Its depends on if I am anxious about something or if the anxiety has just come on by itself.

When I am worrying about something the thoughts go round and around in my head making me feel worse and bringing on symptoms. This kind of anxiety I can use positive self talk for and convince myself it is all going to be ok. Usually my fears are unlikely or unreasonable and when they are I can work to change them. If I cant change the thoughts I postpone the worry for another time.

Other times its brought on by stresses - work, socialising etc. I am finding I am stronger than I think and if I keep pushing myself I can keep it from exploding. This feels like a heavy brick is in the middle of my chest. My chest usually hurts and breathing feels hard. I get nausea and the runs, sometimes I will throw up. I can get dizzy and my vision goes black. In these times it is all physical, I feel physically so ill that I dont want to leave the house. But I push and get out there and the longer I am out and doing things the better I get as the day goes on.

Sometimes it just comes on by itself. It can range from a niggling "theres something wrong feeling" right through to full on panic attacks. I find this type of anxiety hardest to deal with and I cant identify triggers or thought patterns and I feel helpless. I usually will do some relaxation, exercise or I will sit with the animals. This calms me but doesnt always 'cure' it. I use PRN medication if it gets really bad and I feel I am going to have an attack. Most of the time, if I can get to sleep, I feel better the next day (not necessarily the next morning) but it gives my body some time to go off high alert and it is much less tiring to deal with after I have had a good nights rest. I can wake up in the morning and plan my day to deal with the anxiety using healthy coping techniques.

When I am anxious it is harder to understand and carry out instructions, I usually have to say "stop" to myself, then make a list of what I need to do. Keeping calm and focused can be hard work but it is the perfect distraction for anxiety.