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Original poster

Stress - alternatives to getting drunk, diazepam or exercise?

66 replies

ICouldDoWithALifeReset · 09/03/2025 16:38

I should say this is related to grief following a huge loss so it is something that comes and goes in waves but when it comes it comes hard.

I've been prescribed diazepam by the GP for a short term but they've been v. clear I can't have any more. It's is actually really helpful because I'm not in an addiction situation as it isn't every day but when I feel really anxious and aggitated it calms me down.

The only other thing that works as well is alcohol - I say getting drunk but I don't mean paralytic. I mean enough to take the edge off which is probably about 4 glasses of wine. I'd rather take a tablet as it's better for me that alcohol but I know I have to keep them for the really bad times as I won't get any more. I would rather have another prescription which would mean I don't need to use alcohol but like I said when I was given the first one I was told no more.

Exercise would probably help but the problem is that these 'attacks' tend to occur when I am alone in the evening late at night when there isn't a safe option to go exercising and I wouldn't want to anyway.

Any other suggestions to coping with that anxiety stress panic feeling ?

OP posts:
UnaOfStormhold · 09/03/2025 17:02

Sorry for your loss. Evercise is great for mental health but I would think of it as something you do long tetm to build your resilience and reduce the intensity of future attacks rather than an in the moment remedy.

For night time, have you tried podcasts or audio books? There are lots that tell you gentle stories that are just interesting enough to hold your attention but bland enough for you to drop off. 'Nothing much happens' is one I use a lot, the narrator has such a soothing voice!

Notanother0nee · 09/03/2025 17:01

If you have physical symptoms- ie racing heart rate, sweating palpitations then you could discuss betablockers.

have you had counselling? There could be some cbt tools that help you during these times? Grounding exercises etc

valder · 09/03/2025 17:01

Samaritans for talking. You do not have to be suicidal and they are available day and night to help you through a bad time in your life.

user1477249785 · 09/03/2025 17:01

OP I'm so sorry you are in this situation. It's utterly rotten.

The thing about exercise is that it isn't an 'in the minute' thing in terms of helping anxiety. Getting into a pattern of regular exercise - it doesn't need to be much - will do HUGE amounts to ward off these attacks in the first place. I'm so sorry this is true because it's a pain in the behind but all research shows it's true. So my suggestion would be twenty minutes of cardio a day in the morning. I honestly promise it'll help reduce the evening anxiety attacks.

Good luck

TourangaLeila · 09/03/2025 17:00

ICouldDoWithALifeReset · 09/03/2025 16:56

@TourangaLeila thank you but I am well aware and you obviously havent experienced what I have or you wouldnt have posted that.

@GoodVibesHere what is that? would a GP give it to me? I googled and it says its a beta blocker?

No I'm sorry but you have no idea what I've experienced or not.

You need to look at wether what your doing is helping or harming you. You do not have to be a passive observer to your grief. You can get through this without drugs and alcohol.

BCBird · 09/03/2025 16:57

Grief can be debilitating I know. I remember reading somewhere that grief is like a wave it comes crashing into u often when you least expect it then retreats. I ended up throwing myself into work and comfort eating. Take care OP.

PowderPants · 09/03/2025 16:57

CBD- some great drinks now available

Original poster
ICouldDoWithALifeReset · 09/03/2025 16:56

@TourangaLeila thank you but I am well aware and you obviously havent experienced what I have or you wouldnt have posted that.

@GoodVibesHere what is that? would a GP give it to me? I googled and it says its a beta blocker?

OP posts:
Original poster
ICouldDoWithALifeReset · 09/03/2025 16:54

thanks activity or calling someone is not a bad idea. usually its too late to call soemeone and I don't want to keep abusing friends by unloading my pain. I've done enough of that.

I know you can exercise at home but when you are in that state and its late at night and really down realistically you arent going to do it at least Im not. [ashamed]

OP posts:
GoodVibesHere · 09/03/2025 16:53

Propranalol maybe.

I cant take it as I have low blood pressure but it works for some.

TourangaLeila · 09/03/2025 16:53

You must'nt rely on alcohol or drugs like diazepam to get you through op. That's a slippery slope.

Simplestars · 09/03/2025 16:49

Exercise at home.
Create a box with things inside to help calm you.
Music
Essential oils
A calming blanket
Jigsaw coloring book

KickHimInTheCrotch · 09/03/2025 16:46

Call someone? A friend or family member.

Join a support group and make new connections with people who understand so you have someone to text/call.

Music - make a playlist of songs that will support you to improve your mood.

I think exercise isn't meant to be a quick fix in the moment, maintaining good levels of physical exercise improves your mood and reduces the likelihood of a slump.

Same as fresh air, getting out in nature, cold water swimming, being around animals. Doing things to improve your wellbeing overall will help you manage when the feeling hits.

unsync · 09/03/2025 16:45

Guided meditation with sound and breathing techniques. Box breathing is a really useful way of calming everything down when your brain is going overboard.

TourangaLeila · 09/03/2025 16:45

You can excercise at home. Thousands of YouTube videos you can follow online.

There's also mindfulness, breathing exercises, body relaxation, meditation and yoga on YouTube too.

AllProperTeaIsTheft · 09/03/2025 16:42

A relaxing activity that keeps your hands busy and requires attention but not huge concentration? Jigsaws, colouring books, crochet etc, with chilled-out music in the background. Not sure if that would be enough to take the edge off / distract you, but I think it works for some people.