I need some tips on Living with Anxiety

[GuitarRox]

I've been dealing with anxiety for quite some time.  It seems like it isn't going to ever end so I need some tips on how to deal with it and how to cope.  

[Paxiled]

First tell us how your anxiety is manifesting, how badly it is affecting your ability to function in life, and what you've tried so far.  Different people have very different experiences with anxiety, it comes with many varying intensities and breadth, and knowing what you've already tried, if anything, will help us suggest something.  

[arvbuttar]

Hi,
Here are some tips that might be helpful for you:
Do regular exercise
Sleep properly
Breathe deep
Schedule your worry time
Help out in your community
Thanks

[JamesC186282]

Speak to your doctor and ask if your issues are Anxiety or not.  If yes you might ask for a referal to a therapist.  You might also consider some drug treatment.  Buspar doesn't work for everyone but its non addicting and has a good track record.  If you doctor suggests Xanax be aware it has addictive baggage and according to one doctor know lasts only a short time and has a very strong effect.  Strong effects can be "appealing" which you don't want but this is an opinion.  Other Benzos (If suggested) are better I think.  Small dose valium lasts longer and at low dose just moves you from "panic attack" to feeling normal.  The problem with all benzos is that there are doctors still prescribing it to be taken all the time.  Its a bad (my opinion / non doctor / 2 cents0 that this is why Benzos get a rap for being addictive.  Its more of a put out a fire drug.  Therapy and working out alone might be the best solution.  *There are various forms of therapy.  If one doesn't work don't be afraid to try again with something different.

[Paxiled]

Whether or not a drug is addictive when it comes to affecting brain neurotransmitters is something to consider, but they're all very hard to stop taking for some people.  Most people do not become addicted to addictive drugs -- this includes drugs as strong as heroin -- while many find it nearly impossible to stop taking serotonin affecting drugs such as buspar.  It's a very individual thing.  Buspar is also a drug that has never done well in clinical trials and it's main use these days is in conjunction with an antidepressant that is working but not as well as hoped.  To say Buspar is non-addicting is therefore a bit beside the point, because if you can't stop taking it without a lot of trouble you have the biggest problem of taking addictive drugs.  As for which benzos work or not, that's also very individual.  Valium may work well for you and not for someone else.  Xanax is the same.  I do agree that those of us who were told by our psychiatrists to take our benzos twice a day every day should have all sued our doctors.  That's when they become addictive.  They don't if you only use them when necessary.  Benzos get a rap for being addictive because they are in fact addictive drugs, and if you read up on those who specialize in addiction treatment, they are considered more difficult to stop and have more continuing effects after stopping than heroin.  It's just a fact.  But again, while antidepressants aren't labeled addictive, they share what is the worst part of addiction, which is the difficulty of quitting.  And if you need a drug to have a life, whether it be an opiate or a benzo and nothing else works for that, well, eating is addictive too.  A lot goes into this discussion, and the important takeaway is we need to do our homework.  Therapy, if it works, is the best medicine.  Peace.

[specialmom]

In this day and age, avoiding anxiety seems impossible, doesn't it?  I try to set up my life to minimize it which is my first tip.  Know your triggers and work to minimize them. An example would be that I get really stressed when pressed for time to get somewhere.  SO, I plan ahead. I get things ready beforehand, have a plan as to exactly when I need to leave, have a cushion in case of unforeseen delays.  Then I can get to my event without feeling the crazy of chaos!  That's a really simple example.  But in general, if you track what makes you anxious or if it is a pervasive daily thing, it can help to understand what is in your control and not.

I am a big fan of lifestyle to combat anxiety as well.  Exercise is terrific for us if your doctor is okay with it.  It releases our brain's own 'happy chemical' and gives us a good feeling as well as being good for us. Do it regularly.  Eating well is important with a balanced, nutritional diet.  And rest, proper sleep.  This is something that I sometimes have a hard time doing.  With the things that happen in life with family, kids, managing the house so it doesn't fall apart, work, etc. . . .  I've got a lot on my plate.  I'm always first one up and last one to bed on week nights. I have nights that I have to plan into things going to bed early because I know if I don't, I'm going to melt down much easier the next day.  I give into the anxiety/stress much easier when tired.

Practicing things like meditation or yoga are soothing for many with anxiety.  Journaling to get feelings out.  Spending time as you wish (not what others wish for you ---  my husband gets his source of serenity from socializing with others and I get mine by being alone.  I work in some solitary activities weekly to recharge my batteries ---  he's usually out socializing while I do it. :>))  

I think getting to be part of a community also does help anxiety.  I like my alone time but you also have to have your people too.  This could be a family unit, a friend group (or one best friend), a church family, a neighborhood community, a sports team, etc. But that connection is important as isolation can compound our mental health problems.  Even an online community has value in making you feel connected.  Probably one of the reasons why I enjoy MedHelp participation!

Know when it is too much.  At some point, if you are anxious daily and having difficulty coping, it is time to begin asking for help from professionals.  Your doctor is a good place to start.  Therapists are often great at helping sort through things as well.