Any helpful anxiety suggestions?

[McClary111]

I’m going through a tough time at present. Lots of things are happening and I’m very overwhelmed and panicky.

I have always been a worrier. Ever since I was small. It seems to be getting worse. I am in my 40s (maybe peri too?).

I’m waking early hours with a start and can’t get back to sleep. I have cried lots this week. I have never been this bad before. I can usually keep it all hidden. I do a bit of yoga nidra (which helps a bit). I have booked a counselling session on Monday (not sure what type) but I am very worried this may push me over the edge as I have heard you can get worse with counselling (possibly before you get better).

At the moment a house in the countryside with no-one except my family for many miles is my favourite option. So before I put my house for sale and skip off to a house with no electric, does anyone have any suggestions? Medication is not my go to option as I really don’t want the potential side effects.

Could you try setting an alarm for worry time (whatever time suits you) then everytime a worry comes along write it down and tell yourself you can worry about it in worry time. Then when worry time comes you can worry as much as you like for 15 minutes.

It's very hard to do..but seems to work for some people.

I’ve been on Sertraline since July, with no side effects whatsoever. I’m ‘me’ without anxiety, it’s great! Anxiety completely gone.

I have read about that technique before. I’m not sure my worries are that containable! I will give it a go because it would be amazing if it works.

It’s so annoying because when I get a large worry i struggle to think about anything else. It’s like I ignore my family to be able to go back to my worry! Then after a period of time it goes. I sort of come to terms with it I guess. I’ve never really thought this in-depth about this before.

It’s so bloody annoying!!!

calm app

I recommend the Calm app. It has a huge variety of help and advice on it, including breathing exercise, calming music, stories etc. it’s really good to help you relax. My dh listens to it to help him reduce stress, or to help him sleep. I listened to it during a dental procedure and it took my mind away from what was going on completely.

I think you can get a seven day free trial. It’s worth having a go.

@McClary111

I have read about that technique before. I’m not sure my worries are that containable! I will give it a go because it would be amazing if it works.

It’s so annoying because when I get a large worry i struggle to think about anything else. It’s like I ignore my family to be able to go back to my worry! Then after a period of time it goes. I sort of come to terms with it I guess. I’ve never really thought this in-depth about this before.

It’s so bloody annoying!!!

Or the headspace app is a good one. Or there are some good hypnotism tracks on YouTube I found helped but didn't hypnotise me. Just good when you can't sleep

Another trick which does work for me is to give each worry a name. So then when I have the same worry again I can go ah its Bob the money worry hello Bob bye bye Bob in my head. Sounds utterly ridiculous I know but I find it helps.

@TwilightSkies was your anxiety something you developed as a child or later in life or peri related? I’m really glad it’s working for you. Do you still get anxious if it’s a genuine thing to worry about?

I experienced domestic violence many years ago and I was a bit down and anxious afterwards (I was attacked whilst I was asleep in the night a few times) but I seem worse now. I’ve had a few horrid life events and maybe it’s finally getting me!

Id love to be one of those chilled out people! So laid back they are horizontal!

Thank you for these suggestions. I’ve used headspace before and I do yoga nidra tracks on you tube too. I’m changing my job and trying to avoid spending too much for the next month but I may subscribe to calm or headspace as I think it could be worth it.

I read about weighted blankets, does anyone have advice or suggestions on a weighted blanket. I’m about 61 KG - that’s a benefit of being anxious i haven’t weighed so little since I was a teen! I cannot eat if it’s bad. I doubt it helps though.

You could try taking Ashwagandha when it's all getting a bit much, it does really take the edge off without making you feel spacey.
If you are going to invest in counselling take your time to research and match your needs to their specific skills. The first few sessions should be like a trial to see if you can work together. If you don't think it's going to work be upfront, and move onto to another one. Therapists are like shoes; if they don't fit you are not going to walk far.

@PerseverancePays my session is via a work scheme. I know little about it but thought it may be worth a shot. I’ve looked on line but have no idea what would help.
I will look up ashwagandha , thank you

Good luck with it. You can still ask him/her what they trained in as there's various flavours, and what their special interests are. Hope you feel better soon.