Anxiety Disorders Anyone?
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Panic disorder for me. Diagnosed a couple years ago when I was partying like a rock star everyday. Not drinking really has helped my anxiety. Yoga helped me a lot a well. Just finding a healthy balance between stress, life and eating healthy has knocked my panic attacks down to 1 every 6-12 months. Really fascinating for me. Also, I went to see a therapist for awhile as anxiety and depression tend to go hand in hand. The only drug I ever took and occasionally take is Ativan.0
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I had this for many years and it is the worse thing that someone can have. And I still battle it every now and then. I will tell you something that works for me. It is usually brought about from outside stress. Stress can last in your body a long time after you are already out of the ordeal. As soon as you start feeling that little flutter in your stomache of fear, just start talking to yourself and saying you will not feel this way. You are strong and you dont need this feeling. I did this for many years and it goes away but you have to be on top of it and push it out. Also I had my thyroid checked and was very unbalanced, so ASAP go to a doctor and make sure your hormones etc are balanced. I wish you luck. Also Yoga and meditation is very good. But remember hun, mind over matter. Our minds can do some serious things to us. You can make yourself sick. Also Attacking Anxiety by Lucinda Bassett helped me alot.0
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I have had anxiety and panic attacks for the last 6 years and what helped me a lot was a free website called panicend.com.
Its a site that explains what is going on in your mind and body and they have a message board like this so you can get help and advice from other people that have gone through what you are now going through.0 -
I was diagnosed with Generalized Anxiety Disorder several years ago. I took Celexa for a while and I think that it helped with the anxiety but it had some side effects that I just couldn't deal with. I have found that working out daily or at least every other days helps me to control my anxiety without medication a lot. Anxiety is primarily caused by a chemical in the brain called cortisol, which is released during exercise, especially cardio.0
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I also bought and read a great book... At last a lifetime stress and anxiety free. Once I understood the symptoms of anxiety were just anxiety (I'd convinced myself that I was dying or something I felt so bad). And learnt techniques from the book I felt muh better.
The fear had gone and I could tell myself its just anxiety. It got where I could cope with the symptoms and let the wash Iver me mostly rather than let them make me worst, it's not always perfect and sometimes it gets the better of me, but that book really, really did help me.
Things keep popping in my head... Hence multiple posts.
I'm also much better when I'm in control of my eating and life in general. This can be hard sometimes, but I make a point of trying to be in control of things now like my finances and the people I surround myself with.
Hope that helps... Definitely get the book!
Zara x0 -
I think I may have an anxiety disorder. I know to get this properly diagnosed I will need to see a doctor, but in the meantime I'm wondering if anyone who has dealt with anxiety might have some feedback or advice on how to handle the constant worrying and apprehension?
Basically, I have a constant feeling of unease, like a general apprehension all day, everyday, and I cannot figure out WHAT I am anxious about. It fluctuates during the day and I can be fine one minute, then suddenly so overcome with a feeling of dread that I have to stop what I'm doing and make myself calm down. The thing is, I always start racking my brain trying to figure out what I am worrying about, and I always think if I figure out the cause, the worry will go away, but it never does.
So then, when I have something specifically causing me to stress, the feelings are amplified, until whenever that cause of worry is gone or over, but the feeling doesn't really go away, it just lessens a bit.
For a little while I thought I might be depressed, but it didn't seem right because generally I am happy, with an undercurrent of constant apprehension... if that makes any sense?
I should maybe add, my grandfather was a constant worrier, and my mom now is too, she's pretty extreme, like if you don't answer the phone she thinks you have died. I don't want to get that bad... but I am starting to notice it getting worse...like if say I text my friend, and she doesn't answer right away, I assume she's mad at me, even though I know I haven't done anything, and the fear is completely unbased. Or when I'm trying to get to sleep, I start obsessing over everything I haven't done yet in life, and start getting so scared and upset that I'm not on the right track and I'm running out of time... like, I'm not even 30, I shouldn't be so scared about my life and that I don't have everything figured out yet....
Anyway, I will make an appointment to see a professional, but I am just wondering if anyone has any advice on how to handle the anxiety? I don't want to go on meds, but if I have to I will.... I don't think it's to that point yet, most days....
Sounds like general anxiety disorder, which can run in families. Basically, general anxiety disorder causes you anxiety in general (hence the name
). Your mind then finds things to do with that anxiety - like obsessing that you're running out of time, or wondering why your friend doesn't answer right away. I have an anxiety disorder with some of these same symptoms, so I understand.
Definitely go get checked out, preferably by a therapist and not a general practitioner, because a lot of GPs don't really know much about anxiety and depression. The most they will do is give you a pill, which may or may not be what you need. Therapists can give you techniques to help you control your anxiety, as well as pointing you to someone who will put you on the medicine you need, if you need any. Also, make sure you exercise, eat healthy, try to get enough sleep (I know it's hard with your thoughts racing like that) and cut out the caffeine. All of these things can help with the symptoms you're feeling.
Good luck! If you're looking for more friends, feel free to add me0 -
I have panic attacks stemming from an anxiety disorder and depression. Its an interesting topic, it truly is a war in your own consciousness. I have taken several different approaches to conquering my anxiety, all of them successful for several months. I have tried cutting gluten and soy from my diet completely. When I did this, I did not have any anxiety, except for the not so severe stress of every day life and school, from a period of about May to August. I was also working out using p90x. The combination of diet and exercise for me solved my issues... I am about to start this process again.
I have also been prescribed a various concoction of drugs for my condition, klonopin, topamax, and a few different antidepressants to name a few of them. All of them just make you feel "different" but not anywhere close to the state that I would consider normal and comfortable. I found that when I stared the condition head on and vowed to change unhealthy behaviors no matter the personal cost of pain (i.e. actually exercising, actually cutting out all gluten and soy, getting out of relationships that were going south anyway, cutting out all alcohol and weed (I am in college)) that I found a feeling of calm and peace.
I have had the luxury of being able to change my environment (I am a 21 year old college kid) unlike some who do not have the same means.
I do believe there is hope in all of this. Keep your head high and never settle.0 -
^^ This...Also until you get a doc and meds to help...learn to do breathing excersices..reading to get your mind off is good ...there are so many things you can do. I also agree with the post about thinking it through...can you change it..what can you do to relax and take your mind off of it...I used to be afraid of everything..and the anxiety was horrible. Before meds I taught myself to breathe..to focus on changing what I was thinking about and when that didnt work I used knowledge to beat things...I researched things that I worried about and then I knew what fears where just in me ...and what things were real. I really couldnt overcome things on my own..I tried for years and yes I made life somewhat better but meds from the doctor are what finally helped get me more on track. Now I am off some meds and I am fine for the most part and I just have a med for when a panic attack or anxiety flare happens..which isnt to often. I only take that med when I start feeling that crazy edge start. I do find that night time is a more anxious time for me...and thats when my mind wont calm when these attacks happen. Like I said though...its rare now like once in a couple weeks or so ....when it was mostly all day everyday before..and stress kills. I was sick all the time before and the stomach problems from stress are horrible. Hope some of this helps. This is just what worked for me...everyone is different but I definately think you should see a doc and possibly a med counselor for help with this...med counselors at a counseling facility would be best educated for this. Most medical docs arent trained enough in the field and can do basic scripts for anti depressants etc but are not really further educated in this area...most will admit this to you and refer you if they are a good doctor.Diet wont change a chemical imbalance in your brain. I get annoyed when people think it will. Yeah, less caffeine may lessen 'jitters and shaking' but it's not going to cure the problem. See a Dr., dont fear meds, don't take more than prescribed & you'll feel much better. Good luck, you'll do fine. <hugs>
Good luck to you..This is beatable...sorry for rambling on...lol 0 -
I get that too. Cannabis and tobacco help a lot. :smokin:
This is my conundrum...I quit smoking this year (been a smoker for around 15 years) and I loves me some weed...I've been living in Taiwan where drug laws are crazy strict.
To cut a long story short, I'm heading back to England soon and I'm worried that if I start smoking weed again ill get back on the *kitten* too :grumble:0 -
I also suggest that you see someone about this. I have the perspective of both having been a professional in the mental health field and having struggled with depression and anxiety. It can be really crippling! It could also hurt your weight loss efforts, since the stress hormone cortisol encourages your body to hold onto fat.so, here's what you can do on your own
-very little caffeine and none after 6 PM
-less sugar
-breathing exercises when anxious
-get enough sleep, stress is only exacerbated by being exhausted
CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy) is great too. It works on the belief that our thoughts are linked to behavior, and one needs to change for the other to change. I like logic and connections, so I like this approach.0 -
I just posted elsewhere about how I'm struggling today. I had a cup of full strength coffee since I was feeling sluggish, and now I'm a wreck. There is other stuff going on, and I should have known to be extra careful with my diet when I'm already worried about a few things.0
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I had horrible anxiety for years. It's better now, but it still lingers in the background at times. It got so bad that I finally went to the doctor and had xanax prescribed to me. It made a huge difference in my quality of life. However, I knew that I couldn't take it forever and I used it as a tool while I worked toward healthier thinking. I had my last refill in January 2012 and never went back for more.
Here's what helped:
Exercise. Running has freed my mind. My anxiety is much more noticeable when I go several days without working out.
You have to convince yourself that you are the only one in control of your thoughts. You may not be able to change your chemistry or pinpoint an exact problem, but you do have the power to not let it affect you. For me, mediation helps and so does telling myself to STOP when I get anxiety that I can't pinpoint. It sounds silly but it really works! Any time I get that shaky anxious feeling for no reason, I will shout STOP in my head. Sometimes it comes back immediately. I will tell myself to STOP again. Then I will remind myself that I am making myself feel bad for no reason. I am in control of my mind. I want to feel good. I say those things to myself until the worst of it eases.
This is something else I do. In my mind, I will watch leaf fall from a tree and land in a gently flowing river. I will place my negative thoughts or feelings on the leaf and watch it float over a waterfall. You can visualize any scene that is calming to you. It distracts my mind from anxiety and gives me the power to remove those feelings from my mind.It takes some time, but it does work. I eventually trained my mind to quite literally stop the negativity and uneasiness.
Live with the questions. Accept them and thrive from them. There is so much unknown in the world and all we can do is go along for the ride. Remember that you aren't alone. Also remember that there are people just like you who have pulled through it and so can you.0 -
Major anxiety since I was 8 years old here.
I would definitely get checked out by a professional. Xanax is a huge help for me, and I don't have to take it every day, just when I'm having a panic attack. As for non-chemical remedies, everyone says mediation, yoga, ect. but I find laughing is best for me. I always have some comedy shows queued up because the release of serotonin counteracts my anxiety. Best of luck.0 -
Can't believe I forgot to mention exercise. It's a wonderful, all natural, free way to take the edge off.even if you just go for a walk or spend a few minutes on the treadmill, it helps0
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Major anxiety since I was 8 years old here.
I would definitely get checked out by a professional. Xanax is a huge help for me, and I don't have to take it every day, just when I'm having a panic attack. As for non-chemical remedies, everyone says mediation, yoga, ect. but I find laughing is best for me. I always have some comedy shows queued up because the release of serotonin counteracts my anxiety. Best of luck.
100% with you on the comedy! Stupid films make me feel less stressed (American Pie, Legally Blonde etc) :laugh:0 -
There are some changes you can make to your diet and lifestyle that may provide you some benefit.
Cut out as much caffeine, sugar, and processed foods as you are comfortable with.
For example, if you have three cups of coffee a day, try to scale back to two, then one, and then see if you can ditch it for good.
Go for green tea if you really need a boost in your mornings and can't imagine giving up coffee.
Try calming herbal teas like chamomile, valerian, and kava to relax the nervous system.
Try taking supplements - Magnesium, melatonin, valerian, 5htp+, etc.
Magnesium and Melatonin can be found in abundance in a variety of whole foods like bananas, almonds, & green leafy veggies.
Find a calming ritual that works for you - meditation, yoga, journaling, reading, going for a walk, taking a bath, etc.
Aromatherapy using essential oils like lavender, sandalwood, and ylang-ylang.
As always, seeing a qualified expert in the matter is best - I've seen a number of Psychologists, Naturopaths, and Physicians over the last few years to tailor a program that works for me. It's a lot of daily upkeep, but it's totally worth it.
This is great advice. I come from a long line of over worried and stressed out women, all of whom have one auto immune disease or another which can be caused or triggered by stress or anxiety. I am the first in my family to be diagnosed with an anxiety disorder though and it's been a long road. I've had anxiety since I was about 5 but didn't actually have it diagnosed or deal with it until I was 20. I was on medication to treat it and depression but after a couple of years i weaned off and have found calming thoughts or activities to replace the meds work just as well for the most part. I'll have an occasional freak out maybe 1-2 times a year but other than that I've learned that meditating is helpful and do it anywhere i need to. Warm tea and books help me. Spending quiet time outdoors by myself and limiting time online, watching the news and participating in political discussions (lol!).0 -
I have PTSD but it's a lot better these days. what helped:
- therapy with someone who knows what they're doing. try to get someone who has experience treating the condition that you have, not just general experience with therapy etc. some, including PTSD, can be made worse by therapists if they don't know what they're doing. It's better to find someone who's trained and experienced in the condition that you have
- very strenuous exercise - this only relieves the symptoms of anxiety, not the cause, but it is really effective at that. In my experience it has to be really strenuous, e.g. weightlifting to failure or very intense cardio. Gentle exercise can help too, but not as much. Better than nothing though. I'll forego rest days for my mental health, if need be.
- good nutrition - the brain needs carbohydrate and fat, and the healthy ones. Lack of healthy fat can make all kinds of mental health problems worse. The brain needs a lot of fat to function. Low blood sugar can make anxiety a lot worse, and some people with anxiety disorders (myself included) experience worsening or reappearence of anxiety symptoms from low carb diets and intermittent fasting. Personally, I don't go there with that, I eat 4-7 smallish meals a day and always eat a decent meal after exercise. Also pay attention to getting enough micronutrients, as deficiencies in some can affect mental health. Fat soluble vitamins especially.
- get enough sunlight and vitamin D. vitamin D seems to have a role in mental health and deficiency can cause depression and anxiety. consider taking a supplement if you can't get enough sunlight for your skin to make adequate vitamin D. You can get some vitamin D from diet, it's in egg yolks, dairy fat and oily fish. get out of the house every day even if it's not for the vitamin D
I have PTSD also. This is all very good advice! I have found that, for me, it does not seem to go away entirely. I am accustomed to dealing with it and accepting that I have to cope with it. But, recently it ended up catching up with me in the form of health related issues from stress. So, I realized I do need to continue to manage it and be aware of it when it is triggered. I have a book: The Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Sourcebook. There may be other books that are better or just as good, but this is the book that I have had and used for a very long time now and it has helped me (some parts of the book are not helpful to me, but I just don't read those parts). I often go back to it for reminders and exercises for reducing the stress. Meditation, deep breathing, relaxation exercises are helpful to me.0 -
Depression, general anxiety disorder and panic attacks for me.
CBT and mindfulness exercises can really help with this. There's even a workbook called Mind Over Mood that you can use yourself at home while looking for a therapist, although I strongly suggest finding a good one.
Make a list of sensory things you find soothing. I don't remember the exact science of it, but feelings like touch/smell/etc don't go through the same part of your brain as thoughts do, so it doesn't get blocked off by panic the way that trying to think positive can. My list includes things like walking barefoot on grass (not so practical at this time of year, lol), the smell of my partner's hair product, and petting my cat. So when feeling anxious I try to experience one of these things, and they help to calm me. Having a stress ball or some playdough to squeeze can also help.
Exercise burns off my anxiety like nothing else, so long as I'm not too anxious to exercise, and the endorphins released by exercising helps me to avoid anxiety and depressed moods in the first place.
I avoid coffee, energy drinks, and don't drink more than a cup of tea or two a day. For me there is a direct correlation between how much caffeine I consume and how anxious I feel. An espresso once pushed me into a full-fledged panic attack, and I had been feeling perfectly fine all day up until then. This may be different for you, but since anxiety and other mental health problems can vary so much from person to person it's a good idea to track your moods and to see if there are any obvious triggers.
I am on two medications. One is a combo antidepressant/anti anxiety medication that I take every day, and it's mostly eliminated my low-grade causeless anxiety. The other is an at-need medication that I take when I have a panic attack, but I haven't needed it for six months now. Oddly enough, I find that having it around and knowing that I have that safety net if I panic really badly helps me to not panic as much, if that makes sense.
Good luck!0 -
^^^ Yeah, I agree with that about caffeine. I also do not respond well to caffeine.0
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Humans. I don't read them well and my own non-verbals scream AWKWARD, which tends to make people nervous, which just makes social situations worse, which makes me more awkward...you get the idea.
Simple solution: I avoid most people most of the time and I'm very happy this way. I am one of those people who is happiest when spending 20+ out of 24 alone. I love the peace and quiet. Although as anyone can see from my forum activity, I'm plenty social online.0 -
Humans. I don't read them well and my own non-verbals scream AWKWARD, which tends to make people nervous, which just makes social situations worse, which makes me more awkward...you get the idea.
Simple solution: I avoid most people most of the time and I'm very happy this way. I am one of those people who is happiest when spending 20+ out of 24 alone. I love the peace and quiet. Although as anyone can see from my forum activity, I'm plenty social online.
Your post got me to thinking. For a long time, I thought something was wrong with me because I prefer to be alone. I would angst over it, as us anxious people tend to do. I'm young and I'm in college. I'm supposed to have tons of friends and enjoy large social gatherings, right? I ran through the exact thing you posted above. I'm weird and it weirds other people out. Not only that, but I really dont WANT to make friends. A wise friend put it this way: Why isn't it ok to just enjoy my solitude? Why do I feel like I have to live up to some perceived societal standard that I need a bunch of friends? He shared this with me. http://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2003/03/caring-for-your-introvert/302696/#0 -
Diet wont change a chemical imbalance in your brain. I get annoyed when people think it will. Yeah, less caffeine may lessen 'jitters and shaking' but it's not going to cure the problem. See a Dr., dont fear meds, don't take more than prescribed & you'll feel much better. Good luck, you'll do fine. <hugs>
I suffer from anxiety as well, and this is true.
Bottom line is that anxiety is chemical imbalance in the brain. I like being by myself in my room most of the time, and I play a lot of video games to decompress when I get home from class/work. I take a low dose of medication, but large groups and crowded places still freak me out. I still consume caffeine, I actually feel far worse if I don't, so that one is kind of a personal preference. Definitely go see a doctor, see about getting started on meds, and maybe try a therapist. We're here for you.0 -
Humans. I don't read them well and my own non-verbals scream AWKWARD, which tends to make people nervous, which just makes social situations worse, which makes me more awkward...you get the idea.
Simple solution: I avoid most people most of the time and I'm very happy this way. I am one of those people who is happiest when spending 20+ out of 24 alone. I love the peace and quiet. Although as anyone can see from my forum activity, I'm plenty social online.
Your post got me to thinking. For a long time, I thought something was wrong with me because I prefer to be alone. I would angst over it, as us anxious people tend to do. I'm young and I'm in college. I'm supposed to have tons of friends and enjoy large social gatherings, right? I ran through the exact thing you posted above. I'm weird and it weirds other people out. Not only that, but I really dont WANT to make friends. A wise friend put it this way: Why isn't it ok to just enjoy my solitude? Why do I feel like I have to live up to some perceived societal standard that I need a bunch of friends? He shared this with me. http://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2003/03/caring-for-your-introvert/302696/#
Thanks for linking that article. It's so completely me. If I had just been left the hell alone when I wanted to be, I never would have developed anxiety (or a deep, implacable hatred) from being around people in the first place.0 -
LOVE thisDiet wont change a chemical imbalance in your brain. I get annoyed when people think it will. Yeah, less caffeine may lessen 'jitters and shaking' but it's not going to cure the problem. See a Dr., dont fear meds, don't take more than prescribed & you'll feel much better. Good luck, you'll do fine. <hugs>0 -
LOVE thisDiet wont change a chemical imbalance in your brain. I get annoyed when people think it will. Yeah, less caffeine may lessen 'jitters and shaking' but it's not going to cure the problem. See a Dr., dont fear meds, don't take more than prescribed & you'll feel much better. Good luck, you'll do fine. <hugs>
Agreed. Diet, exercise, and behavioral changes may very well improve mild symptoms, but will not work for more severe cases. People were suggesting a nice walk and some meditation when I was pretty much suicidal, and I just wanted to scream at them. Sometimes professional help, up to and including mediacation, is needed. However, if someone has more mild symptoms and is reluctant to try medication, some lifestyle changes may be effective. I don't think anyone here is saying that severe anxiety will be magically cured by cutting out a little sugar, just that things like that may be helpful for milder cases.0 -
One thing I will say for being healthier, including getting regular exercise, is that it gives me more energy to deal with my social phobia. I am far more willing to expend some energy now being face to face social than I was when I had zero energy. Not to mention it helps that I feel more confident in my appearance. But no, of course it doesn't solve everything. If it did the gyms would be full and the mental hospitals would be empty.0
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*Raises hand* mainly a health anxiety, my advise is this, see a doctor and get him/her to refer you to a cognitive behavioural therapist. Or read a self cbt book if you feel too anxious to open up to your doctor.
Absolutely this. Cognitive behavioural therapy is very, very helpful in working with anxiety, and can be easily learned. Personally, I do better with someone teaching me than from a book, I really liked having the feedback. It can be hard to get at first.
Meditation can also work. Look for some books by Jon Kabat Zinn, he uses meditation in a strictly medical way. Some hospitals also offer courses on meditation to deal with stress and anxiety.
Good luck. It's hard work, but you can do it.
And for people who prefer time by themselves, the book Quiet by Susan Cain will change your life. Seriously.0 -
Some of the symptoms you describe sound a bit like Dysthymia to me.
Things that helped me:
1. Meditation. tapes by Jon Kabat Zinn, one specifically addressing depression is great. can make you more aware of your feelings, more "objective".
2. exercise- I do an hour a day.
3. diet.
4. being around positve people and getting away from other anxious/depressed people.
5. therapy- very helpful.
6. massage.
7. medication. studies show that medication is best for more severe cases of depression. mild forms the above remedies are much better, and no side effects.
8. sleep. this can be a vicious circle though. not enough sleep due to anxiety can make you feel more anxious.0 -
You should have blood work done to have your vitamin levels (B, D, etc) tested as well as get your thyroid tested. Make sure they get a full workup before they try to force any pills down your throat. I had most of the symptoms you described and turns out I have PMDD. Severe PMS symptoms that occur 1-2 weeks before my menstrual cycle. After taking many types of medications that didn't work for long periods of time, I decided I had enough. I stopped all medication and have never felt better. Sure, I still have my bad moments but I work through them... exercise and diet have certainly helped. You need to try to figure out what your triggers are. I'm also thankful I found a phenomenal chiropractor that has me on supplements for my thyroid as well as a few other things that have certainly lessened my anxiety/depression symptoms. Good luck!!!0
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My husband suffers from anxiety and is currently off work with it. I would suggest you see a doctor now before it gets worse just in case.0
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