Living with constant anxiety

[Alize]

Hi, I’m new and joined so I can see how others are dealing with their anxiety and what tools you are using to try and get on top of it. I’ve had anxiety for years, but it has been extremely chronic for the past 4 months due to financial stress, loss of loved ones and I also have health anxiety. I have different health issues, get anxious about them and this creates more anxiety leading to more symptoms, so it creates a viscous circle. I was also diagnosed last July with PTSD after seeing my beloved Am Staff die and awful death. I am seeing a psychologist, learning meditation and mindfulness, but so far the old anxiety always wins. 😔

[Be_strong]

Hi Alize, i am going through the same. Have a couple of sick family members which idon't think will live that long, one of those is my father. I have also had family members pass away in the past which gave me extreme anxiety especially being at the hospital & then the funerals. I have health anxiety and fear a lot of things, i think i am so used to feeling anxious that half the time i don't know what i am feeling anxious about anymore.It's like it is just now part of me. The last year my anxiety & fears have become worse & worse. I feel like i have stopped living my life & doing the things i wish to do. I can't even travel because i fear of flying and being so far away from home.

I have conflicting behaviour though, my comfort spot is at home and there are days i do not want to leave the house, then there are times where i need to escape and get out and become distracted at a shopping centre but then i end up feeling too anxious when i am there, its very conflicting feelings.

I try deep breathing which helps anxiety but if i am in a full blown panic attack it is very difficult to do the deep breathing and especially in public! Meditation i find a bit difficult because i cannot focus.

I am on medication. I did find years ago when i was on medications it did certainly take the edge off. I would still get a little bit of anxiety if i had a triggered thought but did not have an actual panic attack for a very long time.

Hoping this helps and know that a lot of people can relate to you, i know how you feel!

[Croix]

Dear Alize~

I'd like to welcome you here to the Forum. You will find lots of people here with anxiety conditions as well as PTSD. I am one of them. It can be difficult to get on top of anxiety, but I find a whole lot of different things taken together are quite effective.

First and foremost of course is medical help, which you are already undertaking. I found I got nowhere without this.

Second is lifestyle. This can act as a base to reduce overall stress and thus lessen anxiety. Exercise, nutrition and as far as possible good sleep (not always easy to achieve). On top of that a conscious effort to reduce as many stressors and triggers as possible. While it may not be practical to steer clear of everything a partial reduction is worthwhile. I do such things as not listen to the news, select the books and movies I'm going to look at with care, avoid people and situations that will make matters worse.

Most importantly I have daily activities that are enjoyable, rewarding and distract me. Again books, movies, pets and exercise are regular features and give me things to look forward to. Do you have things like this you can look to?

When in the midst of an anxiety attack I try to move away and exercise, maybe go for a walk, preferably with my partner. If it is stubborn I use a free smartphone app called Smiling Mind. It takes practice but is quite effective. If not too bad I can lose myself in a book.

Having personal support as well as medical is a great thing. My partner is able to reassure, and give me perspective, something I tend to lose when in an anxious state. Is there anyone in your life to help support you, a parent, partner, other family member or friend? It can be difficult to reach out, particularly if one is used to hiding one's feelings, but sharing the load does make a big difference.

Lots of people share their experiences in this area, have a look at the thread:

Forums / Anxiety / SELF HELP TIPS FOR MANAGING ANXIETY

Which I personally have found very useful, even though it takes a while to read.

I've mentioned a fair few things and would like it if you came back and said what you thought

Croix

[suesie]

Hi Alize

I too suffer extreme anxiety everyday. I think we are very sensitive people and life’s ups and downs stay with us and don’t fade with time. I try hard not to think of the painful things but it’s very difficult at times. I’ve lost 2 beautiful dogs. I ended up in hospital receiving psychiatric care. I was with my father when he died and again had to go to hospital. I know lots of therapies and strategies and sometimes they do help when I remember to use them. I found having a good psychologist very helpful too.