Hey guys. Anyone battle anxiety? It is such a chore to deal with anxiety and panic attacks. What are some of your remedies? What are some of your coping mechanisms?

the single most effective means of combating anxiety is rigorous exercise, preferably a form that you enjoy. I know more than I want about ptsd and anxiety. Oh, the company of a fine woman helps too!

I am only one of several people in my family that suffer from panic attacks. It's important to understand that anxiety is perfectly normal. It's our bodies way of copping with stress. When it becomes so overwhelming that we can't funtion is when you have a serious problem. My major stress factor is money and poor decisions on my part concerning finances. When I feel an attack coming on, I try to slow down and breath. It sounds simple but it can be difficult when presented with what seems to be hopless problems. I also have social anxiety. I just don't do well in groups. It makes me somewhat of an introvert. As a result, I don't attend events such as M&Gs and Adult Parties. I don't like it but it's just the way I am. Charlie, I believe that you have my number. I am available if you need to talk. Hope things get better for you.

That’s good advice BBB. I’ll chime in too on being willing to be a listening ear. Charlie you know if you just need to talk feel free.

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It's tough to be anxious when you are in the throes of ecstasy.

 
Here is my prescription, take one bottle of tequila and mix it with one GaGambler, repeat as needed throughout the evening. lol

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Mixing Xanax with alcohol is dangerous.  A good cardio workout is a good thing for anxiety. Or try GA Gambler’s suggestion.

Inositol is an over the counter, all natural supplement you can get at the Vitamine Shoppe. It has been used in Europe for years for anxiety. I have suffered from overwhelming anxiety for years and it works great for me- you just have to figure out the right dosage and fortunately, you can't overdose on it.

I've even mixed in tonic water with lime as a replacement for alcohol. I recommend a try.

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Good Lord, I do that all the time... helps me sleep when I've had too much to drink. So I guess, if suddenly you never see another post from me, everyone will know what happened. lol

The best thing to do, if your anxiety has gotten to the point of a severe panic attack where you feel like you are going to die or need to be at the emergency room; is to see a doctor.

If your anxiety is panic disorder you will need meds and something that works quick.  The down side to that medication is that you cannot drive after taking it.  So you will need an everyday regimen to lessen the frequency of attacks.  There are many courses of action.  I chose to see a specialist and it's been months since I have had an attack.  Some have attacks where their heart beats so fast they believe they are having a heart attack.  Mine come in the form of "exploding head" and I can tell when it's starting.  It will tingle all across the back of my  head, then it  feels like my brain is swelling inside my skull and is goin to explode out of the top of my head.  It is the worst experience ever.

See a doctor is the best advice.  I had to give up alcohol but to tell  you the truth it was the best decision I have made 3 years ago to stop self medicating with wine every night and let a doctor take control.

If you are in the Atlanta area, PM me and I can get you a wonderful referral to the best doctor ever.  He was in the military and  treated PCS and PTSD in military soldiers before starting his own practice.

Take care,
Madison

Not a Psychologist but a Psychiatrist with an MD, so he/she can prescribe.  Xanax may work but an anti-depressant like Lexapro can also work.
You can also try meditation or behavior modification techniques like The Sedona Method.

I am not "mixing" anything with Woody. That was a suggestion for Charlie and for any of the other GIRLS that might be suffering from anxiety, and most definitely NOT for Woody. lol

 
And yes, part of my suggestion does include a very good cardio workout

i was hoping we'd leave GG in 2017 but what else does he have to do. pity

close by .  That’s what I do .  

Weed works wonders too but I can’t partake most of the year .  

And if neither of those fit your lifestyle then go Dr Feel Good and get a script for .5 Klonopin .  

Or you can get your ass out of bed in the AM and PT

Did you really need to throw that in? Charlie posted a serious question about a serious subject.

Last four years or so I have had the heavy breathing type anxiety attacks. First time it developed was just after a major surgery ... these attacks can be real bad even to the point you will feel like you are dying. Scary.
When you are having it, short term best solution is going to the docs and take pills etc.
In the long run, however, what is working for me is breathing exercise. There are links to it, you can even get an instructor to get you started. I did it by reading and doing my own research. It has helped a lot.
Charlie and others who are having this ... I really hope you come out of it and be able to manage them well.
This is very useful topic.

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Focused, mindful breathing techniques to prevent a full blown attack.  When I am full blown panic, I pace from my recliner to my bed.  I will try to lay down and will toss and turn and get back up until the medicine takes effect ( a very long 30 minutes)  As it starts to subside, I will pull my knees up in bed while sitting and lean my head over between my legs and focus on my breathing...in and out. in and out.  slow, deep, deliberate breaths until it's completely gone.  It's the scariest shit I have ever been through to feel like I am going to stroke out.  I have passed out before, I have wet my pants in public before.  Panic disorder can be debilitating until treated.

Take care and see you soon!

I wrote a blog recently on self care for dealing with stress and anxiety. Here are some tips:

- I am a big fan of writing in a journal. It's free therapy. The first time I purchased a journal, I wrote 13 pages front and back about a boy who broke my heart... and I've used a journal to catalog my thoughts ever since! If you're lost for a first writing prompt: What have you accomplished this year that you never thought you would? I also like to periodically write about what success looks like in my life and plan out what I can do to make my life look a little more like that.

- Take a long shower or bath. Use a bath bomb, nice body wash, new shampoo, or a mask to make it more therapeutic.  

- Netflix and chill - complete with wine, beer, and snacks! I personally love champagne, a chilli cheese dog with jalapeno peppers, Smokin' Sweet BBQ Kettle Cooked UTZ (they are amazing), Salted Caramel Talenti, and sour patch kids... Yes, all in one chill session.  

- Phone a friend who you haven't spoken to in a while. You never know how other people are doing until you ask, and a lot of people feel more lonely than they let on. Someone you know may really need someone to reach out, and a familiar voice at the right time is always a source of comfort. It is also reassuring to know that you still have a friend in someone.  

- Clean... or Rearrange your home. Clutter has a real impact on your mood. Put on the gloves and get to scrubbing, dusting, and purging. Nothing makes your space feel fresh more than a clean room with a nice scent! Putting things in their proper space brings a wave of relief. It's certainly a metaphor for life.

- If you have a humidifier at home, add in some drops of your favorite essential oil for some DIY aromatherapy. Lavender or chamomile are always relaxing scents, while peppermint is energizing, and a citrus like orange or lemon will often have anti-stress effects.  

- Get a light therapy box for your office desk or just at home. Light therapy is a great way to combat Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

Yes I did because it’s what I felt like posting. The guy has no relevance to the boards.

I am glad that you did what you felt like doing regardless of the seriousness of Charlies original post. Kind of calls into question the relevance you have to the boards and probably mine also for responding. Sometimes I just can't help myself.

Why dues everyone get on GG? I mean is a discussion board. Meaning , “discuss shit”!
Yeah, I don’t know his history here, nor do I care. If everyone developed a, “fuck it”, GG and his communication wouldn’t bother .  
I like chatting with guys because it’s entertaining and helps people  get a feel for ones personality.  
Some will get my quirky humor and understand that a smile is on my face most times. Others may take me as phony. Others may block me and stop communication.  
I’m really this cool, kind and an awesome provider. GG maybe a mf but he isn’t , “that bad”. IMO!
So GG , keep up your billshit and stay entertaining !

You OTOH, you rock))