What Do YOU do when Anxious?

I am currently feeling very anxious. I bought a phone, activated it and sent it to a friend in a different state who is staying in a shelter. I am anxious because it was delivered and she hasn't called me from it yet. I am worried that it was stolen because they are shady characters where she is. I did put a lock on the phone (emailed her the code) so if it was stolen no one can use it, but I am still anxious.

I feel a tightness in my stomach and my head hurts. Currently it is all I can think about. How do you deal with being anxious? What coping stragedies do you use to try and forget the anxiety? I have tried watching my favorite show, taking a shower, going for a walk, but I keep thinking why hasn't she called me yet?

The passage of time feels extremely slow. I am hanging on every minute. Every second.

Stay busy

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hi platinumheart,
here is a list that my therapist gave me when my anxiety level is high
For High Anxiety
1) physical activity
2) deep breathing
3) mindfulness box
4) guided imagery
5) progressive muscle relaxation exercises
6) diversions
7) counteracting thoughts
a. think positive
8) relaxation exercises
9) journaling
10) mindfulness
11) STOP technique



Diagnosis: Anxiety and depression
meds: Cymbalta 60 mgs at night
Vistaril 2 25 mgs daily for anxiety prn
50 mgs at night for insomnia

Thank you! You know I tried most of what is on that list and I have to say it worked. I went outside, called a friend and got some air. Some things are really out of my control.

put some of my fave music on and just get lost in it

Physical activity is my #1. It doesn't matter if it is running 5km or tending your garden, but it helps a lot.

Cleaning also helps sometimes. I mean, when I'm really worried about something and I do the dishes, suddenly it seems my worst problem in the whole world is getting rid of a tiny dirty spots on dishes. I totally feel like I've solved something when I clean, and it soothes me.

If your anxiety is somehow stopping you from going outside or if you feel drained, there are some games and apps to help you focus your mind elsewhere. I'm giving a lists of anxiety coping games I've found on tumblr. There are other lists with links to random things that also can help, like non-stop rainfall sound to help you sleep, websites where you can anonymously vent to strangers, breath sync and more, but most of them have imbued links, so i couldn't simply copy-paste here.

Sorry for the long post. And here's the source

I sometimes make myself walk. I prefer to walk indoors so I do what I have seen on the walk at home videos. I have watched enough of them that I don't need them anymore. I also listen to Michael Jackson. He is my favorite singer and he has a song for every single feeling I have. He also has a song for every mood I am in.

Sometimes exercise is the answer.

First of all I try to combat the anxious thoughts by answering them with reason. For example in your case it would be:

"Just because she hasn't called you does not mean anything is wrong"

"Even if something has gone wrong/phone is missing it is not the end of the world. I will cope with it."

I dig my nails into my hands... Let's see... I go for walks...

Oh... Cleaning helps as stated above ^... I love to rearrange furniture. Also, doing mindless tasks i.e. homework helps.

I deal with it by doing something I enjoy, am good at, or can get a positive feeling of accomplishment from. They are all distractions in the end so you can get creative with it with things that you believe will improve how you feel.

I play Tetris
Actually, I got that tip from this site. There was a post linking to an article about how Tetris may be able to ease anxiety and/or PTSD. Since then, I've been playing it when needed and I've got to admit, it does calm me down a lot.

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I pace around the kitchen until I am tired.
I watch a funny movie, sometimes it works.

I'm curious what #11 is, I may not know it by that name - STOP technique??

Excellent list BTW! Thanks!

hi kennyc,
the STOP technique is when you have an impulse or a negative thoughts crossing your mind .you say STOP then its three deep breaths in and three breaths out until the negative thought or impulse pass .

Thanks!



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Thanks. Would you mind if I ask the same about 4,5, and 6?