What do you do to ease your anxiety?

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#1 :: August 21st, 2012 @ 12:47 AM

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I wasn't sure what forum this should go in, so I apologize if this is in the wrong place.

I get anxious quite a bit. I have not (yet) been diagnosed with any form of anxiety. I'm trying to push my dad to let me go to a doctor (because I'm too much of a pansy to go myself) but he's being a man and telling me to just 'let it go' like I can just turn off my anxiety like a light switch.

Various things make me anxious such as crowds, going new places, talking to people (in person or on the phone) that I don't know well, driving, and my favorite one, being in a place with no bathroom access. I also fabricate situations that have not happened/will not happen/have a tiny itty bitty chance of happening, and irrationally panic about them. For example I sometimes get scared that one day I'll end up living on the street. And I'm horrified of volcanoes even though there are a total of zero anywhere near where I live. Wow I feel like I'm completely spilling my guts to you guys...

Another thing that drives me insane is I've noticed my anxiety is MUCH worse when I'm tired/wake up in the middle of the night/haven't got enough sleep. That part really bothers me because if I have to be somewhere really early in the morning, I'll be in a state of panic all day to the point where I can't function normally. And obviously that's going to be an issue if and when I ever go to college (I'm 23) because I'll have a morning class, get up early, and be panicked all day. Fun.

So since I have not been to a doctor yet, I was wondering what you all do to help lessen your anxiety? I've tried some natural supplements, for example Vitamin B/foods that are high in Vitamin B which does help a bit. I also take a supplement before I go to bed, which is Melatonin w/ Theanine, GABA, and Calcium. They help me sleep, cause normally it'd take me at least an hour to fall asleep. I don't know if the other stuff has helped my anxiety at all though. But I was just wondering if there was anything else I could try to help get rid of my anxiety.

tl;dr
Give me some anxiety relief tips and tricks please?

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#2 :: August 21st, 2012 @ 1:28 AM

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I've gotten really bad anxiety recently because I'm leaving for school on Saturday and still have a lot to do. What I do is just suffer through the attack, or do something that will take my mind off of the situation.

Another anxiety i've discovered is pain. I went to the optometrist today and they did the eye air-puffing thing and my eyes started crying before the guy even used the air. Talk about a whimp haha.

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#3 :: August 21st, 2012 @ 1:33 AM

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@ Funny you should mention that, I had an eye exam myself today! My eyes didn't water with the puff of air exam though, I just start blinking faster than a hummingbirds wings, hahaha. So I'm a pansy with that exam too. But the big picture of it all is I was panicked just to go get the exam, let alone have them blow air in my eye. If I would have had to go by myself (I was with my dad), I'd probably have cancelled cause I'd be too scared.
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#4 :: August 21st, 2012 @ 1:35 AM

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i got prescribed vistaril. It helps me when nothing else does. Which nothing usually does. Honestly, I have the same anxiety. I over analyze things that are really stupid. And then I'll have a freaking heartattack over it. The only thing that calms me down is when I take my vistaril because it slows me down long enough to realize i'm freaking out over something in my head/ i get really bad though sometimes. I think you just need to go to the doctor, with or without your dad, and tell them exactly what you said on here because they'll help more then we can.

Some things that semi help me is to lay down and listen to music because it helps me calm down and think about things.
another thing is taking a bath, nice and quiet bath.
I usually am so anxious i can't stay in one place for too long so i try and relax while i can.

#5 :: August 21st, 2012 @ 1:35 AM

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I have all the same anxiety problems you described. I get really nervous when I'm around any people, especially in large crowds, I don't like talking on the phone, etc. I basically try to just "go into myself" as my mother describes it. Basically when I'm anxious I have nervous habits like crossing my hands (you know like when couples hold hands) and fixit with my fingers, stuff like that.

Well knowing that my anxiety would shoot through the roof when I had to start college classes with zero friends and no comfort I went to my doctor today. He gave me some low dose anti-anxiety/anti-depression medication. I'm also going to go see a theattacker hopefully soon.

My advice would be to read up on anxiety online and find some solid evidence to convince your father. It seems like people who don't have anxiety don't believe it exists (my mother is like this, but after she realized that my nervous habits were getting worse she let me go to the doctor). Oh and another thing I would suggest is maybe getting a job. Before I got a job as a grocery store clerk, I would NEVER look people in the eye, but that job taught me that even if I'm uncomfortable he best thing to do is to just appear friendly and confident.

Okay I just wrote a book full of text, I'm sorry. XD I hope I helped at all.

Edit: for some reason, defining myself as "socially awkward" made my habits and stuff less "weird" to me. I don't really know how this would help you, but I remember the day when I heard about that and I finally found something to call it.

Last Edit by: Dalek 8/21/12 - 1:37:10 am

#6 :: August 21st, 2012 @ 1:40 AM

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I feel like the older you get the easier it is to face our fears. Sure it's hard, but sometimes it's what we have to do

BUT, at least you didn't hard core cry. My eyes were just like waterfalls. I was so glad I didn't wear makeup.

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#7 :: August 21st, 2012 @ 1:40 AM

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@ Actually I do have a job! That is a good thing. And I'm also used to it now, I used to freak any time it was a work day, and holy crap did I panic majorly on my first day, I almost didn't show. And I think it has helped me a little with talking to people, I can at least appear friendly I hope), but I'm still very quiet and nervous and fidgety. I would think my dad would be well convinced of my anxiety because my grandma (his mother) has anxiety, and is medicated, and he even commented how much better off she's been on the medication than she was off of it. And he's seen me have major panic attacks. But for some reason he's still in denial about it all. I worry about things constantly and he knows I do, but he still just thinks I need to 'let it go'.

@ I wish I could believe that was true but I feel like the older I get, the more I'm afraid of. I never used to panic over the things I panic about now. For example, my refusal to go places without restroom access is relatively new. And if someone asked me to go drive somewhere (or even worse, drive THEM somewhere) I'd cry and throw a tantrum like a damn toddler.
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Last Edit by: Flamingo 8/21/12 - 1:43:49 am

#8 :: August 21st, 2012 @ 1:45 AM

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I'm glad that helped you too! I remember how nervous I was my first day. I had originally applied to be a shelf stocker because I didn't want to talk to people, but since I'm female they wanted me on the register instead. Whew I thought I was going to die! xD

And have you tried just sitting down with your father and discussing all of this with him? Maybe the next time you're out and you're feeling anxious you can try to get him to see why you need to see a doctor.

#9 :: August 21st, 2012 @ 1:47 AM

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Hrm, maybe your brain is going though something. I suggest seeing a doctor before it could get worse. I hope it gets better for you c:

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#10 :: August 21st, 2012 @ 1:47 AM

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@ Gosh I can't tell you how many times I've tried to discuss it with him, and how many times I've nagged him to take me to a doctor, but he always just says 'you just need to let things go and stop worrying so much'. EXACT WORDS. One time I had him ALMOST CONVINCED that I should see a doctor, and he even agreed to let me go, but now he's back to his normal crap. He'll either shrug it off or try to make a damn joke out of it, which I hate. I'M SCARED OF EVERYTHING DAD, IT'S NOT FUNNY.

@ Thanks, hopefully soon I can get to a doc.
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Last Edit by: Flamingo 8/21/12 - 1:48:37 am

#11 :: August 21st, 2012 @ 1:50 AM

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I'm sorry I don't really know how to convince people >.<

Uh maybe if your grand mother with the anxiety is still Alive[and I'm sorry if I offended you with that] maybe you could get her help in convincing him?

#12 :: August 21st, 2012 @ 1:55 AM

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@ No offense taken, she's still alive. She was actually the one who helped me almost convince him the last time. I went up to see her and I was all TALK TO YOUR SON in a joking manner of course and he actually started saying 'I realize you need to see a doctor, it'll help you feel better and we can set up an appointment soon' and I nagged constantly but then he gradually went back to shrugging it off. I may have to bug her again to tell him, he seems to listen to his mom more than me so if it works, may as well try it!
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#13 :: August 21st, 2012 @ 2:00 AM

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Good luck

I know that free clinics aren't the best but maybe that's an option for you. Or (if you're still in high school or college) a guidance counselor would be able to help a little.

#14 :: August 21st, 2012 @ 2:04 AM

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@ Guidance counselors (and even one actual theattacker) did help a lot. I used to see guidance counselors all the time because of issues I was having with my mom, I lived with her at the time. And then I saw an actual theattacker because my mom was convinced I was an unruly brat. Long story, basically my mom isn't a nice person. But it did help and if I was still in school, I would definitely use that as an option.
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#15 :: August 21st, 2012 @ 2:05 AM

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It kinda sucks that there aren't those options available to you as readily when you're an adult.

#16 :: August 21st, 2012 @ 2:13 AM

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honestly, if i have the ability, i find that the best way to release stress or alleviate my anxiety is to exercise. walking works best for me, but weight lifting seems to help as well. also doubles as a good way to snap me out of sudden weird depressive spirals.
since that's not always feasible though, i just try to channel out the building energy in the least destructive way possible. i've recently taken to keeping rubber bands on my wrist, and i spend a decent amount of time fiddling with those when i get anxious. keeping my hands busy seems to be key.

i know what you mean though, about your fears building as you age. i've always been a shy, introverted person, but i've never been anxious until recent years. seems like things are getting worse as time goes by, to add insult to injury.

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#17 :: August 21st, 2012 @ 2:47 AM

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@ Exercise, that's something I should definitely do more. I've got plenty of free time, but of course I lack the motivation to do it and I'm lazy. But I should really do that. I've got a few bad habits that I developed out of anxiety, one being grinding my teeth. And not while I'm asleep (that I know of), no I do it when I'm awake, isn't that great? Hurts my jaw pretty bad. And I ALWAYS fiddle with my fingers when I'm nervous, or my hair.
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#18 :: August 21st, 2012 @ 3:11 AM

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exercise is a huge pain in the ass, but it really does pay off. weight lifting is my favourite, because its absolutely something you can do while sitting at the computer. some nights i'll just do dumbbell curls for extended periods of time while reading articles online.
i also know some of my friends like to channel their anxiety into cleaning, but that's never worked for me. still, probably worth throwing that suggestion out there.

i guess the key is to just try and develop positive, or at least non-destructive habits. it's unfortunately so, so much easier to pick up bad or harmful ones. i have my fair share of destructive habits that i've unconsciously picked up as methods of relieving anxiety. while cathartic and effective, that kind of crap comes at the cost of essentially mutilating yourself. so yeah, bad idea.

the best thing to do is to plan ahead for times like these and make sure you always have something to keep your hands busy. or, if you're a compulsive jaw clencher/grinder (as i am myself), try keeping things on hand to chew. gum works wonders for me, and i always try to have some nearby when i'm in public.

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#19 :: August 21st, 2012 @ 3:17 AM

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@ omg , is there such thing as when you think too much and get a bit of anxiety and tend to not be able to function ? Because i believe ive been going through anxiety ever since my mom mentioned tht i had anxiety issues because i would always try to grab something to eat... i cant seem to just watch tv witout eating , and then i started to notice that i might have some anxitey im not sure ? Im glad @ brought this up!

#20 :: August 21st, 2012 @ 1:49 PM

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Actually there is, my doctor always tells me to slow down because it speeds up my heart or something. i'm not sure about that! I think that might be stress but stress and anxiety are like twins in some way. they go together so maybe your stressed and the anxiety is making you eat while your watching tv. i'm not sure :/ But sounds like anxiety to me by far. I would tell someone though, maybe they can help you, cause when i had a panic attack with my midwife she's like, take these vistaril girl, it won't go to your uterus so it won't effect the baby but you neeeeeeeed these xD

#21 :: August 21st, 2012 @ 1:58 PM

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@ So Vistaril is good for you! you know i think im going to go to the doctor and check that out. It just doesnt seem normal to me that when im not extremely distracted, i cant control myself when i think, Sometimes i can but i just cant go without being distracted. Thank you for telling me this ^.^

#22 :: August 21st, 2012 @ 2:38 PM

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Its different then klonies or xanax. those are both terribly addicting. These vistaril aren't addicting at all! I don't feel the need to take it all the time, only as needed. I haven't needed to take one for at least a week now. That's how I am. Especially when I'm stressed I can't calm down for two minutes to chill out and think about how i should be thinking differently. Maybe you have adhd too? no problem

#23 :: August 21st, 2012 @ 2:42 PM

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@ you know my little brother says i have adhd because i can get extremely hyper, but not to the point where it interfers at school.. so i might be naturally hyper lol. Adhd sounds like i guess more complicating. & ill have to tell my doctor about the vistaril.

#24 :: August 21st, 2012 @ 2:56 PM

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You know, its possible you could have both add, and adhd. Just one not so bad as the other, and its true, you can have both. I was diagnosed with both, plus anxiety and partial depression. So i guess I have a lot of things wrong with me xD I have had adhd since i was 4 years old, before anyone really knew what it was and they thought i had some kind of problem in my head because I wouldn't focus on anyone and I'd be running around, I'd never take naps, etc. But when it came to school, I couldn't focus on school because it didn't interest me, the add part of it. So its possible you may have both, adderall could be your next best friend xD
It also helps your eating habit. It makes you eat only when your hungry, which was good for me when I was with my ex, because I was a stress eater, that helped me lose a good 35 pounds that I'd gained just with him

So I got back to my old awesome not big body, and went back to a healthy eating pattern

#25 :: August 21st, 2012 @ 5:05 PM

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As it is interfering with your daily routine, your DAD needs to man up and let you go. It is a state of male mentality that says, "I am strong, I don't need help", but we're social animals and we need to depend on other people to survive. And we're prone to our brains doing this or that annoying thing, unfortunately- and as you can see from all of these responses. Anxiety is... well, stressful to live with. It takes away your productivity, your feelings of safety. I hope he turns around, keep pressing him about it or go to the doctor with a close friend/family member with you.

I also have levels of anxiety, they vary in different situations. It's mostly social anxiety. I dread going to any kind of party, and avoid socializing when I'm there. I start shaking when I'm going to see someone new or imposing, which gets in the way of me driving safely. I used to have total driving anxiety, but that has died down to just being a cautious driver who dislikes cities and unknown destinations. I still fear getting lost- a GPS helps.

When I know I'm about to go into a social situation that scares me (like new classes at my college), I will lay down and put my ipod on, and try to breath deeply until I forget about why I'm worried. If I feel up to it, I'll go for a walk, because exercise releases hormones that improve your mood and let you think clearer.

I can get waaay too nervous just looking at a PICTURE of a guy I like, so in that sort of situation, I pry myself away from the source of stress and do something I love, like reading. I go back when I feel better, but take these things in small doses.

I pray and talk to strangers about what's bothering me, if I can pinpoint the source.

I try to eat healthy so that my mind will be much more healthy and ready to defend me in times of a panic attack. A good diet will go a long way in any mental mishap, plus getting enough sleep. Basically, you gotta try to take care of yourself. When you need help, never be afraid to stop and calm down- it's easier to explain to a professor or a friend that you needed to pull off to the side of the road for a second than to get into a car crash because you're so wired, you know?

You think much clearer when laying down on your back, and then blood can get to your head. A power-nap of 20 minutes maximum also helps you prepare for any incoming stress.

Last Edit by: LonexWolf12 8/21/12 - 5:30:00 pm

#26 :: August 21st, 2012 @ 5:43 PM

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@ I wish I had a friend/family member to go to that would take me, but I don't. I only had one friend, and I even used to go to her when I was having anxiety issues and she was usually great help, because she's had anxiety/panic attacks as bad as I have. But then she just became so mean. I started noticing that when I talk to her about something that is bothering me, I'd feel even MORE anxious after I was done talking to her. And then she started telling me to 'stop being so negative'. This became something she said almost on a daily basis. What really drew the line for me is one day I was talking to her about just a random imagination that popped in my head, like how cool it would be to have wings or something of that sort (and we used to ALWAYS have conversations about random imaginations we have), and she tells me she thinks I'm depressed and again, I need to 'stop being so negative'. HOW IS THAT NEGATIVE? After that I got so fed up with her attitude (for more reasons than just that) that I stopped talking to her. You probably didn't want to know that whole story... But yes my dad is basically being ME MAN. ME DONT NEED NO DOCTUH. But I'm continuing to nag.

It's funny you should mention that we thing clearer when laying on our backs, because that is actually when I'm the most anxious. =/
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#27 :: August 21st, 2012 @ 6:07 PM

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I mentally stab myself until my anxiety calm down xD

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#28 :: August 21st, 2012 @ 6:14 PM

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i know it only makes your anxiety a million times worse, but really get to a doctor! at least for me, it's made things a bit easier day to day to where i can function a little bit better.

tbh when i'm having an attack i eat. it's like i'm on my period and i have the munchies and NOTHING looks or sounds good but i eat it anyways. listening to music and crying is a big one for me, too. i usually cry after or during an attack because i'm embarrassed about it and all that stupid stuff.

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#29 :: August 22nd, 2012 @ 2:36 PM

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I had/have an anxiety disorder so I feel your pain

Anxiety to the point where it regularly affects your daily life isn't something you can just "let go of". I tried to do that myself for a long time, and it just doesn't work. The best thing to do is to see a doctor and they can recommend sedatives, SSRIs, therapy, whatever. Your dad needs to get over it and help you instead of letting you suffer. (I have found that people who haven't gone through anxiety/depression themselves often just don't understand it as a serious and disabling thing.)

Exercise might help. I found that anything repetitive to occupy the mind would help me as well -- sorting things alphabetically for example. Having a routine in place helped me to calm down as well.

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