Anxiety... can anyone help?
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Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2016
Posts: 56
Anxiety... can anyone help?
Well, I have been surviving quite well until this very moment. I am miserable with anxiety and nothing will take the edge off.
The worst thing about my anxiety is the physical reaction to it. I have a tendency to hold my breath, making for shallow breathing. I can't take deep breaths unless I am able to yawn.
The feeling in my chest is horribly uncomfortable and is what I cannot stand about anxiety the most. Nothing I try or have tried takes the edge off, with the exception of drink.
Drink always provided instant relief. Now that I have decided not to drink, I don't know what to do to ease my discomfort.
The worst thing about my anxiety is the physical reaction to it. I have a tendency to hold my breath, making for shallow breathing. I can't take deep breaths unless I am able to yawn.
The feeling in my chest is horribly uncomfortable and is what I cannot stand about anxiety the most. Nothing I try or have tried takes the edge off, with the exception of drink.
Drink always provided instant relief. Now that I have decided not to drink, I don't know what to do to ease my discomfort.
Member
Join Date: Dec 2015
Location: Boston, MA
Posts: 1,601
Contact your doctor. There are many medications that can help with anxiety and many are non-habit forming. Stay away from the benzos....they are very addictive.
A walk
Fresh air
Drink a large glass of cool water
Eat something yummy
A hot shower
Sometimes a good cry helps
Good luck...it gets better and easier the more time you get under your belt!
A walk
Fresh air
Drink a large glass of cool water
Eat something yummy
A hot shower
Sometimes a good cry helps
Good luck...it gets better and easier the more time you get under your belt!
Canine Welfare Advocate
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Norfolk, VA
Posts: 10,962
- Take a deep breath.
- Accept that you're anxious.
- Realize that your brain is playing tricks on you.
- Question your thoughts.
- Use a calming visualization.
- Be an observer — without judgment.
- Use positive self-talk.
- Focus on right now.
You'll note that drinking to seek instant relief isn't on the list.
Member
Join Date: Dec 2015
Location: Nova Scotia
Posts: 801
Speaking with your doc is always the best start, I went off Benzo's for Anxiety years ago after I learned Meditation while in detox, it works wonders for me, walking and doing just about anything outside with my dog also helps and often works.
All the best
Andrew
All the best
Andrew
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Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2016
Posts: 56
Thank you all. I am feeling some better already. Just writing about it helped. I won't drink.
I am on medication for anxiety and depression but the anxiety isn't helped much by it. My medication is a bit of a stimulant so it is normal to have some jitters with it.
I think that I need to also abstain from coffee/ caffeine because it makes me jittery and more easily agitated.
Uppers and downers... uppers and downers... gotta break that cycle.
I am on medication for anxiety and depression but the anxiety isn't helped much by it. My medication is a bit of a stimulant so it is normal to have some jitters with it.
I think that I need to also abstain from coffee/ caffeine because it makes me jittery and more easily agitated.
Uppers and downers... uppers and downers... gotta break that cycle.
Member
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: northern michigan. not the U.P.
Posts: 15,281
Originally Posted by doggonecarl 
- Take a deep breath.
- Accept that you're anxious.
- Realize that your brain is playing tricks on you.
- Question your thoughts.
- Use a calming visualization.
- Be an observer — without judgment.
- Use positive self-talk.
- Focus on right now.
You'll note that drinking to seek instant relief isn't on the list.
Forum Leader
Join Date: May 2012
Location: Wisconsin, USA
Posts: 16,945
Originally Posted by pearlady
I think that I need to also abstain from coffee/ caffeine because it makes me jittery and more easily agitated.
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Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2016
Posts: 56
I had a cup and a half of coffee this morning when I got to work and the anxiety started almost immediately. Previous to that, I felt decent. I have never really thought about how sensitive I might be to caffeine. It doesn't make me jittery if I drink it in tea but coffee ...whew.
I really enjoy that hot cup of coffee as a ritual but I think now that I am in recovery, I need to limit anything that triggers anxiety as best I can.
Decaf it is!
I really enjoy that hot cup of coffee as a ritual but I think now that I am in recovery, I need to limit anything that triggers anxiety as best I can.
Decaf it is!
Member
Join Date: May 2016
Location: Northeast WI
Posts: 163
Agree on the caffeine. I drink a ton, but lately at almost a month sober, I'm noticing I'm waking up with headaches and get more headaches during the day, and am clenching my jaw a lot more (which I've always done in response to anxiety/stress, for years). I'm prescribed an anxiolytic, but I don't like to take it during the day since it just makes me tired. It does help with the clenching when I sleep, though. I do notice that if I take the bigger dose at bedtime (which I used to be able to do just fine) I REALLY have a hard time getting going in the morning, so I'm more sensitive to that med, as well.
While I haven't really looked for myself yet, my sister has told me that you can search on sites like YouTube, Spotify (not sure where you are...this is the music streaming service I use), etc and find a lot of guided meditation pieces, music, etc. Might be worth a look.
Hang in there!
While I haven't really looked for myself yet, my sister has told me that you can search on sites like YouTube, Spotify (not sure where you are...this is the music streaming service I use), etc and find a lot of guided meditation pieces, music, etc. Might be worth a look.
Hang in there!
Member
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: Toronto
Posts: 3,195
I am also dealing with anxiety. I'm only 19 days sober so I know it's normal but anxiety had always been my biggest obstacle to staying sober. Knowing that a couple pints of beer will calm my mind instantly has on many occasions seen me unable to walk past a pub without going in. I need to just accept that I'll be anxious for a while
Administrator
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: Dancing in the Light
Posts: 61,444
I'm glad you're feeling a bit better, Pearlady. Anxiety is hard to deal with. You've gotten lots of good advice here. 'Belly Breathing' is something that works for me. It's simple and works quickly to slow down the panicky feelings most of the time.
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Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2016
Posts: 56
You all are so awesome. I can't wait to try all of the different techniques and it is good to know that I'm not the only one having anxiety. I had anxiety before I ever started drinking and I can agree with others that it is a significant factor in my sobriety.
Also, all week I have slept poorly. I jolt awake at least twice a night. Last night I had to sit up and read for a while.
My plan is:
Limit caffeine
Try breathing techniques
Be mindful of my thought patterns
Also, all week I have slept poorly. I jolt awake at least twice a night. Last night I had to sit up and read for a while.
My plan is:
Limit caffeine
Try breathing techniques
Be mindful of my thought patterns
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Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: Atlanta
Posts: 8,674
Pearlady- I have read this thread with a lot of interest since your statement about holding your breath - exactly me!!
I just started yoga thanks to an AA friend and it is hard for me to keep focused on breathing. But I think it will help and plan to keep going. Have you tried it?
Thanks for sharing this with us- all the suggestions are ones I need to try!
Have a good day!
I just started yoga thanks to an AA friend and it is hard for me to keep focused on breathing. But I think it will help and plan to keep going. Have you tried it?
Thanks for sharing this with us- all the suggestions are ones I need to try!
Have a good day!
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