Posted by sgoose on January 22, 2004, at 20:14:08
In reply to Re: Anxiety, etc. Need Advice!, posted by dowchild on January 22, 2004, at 18:57:31
I'm really working on this stuff, especially breathing. My challenge is that I have chronic year round indoor/outdoor allergies. I dare say that almost everything improves for me when using a nasal strip such as ones athletes use to open the passages.
> Can't comment on the med mix, others here probably have more experience. But I have learned a few tricks that might be of help.
> But first, let me congratulate you on reaching out to others.
> And second, you will never be a failure - life has dealt you a situation that most others would wilt under. You still have a sense of direction, and goals you want to achieve. Only thing standing in your way is anxiety, and it has to have roots somewhere.
> What I do for anxiety, is to make a list of what is right in your life, and what you enjoy without feeling anxious.
> Make another list of stuff you enjoy, but that has a little anxiety.
> Forget for now the wicked anxiety stuff - it can wait.
> When anxious, do something from the first list.
> When not anxious, do something from the second list.
> I'll bet that the stuff that was on the second list, finds it's way to the first, soon enough.
> Try belly breathing - belly goes out when you inhale, belly goes in when you exhale. Pay attention to your breathing, try to slow it down, and take huge breaths, slowly.
> You can do this walking, too - perhaps very early morning might be the best time.
> I make a concoction of camomile and mint tea, with honey. Seems to take the edge off.
> Avoid caffeine in any form ( maybe exception of chocolate?) Green tea has a little caffeine, but is not so bad as the 15 cups of strong coffee I used to drink. Each day.
> Let me know if this helps - it will take a while, tho.
> Oh, these are all meditation techniques, in case you want to check that out. Search for Zen or Chan on the web. Taoism might work out too.
> Talk about visualization exercises with your pdoc - that might help limiting the panic, by using your own imagination to fight the anxiety.
> Others will probably have better advice.
> dowchild
poster:sgoose
thread:304326
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20040122/msgs/304369.html