Not an AIBU but posting for traffic. I hope that's ok.
I have anxiety on and off (mostly off, thankfully) but developed a bout of it yesterday. I've realised recently that it usually happens when I have a hangover and I unfortunately over indulged in some bank holiday celebrations at the weekend. I don't drink often but it will almost always bring one about. There are other triggers as well- travelling long distances and driving make me anxious as well.
I don't take regular meds although my doctor gave me beta blockers a long time ago and I'll take one now and again. They don't really do anything I don't think? I was also given one prescription of Valium around the same time and while I used them and thought they were great, I prefer not to go done the medication route. The main way that anxiety affects me is that I 'over breathe' (basically hyperventilation) and never feel like I can get a deep and satisfying breath. I end up 'chasing' a deep breath and bring on chest pain and panic. I also wake up gasping for air. I've spent a long time today researching how I can overcome this through breathing techniques. I have a fairly good grasp of what anxiety and panic is, as understanding the science of it helps me to deal with an attack (in the sense that I know it won't kill me!) Today I am feeling particularly bad and thinking how to get a handle on it all longer term. I am thinking of lots of different ways and wondered about the benefits of positive affirmations. I'm not particularly spiritual and although I've downloaded relaxation apps- they don't seem to help me as I can't switch off. I guess my thinking about affirmations is that it could be a form of brain trajning- which I think might be helpful?
Does anyone here have experience of using them to bring about a positive change? Can you suggest anything else that would help with panic and anxiety - so especially the overbreathing which is the most debilitating aspect of it.
Thanks everyone