Manageable anxiety

For weeks now I have had manageable anxiety. The anxiety is not gone, but much more managable than what it was a couple months ago. I started this last bout of anxiety around mid April. I had a horrible panic attack in the car on my way home from vacation. Before this, I had not had a panic attack for 5 years. So I have been clawing my way through this anxiety episode all spring and summer. Finally, over the last month or so I have been able to manage my panic. I have been doing things that I haven't done in months (driving, going to the grocery store, eating out, making work appointments, going to yoga, conversing more). I have been feeling more like a normal person. recently, I have cut way back on xanax. I am prescribed it .5 3x daily (along with buspar), but I have rarely taken that much ever. I was down to .25-.125 per day for the last month. I actually have only taken .125 one day in the last 10 days.
I slept terrible this past weekend and I really depend on my sleep to keep me sane. Lack of sleep messes me up. I was on edge Sunday, I'm sure from the sleeplessness. I actually slept most of the night last night, so I'm grateful for that. But I still feel elevated and on edge. I know I can take xanax, if need be. But I tend to get down on myself if I need to use it. I know I shouldn't do that, but over the last couple months I have noticed quite a few people have posted they feel the same. What is with us?

I am wondering if anyone could share how they keep their anxiety manageable when having a rough couple of days?

Oh yes! Also, today was my last session with my therapist that I have been seeing for six years (and the only therapist I've ever seen). He is retiring. And I have a birthday party to put on on Friday for my daughters. So I guess I have a little bit more going on this week than normal.

MtG&Q,

It sounds as if you have made some amaziing progress!! A little set back here and there is nothing to worry about...you will get right back on track...use your coping skills!

I am sorry to hear that your therapist is retiring.;( I had a favorite doctor retire, and it broke my heart!

This is hard when we build up a trust and feel comfortable with someone...

Keep using positive language with yourself...say good and kind things, and speak to yourself as you would a friend.;) This helps me tremendously! The words we say to ourselves have power...for good or for feeding negativity.


I know that you will get through this rough patch...just look how far you have already come. We are here to walk along beside you on this part of the journey!

S.C.

i have a few suggestions to manage your anxiety flare ups. and remember they are just flare ups,

1. Get as much physical exercise as possible. The intensive breathing calms my anxiety. I always plan anxiety producing activities right after I ride my bike.

2. Talk to your anxiety. Instead of trying to ignore it, confront it instead. I say things like "Why are you here, this is stupid."

3. Draw a picture of your anxiety. Mine is an ugly gargoyle that likes to sit on my shoulders and my chest.

Good luck. Remember the anxiety-free days. You can get there again.

Take more trips like that. When you get back home. Take a deep breath, maybe walk around the block before you go in the house. I had the same thing happen after being away from home for a few days. I drove home and was extremely anxious all the way and once I got home.

I agree. I need to go take my walk this morning.