How do I get rid of ANXIETY?!?

Question

How do I get rid of the fair amount of anxiety I experience on a daily basis? I know everyone experiences some level of anxiety, but I think mine is more than normal, and lately I've been told by others that I'm extremely irritable and need to chill out more. And they're right! I hate feeling overwhelmed, on edge, bothered, and having worriesome thoughts constantly going through my head. I can never enjoy myself with anyone, anywhere, these days. How do I get myself back? Is it necessary to get on antianxiety meds? What's the normal step by step process on relieving anxiety? I sleep A LOT and I think it has something to do with my anxiety and trying to avoid life. Thanks for any input.

Answer 1

Now I rarely face anxiety, but there are some things that I do which keeps my mood light when im feeling under the weather. Maybe try playing a game or solving a puzzle, or any activity that can keep your mind busy for a period of time, just to let it relax. Afterwards, maybe have a casual conversation with friends or some sort. Try using those medications as a last resort only. Best wishes to you =)

Answer 2

It depends what kind of anxiety you have. I had chronic hyperventilation which triggered frequent (I'm talking up to 5 times a day) panic attacks where I would basically sometimes even black out. It's not nice but you're definitely not the only one. I went to my GP and they referred me to a 'therapist'...ie a counsellor. That helped a little. But I realised my panic attacks stopped happening when I got with my (now ex) boyfriend, because I felt safe and happy again. So what I think you should do is maybe see your GP and then sit and think about all the things that bother you. Write them down if it help. Then start slowly working on ways to improve them, I'm not saying a relationship will cure you, I'm saying for me thats what made me feel happy again- all you need to do is find yours!=) Good luck. Oh and as a ps. Docs often dont take anxiety seriously and will try and palm you off with beta blockers to calm you, which in my experience a) dont work, and b) and not good at all for you. Try something herbal like Bachs Rescue Remedy =)

Answer 3

Make yourself busy, do something. By doing anything you keep your mind off your anxiety. When you wake up in the morning start doing something right away, and keep busy all day. Cleaning the house, washing the dishes or working in your garden, reading, studying, exercising your body or and meditating can help you keep your mind away from anxiety. Just sitting around and thinking about your problems and worries won't make them go away.

Find reasons to laugh. This will bring light and happiness into your life and drive anxiety away. Watch comedies, be with happy and amusing friends or read something that makes you laugh.

Exercise regularly. People who have anxiety often quit exercising, but exercise can give you a sense of well-being and help decrease your stress.

Avoid caffeine, a stimulant found in coffee, tea, soft drinks, and chocolate. Caffeine may increase your sense of anxiety. Also avoid over-the-counter diet pills and supplements that contain ephedra (Ma huang) and other stimulants.

Control your worry. Pick a place and time to do your worrying. Make it the same time and same place every day. Spend 30 minutes thinking about your concerns and what you can do about them. Try not to dwell on what "might" happen. Focus more on what's really happening.Thought stopping is a skill that requires commitment and practice, practice, practice. Here are some quick tips to help you begin to control your thoughts:
Words and Phrases
» Stop!
» I can cope.
» I am okay.
» I have done it before, I can do it again.
» Okay, just slow down. You will be alright. You are going to be okay.
» This will pass - give it time.
» Just relax.
» I can accept this - it is unpleasant, not dangerous.
Actions
» Talk to someone.
» Breathe deep and slowly.
» Carry a lucky charm - touch it.
» Visualize a peaceful scene.
» Focus on external happenings - the wind, the sun, birds, noises.
» Sit down. Touch the earth. Touch a tree.
» Look at the ants working.
» Turn up the radio. Sing out loud. Hum a tune.
» Perform physical work.

Get plenty of sleep. Don't rely on alcohol or drugs. It may seem that alcohol or drugs relax you, but in the long run, they worsen anxiety and depression.

When you go to bed at night, and first thing when you wake up in the morning, think about the good things that are happening to you. There are always some good things happening, even if small and insignificant.

Talk about your anxieties to someone you trust. Talking about your anxieties and feelings often alleviate them and put them in the right proportions, provided you talk objectively, and with a real desire to reduce or get rid of your anxiety.

Talk about your anxiety with your doctor. This is important so your doctor can make sure your plan is working. You may also need to see a counselor. Counseling can help you learn to express your needs and cope with your feelings. Support groups can also be helpful, both during counseling and to bolster your sense of security afterwards.

Answer 4

You sound like you have general anxiety disorder,and maybe depression because you r sleeping so much.Its treatable and a counsellor can help change the way you think and how you view yourself.The worst thing you can do is to do nothing because it can escalate and you dont need that.Try therapy first cos those drugs work but are strong and dont sort the underlying causes of your anxiety.Hypnotherapy is pricey but effective.Talk to your gp.You will get back to yourself.Your admitting there is a problem and thats the first step to recovery

Answer 5

I used to have the same problem until I saw a doctor about it. Sounds like you have "Generalized Anxiety Disorder". Medication was the answer for me just be careful who you see. Don't see a doctor who tries to put you on 10 medications. I take Paxil for general anxiety and Xanax for panic attacks. I was one 7 medications at once now I take the 2 and have never been better.

Answer 6

Take care of yourself.
Before going for the drugs,
Here are some good ideas:
1. Do something that gets your heart rate up a bit like, walking, running, biking, and swimming.
2. Eat Whole, Organic foods like: Broccoli, Cabbage, Organic Brown Rice, Spinach, Sweet Potato, Apples, and other fruits and vegetables in their Natural State.
3. Avoid eating corn, white bread, white rice, candy, sodas, chips, and anything else that you already know you shouldn’t be eating.
4. Drink clean water as your beverage of choice. Avoid Fruit drinks and fruit juices (unless YOU juice them yourself)
5. Stop smoking, drinking beer & wine, and drinking coffee.
6. Get 8 hours of sleep each night.
7. Hang out with people who want to be healthy.
8. Avoid anything with High Fructose Corn Syrup.

Tone up the muscles:

1. Join a gym and get a trainer.
2. If you’re short on cash, start a light stretching & yoga regimen.
3. Do push-ups, and light dumbbell curls for the upper body.
4. As I said above, walk, run, swim, and or bike
5. Take an aerobics class, a yoga class, or some other fitness class.
6. Join the local YMCA..

Mental Health:

1. Get a friend to talk to each day about your feelings.
2. If you have some money or insurance, get a counselor to talk to.
3. Learn how to meditate.
4. Join a support group for the issue you’re dealing with.
5. Ask your Higher Self (or God) for guidance.
6. Start keeping a diary or journal about your feelings & thoughts.
7. Write a ‘gratitude’ list every night.
8. Do something that makes you happy each day like: listen to your favorite music, draw, paint, write, or anything creative.
9. Do something for someone else who needs help.

Answer 7

Dear Brandi,

You need to isolate the three greatest stressors in your life, and deal with them. No doubt, your boyfriend heads the top of your list, others may be financial burdens, or over commitment, e.g., work and school.

Codependents, are always taking care of everyone else, and all too often, nobody takes care of them. Please, put your self first, and cut loose people, and things causing your pain. You really need a break from it all. You deserve it !

Larry