Jules714

Hi Everyone,
I'm suffering some minor twangs of panic in my stomach. I have a prescription for this as I've had this for a long time. Thing is that I really don't like taking those meds. They just make me way too tired.
I am taking B1, folic acid, magnesium and drinking a detox tea (out of camomile presently)
I just took the dog for a 20 minute walk.
I have looked things up on the internet but was curious if anyone has any tried and true go to(s)?
Much appreciated!!
Jules

ScottFromWI

Walking works well for me. Meditation/mindfulness practices work too, although it takes some practice. I personally have GAD so I also see a counselor which really helps a lot.

ScottFromWI

A friendly reminder that forum rules prohibit medical advice, including the recommendation of OTC/herbal remedies for medical or psychiatric conditions.

PhoenixJ

fIRST- halts..IF I am feeling any crap emotion I run through whether I feel
Hungry
Angry
Lonely
Tired or thirsty
Sad.
if YES0- IF FIX IT, BY EATING, RESTING....if I cannot, then I work out who can help me. A meeting, posting here, a walk, priest, friend, counsellor..
Mindful breathing...In 4, hold 7..out 8....repeat as often as want to.
Distract.
I remind myself the panic is ME. That there is no one in front of me with a gun...that is I okay and the panic will subside.

captainkitty

It's a shame we are not allowed to discuss nutritional supplements for anxiety / depression and general support for the brain and nervous system, but I understand. All I can say is my anxiety was so severely debilitating that I would have rather drank my self to death than live like that.. my head was telling me everything was ok, but my body was in a state of complete shock and terror.. I no longer have to live like that and it brings tears to my eyes that I can finally begin to pursue and normal existence simply through nutrition and natural supplents.

CreativeThinker

Eat healthy food
Moderate exercise at least 20-30min per day (need to sweat!)
Drink plenty of fluids
15 min walk after dinner
Get plenty of sleep

Jules714

Thanks all!!
Really trying to eat very healthy. A lot of fresh veggies.
Walking the dog is really helpful. The sun and air work wonders. I keep forgetting to go near the lake and walk. The water is soothing to me.
Sleep has been pretty good too. Last night was a little rough, but I went back to sleep (& overslept!)
Def. need to learn about mindfulness/meditation.
I try to use breathing exercises. They work sometimes.

LDT

Yoga.

Gottalife

Some excellent suggestions above for the short term. I found working all the steps gave me the long term solution, especially step eleven, having dealt with the past in earlier steps.

Ken33xx

Jogging.

Jules714

Thanks everyone!!
Spoke too soon; had trouble falling asleep and then maybe got 2.5 hrs. Been up since 3 AM. Just went to the grocery store! That's a first!
Great suggestions!
I used to do Yoga, unsure why I quit. Oh right BC I became consumed with drinking.
Not a runner. Never have been. Swimmer.
But I have a good friend who swears by running. She does 9 miles a day.
I think there are activities suggestions in Sober Living text. Will check that out again.
Hopefully I can grab a nap later on. 😉
J

SoberCAH

I went to a doctor and got help for my GAD many years ago.

It has worked ever since.

I wish you well with your pursuits to reduce your anxiety and improve your sleep habits.

Bunny211

Honestly nothing worked for me. For 18 months I tried homeopathy, acupuncture, supplements, meditation, prayer, exercise, deep breathing etc. None of it helped. I finally went on a low dose of prozac and I feel a million times better.

Mizzuno

Exercise of any form can help to relieve some of the symptoms. I would also talk with your doctor if necessary.

I run and stretch everyday. This has been instrumental in my overall health.

We cant offer any advice on supplements as its against forum policies.

Maudcat

I do gentle yoga with my cat.
She loves yoga. In nice weather I practice outside.
Really nice.
Deep, calming breaths help at times.
I rgularly register for Oprah and Deepak's meditation series.
It's good.

steve-in-kville

I'd second the already mentioned diet and exercise. I'd even suggest cutting out coffee for a while, maybe six months, just to see how your sleep patterns and mood improves.

But that's just me....

Jules714

Thanks again!
I slept like a champion last night. Was up early and showered and got to lounge around before the 9 am MTG.
I just had my first coffee in about 2.5 wks yesterday. Am feeling much better. It helps that my heart isn't as broken as it was 5 days ago. Starting to feel strong, like my old self again. I do not at all have another recovery in me. This I now know. I am determined to stay sober 24 hrs at a time.
Today has thus far been a very good day 😊

Thanks all!
J

BrianTX2000

I don't know if you drink coffee (or tea), but sometime I drink sleepy time tea in the morning instead of normal coffee. skipping drinks with stimulants is good.

applewakesup

Anxiety sucks so bad! I've had it for years, and I know it's one of the reasons I would drink so frequently. Are you physically able to do intense exercise? If so, that's what has worked best for me. Days that I do long (>1 hr) runs or intense spin classes, I am less anxious. I essentially wear myself out. Don't know if that's a possibility for you, but if so, it's worth a try. Anything's better than your mind zipping around all night while you try to sleep.

PhoenixJ

I have official diagnosis for depression, anxiety and PTSD- plus more. Aside 1 a/depressant daily..I refuse to take anything. Even for my pain. Mindful breathing, exercise- HALTS...makes life manageable. Also journal and meetings.