Why does my anxiety rise and fall?

[starry_night]

Sometimes I feel that I experience high anxiety for a few weeks and then much lower anxiety for a while. I guess it probably depends on my current workload, diet, exercise and general worries varying. Does anybody know any more about why anxiety can be patchy like this?

[greengrape]

I'm not sure why this happens but I know that my anxiety can be very 'up and down' and it always surprises me. I would agree that lifestyle, eg,diet, exercise, workload, sleep quality etc can all impact on anyone's mental health. I really think mental health is as important as physical health and we should look after both on a daily basis.

[starry_night in reply to greengrape]

Hi greengrape, it's always reassuring to hear that other people experience the same things. I think this is an important lesson with anxiety - there are so many people out there going through the same things - noone is alone! And what you say about the importance of looking after your mental health is very true as well. I am going to try to meditate more frequently and I aim to better organise my schedule too so as to reduce stress levels. Thanks!

[Yankee_Doodle]

Hi guys. I find it useful to think of it like a leeky bucket. I know that if my bucket (i.e. stress load) continues to fill without any holes to release the water (i.e. exercise, going out with friends, unwinding) I will feel ratty and anxious. Look after youself a little bit every day. It makes a huge difference to me!

[Hidden]

Getting enough sleep is really important for managing anxiety, in my experience. I don't know if this applies to you, but I find that reducing alcohol and caffeine can make a lot of difference too. I think everyone's right about it being important to take care of your mental health in whatever way you can.

[yaddy]

I find anxiety and stress go hand in hand I tend to write myself lists of jobs to do for each day. firstly I feel better that ive written the list because I feel more organised and less confused about what to do with my time then as I tick things off, by the end of the list I relax knowing theres nothing more I need to do and I can relax. unlike you my anxiety will build up until I get very emotional then im like this for a few days instead of weeks it can be difficult but then once im on top of everything I will feel better again

[paula50]

Hi my name is paula i am new to this site , i have started having panick attacks everyday for the last 3 weeks .. today seems worse i am trying os hard to control the attacks .i am waiting have therapy .sometimes i feel like im going mad .i have always had anxiety attacks for over 35 years.. they stopped , but now are back i feel so alone not got any family near me i just dont know what do with my days like this ...

[Hidden in reply to paula50]

I m really sorry to hear that!my family is far away too and at times when I have panick attack I feel completely isolated.but here we can share our feelings and I hope this will help you.

[kwadi]

Hi, I my case anxiety is definitely linked to my work and caffein consumption. During busy periods at work it becomes very clear that something is wrong. I was thinking about changing my profession but then I decided to tackle anxiety first. It may take some time but anxiety cannot rule my life. When I am good I can still change it but it will be more grounded decision.