dealing with anxiety?

candxur

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basically I've struggled with anxiety for about 8 years (probably longer lmao), back when I was in school all my mental health issues seemed to blur into one big one, but the past 6 months or so everything's kind of separated into the specifics, so like instead of one big voice yelling at me, I have several voices going at once, but they're all prominent and clear (of that makes any sense at all)

I've more or less got a hold on everything, but anxiety's the one I don't have a hold on. I don't really get panic attacks anymore, but the anxiety attacks are crippling

I almost never leave my house unless I'm going to work, and I go through long ass phases of not being able to get to sleep / stay asleep, so the exhaustion just makes the anxiety worse.

does anyone have any tips for dealing with it, aside from the classic breathing and all that stuff

because no matter what I do I have this overwhelming ball of anxiety sitting at my sternum making me feel like I'm either going to vomit or my chest is going to explode and honestly I just want to go to bed and watch scooby doo movies and pretend i don't exist
 
if it's available i think you should seek therapy and maybe consider medication. therapy could help u w coping mechanisms and cbt is often something that can help w anxiety so idk maybe u could try that

for me personally i cant deal w it, i just suffer through it and avoid things that make me more anxious. i have a few things that make it a bit easier to suffer thru it like distractions and coping mechanisms but nothing really works for me.
 
I've had therapy several times over the years, and every time it's either made me worse or ended badly, to the point where I can't seek professional help anymore, I just can't do that again. I tried medication for it before too, but the dosage wast high enough and I got too anxious to go back to the doctors, and there was a whole bunch of **** with antidepressants and the doctors not even caring that they weren't helping so that option's kind of out for me too

I avoid things that make me anxious as best I can, but I can have a massive anxiety attack for no reason even when I'm at home
 
there is nothing wrong w/ just chilling in bed sometimes watching scooby doo movies and doing what helps u relax on ur off time :)

as for the not going outside for anything other than work (im the same way except rn im not even working lmao)
if theres a nice secluded area near u that not a lot of people go to often like a park or even a nice (note i said nice) cemetery, like w lots of trees and paths and nature maybe u could start jogging in it, biking or strolling or something! (i feel strolls leave more energy for thinking/worrying though, i think something juust a little more intensive is normally better bc ud be more focused on your body's movements & your breathing than others/the environment around you)

also aside from exercising, taking up a nice, relaxing hobby that distracts u from overthinking & also doesnt rlly require much thinking (animal crossing is also all of these things lol) something like crafts, knitting, baking would be nice too
 
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I think you should try to go out with some friends. I know this sounds like this is coming from someone who says "Well yoga fixed my depression!! :)", but I mean it. As someone who has really bad anxiety, what usually helps me is going out for a little bit. I'm not saying like go on a plane to another country (unless you want to), but more like go to a mall, museum, etc. Usually I get really bad anxiety when I stay at the house too long. It's refreshing to go out and be with loved ones. Also, watching some Scooby Doo movies and pretending that you don't exist is fine, since it lets you ignore the anxiety and it's something you enjoy. But I do recommend going out :7
 
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Personally I take Zoloft, I have major depression and anxiety. I also see a therapist as well, I work 60hours to 72hours a week so I find it very hard to really focus on my fears anymore nor take care of myself. This might be a bit sad, but I just don't care what happens to me at this point. Don't get me wrong, it's not like I want to die or anything I just wish I could disappear...
 
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I don't know the total cost of a therapist or medication but I thought of service animals? From just looking online, they seem to be pretty pricey but some organizations will cover the entire or half the cost of the service animal. I don't know where you're located, so I can't really help give specific organizations to look at.

That could be an option to have an animal friend by your side, whether it's a cat or dog.
 
unfortunately due to the combo of work and depression, I don't have the energy leftover to exercise or go out much, and I live in a pretty small town and the possibility of seeing someone I used to be friends with is pretty high, and since it was much much more than a petty fallout, I'm terrified of seeing them. I don't really have many friends to see, I've only got one close friend, and everyone but him lives too far away to see much, and there isn't anything to do in my area / train fares are too high to use them much / I don't really like driving when my MH is so poor bc yano

I'm trying to keep myself busy with little hobbies, I've been trying to get back into drawing, I've been working on my writing (although the writing is more of an outlet), but apart from that I don't really have the energy to do anything

- - - Post Merge - - -

I don't know the total cost of a therapist or medication but I thought of service animals? From just looking online, they seem to be pretty pricey but some organizations will cover the entire or half the cost of the service animal. I don't know where you're located, so I can't really help give specific organizations to look at.

That could be an option to have an animal friend by your side, whether it's a cat or dog.


I can get NHS therapy for free, and meds are free too (for now (teresa may for the love of god don't privatise the nhs)), but due to previously experiences those are off the table.
I've already got pets a ton home, and it would be very unfair on my current dogs and cat to bring another pet into the house (also we can't bc we're working aggression / fear issues w one of our dogs so another pet would be the worst thing for him)
 
The one thing that people generally forget about therapy (both by clients and certain therapists) is that the most vital part of therapy that makes progress work is the relationship between client and therapist. If there isn't mutual understanding and respect, it's difficult to make progress, and can actually make things worse. As a client, you should always have the right to request a different therapist if you don't feel like you have a connection, or if you feel judged.

Other than medication and therapy, it's about learning self care techniques.

Being aware of your triggers is a key one. Avoiding them completely can be beneficial at first, however it doesn't address the issue. It's better to have gradual exposure, which you can do on your own terms, and preferably with a "safe" person. With gradual exposure, when you feel anxiety building, try to calm yourself and push through it, knowing that your safe person is there to pull you out if things get too anxious.

Having activities or things to do to help relieve your anxiety is also useful.
 
You could try seeking a disability care plan, if you're not already on one. They can help you clean the house, take you out, talk to you, etc. Also make a timetable for the day, allocating when and what you're going to do during a specified time. This helps with my severe and crippling anxiety a tremendous amount.
https://psychcentral.com/blog/archives/2011/01/23/11-tips-to-help-manage-anxiety/
This ought to help.
 
I've done it all. I've used medication (still do when really needed), I've done one on one therapy, and group therapy. I found the group therapy the most effective - even though I didn't talk much. When I find my computer, I can link you some meditative YouTube videos my psychologist gave me. They really make a difference too.

Another big thing for my anxiety and depression was I taught myself how to knit and crochet. It allowed me to keep my mind focused on something else - without the pressure of knowing I have to do it. Plus at the end of it, you get something beautiful.
 
It's amazing reading your story as it is so similar to my own.

It might sound silly but one of the main reasons I play AC:NL is because it helps with my anxiety. I have created my own little safe place with these wonderful little creatures that never fail to cheer me up. I find playing the game relaxing and very soothing.

If you have reached a point where you feel you need help, don't be afraid to reach out. The most important thing is finding a method that works for you, whether it be medication, therapy, counselling or a combination.
As someone who has dealt with anxiety and depression for 8 years I'm not sure if I would be helpful or a hindrance. Regardless, if you ever need someone to talk to you I am here for you. We could play AC:NL together too if you wanted to.

This is a wonderful community and I want you to know you aren't alone in this.
 
i feel your pain. i struggle with mild to severe anxiety, and its honestly a pain.

i wish i could tell you how to deal, but quite frankly, i haven't figured it out yet.

what i do is this: whenever i'm feeling anxious, if i'm able, i go off to a quiet place to calm and collect myself. and when i return to whatever was triggering my anxiety, if i'm able, i listen to music to try and distract myself a bit while also calming myself down in the process
 
The thing that helped me the most was being put on anti depressants. I know this isn't an option for everyone so some things my therapist made me do before giving me a refferal for a perscription included: yoga every day at the same time, cardio for at least 15 minutes every day, cutting down on caffeine, and exposre therapy.
 
Due to living in an abusive household situation It has made dealing with it worse over the years. The great thing is that I got out of there 3 months ago so my mental health has improved quite a bit. Some recent events in my life is really putting my anxiety levels to the test. I have difficulty coping with my anxieties due to Dissociative Identity Disorder. I take sedative medication to help relax me and I also go to 1 on 1 therapy.
 
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I think that it depends on where you grew up, and how you mentally handle everything. Personally I run into an issue where I emotionally detach myself from situations and completely go numb and don't care about anything or anyone, or what I do. I tend to make a mess because people worry about me, so when I hear about anxiety it makes me think of the list of things to do to help, and heres a few tips.

1.I write down my feelings and then rip it apart, because I don't want these feelings and I can let go of them.
2. I use gif''s to calm myself down because the first thing you need is to make sure to breathe
3. I talk it out with a friend or someone close, which is actually really good if you have a therapist
4. I do one of my hobbies, staying alone in your thoughts is dangerous
I hope I could help in some way :)
<3
 
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I have horrible anxiety and Agoraphobia. I am still struggling with it pretty bad. The only thing i've found that helps me is just not thinking and just doing.
 
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