FabSwingers.com forum: Anxiety

By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

I have acute anxiety disorder and agoraphobia often struggle with it. I have learnt over the years how to manage it and generally speaking 99% of my outings now are fairly panic free.

However, I've not really had to go anywhere alone for months. Today I have to go into town, I desperately need a few bits that I can't put off any longer.

I don't need to leave til 12 but already I have sweaty palms, short of breath, that generally nauseous feeling in the pit of my stomach.

I know what works for me, IF I'm able to pull myself together and get it done...but how do you tackle your anxiety?

I thought it'd be good to share some tips, maybe it'll help someone else who maybe struggles a bit?

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

oh OP, you're so strong for even tackling this today. You should feel proud of yourself already

i don't manage my disorders well at all.. but as im on my own, i know if i don't do things, they'll never get done. so its more 'have to' than anything else.

i tend to put headphones in and drown everything out with good music, that can transport me away from the situation somewhat.

i hope you get through it, and you'll be sat here in a few hours thinks 'yes, i did it!'

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By *ola cubesMan
over a year ago

coatbridge

While I have anxiety due to PTSD like yourself I have tailored approaches and coping strategies myself (tends to be step by step instructions to get from one thing to another and can be the most mundane things ie a checklist of steps to make a cup of coffee) while not pleasant your facing up to it which is a major hurdle and the more you do it the more control you will have over it

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Good Luck, OP. It takes a lot to face your fears head on and I can empathize with the pit of your stomach feeling before having to go through with something.

I mostly feel anxiety at work and living up to my own expectations of myself. When I fall short, I always fear that maybe I'm not good enough and other people will come to that conclusion too. It's been happening a bit recently and it's exhausting. I'm trying to get through it by thinking the worst of it is over and the next day is a fresh start

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By *andy2123Couple
over a year ago

Portsmouth

Hubby suffered this a lot, especially after getting cancer, he's clear now, but have done his confidence no good at all. Xx

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"I have acute anxiety disorder and agoraphobia often struggle with it. I have learnt over the years how to manage it and generally speaking 99% of my outings now are fairly panic free.

However, I've not really had to go anywhere alone for months. Today I have to go into town, I desperately need a few bits that I can't put off any longer.

I don't need to leave til 12 but already I have sweaty palms, short of breath, that generally nauseous feeling in the pit of my stomach.

I know what works for me, IF I'm able to pull myself together and get it done...but how do you tackle your anxiety?

I thought it'd be good to share some tips, maybe it'll help someone else who maybe struggles a bit?

I can get quite anxiety ridden with trips like this. Unsure if I have any strategies, sometimes it is just head down and do it. Like another poster on this thread sometimes I find music and earphones help to block out some of the sensory overload. Whatever you do good luck, I am sure you will be back before you know it

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Took a few years and a massive move to a different area, but I tell myself I am a boss bitch. Silly I know.

I also take about an hour getting ready so I feel like I look great x

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Took a few years and a massive move to a different area, but I tell myself I am a boss bitch. Silly I know.

I also take about an hour getting ready so I feel like I look great x"

Not silly at all! If no one else is there to lift you up, you do it yourself.

Even I go "c'mon, you can do this" or "well played" whenever I overcome a challenge

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

After beating cancer years ago I developed severe problems with my neurological system meaning I couldn’t balance or had difficulty moving about. Kept me house bound for years. When I started going out I would have panic attacks when I tried crossing a wide road. Had to psyche myself up and try and control my breathing, felt like I would collapse if I didn’t do this. Haven’t had to deal with anxiety when I’ve been outside for a while now. Well done with managing the anxiety.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

You got this.

Repeat after me,

"I got this" xx

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By *reat me rightWoman
over a year ago

Rotherham

I am being treated for anxiety depression and ptsd have good days and bad days

Anxiety is the worst thing in the world - when it gets a grip i dont sleep etc etc and I'm the Queen of overthinking overthinking.

Id say you were doing exceptionally well in being able to prepare as you have done knowing you "have to" go out. If your day isn't sunny and glorious as mine is - and you feel you can't do everything you "must" - do what you can today and leave the rest wait.

Hugs and congratulations on your strength OP xxxx

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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

I've put a face on...loud music in my ear holes...

Heading out shortly!

*insert strong arm emoji here*

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"I have acute anxiety disorder and agoraphobia often struggle with it. I have learnt over the years how to manage it and generally speaking 99% of my outings now are fairly panic free.

However, I've not really had to go anywhere alone for months. Today I have to go into town, I desperately need a few bits that I can't put off any longer.

I don't need to leave til 12 but already I have sweaty palms, short of breath, that generally nauseous feeling in the pit of my stomach.

I know what works for me, IF I'm able to pull myself together and get it done...but how do you tackle your anxiety?

I thought it'd be good to share some tips, maybe it'll help someone else who maybe struggles a bit?

I have elastic bands on both my wrists for when the anxiety and dark thoughts are with me... I snap the bands until my wrists hurt and it actually helps me take my mind off things.

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By *atnip make me purrWoman
over a year ago

Reading

Try EFT - there is even a free app. It has been used to great effect in Walter Reed with soldiers with extreme PTSD.

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By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

I did the thing

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Knowing that no one generally gives a fuck about you. When you die you take all the dogshit with you (I'm not dismissing the anxiety but it is dogshit innit?)

The head shit is all encompassing but in the end it means fuck all.

Might sound negative and moody but it worked for me. ish

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By *edeWoman
over a year ago

the abyss

"I did the thing

Well done Lu you amazing person

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Knowing that no one generally gives a fuck about you. When you die you take all the dogshit with you (I'm not dismissing the anxiety but it is dogshit innit?)

The head shit is all encompassing but in the end it means fuck all.

Might sound negative and moody but it worked for me. ish "

No I wouldn't say anxiety is dogshit personally. The mind is that powerful.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Feel the fear and do it anyway.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Knowing that no one generally gives a fuck about you. When you die you take all the dogshit with you (I'm not dismissing the anxiety but it is dogshit innit?)

The head shit is all encompassing but in the end it means fuck all.

Might sound negative and moody but it worked for me. ish

No I wouldn't say anxiety is dogshit personally. The mind is that powerful."

I agree!! I meant it just dogshit having to live with it

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"I've put a face on...loud music in my ear holes...

Heading out shortly!

*insert strong arm emoji here*

Yeah!

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