How do YOU cope with Anxiety?

I'm a anxious guy. I suffer. Every now and then I get panic attacks. Constantly, I feel obsessed with my past. I went through a bit of post tramautic stress disorder. I'm an anxious guy.

I have to cope with anxiety everyday. We need to discuss strategies to cope. Right now, my major coping mechanism is alcohol. It's not healthy.

I also have my dog. He keeps me sane. How do you cope with your anxiety issues?

Alcohol and a good dog are good starting point. Throw in some crazy loose women and good food and you should be alright.
Works for me. I also find a creative outlet, I lean towards making music and painting to help.

I have my own unhealthy coping mechanisms. I had to leave school before graduating because of anxiety and depression. I've spent almost a year focusing on therapy and medication to get back on my feet and I'm just not there. It's a struggle every day. My dog keeps me going by needing me so much. I get through panic attacks when she is there but to be honest I'd rather be drinking too.
Mostly I keep to myself. I avoid interacting with other people as much as possible. I know it's pathetic so it's depresing, too, but that's how I live.
But every day, I'm an anxious person, too.I also suffer. Panic attacks and my past make every day a struggle, but life goes on anyway and every day is a new chance.

Don't forget that and just do your best

-Kit.

I have never had a panic attack, but do have some anxiety and worry terribly over things. I am on a medication that helps take the edge off. I take one day at a time. There are diversions that help like reading and losing yourself in a good book or maybe a good movie, spending quality time with family and friends. Breath deep! Take deep calming breaths. You need a good support system, like having someone who you can talk to and get things off your chest. Keeping things inside only makes things worse.

Meditation works wonders for anxiety. Exercise helps too. Try meditation, and don't give up after a week or two. It takes practice, but is so worth it!

The only place for answers is inside your own mind and you CAN control it. Not easy, takes a lot of work, but it is doable.

a reply to: ChefSlug

Go out in nature, simply to be out there without reason or agenda. Usually anxiety comes from having too much agenda and its quite limiting. Give yourself breathing space, just a day out somewhere quiet could be all you need.

a reply to: ChefSlug

Lorazapam, Cuervo Gold, midget porn, 420 and prayer.....just being silly, sort of.

Sometimes a brisk bike ride in the mountains or a hike in the desert or a swim in the river or a walk down 3rd street where there are lots of homeless and junkies. I know it's sick but I'm always comforted by knowing that I'm doing real well compared to some of those poor souls out there.

And work...I love my profession, the people I'm involved with and satisfaction of a job well done.

And ATS...getting a few stars and Flags or an attaboy; just puts a smile on my face and a song in my heart!! Here's a star and flag; I hope it works as well for you as it does for me!!!

Good Luck amigo and vaya con dios!

True, getting out in nature helps. Maybe take some walks and if you can, grab a friend to come along with you it's even better. Someone mentioned a creative outlet which also helps if you're feeling up to it. I love making jewelry and doing all kinds of crafts. I put the items aside for people's birthdays or Christmas or just give them something for the heck of it.

a reply to: ChefSlug

alcohol for me. I'm fine for most things, except when it comes to talking to people or being in public for too long. Then randomly I get very bad anxiety. I almost faint.

Havn't had a drink in 2 weeks. Also havn't gone anywhere except to do job interviews.

It's not anxiety over any particular thing. It's more like I'm afraid of everything.

I don't know, I've always been like this. And even though I am not shy anymore, I'm still anxious.

Basketball used to help a LOT, but I don't play anymore.
good Sex, good Food, and good Beer.. Mmmm that takes it all away. Too bad I have exactly zero of that right now.

I am highly anxious as well. I will start to have panic attacks from negative cynical thoughts. In extreme cases my heart rate sky rockets and throat closes up a bit, which makes it worse. Sometimes I feel anxious for no reason though, I believe this may be a consequence of being inactive. Therefore there is a build up of Bioenergetics (natural energy in the body). Moving around, taking a walk, or doing exercise can make a worlds difference when trying to get rid of anxiety. Its important to channel your energy in a positive direction. In a sense the body is the mind and vice versa. Also your diet influences the way your body thinks and handles anxiety. Eating unhealthy food puts a lot of stress on the body. So eating healthy is something that also helps me.

I'm still learning how. I've always been pretty anxious. I've gotten panic attacks since I was 7. For some reason, raising my arms and crossing them behind my head seems to help when that happens.

Also, it's been really difficult lately because I think I might have a bit of PTSD (at the very least, i'm still recovering) after seeing some weird stuff a couple years back. Having a hard time stopping thinking about such things.

I think I think too much and that's my problem. I guess I just live with it and know it's a side effect of being too smart for my own good. I would like to learn how to make it go away, though, but meds like lorazepam are only band-aids and I'm not keen on getting on a benzo when I already take a potent stimulant (amphetamines for adhd--which also don't help with my anxiety lol).

I tend to self-medicate with devil's lettuce as well, but again, sometimes that only serves to increase my anxiety.

I'm young--23. I just hope it gets better as I get older. It got worse around age 21 ish.

a reply to: rukia

I think I think too much and that's my problem.

Me too. I start thinking and worrying about people and things in my life. It seems every time I'm starting to deal well with something, Wham, something bad happens! Again!

Try eating potatoes three times a week in the evenings.

six boiled asparagus spears three times a week with supper might work also.

a reply to: ChefSlug

I feel for you man i really do . Panic attacks are something that every doctor should experience , if they did i am sure they would have a lot more empathy for people that experience them . Perhaps then it would be more than , here is some Xanax come and see me when you run out . Alcohol is not the answer long term , sure its fine to drink till you pass out once or twice but eventually this cure is worse than the disease . Believe me i know . I found that if i felt a panic attack coming on , if i changed what i was doing at the very first sign sometimes it would go away . Go for a walk , it doesn't need to be long . Build models ships , practice your putting until you get 20 out of 20 . One thing a psychologist told me was to block one nostril and breath through your nose . This reduces oxygen intake nullifying one of the possible triggers . Last but by no means least . A room with no distractions . Move your finger (preferably someone else ) from side to side at the edge of your peripheral vision and follow it with your eyes . Do this for a couple of minutes , but concentrate on the finger .

Best of luck chef . Its a battle you can win .

With the eyes thing , only move your eyes not your head . Finger about 1-2 feet away , and a blank wall behind helps .

a reply to: rickymouse

That's interesting. I see the connection with potatoes as carbs always make me feel better. LOL But asparagus? I like asparagus but don't eat it often.

I remember when I was on a diet and very disciplined and eating healthy, but I still had anxiety/depression.

I often find that people who are sensitive suffer more from anxiety/depression. Also people who have either been through traumatic events or been through too many bad things happening for too long.

I can find some joy and happiness and laughter in my life, but I still struggle with anxiety/depression. Having a sense of humor helps. I have family and friends and a creative outlet which helps.

I have a very close friend who struggles a lot with anxiety and depression and yet we always make each other laugh and feel better. We inspire each other and understand each other. He is one of the most amazing people I have ever known. He is sweet, thoughtful, compassionate, intelligent, humorous...has wonderful attributes. A lot of people think that those who have anxiety and depression always walk around all doom and gloom and that isn't the case. Well, not always anyway.

a reply to: ChefSlug

Do spend as much time with your dog as you can; there's proven science around it.

Aside from that; meditate, stretch, and work out.

Working out releases endorphins that will counter your anxiety on a long term.

Meditation will teach you strong physiological control, and in situations where your anxiety peaks, you will be able to literally control your bodies reaction. Slow your heart rate, control your breathing, etcetera.

Stretching will allow in general improve blood flow and distribution throughout your body; which will allow for easier processing as a whole - the increase in heart rate due to an anxiety attack will be less drastic, because the necessity for the body to reach that point of anxiety will be much lower. The strain on your body from the anxiety will be less.

In my opinion, I feel that alcohol and drugs - depending on intensity - are coping mechanisms; which you claim to be seeking - but in all reality, there is guaranteed to be a deeper reason why you have anxiety issues. If it is chemical, you can learn to react to it naturally - or you can resort to chemical intake in whatever variety you decide is 'acceptable'. Many people smoke weed, many people drink, many people take loads of pills... I suggest that you try to avoid them all if you are trying to 'cure' your anxiety. You can always subdue it and make it go away with chemical introduction; but it's not a cure. You have to find the reason for your anxiety and learn to cope with it mentally, and physiologically. You won't be able to evaluate the mental reason for the anxiety without having control of your physiological condition. If you're 'freaking out' because of a situation - you're not thinking about why you're freaking out; which is what you should address if you want a permanent cure.

Hope it all helps; I've dealt with anxiety since a young age myself - and have grandparents that basically drank themselves to death because of a chemical imbalance that you cannot change without years of fixing it yourself; which doesn't involve drinking it away. My suggestion - is to learn to balance your anxiety on your own, and with any luck, the genetic imbalance will not pass to your next generation as strongly.

a reply to: ChefSlug

Im more of a cat person, but animals definately do help. Ive struggled with manic depression and anxiety in the past, but just in recent years have I been able remain stable. I tried medication, and that made things worse. The only thing that really works for me is consistent study and application of the Bible. It keeps your mind busy, and learning to rest your faith in God allows you to relax.

The first step is faith in Christ. Then you have to understand that thought disorders are merely a disorganization of the mind. Learn to segregate your logic from your emotions. Your emotions are designed to be an indicator (pain indicates injury, guilt indicates wrong decision, happiness indicates stability, etc.)...but it is your logical mind that must make decision. Never let your emotions make decisions for you. That will lead to a downward spiral.

I wish I knew, SA with panic attacks along with general anxiety has gotten the better of my life. I'm happy but I'm not where I feel I should be. I don't self medicate but am prescribed atavan for attacks but it only takes the about to faint feeling away if I take an hour before I know I have to talk in front of people. Doesn't help if I'm put on the spot. I don't recommend anti-depressants unless you know for absolute sure you are depressed. I did go through a couple of major episodes but I think those were life induced, not chemical imbalance.

I think hallucinogenics will be the treatment of the future, if governments would pull their thumbs out of their asses.

I think this whole anxiety thing is a major issue. Humans are smarter than ever, even if the illusion may appear we are all sheep. With all of the human race operating on a higher frequency, our anxiety is skyrocketing. You may think it is due to your normal day problems, but thats not all. Anxiety is caused amongst conspiracy theorists, because we see so much happening in the world, but cant do anything. We know something isnt right. We know we are being lied to. But cant do squat. It gives me anxiety. It gives me anxiety on how i cant talk to anyone about conspiracys without being judged. Anxiety levels will only explode as more truth is revealed.

I'm a cat person too but can't afford one right now with vet bills and all. Plus if I have to move, most places don't allow cats and dogs. I do have a turtle, some fish and a rat though and they never fail to make me smile.