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Anxiety after psychosis

Anxiety after psychosis

I'm recovering from a psychotic break, finally feeling like I'm back in control of my own words and actions (almost) and am face to face with the reality of behaving like an absolute dickhead at times for the past couple of years while unwell.

My delusions focused on those closest to me and alienated almost everybody. I am apologising to the best of my ability (I honestly have a very patchy memory) to those I hurt emotionally, and that is both gruelling and heartbreaking because I have to take accountability to be ok with myself, but I also feel like this was not my fault instead schizophrenia at fault.

The anxiety is unreal. I'm on medication for it, but I still have constant chest pain and can't stop clenching my jaw. My sleep is of poor quality.

Does anyone have suggestions as to things which can lower anxiety naturally (I don't mean supplements) like things you do to relax?

5 replies

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In response to: Anxiety after psychosis

Re: Anxiety after psychosis

@floaty_potatoI find doing something I enjoy that makes me think helps me. Things like puzzles, creating things or playing games on the computer, anything that just gets my mind off things helps to calm me down a bit.

In response to: Anxiety after psychosis

Re: Anxiety after psychosis

When we feel really anxious, we try things like:

- slowing down our breathing and trying breathing exercises

- grounding, such as holding ice, running our hands under cold water, or alternating between cold and warm water

- either a hot or cold shower

- rubbing our arms and legs slowly

- progressive muscle relaxation

If your anxiety is lasting beyond any of these coping mechanisms it would be good to talk to your doctor about medications for anxiety as we do have a "break glass" med for when it feels like its too much for us to handle.

In response to: Anxiety after psychosis

Re: Anxiety after psychosis

@floaty_potato I agree with @JaynJules temperature pulls me out of anxiety. Sauna, cold 🥶 shower. Put your face in a bowl of cold water.

Go to the beach throw yourself in the ocean.

Good for the brain 🧠

G

In response to: Anxiety after psychosis

Re: Anxiety after psychosis

Hey @floaty_potato ,

It's tricky when you come back from a psychotic episode and you have been through a rough patch. Make sure to be extra kind to yourself. Personally, when I'm anxious I listen to music. It serves as a bit of a distraction, but doesn't take too much concentration. But I do also like some of the other ideas here from @MJG017 , @JaynJules and @Glisten 😊

In response to: Re: Anxiety after psychosis

Re: Anxiety after psychosis

@Ainjoule

For your jaw, pushups. Five or more, several times a day.

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