Dealing with anxiety... without treatment or support

[Clara]

Hi everyone,

I've recently joined Beyondblue hoping that connecting with others will help.

I was diagnosed with Generalised Anxiety Disorder around 6 years ago. After 3 years of treatment, my therapist considered I was doing well enough to continue the journey on my own and without any medication.

Even though I've learnt a fair bit about Anxiety, the fight over the last three years hasn't been easy without treatment or any support other than my partner (living in Australia I'm away from all my loved ones).

Although at times it can become hell, inside me I know that I'm not that far from recovery...I just need that little 'push' from the right person or treatment. I just don't know where to find it. 

Any ideas on how to get help without medication or breaking the bank?

All comments and suggestions welcome 🙂

Have a great evening 

Clara

[AGrace]

Hi Clara,

Welcome and thanks for sharing your inspiring story. 

I believe Beyondblue conducts face to face groups on anxiety.

You could also check your local community centre,  they often run yoga and meditation classes for a small fee.

YouTube also has great mindfulness and meditation videos, my favourite is called 8 minutes to calm. Its got me through many a panic attack.

Hope this is helpful,  keep us informed. 

AGrace

[faeriedust88]

Hi Clara,

How are you travelling so far?  I agree with the above post - yoga and meditation work a treat for helping with anxiety.

If you can't find a class Google Tanya Allison - she has a free ebook on mediation - it's fantastic.  Also - running/jogging is a great free treatment for anxiety - it helps release adrenaline and calm the fight/flight response activated by anxiety.

Best wishes, hope all is well for you - and congrats for reaching out for support!

🙂

[BenD]

Hi Clara,

On top of the stuff faeriedust and AGrace have listed I'll add swimming - that feeling of weightlessness is blissful 🙂

As well as that I hope you don't put too much pressure on yourself to make those last few gains, they will come in time.

Ben

[Clara]

Hi AGrace, faeriedust and Ben. Thank you for your suggestions and also for your kind words. I'm sorry for not replying earlier. These last few weeks have been particularly difficult since we've had to move intestate and my anxiety is peaking every chance it gets...In the context of the move everything's been in a 'transition' mode that I find almost impossible to deal with. I will try to make an extra effort to stay in touch (everything seems to require an extra effort these days :()

[BenD]

Hi Clara,

Please don't feel required to respond! The community is here for you when you need or want it 🙂

I can only imagine what it's like moving around like that, it sounds very tough. Any kind of change can be a challenge when you are dealing with anxiety. Where have you moved from/to?

And how have you been going with any of those coping methods?

All the best,

Ben

[Clara]

Hi Ben, 

To be honest I haven't done so well putting those coping methods in practice. I haven't been able to take time for myself (or more accurately, I haven't given myself any time). I've felt overwhelmed by a number of things that need to be done as part of the moving process and I've probably left myself last on the priority list. Of course this doesn't help but as it happens many times, the feeling is 'I know what needs to be done but I just don't know how to do it'.  

We've moved from Melbourne back to Sydney and the feeling is we're here to stay (my partner is from Sydney and his family is here). The idea of settling somewhere helps my anxiety more than I thought it would. That and the change of weather are big positives!

[AGrace]

Hi Clara, 

Congratulations on the move. They can be very stressful and demanding. 

Do you plan on seeing a Psychologist now you are in Sydney? They should be able to assist you with putting your strategies into place in your day to day life. 

You're right, often we put ourselves last, but it's surprising how much more efficient we can be when we put ourselves first. I hope with the help and support from your in laws that you guys get settled into Sydney ok. Are you planning to work there?

Sounds like you're already reaping the benefits of sun, Melbourne can be a bugger at not putting on good weather;)

AGrace

[Clara]

Hi AGrace,

Thanks for your message and the positive energy.

Yes, I think I'd like to see a psychologist. I believe I'm ready to do it again (therapy has always been a pretty energy consuming process to me). I agree with you, it'd be great to get professional help with putting coping strategies into place in everyday life. All I've learnt about dealing with Anxiety in these years is really good for nothing if I can't use those 'tools' when I need them.

I've taken a few weeks off to organise the move, but I'll be looking for work actively next week. Soon I'll be facing the 'new job' situation. We'll see how it goes.

How are things going for you?

[AGrace]

Hi Clara,

Sounds like you have a pretty good plan in place. Good luck with the job hunting:)

I'm doing ok. I fly out to Langkawi tomorrow morning and I've noticed the nerves have kicked in. I have a fear of flying:( 

Other than that I've been pretty good, knock on wood. Doing some day programs, exercising regularly, trying to catch up with people when I can.

AGrace