[IchbinkeinTeufel]

Just gonna paste this from a post I just submitted on another similar thread, because I realised it might actually help a few people out. These are things that have helped me. I've had anxiety issues for as long as I can remember, and they are not light. I hope the following helps you in some way!

Your computer gives you access to support forums, anxiety information, techniques, and more, but not only that, you can get in touch with local organisations, or even your doctor, in order to make that first real step to getting yourself sorted. It's not easy, that's for damn sure, but there's a good chance it's doable.

Make sure you exercise - even just something like 20 minutes light exercise a day, will likely help burn off that energy and stress, plus make you feel better for it. Every once in a while, I jump on my exercise bike, and do a few miles, and it does help; it's not a cure, but the help is so very welcome.

Avoid triggering things! If watching horror movies makes you anxious, stop! If playing horror games makes you anxious, stop! At the very least, ease up on them.

Watch your diet. Make sure your diet is decent, because it can make the world of difference, when it comes to anxiety - trust me on that. Again, watching your food isn't a cure, but it's a big help.

There are more tips, but like I say, just browse the World Wide Web. So many people have the Internet but fail to take advantage of it.

Going out is a big problem for me, but on those times when it's simply not avoidable (to get food or see a doctor, for example) I make sure to try and use some techniques, such as:

1. Blinkering your eyesight - this means looking at the ground - don't worry, you don't have to look like a super-shy and insecure person doing this, just look a few steps ahead of you, and every once in a while, check what's going on around you; obviously, I don't recommend using this method for crossing roads, but in some places, this will help, by giving you less to focus on and be distracted by.

2. Blinkering your ears - this is basically a case of getting some headphones and blasting music you like, into your ears. If loud noises spike your anxiety, this technique will help a lot, but make sure you pay attention when crossing the road, naturally, or better still, mute the music during these times.

3. Work on your breathing! I personally focus on controlled abdominal breathing, in order to make sure I'm getting an adequate (but not too much!) supply of Oxygen. Shallow breathing will do you no good, and neither will hyperventilating.

All other suggestions or methods are welcome! Hopefully this thread will be full of tips for other sufferers.

[gayleggg]

Thanks for the suggestions. I'm sure it will be of help to some anxiety sufferers.

[spondiferous]

Thanks Akuma. I find the breathing to be a big help. Also, being aware of and noticing my surroundings. It helps me to study things, to define them in my mind, make them more real. So much of my experience revolves around not feeling like anything is real, like I'm just fading away, like I'm losing my mind.