[Honey Bee Sunrise]

Hey all!

I just wanted to ask the general question, what has helped you to deal with your anxiety issues?

I'm agoraphobic, among other things, and what has helped me the most was an online support group (like this one!). A group of us decided to start a "walking club" where we would try to leave the house everyday, and post about it. When I started, I couldn't leave my own house. A few months ago, I took a transit bus to a doctor's appointment, doing three appointments in a day, walking from appointment to appointment all by myself.

[doggiedo]

I downloaded an app or two on my iPhone which included relaxation techniques, meditation dn other stuff to help me sleep. I even brought my headphones to work and set with my office door closed and light shut off, listening to the guided mediation. Idk if it would work for y or for agoraphobia, but it's worth a try. I really think the breathing exercises work, if u can get your body used to responding to it.

[Honey Bee Sunrise]

OMG, Yes! I have the "lightening bug" app on my cell phone, and love it! I have a hard time getting to sleep at night, but this app works for me every single time!

I also use other cell phone apps for a distraction. I use word searches, photo editors (really passes the time, and gives me something to do in crowded situations!) and HBOGo (watch a movie while I am waiting at a doctor's office)!

Thanks for the response! It really got me thinking about distractions. It was timely, to, because I am at my mom's today (Mom is taking my older sister in for a biopsy, so I am here with my niece and her baby).

for me... relaxation (nature music) massages, that kind of thing... and also breathing methods (see the 7 11) i like that one

Meditation, Yoga, Walks, MUSIC!

[doggiedo]

Hope the biopsy and stuff goes okay Honeybee!

relaxation and yoga helps me a bit as well. I have problems sleeping so thats a key aspect that contributes to the anxiety. I try listening to nature sounds (rain..rivers..) or classical music at night to calm myself down. I wished I had a group of people I could go outside with. I didn't know about phone apps for anxiety..I have to try that I'm not outside as much as I used to right now but a while ago when I would still go out everyday and had bad anxiety I would keep my mind busy by snapping pictures with my phone or writing and drawing random things. I always kept a pen and papers in my bag.

[janealizabeth]

I have had general anxiety disorder and depression for 14 years. It has been getting better in the last 2 yrs. Medication and therapy have helped me immensely; it is important, however, to find a therapist that works for you. I have struggled with sleeping at nights and listening to relaxing music while I try to fall asleep has been very helpful...so has listening or reading spiritual material. You could choose something according to your religious beliefs and what resonates with you. Learning to develop techniques to stay in the present is beneficial, I am trying meditation and so far, it's been very relaxing. Drink plenty of water. Please try some of these and let us know how it works.

[rossiv46]

I was afraid to leave the house and interact with people. My therapist suggested I go to the grocery store around the corner from my house, everday. I progressed and now I can go out places but I still have high anxiety when dealing with people. Thats when I have to use breathing and talking to myself and tell myself its o.k

[zonama]

Though it seems impossible, I find that if I can force myself to get up and move around, it helps loads. Even if its just in the house. Also if I can force myself to eat something, having that energy also helps me move about and I might manage a walk outside.
I tried it after reading here that excersise can help - that doesn't mean doing a full workout in the gym! it means getting out of my feotal position and just moving my body. This forces me to breathe properly and forces a kind of reality into my brain. Not sure if that makes sense to anyone but me but it seems to help.

[Annie Mercury]

Originally Posted by Honey Bee Sunrise

Hey all!

I just wanted to ask the general question, what has helped you to deal with your anxiety issues?

I'm agoraphobic, among other things, and what has helped me the most was an online support group (like this one!). A group of us decided to start a "walking club" where we would try to leave the house everyday, and post about it. When I started, I couldn't leave my own house. A few months ago, I took a transit bus to a doctor's appointment, doing three appointments in a day, walking from appointment to appointment all by myself.

Hi HoneyBee ,
i was going to suggest physical excersize as being very helpful to me, but it seems like you have that covered!! walking is my choice as well. i have been doing so for over 15 years. I too have agorophobic tendencies mostly sequestered to riding the citybus here in my city. There have been times where i have rambo'd thru the unease, and outright panic.Othertimes, I have had to get off the bus.
More recently, i have begun using writing as a coping skill while on the bus. i use my cell phone .I have found by the time I arrive there, i am only edgey, as opposed to the array of symptoms thatcome up.
As for anyone managing anxiety/phobias-the better equipped with coping skills and tools, the more control we have over IT,instead of feeling the condition is controlling us. The more diligent our efforts, the more power we take back, and weaken the symptoms and frequency.
i wish you continued success ! Feel free to write back if you like.
Sincerely,
Annie Mercury

[Suki22]

DBT has helped me a lot.