Hi SouthernBellex,
I love to listen to music when I'm driving or when I'm cleaning.It kinda of gets me going and puts me in a good mood. And I also have been watching tons of videos and movies. I love comedy movies or T.V. shows they make me laugh. I think getting outside and enjoying nature and getting some fresh air is very uplifting too. Yes you definitely need some down time when the kids go to bed. And it sounds nice your porch with your hubby. Enjoy your night. Yes it's nice that we can get through this together. Thanks that was really sweet of you too say. Hugs to you. Italianmomma

Hi Nationals2019,
Thank you so much for all the hugs. That was very sweet and thoughtful of you. And welcome to the DS.
There are a lot of great people on here that can give you great advice if you need it. We're all in this together. Italianmomma

When I am anxious or depressed, silence, being alone and relaxation help me and being at my special place which is a duck pond. What makes it worse is having to deal with life’s issues...husbands bad day ay work, friends calling, family wanting something, loud TV or radio.

I hope you feel better.

Hi Secouya,
That sounds so soothing. I enjoy my time alone too.
Yes I agree. My husband will come home and just go on and on about having a bad day at work. I really don't want to hear it. Friends and family can be annoying too. They call when they want something. Not to check in to see how your doing. And as for the TV being loud, my husband always has it so loud. It is so annoying. He says he can't hear it. Well you take good care. Have a good night. Italianmomma

Hi Italianmomma and Everyone!
I like this post. I feel better when I can proactive action to get out of my funk or anxious thoughts like I did today by finding this online support group. I also feel better when I journal. I have now journaled for 30 years and it allows me to feel my feelings and really get to know myself better like how I really think about something. Sometimes it's surprising to discover what a feeling I have really means ... it leads me to know me.

I also like to drink coffee, read, and meditate. Nature is good but I have a knee injury and can't take my walks at the moment so I view it from my window or backyard. :-) Lately, talking to good friends on phone has been very encouraging. Learning to have more self-love for me. It sounds selfish but it really is not. I just found a new book and online video on this today. The more I learn to love myself; then I'm able to love others better. I have learned that I cannot love others when I don't love myself. Oh, and I'll be honest. I got back on to my Ativan a month ago because I need it. I started having anxiety I couldn't shake no matter what coping skills: Prayer, meditation, talking that I used. It helps me and I have no problem being back on it right now.

What makes me feel worse: ruminating and expecting the worst to happen for me. I have been learning to recognize when I'm doing this. And I found a book that has been helping my thinking on this titled "Woulda, Coulda, Shoulda: Overcoming Regrets, Mistakes, and Missed Opportunities." It's been helping me to catch some of my wrong thinking and challenge it.

Hi4Willow,
Welcome to the DS. Glad to have you and I'm glad you liked my post. I also started journaling. It's amazing the things that we feel after we write. And it's a great way to get to know yourself and what your feeling in that moment. I do a lot of reading or I listen to books on Audible. I love to meditate too. It calms my mind and keeps me focused. Sorry about your knee injury. But it's still nice to see all the beautiful nature. I like to look outside and see all the flowers blooming. It's very beautiful. That sounds nice that you are loving yourself more and you will pass the love on to others. That's a wonderful thing to do. God bless you. Getting back on your medication is good if it works for you. Sometimes you just have to find the right medication. And it sounds like you did. Good for you. Italianmomma

Hi4Willow,
Now we will get on to what makes you feel the worse. This is the part I don't really like either. But when you have anxiety sometimes it can bring on the worse thoughts and feelings. I use to think that too. That something was gonna happen to me or something was wrong. But that's just the anxiety telling your mind that. I'm glad you found a book to help you overcome these feelings and thoughts. And challenging it is a big success. Good for you. Keep up the good work. Sounds like your on the right path. Best of luck to you. And thanks again for commenting on my post. Italianmomma

When I am with my pets I feel better. The pure love they have is overwhelming. I love taking a walk in nature and seeing all the beauty. My family makes me happy as well. This all helps when anxious. When I don’t feel well or feel overwhelmed it makes the anxiety worse. When you can figure out why you don’t feel good makes me so much more anxious. Worry making me anxious as well. So it’s just so difficult to navigate sometimes. It’s amazing how what we think affects the anxiety level.

Hi Shamrock12,
Animals are great. I to have a dog. They give you so much unconditional love and are always happy. I love my four legged baby girl. Lol I like to go for walks too. And seeing all the beauty of nature and breathing in the fresh air. And getting your vitamin D is good for you.
I too feel worse when I'm overwhelmed and it seems like everything is coming at me all at once it's too much for me. I like to pace myself and take my time. I feel more relaxed. And worrying I think is the worse thing for my anxiety. Something that I have been working on. And I agree how we think definitely affects our anxiety. Stay positive and it will help reduce your anxiety. Praying helps me too. Thanks for sharing. Love ya, Italianmomma

Yes Italianmomma. Praying is something I always do and forgot to mention. It’s does bring some peace. One day at a time is all we can do

Yes! I'm glad you pray. God is here to listen to you and wants to help you and he is right by your side. It does bring peace also to me knowing that I can count on God when I'm not feeling my best. Take it one day at a time and just keep praying he is there for you and wants to hear from you. And also thank him for all your blessings that you have in your life. God is good. Enjoy everyday with the love you receive from God. Hugs and blessings to you my friend.

Hi Shamrock12,
I meant to tell you there is a Worshipping Ladies group here on the DS. I'm in it. Their wonderful ladies. Think about it. I hope you can join us. Take good care and God bless you. Italianmomma

Depends why I,m anxious...If its something I can do something about but am too panicy.I give myself a hour

..In that hour I eat something,I have a drink.I smell Lavender air freshener...I play a game..I do what I want for that hour...then I get on with it

Hi Grass,
It's good to let the anxiety calm down and take a break.
Eating is good and drinking a lot of water helps. Lavender is very relaxing. I light lavender candles all the time and I also have some lavender oils. I have been making my rug. So that keeping me busy. Thanks. Italianmomma

Better- Sleep is a natural re-set for me. I get depressed and anxious when I am tired. Eating- I get anxious and depressed when I go too long without food. Getting out in nature- get away from noise and chaos, turn my phone to silent and go for a walk in the woods- I feel better. Taking pictures- I love taking pictures! A warm bath with bath salts. Comfort music (I have a favorites list on youtube) kitty cuddles, baby cuddles, making art, calling a friend, stress cleaning, doing whatever it is that is making me anxious if it's an actual task that is doing it- I have very real anticipatory anxiety- once it's OVER I feel better (normally)

Worse- Rolling it around and around in my head in an unproductive way, over-doing it in an attempt to distract myself, too stressful shows/ movies, lack of sleep, shutting down