sortofhomecomin

Anxiety off the charts and having tried everything else (apart from drinking, fortunately) it is time for me to re-consider medication.

Mizz

I do understand this. I am sorry to hear it is so bad for you. Zencat, Bimini and others helped me greatly with "tools" to use when I get into episodes. The mental health section has a thread started if you want to check it out....just until you get the medications. Here for you.

advbike

Dude, try deep breathing. Google 4-7-8 breathing. It honestly works, proven in Eastern religions over millenia, but best if done daily. Still, it always helps me.

Mizz

Here is a tool that was shown to me from Bimini!

https://www.healthline.com/health/bo...#slowly-exhale

whitejay

I hear you !I have so much anxiety when I get the urge to drink and Im driving - I literally go blank in my mind and aimlessly drive to liquor store, buy alcohol, chug it and then think I feel better. When in reality it was what gave me permanent depression and more anxiety. I went on medication and it stopped working about 8 years ago, so now I am looking for a new medication. If only I could find a good psychiatrist. They are hard to find in the new state I moved to.
Deep breathing too works !

Obladi

I've been extremely anxious this weekend. It can be scary, depending on the physical symptoms, right? Mine includes chest pain at its worst. Ugh.

breathing helps
acknowledging this is happening helps
knowing it will subside helps

But yeah, sometimes all we can do is live through it. I am on medication and it has lessened these episodes considerably. I'm definitely a proponent of consulting with your favorite addiction-savvy physician.

Hang in there.
I know it sucks. It will pass.

O

Backtogood

The best thing i did to help my anxiety was quit drinking. Drinking caused in the morning panic attacks, anxiety about what i said or did the night before, not to mention normal life anxiety stuff. I also have meds from my doctor for emergency anxiety/panic attacks. I don't need them tho if I'm not drinking, but it comforts me to have them.

Dee74

are you feeling any better Sort?

D

WaterOx

There are some natural supplements as an alternative. I would list them here but we're not allowed. Ask your doctor about them. They have done wonders for me.

anxiousrock

I would talk to your doctor. They can prescribe meds, supplements, even a therapist, or websites that would help, depending on what you're open to.
I have horrible anxiety too.
It's always been bad, not jusy when drinking.
I get a ton of exercise, eat better than most, take meds, etc. Nothing works. I'm just always anxious, all the time.
good news is fitbit counts my panic attacks as "zone minutes".

Robbie64

How are you feeling today sort?

Hawkeye13

Hope you are feeling better today

Be123

How you doing today? I know I often post bout it as a joke, but when I spoke to my therapist he said there is something in it..

What i ate made a huge difference to me. Porridge for breakfast seemed to literally soak up the anxiety. I know it's not a catch all or solve-all but it's worth a try? Slow release carbs and exercise really did make a huge amount of difference for me

Hope you have a better day today

samwitch

This! Absolutely same for me including having emergency meds--just in case. But I don't need them when I don't drink.

Surrendered19

How are things SortOfHomeComin? I hope you are feeling better. Anxiety can still hit me out of the blue and it is not fun. Here in anxious solidarity with you!!

sortofhomecomin

Hi. Thank you very much for all your replies, which I have read.

sortofhomecomin

I will try to implement some of the solutions, yes I have tried the 4-7-8 breathing thing before.

I was just told that 5 people who used to go to my old AA group have separately been diagnosed with COVID. Most are long term sober and most were in good health, fwiw. I have no information on how they could have contracted it or what their conditions are.

Dee74

I hope they will all make a complete recovery Sort.

D