New to this website

[Joyous22]

Hi, I just joined the other day and I don't know how I should proceed. Anyone have any suggestions for getting the best out of this website - and also the best way to help others? I did post a journal entry my first day and it was nice that someone wrote back. I didn't feel so all alone. Anxiety is very uncomfortable, as I'm sure you all know. I'm trying to fight this thing without going back to my old reliable - alcohol. I'm taking Effexor with fairly good relief and I'm okay most of the time. However, there are events in my life that knock me on my feet. I startle at every sound, don't feel comfortable in my own skin and wake up soaking wet at 3am in the morning (I've got to get up for work at 5am). I just bought a book called, highly sensative people. I took the initial self-test and couldn't believe how many yes answers I had. However, I'm still in the beginning and haven't found the helpful stuff yet. So, anyone have any suggestions for getting started here, or the best remedies they have found for anxiety?   Thanks so much for listening.

[Joyous22]

Thanks for the feedback. The breathing thing is a great trick. I know I do it wrong sometimes and have to try to expand my stomache. I do it once or twice but then I forget again. I work 12 hour shifts so sometimes excersize is the last thing on my mind but maybe a video on my days off will help.

Thanks

[CJane24]

Hi I'm also an anxiety sufferer, and I hate it so much and wish I could control it. It can completely overpower me sometimes, and I too am trying not to drink to calm me down when I'm having an attack. I just thought I'd mention that I just bought a Pilates DVD and started doing it last week, it the hopes it will help me to calm down and breathe. And it actually has helped just a little bit by forcing me to stretch and take deep breaths. Deep breaths are usually a problem for me because anxiety makes me feel like I can't breathe. And I've also read that anxiety can be a symptom of a chromium deficiency, so I just started taking Chromium Picolinate daily. (Who knows if it will help but it can't hurt.)  I'm just throwing this stuff out there, hope it helps. Good luck.

[Joyous22]

I don't think so. Thanks I didn't know that.

[Paxiled]

Did you sweat before going on Effexor?  That's a common side effect.

[Joyous22]

I think I've had anxiety since childhood. However, I'm one of the lucky ones. I'm able to function albeit painfully. I was sober 91/2 years then drank again. I'm now almost three years again. A doc gave me a script for xanax several years ago  but because of shame/guilt about AA and benzos I've only take about 4 in all this time. It actually just makes me sleepy. Someone gave me two klonipin about two weeks ago and that was wonderful - a little too wonderful for a Bill and Bob supporter - LOL. I shouldn't laugh but It's better than crying. Anyway I also ordered the Bassett stuff - I guess it would help if I dragged it out of the garage. Thanks for writing.

[needhelp4me434]

hello, i suffered from anxiety since childhood. also sought alcohol.

how long have you had anxiety issues? how long have you ben sober?

i take ativan 1 mg when i need it. but it took 20 years for one dr to understand and treat my anxiety. i also ordred lucinda bassett series on anxiety. it did help . there are other books and this site to help you better understand anxiety.

keep comming back