Maximizing Treatment

[strothers101]

Hey guys,

Ive boomed in to see a therapist for my anxiety issues. Basically I become fixated on certain things and constantly look for and think over the most catastrophic outcomes imaginable, which then creates massive amounts of anxiety.

So, im here looking for any and all suggestions and personal stories on how to maximize my potential at beating this thing!

Excersise?

Cutting out alcohol?

Any and all suggestions on how to overcome my anxiety issues and move forward.

Cheers,

[strothers101]

Also, apparently I have terrible spelling. Sorry about that!

[BballJ]

Hi strothers101,

Firstly, welcome to the forums.

As someone who has suffered from anxiety for around a decade, I have dealt with the constant worry and overthinking that is associated with anxiety. Everyone has tips on ways to make themselves feel better and to try and get over it. There is no real quick fix unfortunately but some things I do is try and be around my friends and family, I find that calms me down a lot, music really helps me, just listening to songs I love is great. Possibly can try meditation and there is something called mindfulness you may want to have a read up about. Exercise is said to help a lot and with any mental illness, being in fresh air and nature really does help, so doing that sort of stuff can help ease the anxiety, it's thing to help occupy your mind so you're not overthinking constantly.

May I ask, how long have you been seeing your therapist for and how often do you try and go? They really are the best ways to help getting over and learn how to live with anxiety.

Please also know you can call the Beyond Blue helpline on 1300 22 4636 24/7 to discuss anything you are going through.

My best for you,

Jay

[strothers101]

Thanks for the reply,

About 3 years ago i visited with a therapist. Though, in that instance, my commitment was rather short lived.

Moving forward, this will be my first session coming up with a new therapist.

I understand that the therapy itself is the largest component of a long lasting and fruitful recovery.

Im basically looking for suggestions on things to supplement the therapy.

Excersise seems like a brilliant idea so does being more actively socially.

Thanks for the info.

[blondguy]

Hi Strothers101

Good on you for posting...it takes a lot of strength

I understand your anxiety very well....and its a major pain. I hear you loud and clear. Ive it off and on since 1983.

Anxiety can last for a very long time as its partially chemically based which makes it a physical condition too..

BballJ (Jay) had great advice above with..."There is no real quick fix unfortunately but some things I do is try and
be around my friends and family, I find that calms me down a lot, music really helps me, just listening to songs I love is great"

The best method to move forward as you yourself mentioned is...."I understand that the therapy itself is the largest component of a long lasting and fruitful recovery"

In the meantime...here are some tips that have helped a lot for me...

• Avoid overly negative/toxic people......they will only hinder your recovery
• Regular good quality sleep......this will reduce your anxiety the next day....a lot
• Some alcohol is okay...in moderation as usual. Exercise is always a bonus as it burns off toxins
• Crying your heart out in front of a good counselor is a huge step towards recovery....even if the counselor asks a heap of uncomfortable questions about you....hang in there and stick with it...Crying is venting...Good1
• Eat reasonably well...be gentle with your body...
• Avoid cell phones..ipads...laptops before bed....They only over stimulate brain activity which will result in a poor quality sleep meaning possible higher anxiety the next day

I hope you can stick around the forums Strothers. This is a safe and non judgemental place for you to post

If you have any questions...this is your thread and even though its not immediate chat there is usually a super gentle person on deck to help you...no worries

my kind thoughts

Paul

[strothers101]

Thanks for the kind words Paul.

I will most definitely stick around. Im at the start of my journey to move on from this. Any help along the way is always appreciated. In turn, if I can I will aid others within this community.

I'll update after my first therapy session and will more than likely keep up a fairly regular appearance on the site.

Im thinking of keeping a journal of some description as well. To write down positives etc. Not too sure yet.

Regards,

Strothers

[blondguy]

No worries at all Strothers and thanks heaps for the posting back too!

I think you have a lot you can help other posters with on the forums (when and if you choose of course). You are proactive with your health and have a good understanding of anxiety as well.

Either way its great to have as part of Beyond Blue Strothers

I hope your day treats you okay

my best for you

Paul

[BballJ]

Hi strothers101,

You had one of the very best on the forums give you some advice in blondguy (Paul) about anxiety and his advice is worth its weight in gold so please do take it on.

One thing that helped with my anxiety was these forums, I just started typing to people like yourself and giving my support to people who were going through similar stuff as me, there was something therapeutic about it and the more I spoke to random people about my anxiety, the more I started to understand it and also realised I was not alone.

The journal is a great idea but keep in mind this thread is now your journal of sorts and you are welcome to type here anytime to talk about anything you are going through and if that is just letting us know how your therapy sessions are going then that's just fine.

My best,

Jay

[strothers101]

Thanks Jay,

I will keep that in mind. Its honestly somewhat of a relief to see that there is a community gathered in support of those who need it most. I will be more than happy to stick around and offer any support I can to others. As I progress I feel like I can aid others.

[blondguy]

Hi Strothers (and thankyou Jay)

Thanks for the kind feedback that you have found some relief about the community and the support too 🙂

I hope you are doing reasonably okay today

Thanks for sticking around. Its great to have you as part of the family here

My Best

Paul