How do you deal with being edgy?

[PTSDisaster]

Lately I'm reaaaally edgy/irritable. I've started intensive therapy so my symptoms are getting worse. My therapist gave me a list for things others and I can do to help me whether I have a panic attack (code red) or when I'm feeling edgy (code yellow) or whatever. But I actually have no idea what to do when everything around me is annoying and making me extremely grumpy and tired of everything.

So if you guys have some tips how to deal with this, please comment:)

 

[Survivor3]

Hi @PTSDisaster, it's good that you have different codes for how your feeling. You'd be surprised just how many people can't pinpoint or recognise their feelings. Getting outside and going for a walk can be helpful, (or some kind of hobby/sport) , distracting yourself by watching tv or something interesting on you tube. (Maybe a self help video or presentation). Treating yourself to some nice food maybe?! Reading something is a good way to refocus and take your mind off of things.

 

[PTSDisaster]

Hi @PTSDisaster, it's good that you have different codes for how your feeling. You'd be surprised just how many people can't pinpoint or recognise their feelings. Getting outside and going for a walk can be helpful, (or some kind of hobby/sport) , distracting yourself by watching tv or something interesting on you tube. (Maybe a self help video or presentation). Treating yourself to some nice food maybe?! Reading something is a good way to refocus and take your mind off of things.

Thank you!!:))

 

[ladee]

I have to consciously just stop what I am doing. Even if I'm just sitting and my brain is whirling, I just stop my brain for a few seconds.

For me, that edginess is from depression and anxiety. Or I'm too tired. Or whatever, the wind is blowing wrong!!

Then I just do some self-talk. Just like I would anyone else that is having a rough time.

I try to see what is keeping me edgy if it's something environmental, like a dripping faucet, my dog making demands, or the wind is blowing wrong! I put the smiley because sometimes that's all it takes, the wind!!!

I understand and it's energy-draining isn't it! I find that I have to distract. I read a lot and that helps. I try to read something that grabs my attention or I am just reading the same line over and over or, I'm not remembering the storyline.

I do find something simple called Zentangle helps. Google it. It is drawing and you don't have to have any drawing talent at all!! I promise. You can make some very interesting drawings with zentangle. I've shared this on this forum a hundred times and rarely does anyone try it. It's simple, doesn't cost a thing and it just slows the brain down.

Are you on any medications? That might help too depending on what's causing the edginess. Hope you find something that works. Being edgy just zaps my energy.

 

[Kittie]

I have to consciously just stop what I am doing. Even if I'm just sitting and my brain is whirling, I just stop my brain for a few seconds.

For me, that edginess is from depression and anxiety. Or I'm too tired. Or whatever, the wind is blowing wrong!!

Then I just do some self-talk. Just like I would anyone else that is having a rough time.

I try to see what is keeping me edgy if it's something environmental, like a dripping faucet, my dog making demands, or the wind is blowing wrong! I put the smiley because sometimes that's all it takes, the wind!!!

I understand and it's energy-draining isn't it! I find that I have to distract. I read a lot and that helps. I try to read something that grabs my attention or I am just reading the same line over and over or, I'm not remembering the storyline.

I do find something simple called Zentangle helps. Google it. It is drawing and you don't have to have any drawing talent at all!! I promise. You can make some very interesting drawings with zentangle. I've shared this on this forum a hundred times and rarely does anyone try it. It's simple, doesn't cost a thing and it just slows the brain down.

Are you on any medications? That might help too depending on what's causing the edginess. Hope you find something that works. Being edgy just zaps my energy.

Zentangle looks amazing!!!! Thank you for sharing! A great way to un-tangle my edgy brain!

 

[ladee]

I hope you enjoy it @Kittie it certainly helps me. Let me know if it helps.

 

[Kittie]

I hope you enjoy it @Kittie it certainly helps me. Let me know if it helps.

Thank you, ladee! It looks like my style of relaxation! I've been getting tired of the block stacking game...looking forward to Zentangle!

 

[RussellSue]

Honestly, when it is pretty bad, I have found only 3 things that do a very good job at naturally reducing my edginess. One is cardio. It doesn't matter if it is biking, swimming or dancing but it's got to be a real chemistry changer, in my case. Lighter exercise also works well for lighter anxiety for me but the real bad stuff typically requires a few minutes of elevated heart rate. Another is heat. I used to take baths but I only have a shower available at present, so I bought a sauna blanket (Amazon) - which in real life is actually 2 huge heating pads that connect together to form what looks basically identical to a sleeping bag but with some wires at the bottom - it's great for relaxation but should only be used like 3 times a week, so definitely not any sort of solution for chronic anxiety. Number 3 is my weighted lap pad (also on Amazon). I have been amazed at how much it helps when I am able to remember to use it. It helps with concentration issues, too, which go hand-in-hand with anxiety/edginess for me.

Zentangle

I had not heard of this. Ever since @Friday mentioned drawing as a way to settle my ass down, I have been thinking about it. This could be a great way to start moving that direction. Thanks @ladee for telling us about this! I plan to learn more.

 

[ladee]

I'm excited to hear this @RussellSue!!! I have mentioned it so many times on the forums and no one seemed interested. It sounded too simple. I truly hope you enjoy it. When I'm nuts like I am today, I will be taking my pad and pen on the trip to Austin today!!! Enjoy, the possibilities are endless!!!

 

[RussellSue]

I'm excited to hear this @RusselSue!!! I have mentioned it so many times on the forums and no one seemed interested. It sounded too simple. I truly hope you enjoy it. When I'm nuts like I am today, I will be taking my pad and pen on the trip to Austin today!!! Enjoy, the possibilities are endless!!!

I was just reading about it as this post showed up. I do a lot of research and then buying and actually using the stuff I buy to help with my anxiety. I am glad I looked more closely because when I read "tangle" I thought you were referring to those connectable plastic noodle things -- I think the word tangle is in their name. I bought several sets a couple of years ago and came to the conclusion that they were genuinely crazy-making for me. But this really looks promising.
Enjoy your trip and thanks again!

 

[River_Witch]

I head into nature when I can’t stand edginess. Sometimes that can be a 3-4 hour hike alone, or a day on the river, but sometimes it’s just driving to a neighborhood park with trees or a body of water and sitting in my car, if that’s all I have energy for that day. Occasionally it’s sitting on my porch and watching the sky or gardening but it’s extra impactful to feel “immersed” in nature and I don’t quite get that feeling at home.

ALSO! Noise-canceling headphones are a lifesaver for me. I love listening to music and podcasts but sometimes I just wear them without any sound — it muffles the world and reduces the amount of stimuli.

Finally, I usually have to communicate to my partner or whoever I might be with something like: “hey, I’m super edgy right now and my nervous system is fired up. Can you pretend I’m not here? I will come to you when I can handle it.” That can prevent or lessen unintentional clashes... or help them understand why I am banging around and avoiding them.

 

[RussellSue]

ALSO! Noise-canceling headphones are a lifesaver for me. I love listening to music and podcasts but sometimes I just wear them without any sound — it muffles the world and reduces the amount of stimuli.

This is a great suggestion. I used these a lot while living in downtown Portland. They were a life saver.