Anxiety Management?

[Liffrea]

Do any of you suffer anxiety and how do you manage it?

A brief essay….

I have had panic attacks/anxiety on and off for a few years but recently things seem to have become worse. In the last two months I have been admitted to hospital with tightness in my chest, cold and tingling limbs and sometimes a lack of strength in my legs, I am left drained for hours even the best part of a day. I also suffer from imbalance, which I was told by a doctor recently could be related but I am seeing an ear specialist and neurologist to investigate any physical cause (though I have noticed myself that my imbalance seemingly appears at the same time as other symptoms, interestingly my imbalance has also been on and off for a period of five years or more and disappeared completely for most of last year, at the time I was engaged in various conservation projects).

I have had X rays, blood tests, CT scans, ECG monitoring, I do have a lung condition called sarchoidosis, but other that (which isn’t life threatening) all seems normal. The doctors seem convinced that my condition is due to anxiety, I’m not a medical man myself so I have to take their opinion, I have had several doctors say the same thing, so it seems reasonable…..

What worries me is I can find no underlying reason for it, I am not by nature a worrier, I do have responsibilities I care for my elderly father who is himself seriously ill suffering from COPD (chronic lung deterioration), has had several minor strokes and two heart attacks, I do not resent looking after him nor see it as a duty, some have suggested I have put my own life on hold but I doubt this myself. I have a deep love for life, I like to spend my time learning, if I’m not reading I’m writing, I like to keep physically active and as healthy as possible. I don’t lack self worth or confidence, to my knowledge I have never been depressed, I’m not especially passionate, slow to anger and quick to laugh, although my sense of humour would be considered dry and often wry by most. I consider myself a realist as regards human nature and not a cynic. I can be quite isolated but I rarely feel lonely, I’m generally at home in my own company, though I have friends. Perhaps one thing that does concern me is direction, but hardly the basis for my experiences surely? I have plans and ambitions, I sometimes wonder if a part of me wants to hold me back, I believe I have a reasonable level of insight into my own character and there are things about me that I have a love/hate relationship with.

In general, though, I feel in control, which is all the more worrying because if I can’t find a reason then I’m not going to manage this problem let alone overcome it. Have others experienced anything like this and what did they do to overcome it? I have a life I wish to live, physical constraint is one thing, to be told you have a disability or illness that will limit you is bad but it is something you can come to terms with, but I’ll be damned if my own mind is going to prevent me! To be honest I feel un-maned by the experience.

[Loki]

If you suffer from anxiety and panic attacks, see attached for an e-book that is hard to find for free online. Pay special attention to the "One Move Technique".

[The Black Prince]

Perhaps one thing that does concern me is direction, but hardly the basis for my experiences surely?
Sorry to say but I think that is the base of the cause for your panic/anxiety troubles. Not so much the fear what might happen, but the underlying fear that nothing happens or will happen.

I'm no psych though and perhaps I speak more for myself than for you.:P

[Electronic God-Man]

I also suffer from imbalance, which I was told by a doctor recently could be related but I am seeing an ear specialist and neurologist to investigate any physical cause (though I have noticed myself that my imbalance seemingly appears at the same time as other symptoms, interestingly my imbalance has also been on and off for a period of five years or more and disappeared completely for most of last year, at the time I was engaged in various conservation projects).

Haha. I had the same thing happen to me once. It was at the peak of my anxiety years...back in high school. I felt like I was tilted and I was walking to the side or something.

I also had a bunch of other weird shit going on...tingling in the limbs (caused by over-active nerves...I've noticed my hands and feet get much colder too.) and even audio distortions. One sound would just echo in my head for a minute after I first heard it. Lots of weird stuff, I can't even remember it all. I'm still pretty anxious, but I don't really have panic attacks any more. My biggest problem is muscle tension now and sometimes my mind will race.

Anyway, it's definitely anxiety/panic attacks in my opinion. You just have to say "fuck it" and move on. Realizing what the problem is is most of the battle.

[Monolith]

In the last two months I have been admitted to hospital with tightness in my chest, cold and tingling limbs and sometimes a lack of strength in my legs, I am left drained for hours even the best part of a day.
I had exactly the same symptoms several years ago. The cause of it turned out to be psychological, a suppressed concern to be exact. The symptoms never came back, once the concern was gone.

[Óttar]

I have reflux problems when I get nervous. There is the "cycladic rhythm" which regulates cortisol, a stress hormone, and I get a goodly dose of it when I open my eyes first thing in the morning. Cortisol also regulates acid, and it can't regulate it while it's too busy being pumped into my bloodstream with the sole purpose of stressing me out. It is the calmest at night, indeed almost serene, when I have no more responsibilities. It is primarily for this reason that I don't like to get up until 11 AM. In the early morning it is the worst.

Technically I'm supposed to stay away from cigarettes, caffeine and alcohol. I gave up cigarettes after I had 3 in a row the night before a particularly brutal bout of sickness came about. I couldn't get out of bed for the entire day. I realised then that if anything was going to kill me, it would be cigarettes.

Coffee and alcohol can irritate my throat and stomach, but to a much lesser degree.

I stay away from Indian and greasy food when going out on a first date, as it increases the likelihood of what I like to call "chick induced panic attacks." I've had a number of occasions where, for no reason at all, while on a date, a feverishly hot dizzy spell falls upon me suddenly and I have to get away and get into a cold place. For this reason I eat bland vegetarian food to keep my stomach calm.

If this happens tomorrow, (Yes, I have a date), I might have to see a doctor.

[Liffrea]

Thanks for the responses, I appreciate it.:)


Originally Posted by Bedlam
If you suffer from anxiety and panic attacks, see attached for an e-book that is hard to find for free online. Pay special attention to the "One Move Technique".

Thanks.:)


Originally Posted by The Black Prince
Sorry to say but I think that is the base of the cause for your panic/anxiety troubles. Not so much the fear what might happen, but the underlying fear that nothing happens or will happen.

I do tend towards caution and over thinking things, I may have a comfort zone, something to think over.....


Originally Posted by Soten
I felt like I was tilted and I was walking to the side or something.

Exactly what I get.


You just have to say "fuck it" and move on.

I have a punch bag, believe me it helps……


Originally Posted by Monolith
a suppressed concern to be exact. The symptoms never came back, once the concern was gone.

Hmmm I think me and me are going to have spend some time up a metaphorical mountain…


Originally Posted by Óttar
I have reflux problems when I get nervous. There is the "cycladic rhythm" which regulates cortisol, a stress hormone, and I get a goodly dose of it when I open my eyes first thing in the morning. Cortisol also regulates acid, and it can't regulate it while it's too busy being pumped into my bloodstream with the sole purpose of stressing me out. It is the calmest at night, indeed almost serene, when I have no more responsibilities. It is primarily for this reason that I don't like to get up until 11 AM. In the early morning it is the worst.

Same here, I usually wake up on edge for some reason, I sleep well enough and I’m usually alright as the day goes on.


Coffee and alcohol can irritate my throat and stomach, but to a much lesser degree.

I stay away from Indian and greasy food when going out on a first date, as it increases the likelihood of what I like to call "chick induced panic attacks." I've had a number of occasions where, for no reason at all, while on a date, a feverishly hot dizzy spell falls upon me suddenly and I have to get away and get into a cold place. For this reason I eat bland vegetarian food to keep my stomach calm.

Well I don’t drink coffee, bucket loads of tea though, and I’m a moderate drinker. People don’t make me nervous, I don’t suffer from awkwardness or shyness around women, quite the opposite really. I’m generally good with people but I do distance myself somewhat from them, I find it hard to trust even though I have no real reason to mistrust.

[Arne]

Green Tea also contains stimulating substances.
When was your last holiday ?
Most People today have Burn Out Symptoms.
And ithink it´s maybe a Sign from Outer Elements like Pressure general.
Finance Crisis...
Do you have too many Problems with your surrounding Area ?
Then it´s appropriate to solve it by change of the location.
May i have the ask for Drug Use ..
Do you ?

[Liffrea]

Originally Posted by Ead
Green Tea also contains stimulating substances.

I’m a Yorkshire tea man myself, loose Earl Grey when I’m feeling really English.


When was your last holiday ?

Hmmm……..probably 2004 when I visited a friend who lives in Aberystwyth….


Most People today have Burn Out Symptoms. And ithink it´s maybe a Sign from Outer Elements like Pressure general.
Finance Crisis...

As I wrote above I don’t tend to worry all that much, money is short not being able to work at the moment, the social have put me on the sick but I’m to used to buying books and the like to want that nonsense, besides I don’t like claiming anything off the state, least of all my means to eat….I feel a hypocrit for it.


Do you have too many Problems with your surrounding Area ?

Let’s see I live on a council estate that has had…if I remember right…. two shootings and five knife attacks (including two murders) in the last year, I have had two attempted muggings (victim of not perpetrator) I came out on top both times, I’m not particularly strong or well built but I am nasty when roused and stubborn, especially when some bum is after my money or pulls a knife on me, I’ve bottled a man before now for the later. I’m no fighter but growing up where I have I’ve been in enough scrapes to learn a few things, have your head kicked in a few times and you learn when to duck and when the boot is coming in…..

I don’t believe any of that causes me anxiety, though.


Then it´s appropriate to solve it by change of the location.

The old man is to old to sell up and there isn’t a chance I would leave him alone round here and in the condition he is in.


May i have the ask for Drug Use ..
Do you ?

Nope, never seen the fascination with drugs, used to drink heavy in my early twenties, though, I used to get into some states back then. I'm a moderate to t total drinker now, except mead, which I am partial to...and real ale.

[Cato]

Read a book such as this, and try to remember that life is a mixture of bad and good in equal amounts:

http://www.amazon.com/Stoic-Art-Living-Resilience-Results/dp/0812695593

[Jamt]

You probably have heard this to boredom but I believe it’s true. Regular, daily exercise helps like a miracle towards your symptoms.

[Radojica]

You say that some friends told you that you have put your own life on hold because of your ill father. I believe that you love and care about your father very much and that seeing him ill of serious illness for a couple of years puts you under big stress. You have your own ways of "emptying", but your fathers illness is lasting for very long time. You are saying that your the last holiday was 6 years ago.

One thing is "emptying" of bad energy and thoughts by various defensive mechanisms, but totally different refreshing, going somewhere on your own, with your own thoughts, not to think about anything, anybody... to feel like that horse in open green plain running like crazy :D :D. You know what I mean :)? Freedom of everything...for 5 days, 5 days, but it will do hell of the job :).

(:chin:, maybe that's something I need, so I am writing this :swl), but the point is that you have to regenerate your body and mind to be ready to help your father in the future and to fight with anxiety.

Once when it's there you have to do whatever you have to stop it from "evolving" to something more serious. Read that book which, umm, it was Loki, I presume, suggested to you, try to find some time for yourself and yourself only, but don't leave the problem of anxiety on stand by. If things by the time start getting worst, ask for help from psychiatrist, don't hesitate. I was...It didn't end in good way for me...

[a device]

I hope the previous, more holistic approaches in this thread have solved your problems, but in case they haven't, I'd like to suggest a more clinical solution. :embarrassed

If you are easily anxious and prone to panic attacks, well that is a classic symptom of depression.
The Good News is, there is a new generation of anti-depressant drugs which tackle this form of depression.

They are non-addictive, the side-effects are kept to a minimum, and they don't make the user drowsy.

You should research on the web 'Paroxetine' (generic name: Seroxat).

It may be what will set you free. :cool:

[Electronic God-Man]

They are non-addictive, the side-effects are kept to a minimum, and they don't make the user drowsy.

You should research on the web 'Paroxetine' (generic name: Seroxat).

It may be what will set you free. :cool:

Fuck anti-depressants. They gave me worse problems than being anxious did.

No side-effects...

[a device]

Fuck anti-depressants. They gave me worse problems than being anxious did.

No side-effects...
This thread isn't about you. It's about the initial poster.

[Electronic God-Man]

This thread isn't about you. It's about the initial poster.

Yeah. It's about anxiety management. I said, "fuck anti-depressants." they're no good for anxiety.

[Radojica]

Fuck anti-depressants. They gave me worse problems than being anxious did.

No side-effects...

You have to know that there are different types of anti-depressants with their own way of "working". What was bad for you can be good for me and the opposite.

[Eldritch]

Yeah. It's about anxiety management. I said, "fuck anti-depressants." they're no good for anxiety.

Actually SSRI's do help anxiety, and I speak from personal experience. I tried the drug a d mentioned (Seroxat), but it had some very unpleasant side effects (priapism if you must know).

I now take Effexor Depot and the feelings of not only anxiety, but also irritability and despondency that I've been prone to ever since I can remember have all but disappeared.

[a device]

Fuck anti-depressants. They gave me worse problems than being anxious did.
I sympathise, Soten.
You were obviously diagnosed with the wrong uns, just like I was, from 2003-2005, they had no effect.
However, once I researched the issue on the Internet @ 2005, I knew the drug I needed, demanded it from my doctor, and was subsequently prescribed it. ;)

[Absinthe]

Never had a chronic problem with panic attacks myself, but people who have, have told me that meditation works wonders. Call me a hippy (like I care :p) but I am strongly inclined towards "mind over body" approaches after what I've seen over the last years.

[Radojica]

I sympathise, Soten.
You were obviously diagnosed with the wrong uns, just like I was, from 2003-2005, they had no effect.
However, once I researched the issue on the Internet @ 2005, I knew the drug I needed, demanded it from my doctor, and was subsequently prescribed it. ;)

For two years :eek::eek: :eek:? First time I saw letters and numbers going around on my screen, i knew something is not right, went to doc, took another medicines and everything worked fine since then. I was lucky to realize "signs" on time so my treatment was lasting 6 months only. And that only Alana and Arawn know the best. I will be eternally thankful for having them during those times :thumbs up

[Loki]

5-10mg of diazepam will solve the immediate problem quickly. :)

[a device]

5-10mg of diazepam will solve the immediate problem quickly. :)
Oh, yes. Sometimes the old remedies are the best! :D
Only problem with diazepam (aka Valium); it can be a bit... 'moreish'.. :puppy_dp:

[Arne]

5-10mg of diazepam will solve the immediate problem quickly. :)

This Valium can make everybody an addict..
I´ve taken it 2-3 times and i felt very lazy on the next morning.
From my experience i wouldn´t recommend it.

[Eldritch]

This Valium can make everybody an addict..
I´ve taken it 2-3 times and i felt very lazy on the next morning.
From my experience i wouldn´t recommend it.

Diazepam and other benzos can have a half-life of up to 100 hours, so it's no wonder you still felt the effects the following day. And yes, it can addict you extremely quickly and make you take ever escalating doses, so one should always think twice before taking one.

However, during an acute panic or anxiety attack, there's really no other choice than to use it. It should be used for immediate relief, and then once the person has calmed down a bit (the next day perhaps), they should start seeking help to figure out the underlying causes of their problems.

[a device]

Diazepam and other benzos can have a half-life of up to 100 hours, so it's no wonder you still felt the effects the following day. And yes, it can addict you extremely quickly and make you take ever escalating doses, so one should always think twice before taking one.

However, during an acute panic or anxiety attack, there's really no other choice than to use it. It should be used for immediate relief, and then once the person has calmed down a bit (the next day perhaps), they should start seeking help to figure out the underlying causes of their problems.
Yes! Either that, or sell a can of extra-strong lager for 2 of the little fellas, with a Hells Angel at Rock City Nottingham, and spend the night monged out. :thumb001:

[Liffrea]

I would like to thank you all for your replies, I really do appreciate the advice.:)

[Sadie]

How about stopping to over-analyse yourself, as the first step on your way of healing?

[Liffrea]

Originally Posted by Sadie
How about stopping to over-analyse yourself, as the first step on your way of healing?

I think knowing yourself is important…..it’s knowing that which is leading me to have difficulty in identifying any source of anxiety.

[Sadie]

I think knowing yourself is important…..it’s knowing that which is leading me to have difficulty in identifying any source of anxiety.

Knowing, yes. But not over-analysing. Two totally different things.

[Treffie]

This Valium can make everybody an addict..
I´ve taken it 2-3 times and i felt very lazy on the next morning.
From my experience i wouldn´t recommend it.

If the medication is in tablet form, it's sometimes a good idea to cut it in half to reduce the effects and gradually build up from there, so that the body can get used to it.

[SuuT]

Anxiety is the price you pay for your instrument, Liffrea.

[Liffrea]

Originally Posted by SuuT
Anxiety is the price you pay for your instrument, Liffrea.

Nah, no women in my life at the moment………oh you mean another instrument.:D

Seriously, though, you wouldn't be the first to suggest so, going grey at 28 should be warning enough. I suppose it's a case when you start to kick the supports away you think you had you fall, just have to hope there is a branch on the way down....

[a device]

How about stopping to over-analyse yourself, as the first step on your way of healing?
If she is suffering from anxiety then the first instinctive (albeit irrational) move is to over-analyse herself.
Ceasing the over-analysis can only begin when the anxiety is on the wane (be it by anti-depressants, yoga, chronic alcohol intake, therapy, or whatever).
@Sadie, do you believe that such 'unfortunates' should simply 'pull themselves together'?

[Atlas]

I avoid psychiatric drugs... some people self-medic themselves from anxiety disorders with majiruana now.

[Liffrea]

Originally Posted by Atlas
I avoid psychiatric drugs... some people self-medic themselves from anxiety disorders with majiruana now.

I have an acquaintance who takes it for epilepsy but it’s not my thing, I’m avoiding any form of mind bending substances. Doc’s put me on beta blockers, they are effective but they leave me exhausted, I can’t exercise for long without becoming light headed.

[Germanicus]

How about stopping to over-analyse yourself, as the first step on your way of healing?

I disagree, talking about, and sharing your problems with someone does help.