyrocketing anxiety related to social media. If you're heavily involved in it, try taking a break for a week or a month and see if things improve. I've read of people who have such great results from this, that they give up social media altogether and have much saner, happier, low-stress lives!

If you have a pastor, counselor, close friend or relative, or access to an anxiety support group (not online, but real people in the flesh), take a chance and open up and share your struggles. It can be scary, but most people are relieved to hear that others struggle, sometimes in the same way they do!

Without knowing you, I'm just throwing out the things I can think of that can help. I wish you well and I just now prayed for you. Take care and God bless.

[Pearl67 in reply to majolie]

Majolie! Such a sweet and beautiful reply! Can I ask what brings you to this forum as it seems by your reply, you have a great grip on anxiety! Share if you are comfortable😊

[majolie in reply to Pearl67]

Thank you for your kind response. I'd say that I can attribute what you call "a great grip on anxiety" to several things, in order of importance: my relationship with Christ (He is the best anxiety-reliever!), being an RN and helping lots of patients with it, educating myself about it so I can do whatever will help with my own anxiety and then being able to encourage others with their struggles with it. I believe that every person on earth has some level of anxiety; some have great coping skills, some not. Some have such intense anxiety that it feels overwhelming to cope with it (often due to a traumatic event, but not always). My desire on this site is to reach out and encourage others with what I've learned. And I always learn from others as well. We are a hurting and broken human race, and we all need all the help and comfort and encouragement we can get!

[Pearl67 in reply to majolie]

Beautiful! And Christ is my rock. He is solid, I tend to crumble😂😂 I am “playing” nurse currently to my husband. Wiped out from lack of sleep....

But happy I have leaned on my faith and made it through these times better than several other medical events. Just wish I wasn’t so wiped out! So much to catch up on and it is sunny out to boot! I feel guilty being such a slug!

Again, thank you! Such a beautiful gift to all of us here😘

[majolie in reply to Pearl67]

Sounds like we're sisters in Christ! Can you get any respite care for your husband? Don't ever feel guilty about needing time to refresh/regroup and take care of yourself. If you get too wiped out and burned out, you won't be able to care for him adequately. Life is hard at times, but thankfully we have our Lord to lean on. And we have an eternal perspective! May the Lord equip you, strengthen you, comfort you, and guide you thru this difficult time.

[Pearl67 in reply to majolie]

Oh thank you!! I know you are right and I would tell you or anyone in the caregiving roll the same thing!!! I just don’t “allow” myself to do that😏 It’s weird! I’m weird. It’s like I subconciously punish myself. Push harder. I am a wee bit better now than say 5 years ago, but still have an issue with being a “martyr.” Learned about that business in Al-anon. Not an attractive trait.

Tomorrow-Sunday are really busy with work and my husband. Praying I can center myself.

Again, thank you for your kindness!

Blessings!