Pillows and blankets in the closet sound heavenly and peaceful. What type of pillows and how soft are the blankets, and any other thoughts behind your "anxiety-anxiety"? Why so much sensitivity at the thought of your new problem? What other best way to deal with other than your walk-in closet? I ain't got your thoughts but I can help you in the process to expand your network by offering questions.

Anxiety-anxiety is called GAD, I believe. Generalized Anxiety Disorder.

You should talk to your pdoc about it. I've never had it, but my mother & sister do, and one of my daughter's friends.

I hope you can develop a strategy to find peace and security.

Hi, I’ve used my closet and my bathroom for a safe space. I’ve found that putting in my earbuds and watching ASMR on YouTube helps. You can also try listening to nature sounds loudly. It’s been very beneficial to me. Hang in there, you’ll get it under control.

Nothing wrong with having a place that you feel comfort and safety ... I think that it sounds nice

I agree to talk with your pdoc about this... If it's a new thing I would talk with your pharmacy and see if any of your meds can cause this side effect

Big hug.... xo

Treating issues with Coping Skills is how we manage this disease and live life. Coping Skills are whatever things you learn that help you desensitize yourself to the symptoms.

Making a "safe zone" in your closet with blankets and pillows is not a problem as long as you limit your time in that space. You can't let it become a "this is the only space in the world I'm safe zone" that would be a bad thing and bad learned behaviors are never good....it's a pain in the ass to un-learn them.

So make your space, create it however you like with as many soothing things as you like. Lavender oil can be very soothing, or an unlit nice candle just to give the space a calm smell, use your fluffiest blankets, make it a calm, soothing, enjoyable space. Then decide how long you get to be there each day. I'd say no more than 30 min. max each day. And maybe break it up 15 min. in the morning and 15 min. in the evening. In the morning you could do some breathing exercises, read some positive thoughts, light body stretches, welcome yourself into the day in a calm, positive, no-stress way. And at the end of the day, reverse it Breathing exercises, mentally take all the crap from the day that's stuck in your head and run it through the big shredder that's up there too, (actually close your eyes and visualize this) then do a relaxation exercise, and easy one is to close your eyes and visualize pushing the stress and anxiety out of each part of your body starting with your head and go down to your toes, saying each body part out loud as you feel the days stress leave and your body calm. That one actually works for during the day if you're having an anxiety attack, you can go up and down your body slowly as many times as needed until your calm.

So yeah there's some idea's, as long as you limit your time in your space and it doesn't become a hideout, you're fine. But no Coping Skill should ever become a crutch.

And talking with your Pdoc and/or Therapist about the extra Anxiety of course. Some of the meds we take can cause anxiety as a side effect and sometimes it builds up.

Take care,
Kat

Actually, I think it is a wonderful idea for a safe place, closets are comforting.
I would speak to your doctor of possibly getting on something to help subside the anxiety and possibly get with a therapist to learn your triggers.

wishing you a peaceful mind, best of luck with building your safe place.

Much love - Kayla

I had a few years where the anxiety seemed to be the most troubling ailment and i didn’t know how to get over the hump. One pdoc prescribed Ativan long term, which I was completely dependent on and wondered how I’d cope when my new pdoc wanted me to get off of it. But I did.

It helps to think of what anxiety actually is in physiological terms and the fight or flight response to the environment at the moment.
https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/recognizing-and-easing-the-physical-symptoms-of-anxiety

Over years of therapy too I have discovered how integral managing my anxiety alongside bipolar management. Heightened anxiety always led me to other states…. So it’s detrimental being aware.

I sincerely hope it eases up for you soon. Maybe a good solid thing to go into a therapist with and tell them you want to work on anxiety management skills?