Does anyone here suffer from anxiety?

Question

I don't have panic attacks -- I just have general anxiety. I've been to doctors, and am seeking help, so I am dealing with it. I take meds for it, but sometimes the anxiety is so crushing I can't stand it. It literally overwhelms me. I'm wondering if anyone else deals with the same problem, and what do you do when it gets really bad?

Answer 1

yoga and beer.

Answer 2

I have generalized anxiety disorder too. What has helped me, besides the occasional Xanax, is therapy. I have to say I was extremely blessed to find such a wonderful psychologist. I still have moments when it is really bad but at the same time I have learned, with help from my therapist, how to stop it from getting too bad. I found out what it is that triggers the anxiety and learned to nip it in the bud before it gets worse. Even now there are some experiences that are difficult to handle and I need to take a Xanax or talk to someone about how I am feeling as a way to "talk" myself out of it. The more I got in touch with the root of my anxiety the less my anxiety became. It has been a long road of self discovery and at times painful but it has been well worth it.

Answer 3

Well, my husband was diagnosed with depression and anxiety and he does very well now that he's been properly diagnosed and prescribed the correct medication. I have never officially been diagnosed with anxiety, but I do experience a great deal of it at times, and I have been diagnosed with depression.

My husband and I both have some strategies for dealing with it when we have high levels of anxiety. For one thing, we talk about it--for him, he feels comfortable talking to me, but any friend or relative who is supportive and understands the illness at all can be of help. I generally try to help him do "reconstructive cognition"--a strategy I learned in therapy for depression. It involves talking and thinking about the issue that is causing anxiety--if one can be pinpointed (sometimes there's nothing to attribute the feeling of unease to). When talking about it, I'll ask questions like, "Okay, what are you anxious about? What are you afraid will happen? What if that does happen?" Usually, he is able to logically recognize that the problem is not a life and death thing and he does not have to feel so anxious. When I am feeling anxious, I will do the same thing--talk about it, openly recognize that I'm feeling overly anxious for a small reason or no definable reason, or mentally do reconstructive cognition. My husband also practices mediation and yoga (sometimes), which I believe help. I, personally, think reading can help to take my mind off of things that are bothering me.

However, I would suggest that you keep in contact with your doctors. If you are feeling overwhelmed, there is a chance that they have not figured out the right medication or dosage. Also, if you haven't already, you might consider having a few visits with a therapist so he/she can teach you strategies to use. You can also research MANY relaxation techniques, meditation, self-hypnosis, etc. Good luck to you!

Answer 4

Yep all the time!! I get a certain upset stomach which I know is my anxiety kicking in. I just suck it up and don't really do anything, but keep to myself or try and have as much fun as I can. Sometimes its so bad that all I want to do is go to sleep and have it go away. I guess I can't really tell you how to deal with it, because I went on meds for deppression, obsessive compulsive disorder and anxiety, but I was only on it for 9 months and got off of it and will never go back on it. I only really have the compulsive disorder and I only get anxiety when I'm somewhere I don't feel comfortable.
Take care and remember that you aren't alone out there!

Answer 5

I have very high, persistent anxiety due to having Asperger Syndrome (high-functioning autism). It gets to the point I cannot go out into public places due to the general stimulation. I take Klonopin specifically for the anxiety. Breathing exercises help. The most simple one to do is to lie on your back and take a deep breath in through your nose, hold it for about 5 seconds, and release slowly through your mouth. Do this for about 10 mins. each day for starters. Talk to your doctor about the medication if interested. Know what triggers your anxiety so you can learn to manage it. For me, having sensorary problems, I am overwhelmed being exposed to small children for too long a time. I manage my anxiety in public by knowing what times of day are best, what days of the week, not to go to a resturant during 5-6 O'clock. I also take someone I can trust who knows how to manage me if I need assistance. I am hoping one day I will reach the point of independence appropriate for a mid-20 something, not a 10-year old. But we are talking about you. I hope I helped you out. You didn't mention any other problems other than the anxiety, so I think you have a greater chance of faring better than me.
Breathing techniques and planning (this can include visualizing the overwhelming event in advance and breathing using the technique I described or learning yoga.
Exercise. Pick a sport, go to the gym, get the stress out. Journal. Though it wasn't one of my more favorite things to do, I found chronocling my days' events for a few weeks helped me identify behavioral patterns. I learned more about myself.
In summary: Breathe, plan, exercise, journal.
Meds alone cannot help. It takes the guidance of a good therapist and commitment on your part as well-Best of luck to you!

Answer 6

Well I inherited my anxiety. (Thanks family)
And there were weeks where I would have a panic attack everynight for 3 hours.
I know your pain...The anxiety is killer. Its your worst enemy if you suffer from it.
Usually when it gets really bad...I need my space from people..And I just talk..and talk and talk and talk. To get my mind off of things. Or watch an upbeat really ridiculously happy show. So I can get in a good laugh.
And if its a killer attack...I just take it and deal with it.
Also I have a sedative type drug called Klonopin. That just mellows me out and takes away the anxiousness.
If you dont have that...Just remember to breath. Take deep breaths..
My therapist taught me this one. Try it!
1. Take a deep breath in through your nose using your diaphram. Its different from the way we normally breath. Push out your belly.
2. Blow the air slowly through your mouth.
3. Do this 3 times.
Believe me...If I feel ANY anxiety coming on at all...I do this. And it really works. I dont know how..But it does.
Good luck..Its a b**** to get through...But I believe anyone can do it.
My thoughts are with you =]

Answer 7

When it gets really bad I pop an extra pill so I'm probably not the best one to give advice on this! :) Talk to your dr. about adjusting your doseges. Also, check out http://yogajournal.com/ for yoga poses and meditations that would help. Good luck.

Answer 8

AAAAHHHH WHat do you mean???? Anxiety!!! What would I HAVE TO BE ANXIOUS about???


Actually Lexapro has worked wonders. When you get really bad meditate, yes I know this sounds corney but practice relaxing when you're not really anxious and it really helps when you are. Good Luck!

Answer 9

I get it to sometimes it really awful. Sometimes I do Emotional Freedom Technique these links explain it better. Also I'm trying Cognitive behavioral therapy.

Answer 10

Anxiety and eating problems...sometimes they seem to go hand-in-hand....

It gets MUCH worse if I don't eat properly. I worry about every little thing and can't sleep, can't think, etc.