Techniques for dealing with anxiety?

Question

Thank you for your ideas. I will find a way to implement them. The breathing was helpful for me today. I am going to the Dr today and hopefully she will have a reference for me to see a specialist. There are things I can do to increase my fitness, so far I have been taking occassional walks on my lunch break, but I know I need to do more or at least be consistent with the walking. I printed all of your answeres in a word document for future reference and will continue to check back for more while this post remains active. Thanks again.

Answer 1

I've recently been diagnosed with GAD - generalized anxiety disorder. Anxiety is a really difficult thing to deal with, and potentially really scary, in my case and others i assume because you don't really know what you're anxious/frightened about, and as a result don't know how to deal with it. But you can get over it!!! Excercise and things like yoga do help, as does exposure to sunlight, but i would say that these are essentially dealing mechanisms and don't always tackle the problem from the root. I am currently undergoing councilling and am finding it although sometimes rather difficult, really helpfull, and would highly reccomend it. Other techniques such as CBT - cognitive behavorial therapy can also help some people. But mostly importantly try not to worry and wind yourself up, things will get better it just may take a little while. Hope this helps.

Answer 2

I have had high anxiety for years, sometimes so bad that I am shaking all over. The best professional advice I got has been outlines in some of the other answers:

regular meditation twice a day (not just when you are having anxiety)

Regular exercise for at least a half an hour a day (and ALSO taking a walk, riding a bike, etc WHEN you are having high anxiety.

Cut way down on any caffeine.

Eat lots of protein, I read something on a web site that protein is good for anxiety. Don't know the website and don't know why.

Take deep breaths when you are feeling anxious.

If you are anxious about something special (like the thought of driving on the highway), remember times when you did drive on the highway and did well. In fact remember things that you do well WHENEVER you have anxiety.

Answer 3

I have suffered from panic and anxiety for years. Keep in mind the following:

This is a problem with your THINKING. Work on getting your thinking in order. Positive self-talk, meditation, and counseling are good starting points.

Avoid caffeine of course.

Learn to deep breathe. Breathe into your belly. Breathing into your chest increases blood pressure and anxiety. Breathe in and consciously expand your belly and your sides. Breathe in to a count of 2 and out to a count of 4 (slower out than in). This is the way you breathe when you're sleeping, and it triggers your body to relax.

I was much better for a long time after doing Lucinda Bassett's "Overcoming Anxiety and Depression" program. However, I still had certain situations that were troublesome, and had periods of increased anxiety (recently diagnosed bipolar II). Anyway, the one thing that "cured" me was this article given to me by my counselor: http://www.ocdonline.com/articlephillipson3.php. It basically taught me a new way to manage my thoughts.

My issue was feeling like I was going to choke all the time if I didn't have a bottle of water with me. I think I had a little difficulty swallowing once, and it turned into this huge panic-inducing thought-cycle. Just a few weeks ago, I was still carrying around my water bottle. But after reading this article, I rarely carry one (unless I'm actually thirsty!). It really worked and changed my life!!!

Answer 4

Lots of rest, and exercise daily. Keeps all that inner stuff working right. Don't dwell on whatever is making you anxious, deal with what you can an move on to the next thing.

Answer 5

I haven't been diagnosed, but I am positive that I have issues with anxiety. I don't really have any techniques for dealing with it, but I have been doing great lately just taking on every issue and just making myself go through with whatever it is that I am feeling afraid of. Just do it...don't let it stop you.

Answer 6

Take slow, deep breaths, in through your nose, out through your mouth. Focus on something pleasant that has happened to you in the past. A cool cloth on your forehead.

Answer 7

The only one that seems to work for me is in pill form and it's called Xanax!!! I'll keep watching your question though.....maybe I'll get some pointers as well.

Answer 8

Meditation, deep breathing and yoga are all good techniques.

Answer 9

I have anxeity...i know that it helps me when i do something to keep my mind off of whats bugging me.