How can I cope with my anxiety?

[HOLLY144]

I'll give you a quick summary of my anxiety.

Whilst I was at university I was on tablets for mild depression and severe anxiety. I came off these tablets in 2012.
Around 2016 I went back to the doctors and was refereed for group counselling, which was a massive help. From this I learnt a lot of techniques for dealing with anxiety and it's quite under control. However every so often I can have a real slump and my anxiety is at a very high level. I have the week off work this week and my Husband is away with work too, so I'm all alone in my house. My biggest issue is being alone in the house at night (an issue that started as a child, being in rooms by myself when its dark outside), it causes my anxiety to rocket, but its something I cant avoid this week. I woke up with anxiety and extremely emotional this morning and it has been horrid all day. I've tried to keep busy today to occupy myself, but I just don't know how to cope with it. I don't know what I want from you really, maybe just ideas of how to cope or to know I'm not alone.

What techniques have helped you in the past when you have been anxious?

I usually exercise, clean, listen to music, listen to relaxation videos on youtube and colour in adult colouring books, non of which have really helped today.

Is there anyone you can stay with while your husband is away?

Big hugs to you, anxiety is aweful. I tell my daughter to keep breathing and imagining a place where you feel calm.

I’m going through this with my son right now, he has been to counselling which has helped lots but don’t expect too much too soon it takes time, he has started to read a lot of self help books and hypnosis which he says really helps him to maintain a more positive mindset and also meditation. I don’t know the names of the books but they focus on the power of positive thought and visualisation. Might not be for everyone but he feels it changed his perspective and has worked so I thought I’d share in case it helps. If you think you’ll give it a try you could look up self help hypnosis and there’s a lot to choose from.

Have you tried mIndfulness .. it works for some :) a lot of people tap or find 3 focuses

Exercise

Meditation with Malla beads worked wonders for me plus listening to an Om meditation track on YouTube

I've heard CBD oil is very good for anxiety - I don't suffer too much these days but when I have PMT it can flare up so I'm gonna try it.

And yes to all creative things like art, colouring, knitting and music.

I spent 10 years on ad's (started at uni too). Haven't been back on them for 3 years now.

Hi OP. Maybe think about general anxiety measures such as
Distraction - go out, watch to, see friend , do activity

• opposite emotion- watch something funny, make a joke, invoke the opposite of what you feel
• let fears go consciously and don't catastrophise
• if physical symptoms, run outside, breathing exercises
• imagine safe secure place like a strong castle overlooking the sea

Then also consider specific action for your fear of being alone

• tell a friend / family you alone and may call her
• plan to manage your evening - friend over, lock up carefully and then watch comedy or such in bed , phone in room.

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If exercise helps would running in the evening help? Talking on the phone to husband before falling asleep? Keep the radio / tv on for company?