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Old 12-20-2016, 10:03 AM
  # 7 (permalink)  
Anna
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Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: Dancing in the Light
Posts: 61,328
Hi, and congratulations on your recovery.

I had generalized anxiety long before I began drinking. In fact, it was the anxiety that pushed me to start drinking. I think you will find your anxiety will become more manageable in the near future.

This is a personal decision, but I do not take medication. I experience anxiety most of the time and, anxiety medication can be addictive. I have read a lot and found some things that work. There are simple breathing techniques that help. When you feel very anxious your breathing becomes shallow and quick and this fuels the anxiety in your body. Try Belly Breathing:

Sit comfortably, with your shoulders, head and neck relaxed.

Breathe in slowly through your nose so that your stomach moves out.

Tighten your stomach muscles, letting them fall inward as you exhale slowly through your mouth.

And, here are some good books that will help you manage your anxiety:

Amen, Daniel Change Your Brain, Change Your Life

Bassett, Lucinda From Panic to Power

Burns, David MD When Panic Attacks

Chodron, Pema The Places That Scare You

Doidge, Norman MD The Brain That Changes Itself

Dyer, Wayne The Power of Intention and Change Your Thoughts, Change Your Life

Orsilla, Ken Mindful way Through Anxiety
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