Posted by spriggy on July 30, 2005, at 18:20:04
I've never had much of a problem with depression (until I was on SSRi's) but in general, I'm not a depressed person.
However, I have struggled with severe anxiety and panic attacks the past year. The anxiety was just overwhelming at one point-- if anything the anxiety caused me to become depressed becuase I could not rid myself of it no matter what I did or how much I prayed.
Anyway, I am doing SOOOOOOOOOOOO much better with this anxiety issue now. I still have it (but it's manageable and it doesn't run my life).
A few things I have done that I think have been very helpful and wanted to share are:
1) Learning how to breathe properly. I was a chest breather and breathing WAAAY too fast and too hard. I have learned that the breathing techniques are NOT just crock (which is what I initially thought) but they really do help.
Twice I have stopped a panic attack in it's tracks by my breathing.2) I've been on Mannatech now for 3 months. When I started them, I was very sick (fevers, fatigue, anxiety, blood sugar issues, etc..). I'm not a big believer in all these vitamins/herbs/minerals but I can definitely tell that my energy has increased, my moods are lighter, and I sleep much better. They aren't miracle pills in the least but they have helped. (don't worry, I don't sell them!). ROFL
3) getting back on my treadmill and exercising.
After being so sick, I had totally stopped running. I just couldn't do it physically. So about 3 weeks ago, I just started out slow and have just been walking 2 miles a day. I've already noticed a difference.4) drinking LOTS of water. I mean about 70-80 ounces per day.
These things have helped me. I always attribute any good thing in my life to God so I don't want to leave Him out of the equation- I know prayer has had lots to do with my recovery as well so never underestimate the power of that.
Anyway, just thought I'd share my 2 cents.
poster:spriggy
thread:535779
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/alter/20050713/msgs/535779.html