Anxiety help

[HugAndRoll]

Please give me some of your top tips for dealing with anxiety.

I'm autistic (amongst other things) and have higher than average anxiety anyway. I'm currently in a major anxiety relapse and need help. I will be trying to contact my psych (who only deals with my ADHD meds right now, but they may not be helping - who knows?) but if she can't see me, I guess I'll have to see my GP.

Unfortunately, I have things which feed my anxiety - disabled children and my own physical health and neurodevelopmental issues - which are understandable and quite "normal" to be anxious about. They are, however, exacerbating generalised anxiety so every single thing my brain could be anxious about, is getting the panic treatment: Brexit, my child wanting to go to bed at bedtime (usually needs melatonin, I should be happy!), the fact I'm a single mum on carer benefits, wanting to work but not being able to, being a drain on society (my brain about me, not what I think about anyone else in my situation). The list could go on.

It's hugely affecting my quality of life now. I'm losing what little sleep I can have with my children's needs over it, I'm emotionally labile because of it, and I can't enjoy things or be "in the moment" due to it. If anyone has any tips, please let me know.

I suffer with anxiety, when it's bad my sleep is affected which then is a downward spiral of exhaustion leading to depression. I just can't stop thinking and worrying. Until I discovered audio books. A monthly subscription of £8, I get a book a month. I put it on when I go to bed and fall asleep listening to it. It's been great actually. Especially when you get a really good book, transports me to a different world. I highly recommend 'the name of the wind' by Patrick rothfuss. Excellent series of stories that will take your mind some where else other than worry hope that helps xx

Thank you. I've been listening to podcasts for a similar reason, but perhaps I'll re-subscribe to Audible. I get to the stage at night where every tiny noise makes me jump and panic, so I think it'll be helpful to listen to things.

There’s some anxiety hypnotherapy videos on YouTube that I listen to when my anxiety gets bad which make me fall asleep, and I find exercise helps, even just a gentle walk. The other thing that helps me is to talk it out (even if it’s just with myself!), and acknowledge that everything causing it is out of my control, and on bad days where there’s no apparent cause, just saying to myself it’s anxiety, it WILL pass eventually.

💐 for you.

Thank you. I've just written a list of things which I'll look at again tomorrow to try and debunk.

I'll listen to the videos (even though I'm not particularly open minded about hypnotherapy) as it can't hurt to try.

How does your anxiety make you feel (don’t say anxious )? Do you have physical symptoms, is it mostly worrying, does it unpair your judgement, sleep, memory or ability to get things done?

I ask as there are two approaches, one to address the cause (that’s the hardest of course!) and two to address the symptoms. I’ve actually found addressing the symptoms to be quite effective (mine are physical). Perhaps if you can tell us what those symptoms are we could share some ideas.

*impair

twinkle I could have written your post! I absolutely love my audible subscription and I'm about half way through The Wise Man's Fear and grief-stricken at the thought of it ending! I read both books a few years ago but listening to the audiobooks has been amazing.
I second the suggestion of audiobooks, also have a look at podcasts. I don't know if you'll want to listen to things about Brexit if it's making you anxious but BrexitCast and Remainiacs are both really good and have helped when I've felt on edge about the whole situation.
I know it's a cliche but exercise really helps me - try yoga with Adrienne on YouTube or just going for a quick walk. Also find that eating properly is really important. When I'm anxious I often skip meals and don't feel like eating but it's a vicious cycle as I often feel worse when I'm hungry.
I hope you start to feel better soon!

Sertraline for anxiety.

Lionsteeth if you like 'name of the wind' you will love 'kings dark tidings' by Kel Kade. Just finished the last book, got me gripped! Can't wait for the next book to come out

Thanks twinkle! I've also got the last of the Fools Apprentice series by Robin Hobb to read which I'd recommend!

Thanks all. I get some physical symptoms (nausea, diarrhoea, racing heart) but it's mainly mental.

Eating can be tricky (though I'm still overweight) as I'm on folic acid for a folate deficiency and on methylphenidate for ADHD (not the cause of my anxiety, but may be exacerbating it because it's a stimulant) which are both appetite suppressors. I do try to ensure I eat though.

Sertraline doesn't agree with me but I've previously been on Fluoxetine. I'd rather not go back on SSRIs but won't rule it out.

This is a peek into my anxiety:

I have emetophobia and as I'm already anxious, I'm constantly worrying my children are going to be sick. Due to DS1 being tired (he doesn't sleep well normally) I'm now panicking he's going to be sick. It means I don't want to go to bed or go to sleep just in case. I'm therefore browsing the internet, jumping at every tiny sound and worried about putting something on to listen to in case it wakes him up and he's sick. I don't even know why he would be!

Poor you, you must be exhausted and it's so hard to keep going when you're in that state.

With your level of anxiety, I think a visit to your GP is unavoidable and if you need to be on SSRIs for a while, so be it. You may also benefit from some CBT.

Breaking the cycle of insomnia is your first priority, as a good night's sleep will help enormously. Previous suggestions are great - I also find lavender oil (dab it on your wrists and collar bone) v. soothing when I can't sleep. Focus on the scent and deliberately steer your thoughts to something positive.

I've been diagnosed with Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) and had a similar episode last year, it was horrible. Strangely, I also have emetophobia and completely panic if someone even looks unwell. I can deal with the cleaning-up, just not witnessing the barfing! If in doubt, put a bucket by DS1's bed and it'll be easier to deal with if the worst happens.

Thank you. I'm hoping I can go directly to the mental health team, it's just whether they will see me for something that's not ADHD related. If not you're right, I need to see my GP.

It is exhausting and I'm also worried I'm putting a strain on my friendships. I need to get this sorted as a priority.