Going Crazy

[Casey_03]

Am having one of those really bad days where the anxiety is off the charts and I can't sit still. Am panicking but I don't know why. I keep trying to read but can't seem to force myself to concentrate for even a page ... Am contemplating going to get sedatives but don't want to have to resort to that. What do you guys normally do to deal with days like this?

 

[KwanYingirl]

I suffer with anxiety too. I take Xanax but some days its just not enough. I know it happens when I feel vulnerable and fear flashbacks might develop if I'm insecure. Since I started yoga, I have learned new ways to settle my nerves. Most of it relies on quieting the mind/body by concentrating on your breath. It's ok if my mind drifts to a dark place. Just notice that it's happening and then return to the breathing. I have APPs on my phone for meditation and relaxation.

I don't know about you, but I never know what exactly triggers my anxiety except that it's this dreadful anticipation I feel. Once it starts I get a negative feedback loop.

 

[Underdog]

I do a series of things when this strikes. I use Xanax to assist too though. I start meditating and or do trauma sensitive yoga, but that is a skill best learned when you aren't in a panic state. If you don't have those skills developed yet, I take an Epsom salt bath for 20 minutes if I can make it that long, seek out a friend or neighbor to sit with me, call my husband and therapist and use an Alpha-Stim (but that must be prescribed through a psychiatrist to get). I also will just lay on my back and close my eyes and repeatedly tell myself I am safe while focusing on my breathing to calm down. Hope that helps!

 

[Chava]

Going for a long walk seems to help organize my energy. Also, sometimes I put a little timer in my pocket and set it for 5 or 10 minutes intervals if I want to do something and not just be scattered...like I set it for 10 minutes and just focus on cleaning up the kitchen for 10 minutes. Or sit down and work on a drawing for 10 minutes. It gives me some sort of structure for when I'm mildly anxious and my attention is a disaster. For stronger anxiety, I like slow but challenging exercise like Pilates or resistance stuff...trying to do that mindfully.