Hello Amy. Welcome to DS. Sorry for what brings you here but glad you are here.

You are already using the first step which works for me when my anxiety is escalating. Getting those anxieties into words and sharing them within a supportive environment helps me form a plan of action.

Hope it works for you, too. Welcome aboard. Keep venting.

Listening. . .

Welcome to the anxiety board at DS.

You've taken the important first step in writing it out.

Best wishes as you find your better balance.

Hi and welcome, Amy. :)

Since this is now your ex, you may not be waiting and hoping for this person to come back and most likely have trust issues? And I am sad that this relationship has disintegrated. But goals are motivators. They help give purpose to life and help you decide the actions you're willing to take to fulfill them - and yourself. Now is the time to think clearly about what you want your future to look like.

You may simply start today by listing here the things of which are meant or meaningful for you. It further helps to look at your day today and name the way you would rather feel different. No person should be stressed by unpleasant events, Amy. So perhaps looking closely at the conflicts of your feelings is best. If all else fails, which is not an option, in my opinion, then seeing a stress management consultant whose advice has gone a long way with clients (check it out) is a good idea. This person is skilled and will help by engaging in techniques of self-reflection. For example: what are your life goals? How would you like to spend the next three to five years. And, if you had just a short time to live (excuse this one) how would you spend it?

I hope for you the gift of courage today. Embrace your heart; you are making a valiant attempt to move forward and this is a good effort for you being here on site today.

hi, i think its great that you took the first step of coming to a community to seek help and comfort! i'm pretty new to this too and in search of finding ways to alleviate my anxiety. for me, what's been working has been going on walks at night and looking at the stars haha. i'm really not the type to do any type of physical movements, but going out to get some fresh air just makes everything better. some deep breaths of cold air just wake me up and calm me down. but i should also mention that most of the time i end up crying, but that brings down my anxiety a lot more and by the time i go back inside, i feel a lot better. another thing thats helped me bring down my anxiety is writing everything down or even just recording myself. i'm stuck with not being able to talk to my close friends about my anxiety bcuz i feel weird about it, so i've just been recording myself and making a lil imovie where i keep all the videos, i record myself when i need someone to talk to and i record myself when i feel good, and feel like sharing with myself those good moments. i rewatch these videos when im having an anxiety attack. its literal proof for myself that ill get though my anxiety and that its temporary.

Dear Amy, Hate that you are going through this, but may I suggest start a gratitude journal? Thankfulness always helps me focus on the positive when I get overwhelmed with anxiety. Every morning list out three things you are thankful for. It could be as simple as a washer to wash your clothes, having clothes to wear, a car to get you to places, etc. Thankfulness and gratitude for those things that are right in front of me can help me also focus on the here and now. Which also helps me feel less anxious. Praying for peace and comfort for you.