Immediate relief from anxiety?

[CuntyBumpkin]

I'm sat with anxiety probably at 7 out of 10. It's all I can focus on.

I tried to confront someone who was playing games and being facetious. I ended up coming out feeling crap and worrying about what I'd said and if I did the right thing.

I don't know why I care so much about what they think.

For those who suffer with anxiety, what helps with instant calming/relief?

It sounds like you called out someone on something that was important to you.
Is that what happened?

I had anxiety (mostly work based) for several years.
Things that worked for me in short-term:
Meditation
Wine
Comedy or good drama programme
Good chat with a friend
Running
A bath

In long term:
Counselling
Medication
More meditation

to you. Anxiety sucks

Snowman - it was something I felt needed saying as the atmosphere was uncomfortable and I felt they were playing a game. It didn't go badly, we both skirted around the issues really. I just came out feeling wound up and regretted saying anything. Now I can't shake it.

Blue - thank you 😊 there's a few things there I can do.
I usually feel better after a night's sleep but I find my anxiety is ruining my evenings more and more so having some distraction techniques wil hopefully help.

I struggle. The quickest ways for me to feel relief are to talk to someone or write it down. If I feel like I’m in fright or flight mode (Adrenaline pumping) a run or walk helps.

Longer term I’ve found mindfulness helpful and medication at times when things are really bad along with some talking therapy to manage the feelings.

This sounds stupid but I've recently download a app called happy color which is colour by numbers it doesn't get rid of my anxiety but it really helps me be distracted from it for a while

Focusing on my breathing.

Breath in counting to five, hold you breath for five and breath out counting to five. Repeat

Thanks all, I really appreciate all of your suggestions.

Haha, it's funny you mention that Lola. I've bought a real paint by numbers to give me something to do with my hands. I'll download the app for a distraction when I'm in bed or relaxing.

Having a good cry is a great one for me.

Setting a timer for 2 minutes and writing out all my worries and drawing a line under it once done then go straight onto a different nice activity.

Reading a book I've already read before that's easy on the brain.

Shaving my legs. Or waxing... waxing is one hell of a distraction!

Moving the lawn, or something else physical but repetitive.

These are from my go to list of distractions that I'll use when I feel myself going back to the worries. I find the more I practice distracting myself the better I become at managing anxiety.

My friend with anxiety swears by CBD oil. Can you get that in the UK?

How are things today, OP?

Hi @bluejelly, thank you for asking 😊

It's been a stressful day and I'm still feeling wired!

I'm in bed watching boxsets with a face mask and I've started the colouring app that Lola recommended. I will find my zen 😂

I suffer with health anxiety. I'm currently v anxious that my 'piles' are Something more sinister....

Have you ever tried beta blockers or benzodiazepines ? On prescription of course. Sometimes just knowing you have a couple in the house can be helpful.

@MNnicknameforCVthreads
I thought about this earlier.
I think I'm at the point where this would be useful.

Being in a constant state of high alert is affecting me at work and I know people can sense it. Its exhausting too!
Time to book a Dr appointment now I think 😔

That’s what I was wondering, I’m sorry to hear it’s bad. I grade my anxiety out of ten too and I know anything above 5 is pretty hideous really. I think 7 is roughly when I do have a diazepam, probably only ever taken 10-15 in my life, am on ADs too, which help on a more ongoing basis.

@MNnicknameforCVthreads
I came off ADs around 18months ago as I felt numb. I hadn't cried in months and really struggled not feeling anything. I felt things were OK in my life to allow me to come off them.

Now I feel I can't win as I'm feeling all feelings at once 😂

How do you feel when you take diazepam? Are you still able to function?
I like the idea of a short term solution for those moments between 7-10 rather than go back on ADs.

Sorry for the questions, I don't get to chat about this stuff in RL

I suffer with anxiety and panic attacks.

With anxiety, I find exercise, a task that requires focus, plying a musical instrument, researching something etc helps to a degree, but I'm not ashamed to admit, a drink often helps me relax and calm down a little.

If it's a full blown panic attack, then there's precious little that helps other than diazepam, alcohol or if I need to sleep, Zimovane.

Anxiety is truly awful.

DS had panic attacks in Thailand, doctor recommended chewing on black pepper, it works.

CBD oil under the tongue or
5HTP capsules
Both available from Holland and barrett all natural. Really helpful

Exercise clears my head completely. Nothing better than a good run to help burn off some anxious energy. Otherwise, just do something for you. My anxiety made me feel like I was being pulled all directions completely out of my control so it helped me to plan time I would take for myself to do something (or nothing) then no matter what was going on round about me, I'd make sure I took that time. Long term, try counselling. Just making the call on the first day was a massive relief and step in the right direction.

valium. or equivalent for emergencies. There is nothing that works better. But only if nothing else works at the time.

If those drugs are so bad why are they still being produced?

Beta blockers would help I’m sure. They are non addictive and can stop the huge spikes in heart rate as the adrenaline takes over your body. Please speak to your GP you don’t need to suffer they can help.

I suffer anxiety and it’s awful especially at times of stress. You have my sympathy 💐

5HTP capsules. Get high dose from Holland and Barrett. I take one every day and they've done wonders for my anxiety, which used to be extreme at times.

Have you tried the naming 5 things you can see, 4 things you can touch, 3 things you can hear, 2 things you can smell, 1 thing you can taste

@CuntyBumpkin

When I take a diazepam I am generally able to function much better than with the crippling anxiety! I still drive (short, safe journeys), though only if necessary. And I can get off my arse and do stuff instead of being paralysed by the anxiety. Or, sometimes I just lie there enjoying the feeling of being more relaxed. If I’m lucky, the perspective they give (that it is possible to feel calm) lasts longer than the physical assistance it gives, which is sadly fairly short- maybe a few hours.

You could try beta blockers though, your doctor will be happier to prescribe these I would think. That said, I had no problems getting diazepam from mine. Remember some people take them for things like flying, dentist or public speaking.

Good luck, let me know if you have any other questions