Hey, thanks to every single one of you for your responses. As I said to another member (who unfortunately doesn't seem to be here anymore), I try to "hit it from every angle". That is, I deal with symptoms when the symptoms appear. But it works better if I build up a routine here and now while I'm relatively okay. Keep at it consistently whatever the external circumstances are. It helps me personally to try to cognitively slow down, as with mindfulness techniques. Less anxious, more creative, more attentive.
I strongly agree about exercise. The more variation the better, in my experience. Some days going for a long walk is all I can manage, but other days I'm up to running or hiking or working out, whichever.
A martial art sounds like an especially good way to channel adrenaline and work on self-discipline.
Someone PM'ed me with a point that I think should be emphasized: generally, we should be doing more to manage stress on a daily basis than we think we should. For example, while I'm on meds and managing reasonably well, I don't feel like forcing myself to take fifteen minutes to meditate or to actually practice the mindfulness techniques I've read about.
Artista - as you said, it's not so easy when you're in it. I'm willing to bet most (all?) of us can relate to that. I had a friend who carried a 'worry stone'. There was a natural groove in the stone. Over the years, the groove grew noticeably deeper. ;) In the situation you describe (first paragraph), I'm wondering if there is a way to deal with or prevent that 'inability to do much of anything', or if we should learn to go with the flow. Either way, thank you for your insights!
AdamAnt - I'm all out of valerian. And I've noticed. :( It does take the edge off, even if I'm downing seven or eight capsules at a time. I need to try that St. John's Wort. Don't underestimate natural remedies.
James B - You've also been thinking about archery? I've wanted to get into it for years, even if it's more of an interesting niche hobby than a typical team sport. I like the coordination and focus it requires. . . and the muscle-building. It's a workout for the upper arms, but take it at your own pace, with the right weights and tension and all that; an expert should be around to help outfit you, not that I expect you'll need it.
Taking on new creative challenges to survive an inescapable situation is an excellent point. I understand where you're coming from. I'd be interested in reading a post on that subject alone. I mean, to give an extreme example, creative challenges have been a major way for prisoners (including the unjustly imprisoned) to stay sane.
Anni - This is one of the posts where I know I could build on what you've said, where I can relate, but I'm too distracted and on edge to really get at the undercurrents of thought. You had the self-discipline to carry out that routine for years on end; then you mentioned grounding, centering and visualization. It kept you healthy (and still does). There you go: it works. One of my questions to the person who PMed me was whether or not a routine (running; grounding; meditation) keeps working over the long term, or better yet, whether regular meditation and calm mindfulness might help desensitize the overactive stress circuits over the years. I ought to find out for myself. :p
The point is that it works and the general techniques are adaptable. While I'm hiking or running, I'm purposely noticing and ignoring negative thoughts. I won't go into too much detail about what works for me, but I do relate quite a bit to what you wrote.
I also use grounding and visualization. Nothing New Age-y about it! Thank you for mentioning it. I'm going to ask about supplementing my med routine with something to get me off the ground. And benzodiazepines are always a backup strategy. (With me, the adrenaline is way over the top. Take sedatives, go for an intense run for an hour, and come home physically tired but still on edge.)
MariaMaria - Thank you. You helped me to hit a goldmine when I googled the term "deep chronic tension", but your point is that pain can be somatic and we need some kind of physical release. I'll look into TRE and body-centred therapies. I'm active, so that idea works for me. Avoiding coffee and alcohol (to the extent we can) is good advice in general. I feel as if I need caffeine because of my underlying sleep disorder, but on days when I'm too busy to stop for my usual coffee(s), I'm noticeably calmer -- and sometimes I can even fall asleep without meds!
I'm going to experiment, read, and keep journalling, but I don't know if I'd be posting here today if if weren't for the information, kind advice, and support I've found here. As always, thanks for commenting.
