Beckybecks
18-09-15, 12:21
Hi everyone!
I've had anxiety and depression for over 20 years now. So obviously in all that time I've learnt a few coping strategies otherwise I think it would've consumed me by now!
1. I've learnt never to believe that it's gone forever. After my first recovery I was so relieved and never expected it to happen again. Surprise surprise. It did. And again. And again.
2. I try to recognise triggers and like a good Boy Scout I am now PREPARED.
Of course panic and anxiety can sometimes spring out of nowhere to bite you on the behind.
3. When this happens I use a little process which goes as follows:
I take Rescue Remedy, drink Chamomile Tea, I go for a long walk and I walk fast enough to make sure I'm panting and sweating. (I've been known to go walking at 4am much to my dog's surprise and joy!). If I'm out of hearing range I shout, scream, cry, groan and generally sound like a mad person but it's my way of getting it all out of me. I visualize all that adrenaline pouring out with my tears and shouts.
This usually takes the edge of the attack but of course it always sits there just waiting to pounce so I continue to keep myself completely occupied.
4. I NEVER EVER get into bed or sit down and do nothing. That's the best way to encourage more of the same. Don't let your mind take over. Not even for a second.
5. With a day that starts with a 4am walk and continues at a fairly fast pace I'm usually worn out enough to ensure a decent sleep that night and sleep is such a big healer. Very often I find my anxiety is caused by lack of sleep but of course it's never easy to sleep with this condition. One condition feeding another..... So tiring myself out does help.
My anxiety has often caused depression and to combat this I have more strategies in place.
6. I may feel that I can't possibly get out of my bed in the morning when I'm sunk in a low pit of depression. I really really push myself to make the effort though. I do all the things I REALLY don't want to. I shower, wash my hair, put make up on and clothes that make me feel good. I give myself a make-over. I sing (when I'm alone:blush:) and I listen to music that I enjoy.
I do things that make me feel good, like buying a bunch of flowers to put in my bedroom.
Now I know that with depression one doesn't feel like doing all of this and one doesn't expect it to cure the depression. But, little steps........ I take one at a time and even if they only budge the depression a millimetre at a time, every little bit counts.
For me, anxiety is just a bad habit my mind learnt a long time ago. I have never been able to un-learn it, despite years of therapy and medication. So instead I've learnt all these good habits.
It's not a cure, but it helps! And we all need all the help we can get x
I've had anxiety and depression for over 20 years now. So obviously in all that time I've learnt a few coping strategies otherwise I think it would've consumed me by now!
1. I've learnt never to believe that it's gone forever. After my first recovery I was so relieved and never expected it to happen again. Surprise surprise. It did. And again. And again.
2. I try to recognise triggers and like a good Boy Scout I am now PREPARED.
Of course panic and anxiety can sometimes spring out of nowhere to bite you on the behind.
3. When this happens I use a little process which goes as follows:
I take Rescue Remedy, drink Chamomile Tea, I go for a long walk and I walk fast enough to make sure I'm panting and sweating. (I've been known to go walking at 4am much to my dog's surprise and joy!). If I'm out of hearing range I shout, scream, cry, groan and generally sound like a mad person but it's my way of getting it all out of me. I visualize all that adrenaline pouring out with my tears and shouts.
This usually takes the edge of the attack but of course it always sits there just waiting to pounce so I continue to keep myself completely occupied.
4. I NEVER EVER get into bed or sit down and do nothing. That's the best way to encourage more of the same. Don't let your mind take over. Not even for a second.
5. With a day that starts with a 4am walk and continues at a fairly fast pace I'm usually worn out enough to ensure a decent sleep that night and sleep is such a big healer. Very often I find my anxiety is caused by lack of sleep but of course it's never easy to sleep with this condition. One condition feeding another..... So tiring myself out does help.
My anxiety has often caused depression and to combat this I have more strategies in place.
6. I may feel that I can't possibly get out of my bed in the morning when I'm sunk in a low pit of depression. I really really push myself to make the effort though. I do all the things I REALLY don't want to. I shower, wash my hair, put make up on and clothes that make me feel good. I give myself a make-over. I sing (when I'm alone:blush:) and I listen to music that I enjoy.
I do things that make me feel good, like buying a bunch of flowers to put in my bedroom.
Now I know that with depression one doesn't feel like doing all of this and one doesn't expect it to cure the depression. But, little steps........ I take one at a time and even if they only budge the depression a millimetre at a time, every little bit counts.
For me, anxiety is just a bad habit my mind learnt a long time ago. I have never been able to un-learn it, despite years of therapy and medication. So instead I've learnt all these good habits.
It's not a cure, but it helps! And we all need all the help we can get x