[yoyoyomonica]

I dont know what is worse. anxiety or bipolar. But it is ripping my world apart. I cant think. cant hardly eat. I can sleep thank goodness. I am high and low and anxious and paniky i am bitter and angry. Frustrated. and I hate myself. Can anybody relate or send some advice to me please.

Hello yoyoyomonica,

I can definitely relate to chronic anxiety, as I suffer from it as well. It definitely conflicts with my daily living and functioning. So you're definitely not alone there. I'm sorry you're going through this right now.

Have you ever talked with a doctor or therapist about this? I have done some Cognitive Behavioral Therapy aimed at easing my anxiety which helped quite a bit in conjunction with medication that helped tremendously. I definitely recommend seeking professional help, as you don't have to suffer.

Also, I find that deep breathing exercises, meditation and physical exercise helps my anxiety a lot even if I only do these things for a short period of time. Self-soothing techniques such as finding comfort through the senses can bring temporary relief as well...a few examples of this: take a hot bubble bath with soothing aromatherapy bubble bath, light a candle and focus on the flame, enjoy a sunset, get in soft cozy pajamas and cuddle a plushy, listen to new age or classical music...I find self-soothing to help me when I'm desperate to try and relax.
Also, distracting with fun things can help if you can find the motivation for it...watch a funny movie, call a friend, take a nature walk, write in a journal etc.

The latter suggestions can definitely help in the short-term however I have found that therapy and medication are what intervened with my anxiety the most. Best wishes and feel better soon.

[kaliope]

I have the same problem as you monica. the bipolar is under control but the anxiety is just outrageous. like strat, I resort to meds and therapy to help ease it. I have recently decided to get regular massages to help me relax as well. breathing helps me through. good luck

[Vossie42]

Yeah, I'm torn between depression and anxiety, and there are no words for how bad this sucks. Either I'm so depressed I can't move and wish I would die or I'm so anxious that it's like OMGOMGOMGOMGOMG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 24/7. Neither is a desirable state. Exercising helps a little. I'm a full time student, so school is a huge source of anxiety. My anxiety does go down as I get my readings and assignments done. So, doing the tasks that give me anxiety does help reduce that anxiety. But with three tests next week - two of them will be hard - I'm a basket case. My focus and concentration are shot.

You have my sympathy and many hugs!