[puzzclar]

I've had a lot of trauma associated with school, my fear returned. I am almost done with my program..... and I've had vertigo.... and high anxiety. I'm trying to keep up since I got behind by about a week and a half. I get about 2 hours upright before I have to lay down... any tips that I can use to help in the last 2 weeks??

[jelly-bean]

Can you see a doctor about the anxiety and vertigo? Usually I get very dizzy before a panic attack and there are meds that can control that. Other than that, you just need to do some mindful breathing or walking.

[CANDC]

Dear puzzclar, sleeping is a primary defense for all forms of challenges.

Since you need things pronto (medicine would take longer and therapy too)

This is my first aid kit. If something works for you to help get you through the next couple weeks you can put it in your first aid kit.

Breathing exercise
If you are feeling very anxious or angry or just want to calm down, you can try a breathing exercise that takes the attention away from the trigger of anxiety to a simple tool of counting breaths.

Find a comfortable position seated or laying down. Begin to relax your breathing. Silently count 1 on the inhale, and two on the exhale. Then silently count 3 on the inhale and 4 on the exhale. Continue up to 10 or until you lose the count then return to one. No judgement. I sometimes end up at 18 then smile and return to 1. The idea is to focus on the breath and the counting and not get sucked into the anxiety or anger trigger. Also works to quiet the mind. Breathe NATURALLY. Do NOT force breath.

Yoga is a way to restore the body to a high energy state. (youtube search adrienne complete yoga beginners) Try only exercises you feel you can do. Practice breathing during ones you can't do.

That is what comes to mind. Hope you find what will help you get through next two weeks.

[puzzclar]

Already seeking gp, pdoc, and T. seeing t everyday for the rest of the semester due to a pattern that he saw, that he wants to reinforce everyday. I have started to meditate. As I become stronger then I may try yoga, but my body has been through a lot, (panic attacks that look like seizures along with back spasms, fun stuff... not)

If you have any ideas of how to study while lying down, I'm so open for suggestions.

[CANDC]

Puzzclar, that must be rough to have all that stuff going on in your body

Best way me to study lying down is to lay on my stomach on a rug with the book and notes on the floor. Having my belly on the ground is really reassuring. When I get tired I put my head down on the back of the hands serving as a pillow.

Good luck. You really are committed and I am really impressed. Also remember to take naps and sleep enough.

Last night better to get a good night sleep than stay up all night studying. Staying up makes me lose so much alertness it is not worth it.

[Crazy Hitch]

Hang in there .... You're almost through this!