My experience with anxiety

[JayBee]

Has probably been said in a multitude of ways by countless individuals - Nevertheless, I was reflecting on this reality (for me) this morning, and as life is going pretty well at the moment (which also makes sharing this insight much easier) - I felt the need to share just in case there are others who would benefit from knowing that - 'Sometimes I tell anxiety to go to hell; and sometimes it takes me there'. To know that we are walking a path which others have trod does not make the journey any shorter - however, it is somehow reassuring to know that we may occasionally meet a fellow traveller along the way and share the lessons we have learnt thus far.

[optimistic]

Jeff - Good on you for taking the time to share your positive experience and success story.

 You are absolutely spot on about "anxiety" not being a constant in life. Life is full of ups and downs. Like a sinusoidal wave.

During moments of down, it is good to remember that the only way next is "Upwards".

Take care. God bless.

[JayBee]

Thank you so much for your response Optimistic.  For many years I fought against the presence and symptoms of anxiety - I was of the mindset that if I didn't attempt to do this then I fell into the category of being one of 'those' who chose to be the way I was and hadn't tried hard enough to overcome.  I have now accepted the fact that I can go through periods of time when I experience various levels of anxiety - and often have no real understanding or awareness of why it should be occurring.  Now it is a matter of simply accepting the fact that it is - and my focus is not on the why's but on the what can I do to make this situation better. Forever running into a brick wall is not only very painful but also can be a lack of acceptance that the brick wall is actually there.  Trying to make the most of the stress free moments and not condemning oneself for experiencing anxiety at other times are truths I attempt to embrace in a more meaningful way as each day passes.  Wishing you the very best.

[optimistic]

You are welcome, Jeff. Here's a list that I've been compiling to share with people to see if it might be of some benefit to them.

Firstly, apologies for posting this generic response which has not been tailor-made for your specific issue but I'd like to share this with as many people out there as possible who are seeking help and in the interest of time, am sharing this as-is. Please consider any points that may be relevant to your particular scenario and ignore the rest. Thank you.

There are a zillion options out there. This is only a phase and this too shall pass.

Here are some suggestions to try:

1. It is important to take a wholistic approach to the mental and emotional health issues. Most take uni-dimensional approach which is not addressing the issues from all angles.

Please see a psychiatrist who can only clinically assess and provide medications. If already on medications, ask your doctor about lowering or increases dosages or reevaluating your current medications or trying alternate medications if the present one is not working for you.
consult another psychiatrist and get a second or third opinion.

It is also equally important to get a referral from GP and consult a psychologist to get some weekly couselling/therapy like CBT ( Cognitive Behaviour Therapy).

Whatever treatment method one chooses, having faith in it, is very critical in the healing process

2. It is easy to forget that the carer needs some counselling sessions as well as the consumer ( the person with the issues).

If there are children on the scene, it is important to consider the impact of the mental/emotional health issues on them and organise for some counselling sessions for them as well.

3. Enrol for gym or some team sport like basketball. Sweat it out.

4. Try yoga or meditation or mindfulness or Tai chi

5. Eat healthy nutritious meals

6. An idle mind is a devil's workshop. Keep yourself busy. Sign up for TAFE or some short term courses - pottery, carpentry, floristry, learn a new language.
Check out volunteering options in a field you love - sports coaching, meals on wheels, aged care or nursing homes, working with animals, etc. When you try to help people out there whose needs are greater than yours, your problems automatically go away.

It is important to reflect on what the consumer loves or enjoys and taking up such activity.

It is critical to avoid situations where the consumer is alone and cooped up inside the house always. Enlist the help of family and friends to go window shopping or to the movies or to eat out or simply for a walk in the park.

For those who do not have friends or family, consider signing up for a local support group eg. Anxiety Support Group either in person or online.

7. Take a break. Have a kit-kat :-). Consider travelling to a 3rd world country. Witness the poverty there firsthand, you will learn to count your blessings compared to zillions who have no clean water to drink or money to get their next meal or living without an arm or leg or orphaned having lost their parents to tsunami or AIDS.

8. Problems are relative. Compare yourself with people who are less fortunate than you. Maintain a "Gratitude Journal". Count your blessings.

9. Try not to become too dependent on medications. Try alternate therapies such as natural remedies. Discuss with your doctor about alternate medications such as St John's Wort.

10. Never lose hope. When the going gets tough, the tough get going.

11. I know it is difficult to do this one when you are suffering but consider helping others. When you help others, your problems automatically go away or atleast decrease in intensity.

12. Try to live in the moment. Past is past. The future is yet to come. Make the best use of the present. Take one day at a time. Break things down into manageable bite-size pieces instead of tying to swallow as a whole.
'Yesterday is but a dream and tomorrow is a vision. But today, well lived, makes every yesterday a dream of happiness and every tomorrow, a vision of hope.'

13. NOTHING is a big deal in life. Life is full of constant Ups and Downs like a sinusoidal wave. Everyone in life has challenges, only they are unique. No one in the world is perfectly happy, healthy, rich or peaceful. Bad Bosses, colleagues, classmates, friends, inlaws, spouses, kids - no one is immortal or indispensable.
Pick your battles. Accept the things that you cannot control your life. Chant the "Serenity Prayer" every morning and night.

God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change,
The courage to change the things I can,
And wisdom to know the difference.

14. Take slowwww deeeeeppppp breaths.

15. Pets are wonderful company. If you don't have one or can't afford one, consider volunteering at Pet-rescue places or pounds or Riding for the Disabled etc

15. Lastly but most importantly, long hours of internet ( facebook, twitter, forums and other social media), gaming etc is a big contributor to depression, anxiety and other ailments. Having a limited time for this say 1 or 2 hours per day utmost, and getting out of the house to get some fresh air, making real life friends, doing some physical acitivity etc can create wonders for one's life.

Take care. God Bless.