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AIBU?

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Original poster

To want to shout this tip for anxiety/mental health from the rooftops?

81 replies

BornToBeStyled · 16/08/2024 17:19

Cold showers. Within a lifetime of problematic anxiety, I can't believe it's taken me this long (to my mid 40s) to discover them. Actual game changer.

If you have trouble with anxiety and panic, and haven't already tried cold showers, try them. A cold shower can bring me back from crisis point to feeling quite fine in about 2 minutes, sometimes. The effects can last for hours. And when they wear off... you can have another.

AIBU to think GPs should give this as an intervention before drugs?!

OP posts:
itsgettingweird · 16/08/2024 17:26

Really glad you've found something that works for you and is easily accessible.

I had heard about the benefits of cold water and mood when open water swimming became a big thing during the pandemic. I guess it's the same theory as said above about dopamine?

BrickOtter · 16/08/2024 17:24

It’s brilliant and if you find the full shower hard, running the cold water over the back of your neck can also work really well. I also find breathwork very good for anxiety either 4-7-8 or physiological sighing

Dilbertian · 16/08/2024 17:24

Cold water is extraordinary. I love outdoor swimming (though I admit to using a wetsuit). I cannot stay angry or glum when I swim outdoors, and, as you say, the effects last for hours. I don't find cod showers as exhilarating, but they are definitely worth the effort.

Do you go straight into a cold blast? I can't - I always start off warm and then gradually turn the temperature down until I'm gasping.

PassingStranger · 16/08/2024 17:24

I've heard cold water on your face. Does this apply to a bath as well?

OK in the heat maybe, couldn't see many ppl braving a cold bath or shower in the winter though too cold.
It's good you have found something that works for you.

Porridgeislife · 16/08/2024 17:23

I tried a cold water bath this week at a spa day and it had a really similar impact. Apparently it generates very high levels of dopamine as a side effect.

XenoBitch · 16/08/2024 17:22

It is part of the TIPP skill in DBT.

T stands for temperature.

Am glad you found something that works for you, and yes you are right... GP's should be tell people about this sort of thing... but sadly some people get offended by being "fobbed off" with self help stuff.