Hi Libra
I have had a problem with anxiety and panic attacks since 1985. I have had a long spell of relief and then bam, it caught me off guard! I think it must have been the stress of company coming and financial issues and many other things. I only take medication when I am over the edge. I take Ativan when absolutely necessary and then, I try to get by on a half tablet which usually gets me through. That seems to work for me the best and doesn't make me dizzy. I found that relaxation/breathing exercises are very helpful. The truth is we have way more control over anxiety than we realize. Knowing how to breathe and how to relax individual muscles is a sure fire way to get the control back. I have noticed that when I begin to feel anxious, my muscles are super tense, especially in my shoulders and face. I've usually got my shoulders hunched up practically under my ears and didn't even know it! When I relax those muscles, the anxiety begins to fade. The trick is being aware when you're tensing up and trying to remember what you were thinking that caused it. That's hard for me, so I've been writing an R on my hand to remind myself to relax and breathe slow deep breaths. I try to do the relaxation exercise before I need it, doing it 3x a day will make a huge difference I promise.I have a relaxation tape that talks you through deep breathing and muscle relaxation. It would be very helpful if you could get one. Also, noticing your thinking is important because that is what causes us to get anxious in the first place. We have to catch those scary worrisome imaginations cast them down and refuse to dwell on them.
You mentioned you were a spiritual person; I am a Christian, and have also wondered about
the sudden outset of this problem again. One thing I am sure of, is that it is not God's will for us to have this condition! In John 14:27 Jesus assures us of this if we are his followers we can have His peace, but script
ure also says in 2 Corinthians 10:4-5, "(For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds:) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ."
I had to take a look at the way I've been thinking lately and what kind of self talk I had going on. It was certainly not obedient to, "Fear not, neither be afraid," All the "what ifs" are borrowing trouble from tomorrow and not trusting God to take care of it. "What ifs" breed fear, and we become afraid of the fear! For extra help, I called a prayer line and it was very helpful. The woman that prayed for me, prayed a wonderful prayer. In fact, she had been a sufferer of panic in her past too! I don't think that was a coincidence I happen to get her to talk to. I felt much better after she prayed for me.
I hope this is helpful, You'll be in my prayers tonight.
Peace be unto you
Ben there, I had to edit your post and deleted the phone #...I am going to have to ask you to remember rule number 6...no posts of an overtly religious nature...we must respect that all people have their own beliefs, and remember that this room is for support of peers in respect to anxiety. Thank you:) Otherwise, excellent advice!
Post Edited By Moderator (stkitt) : 2/5/2012 7:57:48 AM (GMT-7)