[jacq10]

What do you do when you feel too overwhelmed by life? When even a simple task such as BREATHING seems impossible, and to look down the road scares the hell out of you? What do you do to FUNCTION every day when you're too scared to even be still in your own skin? How are you suppose to stay on top of everything when you're lost in the rhythm of your heart beating? I feel so lost.........

[lifelesstraveled]

Looong deep breaths. Breathe in and then exhale to a count of 8 (or any number of your choosing).

Hi, btw...Im LLT. I dont think I have seen any of your threads, so forgive me if I ask you questions that others probably already know.

My T says this helps to calm down the mind and heart. Try this until you are able to calm down a little.

are you currently seeing a T for anxiety or anything else??? If so, has he/she taught you any coping techniques? Are you on any anti-anxiety meds? Is there anything you like to do to help you unwind? What about exercising? Or journaling?

My T always reminds me to stay in the present because the past has already happened--there is no use in fretting over it. And the future is out of our control so ruminating on what if and running thru scenarios is counter productive. She says focus on the here and now, which as a fellow anxiety ridden PC-goer, I know how hard it is. I once was convinced I was so crazy that I was going to end up in a psych ward for the rest of my life--I kept imagining myself having this psychiatric illness that would leave me locked up and forgotten. I sat with these thoughts and scenarios for the longest and I knew that what i was thinking was sooo out landish, but I couldn't stop....eventually I just let the thoughts play out and didnt fight it i stopped thinking about it---thank goodness!

... Oh, also, have you tried the mindfulness technique?? There's an article about it floating around PC somewhere. I will see if I can find it for you. Or maybe i am way off base on everything i have blurted out. If so, sorry...anxiety, for lack of a better word SUX!

[jacq10]

Hi LLT,
Nice to meet you, and thank you for responding to my post.
I am seeing a T (kind of... not enough) and am on some AD's for depression and anxiety. After I wrote my post my anxiety calmed down, but it was almost as though it was my anxiety that was keeping me from being depressed, because as soon as the meds kicked in, I felt nothing but a shadow of gloom come over me and I couldn't move
I've actually taken a couple of mindfulness classes and so I know more then a few strategies down that path.... its just implementing them thats the problem.
I felt almost disoriented when I posted and so at the time, nothing was helping. I was fortunate enough to have a couple hours where I could just do nothing, and then I had to go to work. Getting there was tough, but i'm back home now and am feeling a little better.
Thanks for your suggestions and listening.

Jacq