Decreased Anxiety?

n2thenight24 · November 2012

So, I am unfortunately prone to Panic Attacks. Also I have bad anxiety on occasion, enough that I sought out a doctors help and got a prescription. Not something I take every day though, and something non narcotic. I don't really like putting things into my body, but I was desperate. So, the other day I was in my medicine cabinet, and I realized that I hadn't had to take a pill for probably two weeks? Is this related to working out? Can diet and exercise help things like that? If I ever stop dieting will the anxiety come back? Thanks for looking!!

Priincess_Natalie · November 2012

Yes. Diet and exercise CAN and DO help. I had horrible anxiety and depression. I started working out for different reasons and immediately noticed the effects it had on my anxiety and later my depression. Over a year later and I am still improving and tell I'm better off now that I was even 6 months ago. Stay the course and reap the rewards :bigsmile:

Priincess_Natalie · November 2012

I do think if you stop working out and/or revert your eating style back to the way it was it can return.

starryk · November 2012

About 5 years ago I went through huge amounts of anxiety and panic attacks. The doctors prescribed something to help - but me also, I am not interested in taking drugs; at one point it got so bad that i wasn't sleeping and I felt like a zombie; I went back to the doctor - she told me if I didn't get it under control she would have to take my drivers licence. That scared the crap out of me... so the next day, I joined the gym and for 2 years I was able to get it under control and pretty much keep it there. My gyme went bankrupt in May.. but me being me.. thought.. ok... this week, I'm off to visit a few gyms to make the decision of which one - absolutely I believe its directly relative.

cgirlygirl · November 2012

I am NO expert...I can tell you that.

BUT what I can tell you is this--when I am good about working out--which I was until a few weeks ago--I noticed A LOT less anxiety and a much more perky demeanor than when I am not working out (now). I have a pretty high anxiety level as well so I know how overwhelming that feeling can be. There must be something about the endorphins from working out that makes it much better

TavistockToad · November 2012

I do think if you stop working out and/or revert your eating style back to the way it was it can return.

that is why you should be making lifestyle changes and not 'going on a diet'

mightyminerva · November 2012

I believe that physical activity and overall health do affect anxiety and depression! I've been happier, have slept better, and have more energy since I started working out almost every day. If those things are helped by exercise, then logic dictates that stopping will lead to the anxiety symptoms returning. Diet and exercise are like those pills; it's a way of treating anxiety, and so it's a constant thing.

Good luck, and I'm so happy for you about your improvement in health!

starcatcher1975 · November 2012

I'm not sure about the dieting part but *I* think that exercising might have something to do with it. It releases all those "feel good" hormones and helps you be able to deal with stress better. I'm not a doctor, I don't even play on on TV. It's just my humble opinion

n2thenight24 · November 2012

Thank You! I knew it wasn't just a coincidence! I've never had anxiety, but I've also never been overweight, until now that is; and looking back, the weight gain and the anxiety kind of came hand in hand, I don't know which one caused which one, but I don't care, as long as both are gone, I'm a happy camper!!!!

Debbe2 · November 2012

Absolutely! Glad that you're noticing a difference. Also as the body reduces stored fat levels you may notice additional changes in mood. It's a wonderful change!

n2thenight24 · November 2012

I do think if you stop working out and/or revert your eating style back to the way it was it can return.

that is why you should be making lifestyle changes and not 'going on a diet'

Thank You! I do need to keep reminding myself that this isn't a diet, it's a lifestyle change. That's what I call it in my head for some reason, I know I need to change it

Heather_Rider · November 2012

I have suffered from anxiety and depression since the time i was 13 years old. I am now 35 years old. I suffer from extreme social anxiety, meaning basicially, (this is rather embarassing as I dont share this with lots of people i dont know...

I dont leave my home.

Well, I didnt.

Three months ago, i started exercising. Dieting may help, but i beleive its the exercise that *truly* helps. But anyway, i started exercising.. Well, One day, i was busy in my house as usual, carrying on about my daily life.. inside.. as i usually did.. as YOU usually would.. and i realized my husbands lunch box was in his truck.. so i went out to get it.

Later that afternoon, my husband went to get his lunchbox out of his truck and it wasnt there.. Not even thinking.. i told him.. "oh, i got it!" and he about hit the floor....

It both hit us. I didnt need a days worth of medication and pills and planning to simply get a lunch box out of his truck. -- yes, its that bad.

Now, while i still need medication daily, im able to do things like grocery shop, visit my parents and simply make runs to the store without massive anxiety attacks and planning!

I will never be healed, but my panic attacks are fewer and farther in between.. which is a HUGE plus, even though my anxiety is still there, im able to cope better.

I hope this helps you. Id much rather become addicted to exercise than pills. LOL!

Edited to say that while i have had anxiety all my life, i wasnt over weight until about 10 years ago, when i suffered 2 strokes and became nearly bed-ridden. Which made my anxiety worse, no doubt!

n2thenight24 · November 2012

I have suffered from anxiety and depression since the time i was 13 years old. I am now 35 years old. I suffer from extreme social anxiety, meaning basicially, (this is rather embarassing as I dont share this with lots of people i dont know...

I dont leave my home.

Well, I didnt.

Three months ago, i started exercising. Dieting may help, but i beleive its the exercise that *truly* helps. But anyway, i started exercising.. Well, One day, i was busy in my house as usual, carrying on about my daily life.. inside.. as i usually did.. as YOU usually would.. and i realized my husbands lunch box was in his truck.. so i went out to get it.

Later that afternoon, my husband went to get his lunchbox out of his truck and it wasnt there.. Not even thinking.. i told him.. "oh, i got it!" and he about hit the floor....

It both hit us. I didnt need a days worth of medication and pills and planning to simply get a lunch box out of his truck. -- yes, its that bad.

Now, while i still need medication daily, im able to do things like grocery shop, visit my parents and simply make runs to the store without massive anxiety attacks and planning!

I will never be healed, but my panic attacks are fewer and farther in between.. which is a HUGE plus, even though my anxiety is still there, im able to cope better.

I hope this helps you. Id much rather become addicted to exercise than pills. LOL!

That is an amazing story!! That is where I was afraid I was heading, my anxiety got much worse when I left the house, if i went to the grocery store and there were too many people there, I would abandon my cart and leave. I also was very panicky while driving my car. I'm so glad I've found a way to make it better without having to take these pills every day, and I'm so glad it's working for you as well!

Heather_Rider · November 2012

I have suffered from anxiety and depression since the time i was 13 years old. I am now 35 years old. I suffer from extreme social anxiety, meaning basicially, (this is rather embarassing as I dont share this with lots of people i dont know...

I dont leave my home.

Well, I didnt.

Three months ago, i started exercising. Dieting may help, but i beleive its the exercise that *truly* helps. But anyway, i started exercising.. Well, One day, i was busy in my house as usual, carrying on about my daily life.. inside.. as i usually did.. as YOU usually would.. and i realized my husbands lunch box was in his truck.. so i went out to get it.

Later that afternoon, my husband went to get his lunchbox out of his truck and it wasnt there.. Not even thinking.. i told him.. "oh, i got it!" and he about hit the floor....

It both hit us. I didnt need a days worth of medication and pills and planning to simply get a lunch box out of his truck. -- yes, its that bad.

Now, while i still need medication daily, im able to do things like grocery shop, visit my parents and simply make runs to the store without massive anxiety attacks and planning!

I will never be healed, but my panic attacks are fewer and farther in between.. which is a HUGE plus, even though my anxiety is still there, im able to cope better.

I hope this helps you. Id much rather become addicted to exercise than pills. LOL!

That is an amazing story!! That is where I was afraid I was heading, my anxiety got much worse when I left the house, if i went to the grocery store and there were too many people there, I would abandon my cart and leave. I also was very panicky while driving my car. I'm so glad I've found a way to make it better without having to take these pills every day, and I'm so glad it's working for you as well!

Oh the times i have ditched my cart... lol

I stopped driving too! But, im back to doing both and it feels empowering! But.. i have to do them alone! When someone goes with me, i cant concentrate, and it really bothers me.

Something that helped me.. focusing. For me, when i felt it coming on.. i closed my eyes, and didnt just "say" my ABC's but as i said them.. i "drew" them in my head. I focused VERY hard on how you would draw or write EACH and every letter. By the time you finish the letters in capital, if you arent calm, go to lower case & repeat the process. You can only truly focus on one thing at a time. If you feel yourself wandering off & thinking other things.. start over. FORCE yourself to focus. Go into a bathroom if you need to, or go back to your car. Once you complete this, you should be calm. Now, i have it down to the letter H or J and i can go on.. it will get less and less and your body will automatically calm itself. I had a friend tell me about this, and it DOES work, but you have to force yourself to think about it. You cant just spew the ABCs & think it will pass.. lol.

Good luck!!

Jesmoko · November 2012

There is a fairly clear correlation between exercise and decreased stress levels. Your body releases endorphins, which is like natures own morphine (thus the name) whenever you exercise, have an orgasm, are in love, etc. Also your self confidence tends to rise when you're happy with how you look, which naturally makes you more comfortable in social situations.

MoonGypsyQ67 · November 2012

Most of what I would say has been posted above so I will only add this: Do not get freaked out or discouraged if you get a panic attack from time to time even though you have made these great and long lasting changes. Every now and then I will still feel one creeping up on me and I just have to calmly talk myself down and remind myself that it will pass. I am so happy to hear that the exercise and healthier food choices are helping. I really do think they make a BIG difference in your physical AND mental health.

Decreased Anxiety?

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