[Typo]

I was wondering if anyone here had any kind of technique for dealing with anxiety. I have always had really bad anxiety..ever since 13 I have had problems with it I'm just good at hiding it from my family and friends except when I have a really disabling attack. I can't get to my doctor for another week do to my crazy schedule and I was wondering if anyone here had any kinda of way of dealing with anxiety like breathing exercises or grounding techniques. It's been really bad the past few weeks and I can't seem to really get a handle on it. Please help!!

[RozG]

Hi Silversparrow

I'm really sorry you're having a hard time with this. My doc suggested a few things that work for me that may or may not work for you.

One is scents...if at home use an oil-burner and the scent of lavender is very calming. If out and about there are little scent-filled pouches that you can carry which do the same.

Another if at home is a bath with candles and music that you find relaxing.

If out and about...it depends on you personally. Like my doc suggested a small keyring with a teddy bear coz i still find teddy bears relaxing...or a pocket size pic of something you find comforting. Also having a personal music player, mp3 etc is something i find useful coz i can play soothing music wherever i am without disturbing others.

Sorry if this has been no help to you but I know you'll get better answers.

Hang in there.

Much love and hugs to you,



roz

I'm not brilliant with grounding techniques, but sometimes when I start getting really scared or anxious I have this little plush hyena I hold if I'm alone, or just to listen to music and to say the lyrics sometimes helps.

[Typo]

Roz I never thought about carring something in my pocket to comfort me that is a really great idea..I'll have to go and scrounge around my room.

I use a stuffed animal too when I'm at home Griffe. It's this cheetah I got a few weeks ago on my senior trip..it's really soft and it helps alot to calm my nerves. Unfourtunatly it is a little to big to fit in my pocket or else I would carry it around with me.

Thank you Griffe and RozG..it was very helpful..I'm trying to find new ways to deal with my anxiety,and flashbacks other than self injury and those suggestions have really helped.
Love and hugs
Silver

[Edahn]

I don't really like what the others have said. Here's what I say: dig deep into your feelings and stop feeling ashamed for your anxiety. If you're anxious, be anxious. It's fine. Then you can deal with it by facing it with honesty and integrity, without the fear that if you don't change it, the world will implode.

[Stiv]

Excersise. Run, walk, swim, work out some of that stress and enjoy the endorphin download you get from it.

It's healthy, natural and just plain good for you with no additives

~Stiv

[BalishBun]

If you drive somewhere use my quirky trick that helps me. If you feel an attack or anxiety surfacing, pop a slice of citrus fruit (orange or similar) into your mouth. For me, the cirtus sort of distracts me for a moment, sort of wakes me up out of that shock of getting ready to protect yourself from an attack. I know sometimes this sounds dumb but i swear it works!