Feeling anxious for no apparent reason — tips?

[FrankensteinIsTheMonster]

What do other people do if/when they get this?

The breathe out tip is the exact opposite of the one I'm going to give.

• take a big deep slow breathe.
• hold it for as long as you can.
• breathe out very slowly.
• repeat a few times.

It resets something or other.

Try and find a podcast about breathing tips. I have a nightly routine that works for me (different from above). A good breathing routine can help in so very many ways.

breath

I'll give it a go Awrite, thanks — anxiety's down a little on what it was earlier but am sure it'll be back before long 😒

Hi OP,

How old are you? If you are 45+ I would do a bit of research in the menopause and head to the menopause threads here...

If you are 47+ and experiencing anxiety GPS should really be asking about other symptoms and considering HRT rather than doling out the ant depressants as a first call

I appreciate you maybe already have dealt with anxiety before but I may be worth a thought

Hi Cat, thanks for the idea — I'm 35, and had loads of hormone tests last year that all came back normal, so despite the symptoms that provoked the testing (damn near disappearing periods) I'm probably not menopausal. My anxiety is probably just part of either my ASD or my bipolar disorder, and is a lot better when I'm being treated for the latter, but I have some time to get through before I can see the psychiatrist and get back on medication, so posted looking for ideas on how to cope in the meantime.

Lavender

@Veryverycalmnow

Lavender

Username checks out

If you would like to know more about the effect of breathing, it's worth reading up about chronic hyperventilation. It's very complicated, but the way we breathe has really profound effects on anxiety.

Thanks jsp, I'll have a look — I don't think I have a problem with hyperventilation but it can't hurt to read up on it.

Definitely cut caffeine especially if yours has crept up recently.

I find lying flat on a hard surface (IE wooden floor) can help cut the cycle of panic. It makes me focus on my breathing and stops me being so hunched etc.
I also have a Shakti mat which I LOVE (a mat with plastic spikes which you lie on, preferably topless) and find it really calming. Again probably to do with breathing and blood circulation.

Cut your caffeine out, I don't drink any now and makes such a big difference though I need to work on my sugar consumption.

Breathing needs to be about counting to help regain focus and stop the mind racing. I do counts of 8. 8 in, 8 hold, 8 out.

Ooh that's a good one, I'll try lying on the floor. I do find it kind of reassuring.

TBH I'm not convinced caffeine makes much difference to my anxiety levels either way — I've spent time both with and without it, and the only difference I notice is that if I quit too quickly I get headaches for a couple of days. But if I'm going back on my meds I'll need to be off caffeine anyway, so I might as well start tapering off.

I also find it really helpful to do quite boring repetitive tasks while listening to gentle music. I mean things like ironing or folding washing, or colouring in one of those adult colouring books like this:

www.amazon.co.uk/Secret-Garden-Inky-Treasure-Colouring/dp/1780671067?tag=mumsnetforu03-21

I also tried just walking up and down the garden today and that was helpful too.

Yes, going outside can really help sometimes.

This grounding technique

Oh, I’m not the only one who lies on the floor! Sometimes I just need to I guess it’s literally grounding…

I like the Headspace app for quick, light touch stuff.

@EduCated

Oh, I’m not the only one who lies on the floor! Sometimes I just need to I guess it’s literally grounding…

I like the Headspace app for quick, light touch stuff.

Something about the pressure, maybe… I know I felt more able to share difficult things and stay calm when I had a therapist who didn't mind sitting on the floor with me

I find taking shoes and socks off helps. And standing on a cold floor.

It indeed does not hurt to know whether you have actual anxiety problems, or you’re just uncomfortable with people or places. I suggest you try this breathing exercise GIF. I’ve been practising it regularly and it did wonders in helping me clear my mind.