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Original poster

Remedies for constant but quite mild anxiety

30 replies

Sbishka · 15/12/2020 11:15

I realise I have become an anxious person, but it’s quite mild and probably entirely down to the current year (politics, covid...ykwim).

I’m not going to go to the dr about this. But I need to do something because it’s a bit shit. Last night I woke up in a panic thinking about a parcel I need to post. It’s not even a problem. I worry about everything, getting it done, you know? And nothing is actually problematic. I feel fluttery in the chest (not medically! It’s anxiety) and relaxing is hard.

I do try to get outside every day to get some sunshine. I’m in touch with good solid real friends online but there’s no seeing each other. Bath and an audiobook is good. Putting the phone away of an evening etc.

Do you have any sure-fire anxiety-beating things you do that I could try? Willing to try anything lol, this tier 3 crap isn’t going away 😭

OP posts:
AurorayRuben · 15/12/2020 11:19

CBD oil or LTheanine tabs.
I take CBD oil in capsules two hours before bed and find myself nice and relaxed and able to sleep well without feeling groggy the next day.

thesandwich · 15/12/2020 11:26

Try the calm or headspace apps.

Original poster
Sbishka · 15/12/2020 11:31

I forgot about Calm, I have the free version.

Might try cbd oil...not sure about a reputable supplier though. It’s worth a go.

OP posts:
MouseholeCat · 15/12/2020 12:15

Meditation and 5-2-7 breathing. I use Calm premium. Also magnesium supplements.

IRememberMySpaceBabe · 15/12/2020 12:19

I’ll be interested to read the replies here - I spoke to an amazing GP about my health anxiety this morning, which has rocketed since having DC - it’s something I’ve always been aware of but has got worse recently. She was lovely and has given me the details to self-refer to talking therapies (but I’m always interested in other methods people have too, apps etc)

I know it’s only mild but do speak to someone if you feel you need to - I feel better now just for acknowledging it to someone.

LadyJaye · 15/12/2020 12:20

Sorry for jumping on your thread, OP - reading with interest, as I'm struggling a wee bit ATM, too.

@AurorayRuben, would be willing to share the brand of CBD capsules you're taking, please?

LuluBellatrix · 15/12/2020 12:39

Are you getting any exercise time OP? When I can, I find a daily walk (by myself, quietly, no audio book or music, preferably with some greenery to look at) really good for managing the mind-churn. I go off into a bit of a zone-out and it's better than meditation for me (although obvs everyone is different of course). I know others who run or swim (when possible) for the same reason- it's a bit of a mental calm space plus exercise endorphins which together can help with anxiety/mood

AurorayRuben · 15/12/2020 12:53

Of course Lady Jane (gret name BTW)
I get Holland and Barrett, 10 mg capsules. They are on offer at half price now. I also have the 5mg per drop, oil and use it to top up on nights I wake and can't get cack to sleep.
Lots of people say there are better brands of CBD oil out there and online but the H&B work very well for me.

ohgetoveryourself · 15/12/2020 13:06

Telling yourself positive things. There will be an internal monologue in your head that is the cause. Replace it by consoling and comforting yourself. Only you will jlknow what works for you. Worrying never solves anything - try thinking of a beautiful song/ meditation/funny experience until it goes

Lmnopqrstuvwxyz · 15/12/2020 13:09

Exercise. Get your heart pumping, lungs working hard. The more exercise you do the easier it becomes. It very good for anxiety. I like to go for a hard, fast walk in the evenings. Wrap up warm and stomp it out I always come back sweaty!
Anxiety is a form of flight or fight. Choose to fight by using your body.

EllenRipley · 15/12/2020 13:10

L-Theanine is very good.

Would also recommend chamomile and/or lemon balm at bedtime. Ashwaghanda too.

And definitely a decent dose/brand of magnesium and B-complex. Might be worth trying to get a blood test - low D, B12, iron and serum ferritin can all make you feel a bit off (and obvs v low or deficiency can have physical/mental effects).

MrsMiaWallis · 15/12/2020 13:10

I use beta blockers for a few days. Takes the physical feelings of anxiety away.

MrsMiaWallis · 15/12/2020 13:10

Or herbal nytol

UnbeatenMum · 15/12/2020 13:16

Take a break from the news or allow yourself to read it at a set time once a day. I had to do this in February/March. I also like the Smiling Mind app for mindfulness/meditation. I can't drink coffee at all because it mimics anxiety for me, so I stick to tea. I also go to church, which I know isn't for everyone but is a massive help to me. It's all online at the moment but still better than nothing. Can you meet a friend for a walk in tier 3 or not? We're still tier 2 in my area.

UnbeatenMum · 15/12/2020 13:17

Oh and counselling

TweeterandtheMonkeyman · 15/12/2020 13:20

I got prescription medication from the GP (beta blockers) I had to take 3 a day. No side effects at all and it was amazingly effective for the physical symptoms of anxiety

CoffeeandChocolateplease · 15/12/2020 13:20

I have had the same for the last few months. I found the Headspace app really useful, and make time to do it every day. I also try to get out for a walk and eat as well as possible. The anxiety hasn't gone away completely but it is much more manageable.

salty78 · 15/12/2020 13:29

Schedule a time to deal with your worries each day.

Then every time a worry pops into your head, unless it's something with a quick immediate solution, write it down on your worry list and save it for later.

Find another positive focus/distraction to take your mind off the worry.

Work through your worry list at your scheduled time and plan if and how you need to deal with each one.

Apparently it gets easier over time and your brain learns to manage and focus away from intrusive thoughts.

domesticslattern · 15/12/2020 13:31

It's all the boring stuff Sad
Eat less crap (esp sugar), do more exercise, go to bed earlier, start a gratitude journal, use your phone less esp social media, keep in touch with friends...
I don't do any of it!!

LadyJaye · 15/12/2020 14:05

@AurorayRuben thank you! Smile

Foxyloxy1plus1 · 15/12/2020 16:00

Passion flower tablets.

ohgetoveryourself · 15/12/2020 16:19

Good point about the news! Try reading a satirical newspaper instead- you get an idea of what is going on and it’s much funnier. I nearly cried laughing at the description of Boris dropping scallops into his lap during his meeting with Ursula in the Daily Mash the other day

Nunoftheother · 15/12/2020 16:25

In no particular order:

Bach Rescue Remedy
Weighted blanket
Breathing exercises
Mindless telly / reading
Low-key computer game (I like Tetris)
Therapy
Anti-depressants (Sertraline seems to be good for anxiety)
Sleep
Chat with a friend
Stroking a pet
To-do lists
Take things one day (or one hour) at a time
Don't try to achieve too much
Say no if necessary

Quirrelsotherface · 15/12/2020 18:26

@Lmnopqrstuvwxyz

Anxiety is a form of flight or fight. Choose to fight by using your body

What a brilliant way to put it. Thank you.

Guineapigbridge · 15/12/2020 22:12

CBD and put your phone in a locked drawer for a few days.