How does everyone cope?

[shygirl0958]

How does everyone cope with there anxiety? I try to read alot i find that helps me. But when its really bad i find my self crying but after that im better do you guys cry?

[veggiemom1436]

I cry...a lot, mostly because I'm consumed with fear.  The problem for me is that I can't cope.  Anxiety ,and the panic that comes along with it, don't allow me to cope.  I find myself rocking, crying, getting angry, pacing - but I don't find these things to be particularly helpful.  It would be nice to find a calm in the storm.

When I've been anxious for no particular reason, I could reassure myself that this would pass.  But being anxious for months at at time, for specific reasons, with no light at the end of the tunnel, doesn't allow for that type of thinking.  It's basically - 'get through today'.  

[Andir]

I get 15 days' worth of Ativan per month, but benzos are evil.  A very good alternative (though it doesn't work for everybody) is Inderal.  It's a beta blocker that is usually prescribed for, amongst other things, palpitations or cardiac arrythmia.  It does make me sleepy (but not drowsy, if this makes any sense) and really takes away the "butterflies" and nausea.

I get very anxious for no reason, and I am unable to work when I feel like that.  I keep on procrastinating, making the anxiety worse.  I sometimes leave work until the very last, often resulting in working through the night / going 36 hours with 3 hours' sleep.  But it goes without saying that this doesn't help my mood and productivity, leading to anxiety and depression.  I presume this also stems from the fact that after the "rush" there is an anti-climax where there are no stressors.  

Basically what I'm saying is that procrastinating and not being under pressure causes me more anxiety than being in a stressful situation; as long as I am in control of the situation and am not involved in team deliverables etc.

Anyway, just wanted to add my 2c which turned into 20c ;-)

"Carpe diem" should help, but talk is cheap...

[toejam_muncher]

when i start to really freak out...there are a few things that help. one of them is coming to this forum. i don't post very often...but i don't really need to when i start to read what everyone else is going through. my mind responds to logic even when i'm going nuts with anxiety...and so when i read the posts here logic tells me that i'm probably not dying and that the episode will probably pass like it always does. another thing that helps is to not fight it...to let it have you, so to speak. fighting it makes it worse. if you try to keep your mind blank and let all the physical symptoms run their course, it helps...the hard part is actually keeping your mind blank. i do this by using logic...repeating to myself that i'm not dying, that this is all very normal for many people, that it is going to go away eventaully, and that i need to simply be thankful for all the days i got to spend "normal"

i'm also very vocal with those close to me when i'm 'going nuts'...as i call it. i tell my wife everything and i tell my mom everything. that helps more than anything. i don't keep it inside. that only makes things much much worse. anyway...what works for one doesn't always work for others. sometimes i do take xanax. i'm proud to say it's been nearly a year since i took my last one though....since i only take them when i really truly need them, i'm very happy that i've gone so long without needing them. hopefully saying that doesn't jinx me.

[Jasmine1006]

i watch my favorite shows and listen to music...it helps me...

also, sometimes drinking chamomile tea will help, it relaxes me a lot...rescue remedy does take the edge off when you're feeling mildly anxious...

[lifeless923]

Try concentrating on taking deep breaths in and out. when i mean concentrate i mean CONCENTRATE and it will pass. Then get up and say "MAN....**** THIS"

[br2509]

Yes i cry all the time with these anxiety attacks.I have been trying to cope with them which i have gotten a little better.But i just try to stay strong and tell myself everything is going to be fine...Just stay strong and keep your head up