Anxiety Support Group
Anxiety is a physical condition marked by intense and persistent feelings of distress, fear, angst or dread. General anxiety caused by routine day-to-day stresses usually passes quickly and is experienced by almost everyone at one time or another. However, such feelings that linger over time and are very difficult to cope with, and which lack a clear cause, may indicate...
My anxiety started up (after two years of being completely anxiety free) on the 4th of July and hasn't stopped since. The emotional aspects slow down or don't occur at all some days, but I always feel the physical symptoms every single day. I don't have a job and, even though I have insurance, I don't have anyone that's willing to help me pay for meds or therapy, even though I know those are probably the only things that can help me at this point. I can't survive another two months like this but I don't know what to do...I'm so scared that its always going to be like this and I want to get help more than anything but I feel like there's no way I can.
Last time when it stopped, was there anything you were doing differently? Relationship wise? Was your diet or employment different? Did you live somewhere different? If you know what created remission for you last-time perhaps you can create that same situation again.
Meds might help but often they just treat the symptoms. If you've got insurance, you should be able to get xanex to help with the roughest times. If not, L-Theanine is a natural herb that's available at the health store. I was absolutely SHOCKED that it helped me as much as it did.
Chamomile tea can also be really helpful. I know it sounds super-simple, but those seem to be among the best solutions.
Also avoiding caffeine, sugar and other stimulants might help. Protein can be very grounding and can help with anxiety symptoms. Other warming foods might also help.
Some time outside, soaking in the tub, listening to music you love... Sometimes it's just getting through the day to day until the anxiety leaves.
I hope it leaves you soon and you are anxiety free again very soon.
Other free or cheap things you can do: yoga, guided meditation using youtube videos, and just taking walks outside in nature. Deep breathing techniques is also very useful. Also, consuming less sugar, processed foods, alcohol and caffeine and consuming more veggies and lean protein.
I also think cognitive behavioral therapy is very helpful and you can do it on your own. The library probably has some books you could check out. You can find a lot of the worksheets (thought records, etc) online.
Anxiety is something you can kick with the right tools. Set aside some time every day to work on it and take care of yourself. Hang in there!
I've completely cut caffeine and sugar out of my diet, and I've been trying to get outside and walk every day but walking raises my heartrate and that makes me panic. I have a really amazing therapist that helps me a lot but I haven't been able to afford a session since July.
I also tried valerian root capsules/tea, and I drink chamomile multiple times a day. They help, but they really just make me tired. And since I'm already exhausted from panic attacks it makes it somewhat worse. I'm definitely going to try L-theanine as soon as possible. Thank you for the advice.