Melbgirl399 t1_j9smypu wrote on February 24, 2023 at 7:05 AM

It is really hard to think of what advice to give as a strategy I use may not be useful or appropriate for you. I have struggled with anxiety for a long time and still struggle. Anxiety is a normal but when it starts to impact your quality of life, it can be overwhelming.

Consider medication - I found it useful to take way the most intrusive aspects of anxiety and start to focus on self care strategies. I also use a counsellor regularly to check in and test my thinking/get new ideas on how manage particular events that are causing me anxiety.

Creating self care regime is important (frankly for everyone). Exercise, good food, regular contact with loved ones are standard. I also have little things I do like make sure I have shower every day, brush my teeth, air the bed, diffuse essential oils and do the dishes to give myself a sense of control. I am a big list writer - it helps to order my thoughts and stop things from being overwhelming.

The biggest lesson I have learned to be aware of my negative internal thoughts. I can be my harshest critic and I sometimes have to stop and reflect “would I say this to a friend? What would I say to my friend if they came to me with this concern? Will it matter tomorrow, next week or next year?. Everyone has anxiety a some time - it is part of growing to be a better person. No one has their shit together and you are enough.

Make sure you look after you

quantafolia OP t1_j9ss8hs wrote on February 24, 2023 at 8:12 AM

>The biggest lesson I have learned to be aware of my negative internal thoughts. I can be my harshest critic and I sometimes have to stop and reflect “would I say this to a friend? What would I say to my friend if they came to me with this concern? Will it matter tomorrow, next week or next year?

I wish I could be my greatest friend you know.. also Yeah i did learn something from your pov

WeedyClusterfuck t1_j9wgggd wrote on February 25, 2023 at 1:23 AM

My therapist gave me an exercise called Thoughts On Trial. Basically, you take your thought or perception (for example, "I'm useless") and think up all the reasons you can that shows this statement is false (example: "I'm good at cooking, I don't leave dishes out, I help others when they need it") It's a very simple exercise, and honestly, I almost always find so many more reasons as to why that thought or feeling is false. It was one of the better techniques for me.

Another is a worry timer. You set a timer on your phone (up to 5 minutes max) and put your phone across the room. Then you spend your time addressing the worries you have. When the timer goes off, you get up and turn it off and get on with your day. It's very important you put your phone or timer across the room so you can physically bring yourself out of worrying. If you have a worry that is bugging you during the day, you can acknowledge it and set it aside for the five minutes you allot yourself to worry. You can also do multiple worry timers if you need to, in the morning and in the evening. This was a big one that really helped me out.

Take care, OP! You're not alone in this! Don't be afraid to ask for help, because it means you are still fighting for yourself! ❤️

Edit: I was also told to pop a warhead or toxic waste candy in the middle of a panic attack. For whatever reason, the human brain can't process anxiety and ultra sour at the same time. Used it once, and yes, I was too busy trying not to cry because the damn thing was just that sour. Now I keep a pack of toxic waste in my bag just in case.

quantafolia OP t1_j9wuwiv wrote on February 25, 2023 at 3:19 AM

This is interesting

>Another is a worry timer.

I think I should try it out