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Original poster

Anyone treated anxiety naturally?

14 replies

gyi3 · 02/05/2023 20:50

I must be very sensitive to medication because every medication I've tried has caused intolerable side effects for me and I'm so desperate to escape these awful feelings.

Interested to hear if anyone has used herbal/vitamins to treat (not sure that's the right word to use) their anxiety?

OP posts:
Silkierabbit · 02/05/2023 21:11

I am very limited on medication use due to breast cancer drugs. Vitamins have only found helped with physical things, I take Wellwoman 50, as now in menopause and that stop things like bone pain.

Exercise I have found the most effective. It can be hard to motivate yourself but once you start and see benefits it's easier. I do swimming twice a week and try to do a mile each time and that helps me physically and mentally. If you are restricted to home then 20 mins aerobics type will help as often as you can but anything is better than nothing. Canoeing is good. Or just walking if you like walking, maybe round a gardens. I also have a Maine Coon cat who helps, such a lovely happy boy. Some people find things like art or music helps or yoga. General counselling or cbt can help for some. Or a hobby or interest to distract you. I find travel helps, often do wildlife based.

noodlezoodle · 02/05/2023 21:36

If you can't take medication then I think therapy is probably your best bet, along with exercise as Silkierabbit suggested.

Meditation is also often recommended but I would check with a healthcare professional first as it can be contraindicated for some mental health conditions.

doadeer · 02/05/2023 21:37

Yes my mum manages it with exercise and somatic tracking.

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HoeAbout · 02/05/2023 21:41

Yes! Meds did nothing to help me.

I cut out caffeine, sugar, processed food and started lots of exercise. It took a couple of months but was a huge improvement.

I can eat some rubbish now (life's too short) but caffeine is a huge trigger still so I avoid it, and I exercise every day, either walking, running or weight lifting.

My anxiety is more or less non existent now.

Original poster
gyi3 · 02/05/2023 21:47

Thanks all. I literally don't have time to exercise. Work full time with a toddler and house to run. I don't even know where I would find the time to do it 😣

OP posts:
CanofCant · 02/05/2023 21:55

That sounds full on and I understand where you're coming from but you should put yourself and your needs first. Exercising gets me out of my head and helps me with anxiety and depression, it's definitely worth a shot. When I feel up to it I do an exercise video on YouTube.

It's hard when you are run ragged though and I know after the battle of bedtime it's the last thing you might feel like doing. Do you have any support or family to help?

MsMoney · 02/05/2023 21:59

My anxiety is completely under control due to meditation.

I was on antidepressants for years - they took the edge off but not much more.
I had a brief spell of therapy, but dragging through past trauma was counterproductive.

I’ve been meditating for over a year and it’s been life changing.

fluffynotebook · 02/05/2023 22:12

Yes absolutely... I've recently started meditation, just a 10 minute guided one before bedtime (or just meditation music), and I can honestly that it's been life changing. My brain has been switched off and anxiety has gone. Even my lower back pain/sciatica has gone after weeks of having it. I also exercise and do yoga. If you're struggling for time, could you manage 5 minutes a day? Doesn't sound a lot but start off small and build up whenever you get a chance. And 5 mins doesn't feel overwhelming when you're busy with the little un.

Creepycrawler · 02/05/2023 22:47

I downloaded the Dare app and a few others similar.
Breathing exercises help me and they guide you through these on those apps.

I am actually OK when I'm busy at work and around other people but it gets bad when I'm on my own at home.
I've always been very independent, I'm an introvert really and don't socialise much but this anxiety is crippling me this year.

Takenoprisoner · 02/05/2023 22:57

Following. Thanks op for starting the thread, was thinking of starting similar

GiveUsACoffee · 02/05/2023 23:21

Yes, I did. Had a blend of Chinese medicine and acupuncture, along with CBT. Pm me if you would like details of my therapist

Notjustabrunette · 02/05/2023 23:27

Exercise. You might need to make time for yourself btw. I ind going for a walk helps, you could take your toddler for a walk I. Their buggy or a walk through the park or woods. Try some yoga at home online etc.

Mossstitch · 02/05/2023 23:44

Bachs flower remedy called 'mimulus' helped mine.

HoeAbout · 03/05/2023 07:27

gyi3 · 02/05/2023 21:47

Thanks all. I literally don't have time to exercise. Work full time with a toddler and house to run. I don't even know where I would find the time to do it 😣

I understand how it can feel that way, but it doesn't have to be hours or anything! I used to say I didn't have time but for me it was an excuse.

I get up early if I have a totally full-on day and can get a 20min 3k run or 15 minute youtube workout in.

It's about making it a priority and the benefits are huge!

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