Best methods for anxiety?

[dizzeedavid]

Hi I've been suffering with health anxiety now for the past 6 months and I'm determined to beat it without meds. Breathing techniques help ne alot, but I'm confused due to websites and reading different people's post, some say concentrate on anything but these unwanted thoughts and to distract yourself but then other sites and post say that's the worst thing to do, and to surrender to it?!   Just recently I was doing really well I mean I still had the unwanted thoughts and the what if thoughts, but I never let it control my everyday life but I've been poorly for the last few days with a cold ( the first time ive been I'll since I've had anxiety!) and it's like I'm back to square one thinking like this is the first steps of death! As I read what I'm writing I know it's typically anxiety but man it's so real in my head lol, thanx for taking the time to read

[doubletrouble999]

I've used sniffing lavender oil much to my satisfaction. Collective loud laughing in a garden early morning is most effective.

[mammo]

Hi.  Different things work for different people and that's why you'll hear various advice on how best to handle this. You DO need to try and keep the negative thoughts about your health away. Our fears and worries fuel our anxiety keeping it going strong.  This cycle needs to be broken and you can best do this by thinking positively. It's good that you acknowledge that you know it's your anxiety and it does feel very real.  Beating this on your own is difficult and if you don't want medication then I feel therapy would greatly benefit you.  It will teach you how not to dwell on things being wrong with you and think in a more positive manner.  Exercise is great for anxiety, it works off extra adrenaline, for many of us it is our therapy.  Stay off the internet in regards to this, it doesn't help. Get out and enjoy life, see your friends, stay busy so you have no time to dwell on your health and it will ease your anxiety.  It's great that you've been able to take control of your life away from the anxiety in the past and now you need to learn to do this again.  It's all about "fear", the more we fear the stronger our anxiety becomes. I hope this helps, and know we're always here for you!