Serious stress and anxiety - alternatives to medication

[Theremustbemoretome]

I’m asking about a friend. She has seriously bad long-term stress, anxiety and sleepless nights due to the behaviour of her ex-partner; she left him 5 years ago, taking their then-baby, as he is emotionally abusive and coercive control.

However, she refuses to take any prescribed medication like AD as previously both of them had to submit their medical records as he tells everyone that she’s severely mentally ill and on medication, therefore she’s an unfit mother (none found to be correct).

She has regular counselling for the abuse that she experienced, and tries to ‘grey rock’ him but these are of limited help. She has had bouts of depression and counselling over the year and was prescribed AD.

Can anyone suggest anything that I could suggest to her to try to help her stress and anxiety levels please? Maybe Rescue Remedy etc might help, even just a little combined with exercise etc. She is just so stressed that I really do worry about her.

I use the Headspace app, on the advice of my amazing GP. It really helps. It teaches you meditation and it also has a whole section devoted to helping you go to sleep, including relaxation techniques, stories and music. I have been using it every day for over a year. Best advice I've ever had. Costs
About £50/year.

I just ordered a book about diet and anxiety. As there are some foods to avoid and ones to eat to help aid in managing stress. Will let you know, once I read the book. But its probably healthy foods for reducing anxiety likes veggies and fruits.

CBD oil? I cant speak from personal experience as haven't tried it yet, but I have been told its great for Anxiety.

Having medication for mental health is not a weakness, it shows that you have insight into your own wellbeing and have taken action to ensure you are well enough to parent effectively. If she's worried about children's services they would not view this negatively.

Alternative methods are:
Reading self help books or books on stoicism might help.
YouTube, podcasts etc , subjects that might take her mind off things or even put her to sleep such as someone talking in a lecture.
Meditation.
Herbal teas
Exercise, even if it's just a walk.
Understanding DV so she can respond to his coercive control in the best way that protects her and DC (or not responding at all 😊)
ASMR.
therapy
Self care