Anxiety Releif Advice?

SoDark · 15-09-2011, 03:41 AM

I am really having a lot of anxiety and I don't want to take more medication! My therapist wants me to muscle relaxation stuff but I really don't like it. It just makes me more frustrated. Does anybody have any good techniques that work for them?

saffikeagan · 15-09-2011, 06:39 AM

I wish I had some advise for you. For generalized anxiety, proscribed meds and self-medication (ie alcohol) were good and bad coping devices. I think my Lexapro has helped with the 24-7 anxiety I was feeling. For acute attacks (panic attacks) my doc gave me some Xanax, but I couldn't use it as it would make me drowsy and sick and I was having my attacks at work. However, I know the symptoms of the attacks. So to help with the sudden attacks at work, I get through them by recognizing the symptoms as they occur: the sudden increase in anxiety/adrenaline, the cold sweat, the hyper ventilation, etc. By recognizing the symptoms and concentrating on slow deep breaths, I can manage.

Poppet6 · 15-09-2011, 06:43 PM

Are you feeling anxious all the time or is it triggered by certain events?

Has the medication worked for you in the past? How about trying a different type of medication?

Have you tried breathing techniques/relaxing music?

PassedExpectations · 15-09-2011, 09:16 PM

muscle relaxation, mindfullness, guided medition or imagery all can be really helpful, but you have to practice them. you aren't going to be good at them and get immediate releif the first time. its only by doing it many times that you start to really get the benefits. it also pays to practice those techniques when you aren't anxious... like, you wouldn't want the first time you try doing a new math skill to be on the exam... you would want to do practice problems, not just listen to the teacher and watch what they do....

Kiwi chick · 17-09-2011, 08:34 AM

Has your therapist considered helping you with cognitive behavioral therapy or cbt? I have recently started this with my counselor and it help with positive self talk and setting small easy to achieve goals,I used to be very anxious just walking down the street and I would set a goal,like I can make it to that lamp post or only 30 mins till my next break,that sort of thing,but the best thing that helped me was telling myself (especially going into an environment with lots of people eg mall supermarket etc) that people are more worried about what you are thinking of them.I hope this helps and you realize you aren't alone in it. Good luck

Niniane · 17-09-2011, 09:51 AM

One "technique" that I use when I know I'm gonna be in stressful situation is listening to music. I put it as loud as I can, and it keeps everything out.
I mostly use it when I have to get out of my house or in a supermarket, and it works quite well for me.
The other thing that I do is that I read to drive my attention elsewhere. In the end, I relax a bit (not totally without anxiety, but it's manageable).