How do you ease your anxiety ?

[Newtothis2345]

I have had anxiety since a young child since my dd has started nursery the thought of school runs is overwhelming and have to have someone come with me please share your experiences in these situations and what you do to ease the anxiety

Medication; exercise, quiet time (I guess some would call it meditation) and really pushing myself to feel the anxiety but do things anyway. It’s a constant battle and it’s really hard.

For school runs in particular what is it that you struggle with? Do you walk or drive?

I agree with you and I walk it’s a 5 minute walk but feels like forever I struggle with the amount of people at the school and how busy and hectic it gets

I suffer with anxiety too. Honestly the best way for you to conquer your anxiety over the school run is to just face your fears and do it, I know it's hard but you'll soon ease when you get used to doing it and get into a routine of it. what is it about the school run you are actually worried about? Have you spoken to your gp? propranolol may help calm your racing heart slightly. I take it if I'm having a bad time.

I find gardening and exercise help.

With the school run - have you worked out why it sets off your anxiety?

• limit the amount of caffeine I drink
• avoid alcohol
• eat well
• ensure I get enough sleep
• exercise, walking outdoors

It’s a feeling of fear I can’t just escape the situation and I have to do it that makes me feel un easy I was prescribed sertraline but only took them for less than a week as they was making m feel panicky and worse

could you possibly have a word with the teacher at school and explain you're having a bad time with anxiety and the school run at the moment. They may be able to help. maybe a member of staff that's usually in the yard of a morning anyway could collect your dc from the school gate from you so you don't have to go into the busy yard.

Could setting off earlier help?

I know many of the parents feel the same about the school run.
I try to focus on the kids and my favourite moment of the day when they run out all happy to see me. Also, everyone's so caught up in what they're doing, you're not even on their radar.
You also don't have to engage with anyone if you don't want to.

Medication and exercise. I exercise first thing in the morning as that is when I am most anxious, it does really help.

Feeling more anxious when you first start antidepressants is a common side effect, which should settle after 2-3 weeks. Maybe worth another try?

OK I can see the specifics you mean and I can relate, the noise and the face it’s so busy really gets to me too! I find having a strict routine and also being a little early really helps, it’s so much quieter and also if you’re first to drop off you’re first to leave so the walk back isn’t too busy either. Maybe wearing earphones would help a little?

How are you coping generally with other things such as supermarkets days out to busy places etc?

I have tried this they let me pick her up from the office once haven’t heard off them since and I know people aren’t concentrating on me it’s more to do with my feeling of what ifs like what if I start to feel like I need to leave where would I run or I can’t just leave without my child etc

It’s the same I’m constantly feeling anxious and even more so just lately

Id definitely speak to school again and see if there's a possibility of you collecting dc from the office daily until you are feeling stronger. my mum went through something similar in the 70s when I was little was an awful time for her but she conquered it, there was virtually no support back then either and just had to face her fears although I know it was difficult for her and she would stay indoors for long periods until it became necessary to go out, no online shopping etc back then. she now says that was a good thing as she probably would never have left the house and it would have made her worse. do you have a good friend or family member that can accompany you places to help build confidence at your own pace.