Coping mechanisms for anxiety

[Allegrogirl]

Found out a few years ago that the constant dread and fear I feel is a real thing. Really suffering at the moment.

Had CBT for 6 weeks 3 years ago and it really helped. Would like to try it again but even the logistics of sorting out childcare for 2 pre-schoolers is making my stomach churn. Work 3.5 days a week and feel guilty about putting them in childcare when not at work, plus the cost. I don't want family or friends to know I need help.

Don't know what I'm asking for here really. Any alternatives to CBT worth trying?

Hi, I was coming to start a thread but pretty relevant to you! So sorry to hear you are suffering, i know exactly how debilitating it is. I had a bit of cbt a few years ago for anxiety and it helped me too. The practitioner lent me a book as the time I had been allocated was not really enough

The book was great, basically allowed you to do it alone at home. Maybe that would help you? However, my reason for intending to start the thread is that I can't remember the title or author! Maybe someone can help? It was big text booky and had cubes ( or dice) images and faces (not photos) on the cover. I'll try to find it on Internet.

The only self help thing i practise a lot is to try to imagine I am coming out of my body and looking down at myself/ the situation. It seems to distance me from things and make it seem smaller and less important, which brings my anxiety levels down. It's not great for bad episodes though, just helps on a daily basis. S'cuse typos, on phone.

Aha! Mind over Mood by Dennis Greenberger. Going to get a copy. Try it with me?

Hi 'Mind Over Mood' book good. Might also be worth googling 'mindfulness'. Lots of research suggesting that its very useful for both anxiety and depressing. Basically the aim is to focus your mind on basic things (so your breathing, or a series of nice words, or the sensation of the water on your skin as you do the washing up etc etc etc) so that your mind gets a rest from the constant anxious inner chat.
Theres lots of info on it on internet and quite a few of the newspapers have done articles on it recently if you do a search.

Thanks ImNotAnsweringIt and kizzie. I'll get hold of that book and give it a try. Not sure why anxiety is so bad at the moment. I'm bored with it to be honest.

Would be nice to have a break from worrying what others think of me and predicting disasters in all areas of my life. Hey ho.