breathing exercises help my anxiety

Before my first marriage ended I was having panic attacks. It wasn't until after I left that they subsided. This time though I was completely blindsided, was having a lot of anxiety and even suicidal thoughts. I knew I couldn't do it alone so I went to see my doctor who prescribed antidepressants and medication to help me sleep. I only get anxious once in a while now and find that if I distract myself I can get through it.

KAW last time went through this they put me on antidepressants. Problem was I had a pretty bad reaction to them and they do not want to try again. I just realized there is an anxiety group. I think I will peak over there and see what I can find.

I stay as busy as possible and sing every emotion that comes to mind out loud. It never rhymes and makes for some awful music (I have a pretty bad voice, too, so that doesn't help) but it seems to put things in perspective somehow. Wishing you peace and joy.

Mindfulness meditation, aerobic exercise...

Sorry--I see you already tried those--it's just, that's what works for me.

There are some tapes that are guided meditation and they help people because the voice is soothing and directs you in meditating.

There's also biofeedback that they use in trying to work with anxiety.

Here is an article with some more things:

http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/emotional-fitness/200908/top-10-simple-tools-reduce-anxiety

Acceptance ....

I realize that sounds contrite, but I experienced that uneasy anxiety for a long time leading up to my divorce and for a few months after. That uncomfortable knot in the pit of my stomach telling me that something wasn't right. Once I was able to accept the reality of my situation, learn to take care of myself and do what I knew to be in the best interest of our children, and let go of the unhealthy attachments I had to someone that obviously did not care about me any longer was liberating. The anxiety subsided and I was able to let go and move on.

I had to let myself experience all of the emotions that I was feeling. I would drive up the canyon, sit in my car and scream at the top of my lungs to vent my frustration and anger. I would go to the gym and exercise to keep my body engaged in doing things. I spent many nights weeping because of the loss I experienced .... and, most importantly, I learned how to smile and enjoy life again by spending time with friends, spending time with my children, and taking much needed ME time to do whatever I wanted to do.

Good luck.

everything, everyone else on here said... hugs to you...

Running! Or any kind of physical exertion works for me. Gets me out of my head too more often than not.

I will agree with bigguy3 100%.
I tried everything to get rid of the anxiety which made it worse.
I have found that acceptance is the only thing (and massage) are the only things that are helping.
When the symptoms start, I acknowledge it's presence and then I do something that occupies my time like playing games on my phone, going for a walk, watch a good movie, etc.
I can not take the meds for anxiety, but I do take 5-HTP and get plenty of rest.
So the key is to accept it and know that it won't kill me (had myself checked out by doc to make sure it wasn't something more serious).

Oh.....the more you fight it, the worse it will get.
The symptoms come from a strong suggestion from your mind.
Remember....the mind is a powerful instrument. If you think you are having a heart attack.....your mind will play tricks on you and mimic the symptoms. The more you play into the symptoms, your mind will send more.
The thing is distract or interrupt your mind (this is difficult, but not impossible). Distract yourself with something you enjoy doing or something that takes a little concentrating (I like to play "find objects" or something like that on my phone.....I get so enthralled in the game that it distracts me from the symptoms.....I also sleep with the tv on for when I can't fall asleep or stay asleep).

I am a horrible singer knarfia but that does not sound like a bad idea.
Astimegoes by thank you for the web site I have looked at it and there are some good ideas and points.
BigGuy and MsBlank. I definitively understand the importance of acceptance. The last time I was on here that is what I struggled with so much. This time is so much different. I am not struggling over him. I am ready for him to get back out of town from work(he will be gone a week)so I can get my stuff from him. That might be some of my issue just wanting this to be done with now so I can break all ties for good. I feel lucky I found out the true person he was sooner than later.

This time it is about me. I do not know what to do with myself. I feel like I cannot trust my own judgement now. I cannot see how I let this happen again. I cannot figure out if it is just bad luck that I got two right in a row or if I am bringing this type of guy to me. I hope for happily ever after with a guy one day but if I cannot trust me and my judgments then there is no way I can open myself up to it.
MsBlank I love puzzle games I will try the seek and find maybe that will help.
Thank you all for your suggestions

Some anxiety-reducing ideas: Go to a spa for a professional massage. Spend time with, or get a pet dog or cat to care for. Get out into nature: trees and water sources (the ocean, lake, river) produce negative ions (which are actually positive because they reduce stress!). Smile like a fool for no reason (it creates endorphins, which actually make you feel happy.)

Pray :)

I know when I first experienced anxiety after me and my ex split, I did a lot of things to bring peace to my soul. Breathing exercises, Yoga, meditation, and taking a lot of time to myself in the outdoors with my dog.

Now, while I still do those things, I still have a hard time sleeping most nights. So I found some healthy solutions in bedtime routines and a natural root extract at my health store.