Any Techniques?? Help!

iVillage Member
Registered: 02-28-2005
Any Techniques?? Help!
8
Tue, 06-14-2005 - 9:38am

Hi All -

Thank you for your warm welcome to the site ... it is very comforting to me.

I've gone to a counselor for years - that's where the anxiety issues first became clear to me - but I'm struggling with whether it is really helping me or not. Over time, it becomes more conversational - like "let me tell you how my week has been" - with the respone "it's happened before, you'll get through it". I know there is no quick fix to anxiety and it's true - i will get through it.

But I also am convinced that there has to be some sort of helpful techniques or things that I can do for myself when the anxiety strikes - when the panic comes - breathing, thoughts, walks, etc. It happens a lot, like today, at work and I find it extremely hard to focus and be productive. I sit at a computer all day (I'm in research) so I find myself dwelling on the anxiety instead of constructively letting it go.

Any suggestions? Thank you all SO very much. Have a good morning...

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-11-2004
Tue, 06-14-2005 - 10:29am

You're so right that there's plenty of techniques that will help. Check in the folders below for some suggestions. We try to post in *what's new on health* & *off topic.*


I use the belly breathing. I breathe in through my nose & watch my abdomen rise, then breathe out through my mouth & watch my abdomen fall. It's very rhythmic. Counteracting the scary or negative thoughts with positive ones works, too. I also use relaxation(tense muscles very

 

 


 



iVillage Member
Registered: 01-17-2001
Tue, 06-14-2005 - 10:41am

Hi,


I am very new at all of this. I don't have a ton of advice.


I understand what you mean about the therapist, mine says the same thing. She tells me that I am doing all that I can to help myslef.

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-07-2003
Tue, 06-14-2005 - 8:34pm
Hi I know what you mean about some therapists!
What eles is going on? Those questions help them find
what might be causing you stress at the time. I am now
going to a hypnotherapist and find it very relaxing he has
taught me to relax something I never thought I would ever
really do!! Now I can close my eyes and feel that calm and
peaceful feeling! We have to be the ones to find what helps us
ourselves I don't think that the doctors have a magic cure or
method--- life is stressful sometimes VERY stressful how we
react to the things that come our way play a big part in
how we feel! I am beginning to see that I need to have
a less reactive personality it is hard to change but I am
trying to let some things go! If you try a relaxation tape
you could use it several times and try to tell yourself to
feel the calm and let yourself relax try it until you feel
more calm perhaps you can feel some relief too!!
Take care =0) Judy
iVillage Member
Registered: 12-08-2004
Tue, 06-14-2005 - 11:00pm
I know this sounds like a stupid technique, but it works for me, and its the only thing that works for me. When I feel anxiety rising in my while Im trying to do work, I basically yell at my anxiety in my head. In my head I just say "screw you! Im fine! I know Im fine and stop tricking me!"--as if I am telling off my body. I then take a few deep breaths, and then try to think about something silly, like the weekend, or what Im going to do when I get home. I used to sit around and let my anxiety build by wondering "am I going to die? Oh my gosh, what if my heart just like, stopped..., etc" But by basically yelling at myself like I am mad at it, its like I chase it away! Hope that helps, I know it sounds dumb, but its worth a try!
iVillage Member
Registered: 10-17-2004
Wed, 06-15-2005 - 12:34pm

Hi!


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Community Leader
Registered: 10-22-2001
Wed, 06-15-2005 - 3:52pm
dear hopelesslydevoted197,
Hi and hugs to you. (:)
My ds has this and it has been very difficult for him and myself.
People really don't understand how someone feels during an anxiety/panic attack or episode.
Sometimes it is hard to be prepared for it, as it can come out of the blue. You are not alone. He tries to prepare himself for them but it isn't always possible. I try not to dwell on it when he experiences one and I am so proud of him for what he can accomplish.
He isn't on any medication, we just are taking one day at a time. He does use basic breathing tools. This can help calm him. Sometimes avoiding things that create undue stress is necessary. Talking about this can be empowering. Educating and advocating are especially important to me. We need to be more empathetic and understanding of anyone who is experiencing this and not trivalize it. I believe in him and support him and hope the Stigma can be overcome. It is hard to reach out if you are unable to.
This messageboard has been a godsend to me. I have learned much from others here.
I hope this helps.
Just know you're not alone and I do understand. I think I have it myself and have only recently admitted it.
wishing you a great day (:)
Lorie
Nightangel
iVillage Member
Registered: 05-18-2005
Wed, 06-15-2005 - 4:40pm
Hello there, I don't have a lot of answers either....but the stomach breathing really works for me and I take walks. Jan
Jan
iVillage Member
Registered: 10-11-2004
Wed, 06-15-2005 - 11:15pm

I know this might sound silly but I became a gum chewing addict thanks to my anxiety!

I've heard though that something as simple as that, or chewing on some candy/hard candy can help take your mind off of it. Also I've heard of people who wear rubber bands around their wrists and snap those during panicky times to help calm them down.

I assume different methods work for different people, but the gum chewing ( and probably all the cavaties that have gone along with it ) has definetly given me some peace in the last few years!