What are some ways to cope with anxiety?

Question

I have general anxiety and social anxiety in particular. I just can't stop shaking or tremoring, and I fidget all the time. It's even hard to make eye contact. The only thing I've found that works is alcohol and chewing gum. Please help!

Answer 1

Social anxiety can cause these feelings, which can also lead to severe depression,
http://www.socialanxietyinstitute.org/ds...

There is hope; I've been there, and still am there, it is a long, hard struggle. I recommend
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/cognitive_b... worked best for me, with mild anti-anxiety meds. I suffered from social anxiety for over 15 years. I've tried individual therapy, and group therapy and studied psychology for 10 years, as a profession, but also with the hope to cure myself.

Depending on your comfort level, you could go to a psychologist that practices CBT and specializes in anxiety disorders, seek a group therapy, or create one. Usually those that do attend the group therapy are a bit more high functioning because as you know, it can be difficult to speak in a group.

Another idea is to see if there are any local research studies being conducted that you could participate in.

The program that finally worked the best for me is this one: http://www.socialanxiety.us/findinghelp.... and I was lucky enough to have a structured behavioral group to go along with it. Sometimes the people that actually attend this program come back home and form groups.

I recommend a mild anti-anxiety med, and a beta-blocker (it will reduce shaking and tremors enormously, but only use in extreme situations) in addition to CBT therapy.

Any questions, let me know ... I can't tell you how much this has improved my life!


There are subtypes of social anxiety; it seems that yours may be both... click on link:


http://www.medpharm.co.za/safp/2000/mar

Answer 2

Exercising, as an earlier respondent advised, certainly helps. However, while providing relief, it doesn't, get to the root cause, of your anxiety, any more than alcohol does.

Please explore, the following website: http://www.joy2meu.com; it has helped me a lot. I also recommend, you search the web for the following phrases: "Covert Incest" and "Emotional Incest". Please don't take these phrases literally. I am not suggesting, you were sexually abused. I am directing you, to writings; writings, I hope to be helpful to you.

Answer 3

well I get anxiety at times. I take deep breaths. Try to relax the more you panic the more you will get your symptoms. While having an attac think of something you enjoy doing.

Answer 4

Listen to the lord, and read the bible thats what helps me out i have the same problem and now its gone somehow I coulndt even work

Answer 5

Try exercising, and other ways which would release endorphins into the blood stream. making love...? ;-)