Do you deal with anxiety?

[Ronni]

My doctor directed me to this as a very simplistic visual guide to anxiety. I have dealt with anxiety issues all my adult life. When it was really bad (when son #2 had nosedived into his addiction issues for example) it got SO bad that I was prescribed anti-anxiety meds because I wasn't able to keep the panic attacks and triggers under control and it was affecting my work.

Other than that though, I just deal with it. It was only in the last few years, before my son began his recovery, that I realized that I am one of those people for whom anxiety is an almost chronic state, though obviously it waxes and wanes. There doesn't need to be a disaster in my life in order for me to feel anxious. I am not a laid-back sort, apparently.

What about you?

 

[RadishRose]

I take a pill. Works every time.

 

[ClassicRockr]

I'd say, the only anxiety I'd ever encountered was wanting to meet "Mrs. Right" and marry again. I bought, and read, a book by Dr. David Viscott, a Physiatrist, called Risking. Read it cover-to-cover. Very interesting and applied some of his recommendations. BINGO...…..met and married my wife.

 

[CeeCee]

Yep! It comes and goes but I had a very bad time this last year. I do have the meds that work wonders and was even seeing a therapist.

my anxiety is usually health triggered so I have to avoid dr Google. Even a post on here about someone having something can set me off.

I can’t eat when I’m like this and I lost a few lbs this last time. I’m gaining them back now

Living alone is also part of it for me, my worst fear is I’ll have something happen and nobody will know for a day at least

Joining Curves when I did was a miracle for me and that’s when I started feeling better.

Still get it sometimes but it’s not as bad as before and doesn’t last long.

 

[IKE]

I take a pill. Works every time.

I borrow a few of RR's pills.

 

[Chucktin]

Anxiety is a part (a result?) of our western "blame" culture. Everybody experiences it to one extent or another. When it begins to rule your life (sometimes by choice) it can become a big problem. The coping mechanism is there - talk, it's just not identified properly.

 

[CeeCee]

Anxiety is a part (a result?) of our western "blame" culture. Everybody experiences it to one extent or another. When it begins to rule your life (sometimes by choice) it can become a big problem. The coping mechanism is there - talk, it's just not identified properly.

What do you mean by “blame” culture. Yes, everybody is anxious at times but there is a difference between that and a full blown panic attack.

Unless you’ve had one, you won’t understand. I didn’t until I had my first one that landed me in ER because I hyperventilated.

That was when my husband was diagnosed with colon cancer....don’t know if that caused it or it was other things but that’s when I had my first one.

 

[Chucktin]

Chill. I didn't say I never experienced anxiety nor that anyone else was lesser for it. Those are all _your_ conclusions.
Guess I'd better not monitor this string.

 

[CeeCee]

Chill. I didn't say I never experienced anxiety nor that anyone else was lesser for it. Those are all _your_ conclusions.
Guess I'd better not monitor this string.

I don’t need to chill, I’m fine...just don’t understand what you mean by “blame” culture.

 

[Falcon]

I never panic. If something comes up I deal with it the best way I can and keep on going.
Real grown-ups handle it better.

 

[CeeCee]

I never panic. If something comes up I deal with it the best way I can and keep on going.
Real grown-ups handle it better.

Panicking and a panic attack are different in my opinion.

And with that...I’m out of this thread. Either you understand or you don’t and I’m not going to debate it.

 

[Ronni]

I never panic. If something comes up I deal with it the best way I can and keep on going.
Real grown-ups handle it better.

I am extremely able in a crisis. Level headed and I take charge if no one else is, and just deal with it.

You're minimizing a very real condition that a few of us deal with, ridiculing the issue with your statement about "real grown ups." It's inappropriate and insulting.

 

[Falcon]

Good choice !

 

[Ronni]

Good choice !

What's a good choice? What on earth are you talking about?

 

[Falcon]

I am extremely able in a crisis. Level headed and I take charge if no one else is, and just deal with it.

You're minimizing a very real condition that a few of us deal with, ridiculing the issue with your statement about "real grown ups." It's inappropriate and insulting.

"IF the shoe fits, WEAR IT !

 

[ClassicRockr]

Now, now folks, let's all calm down. Perhaps Falcon used the wrong words by what he said, but that is how he felt. Just another case of someone getting offended and perhaps shouldn't be. Many of us think anxiety can be treated in different ways. There are those that are TOUGH and handle depression and/or anxiety better than others. For me, all it took was reading a book. No medications or paying for therapy.

 

[Ronni]

"IF the shoe fits, WEAR IT !

Now you're just obfuscating.

Being able in a crisis has nothing to do with having anxiety. You clearly have no understanding of the psychology of each. Disengaging from you now, so that I can talk about the actual issue.

___________

When I feel anxiety creeping up on me, I have a variety of techniques that I use to deal with the problem. See, the thing with me is that when I get anxious, I'm just sort of in my head too much. Those racing thoughts, overthinking everything, worrying about stuff, it's all internal and I get so caught up in the thoughts that ricochet through my brain that I lose touch a bit with my environment.

So when I realize I'm in that vicious cycle I consciously disengage my brain from all that internal noise and redirect my attention to external things, and actively focus on those, staying mindful and in the moment with whatever it is. I'll take a walk, really noticing my surroundings. Or play some goofy game with the grandkids. Or go dance. Or paint. Sometimes playing a game on my phone will do the trick...anything that stops the obsessive thinking and redirects me to other things.

Do any of you who deal with this issue have strategies to share?

 

[Ronni]

Now, now folks, let's all calm down. Perhaps Falcon used the wrong words by what they said, but that is how they felt. Just another case of someone getting offended and perhaps shouldn't be. Many of us think anxiety can be treated in different ways. There are those that are TOUGH and handle depression and/or anxiety better than others. For me, all it took was reading a book. No medications or paying for therapy.

Are you serious right now???? You're just adding to the problem, insinuating that those of us who struggle with anxiety are weak. Good Lord, it has nothing to do with one's depth or strength of character or tenacity or dealing with crises or any of that!

Good for you that you read a book and you're now cured. You were obviously not suffering from chronic anxiety if that was all it took for you. For some of us, it's not that simple.

 

[ClassicRockr]

Actually, currently, I do have some anxiety...….it's called, can't wait to move from here!! How am I handling that anxiety? Going thru things and heading to either the Goodwill or Salvation Army to donate, packing things for the move. IOW, just getting ready, while wife is at work.

 

[CeeCee]

Since my big trigger is anything health related and that’s my only trigger, when I get in that mode every little new lump or bump is cancer. That’s just one example...then my stomach gets a knot in it, I get diarrhea and start to lose weight.

Going to Curves helped me not focus on myself so for me what works best is getting out of the house and I’m doing fine now.

in fact going to Curves now so see you later.

 

[ClassicRockr]

Are you serious right now???? You're just adding to the problem, insinuating that those of us who struggle with anxiety are weak. Good Lord, it has nothing to do with one's depth or strength of character or tenacity or dealing with crises or any of that!

Good for you that you read a book and you're now cured. You were obviously not suffering from chronic anxiety if that was all it took for you. For some of us, it's not that simple.

Anyway, Ronni, have to totally agree with you...…...I wrote the wrong thing! Just read an online article about anxiety and it totally verifies what you just told me. So, I'm VERY SORRY for making a comment before checking out something.

 

[RadishRose]

That's better, CR. Good post.

 

[Keesha]

I am extremely able in a crisis. Level headed and I take charge if no one else is, and just deal with it.

You're minimizing a very real condition that a few of us deal with, ridiculing the issue with your statement about "real grown ups." It's inappropriate and insulting.

I agree. Some people are predisposed to anxiety and panic and I can certainly relate to what you are writing about Ronni.
From what I’ve read about your life experiences, it doesn’t surprise me that you have somewhat of an anxious personality. You’ve experienced repeated trauma which changes how the mind works. Not everyone reacts to stress the same and to claim that being a proper grown up means you can handle everything tossed your way is unrealistic as well as unfair.
P.T.S.D., permanently changes normal brain patterns and some people are more susceptible than others. To suggest to ‘suck it up buttercup’ is a tad insensitive.

On saying that I think men often do suck it up but unfortunately it often later comes out as violent aggression but that’s more acceptable for their gender than it is for women.

I used to take meds prescribed by doctors but the side effects were often worse than the anxiety so I switched to medicating myself with cannabis. It’s not perfect but it beats the heck out of prescription meds in my instance.

There are other herbs that are relaxing like camomile , valerian extract and magnesium is also very soothing. Sometimes if I’m really stressed I take a long soothing hot bath with Epsom Salts. They are loaded with magnesium and help relieve tense muscles as well as sooth wound up nerves.

Good luck either way Ronni. You are alone in this.

 

[Tommy]

I've had to deal with anxiety in the past, particularly on my teens and early 20s. As I've aged, I've learned to rely more and more on my Christian faith. Obviously, when issues arise I try my best to address them, but I also know that in every situation my Lord and Savior is in control, loves me, and has a plan for me. There's great peace in that.

I know there are those here who find any discussion of religion threatening. Please bear with me - I'm not trying to "convert" anyone. Just responding truthfully to the OP's question.

 

[Keesha]

Actually, currently, I do have some anxiety...….it's called, can't wait to move from here!! How am I handling that anxiety? Going thru things and heading to either the Goodwill or Salvation Army to donate, packing things for the move. IOW, just getting ready, while wife is at work.

That’s not anxiety. That’s impatience. There’s a difference.