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Finally crashed

SwearyCynSenior Contributor04 July 2017, 11:32 pm AEST

Finally crashed

Hello all. I haven't been on here for a while, but I'm really struggling at the moment and could do with some advice and support.

Suffered depression and anxiety for 25 years, but last few years have been very difficult with very little support. Anyway, it all got on top of me about a week ago and ended up in hospital with massive panic attacks. I also have benign positional vertigo, which has been making panic worse and vise versa!! Anyway, have a new psychologist and have been to the GP and have my mental health plan but given the panic attacks have been very different to the anxiety attcks I've suffered in the past - compounded by the vertigo - I was wondering how everyone else is coping long term with their anxiety?? I know I need to get more exercise, cut down my caffiene, etc, but is there anything "outside the box" that have helped others get some joy and balance back into their lives? I know it's a very very long road, sigh, and have been on it before. It's great to have this forum now to connect with people who know exactly what I'm talking about, so I can get some constructive ideas from those who have 'been there, done that'.

Thank you, have a nice night xxoo

6 replies

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In response to: Finally crashed

Unknown userMember04 July 2017, 11:46 pm AEST

Re: Finally crashed

Hi @SwearyCyn,

its been ages since we've seen you around. Welcome back! I'm sorry things have been really difficult lately for you.

Im afraid I haven't any suggestions right now, I've been fighting my own demons in the last few months but in particular days.

There is a thread called the coping box which people have written ideas down which you can find here. It's got ideas for when you are struggling.

Lately I started my own coping box but I must admit I dont turn to it as much as I should. My coping this is doing jigsaw puzzles on my iPad. It's one of the few things that stops all my racing thoughts.

I hope others share their ideas too. Wishing you all the best and I hope the new psychologist works out well. 💜😊

In response to: Re: Finally crashed

SwearyCynSenior Contributor05 July 2017, 11:07 pm AEST

Re: Finally crashed

Hello @Former-Member,

Great to hear from you. I'm sorry to hear that you've been struggling of late as well (but I guess that's why we're both in this community!), and I hope you find something that helps you and that you start going uphill again very soon.

The coping box is a great idea, and there were some great comments in that thread. I've been playing games a fair bit too, word games mainly, but using the tablet makes me a bit dizzy. I'll have a look at the jigsaw apps as well.

I've got another appointment with the psychologist tomorrow, and a friend of mine has recommended a book called 'Face Your Fears' which I've just ordered online. I have to say (which I know is a strange thing to say, but I also feel that I'm in a safe space so I can) that I prefer my depression over my anxiety!! Probably because I can manage it slightly better, but at the very least don't find it completely debilitating. My anxiety at present has manifested itself in a way that I can't go out, so I'm either stuck in the house or having very unpleasant experiences trying to get out. I can't get to work, I feel so hopeless. All of the coping mechanisms that I've had for my anxiety in the past have gone out the window and I feel like I'm starting from scratch. It feels more frustrating than the first time I was diagnosed at 17, because I know now what a long road it is to get to a point where it can be managed.

Anyway, sorry for that, had to get it off my chest. Thank you again for the link to that thread, some great ideas and perspectives there.

Take care,

Cyn

In response to: Re: Finally crashed

Unknown userMember06 July 2017, 10:39 am AEST

Re: Finally crashed

Hello @SwearyCyn

Welcome back, it is nice to see you 🙂 so sorry you are finding your anxiety is really tough right now, it seems like it is affecting a lot and you are trying to find some other ways of coping as your other strategies don't seem to be helping much.

It is helpful to find small ways of getting some control back in your life, that can also help to ease worries, so taking one hour at a time and making lists for the day that you can tick off and find small victories through as you go along. Any way you can make your thoughts less overwhelming so you can avoid catastrophising that something bad will happen, amd then staying in the present.

Have you tried writing daily lists and focusing on one hour at a time?

Lunar

In response to: Finally crashed

utopiaSenior Contributor06 July 2017, 1:28 pm AEST

Re: Finally crashed

@SwearyCyn. Hi.
One of the best tools I use (when I can) - is simple breathing exercises. I used to practice twice a day & eventually they have helped reduce my anxiety. Sometimes I can prevent the anxiety or panic from building. But it does take regular practice. Months.
If it's too hard to leave your house at the moment - can you sit outside (backyard) and look closely at the plants. At the new buds forming. At the leaves changing colour. At any flowers you have. Look to see if there are any insects crawling up the branches.
Or can you try and follow a snails trail. Where did it come from. Where did it go.
Any birds you can hear. I find nature is helpful. So if you can't get out - find it in your backyard.
Exercising. Can be hanging clothes on the line. Mowing the grass. Or dancing to some music (my favorite).
I hope over time that your anxiety lessens and you are able to get out and about a bit more.

In response to: Finally crashed

Unknown userMember06 July 2017, 1:47 pm AEST

Re: Finally crashed

KITTY!!!!

Ahem, sorry. Got distracted a little there.

I do progressive muscle relaxation and I swear it's like magic for anxiety. You have to do it every day and practice it well, but I found it was the only, ONLY thing that helped my anxiety. And it worked really really really well.
I use the recording from my old psychologist on his website:
http://capitalclinicalpsychology.com/client-handouts/
But I'm sure other recordings work too.
Exercise also helps a bit, even just going for a short walk each day or a couple of times a day helps quite a bit too. I find cleaning the bathrooms or car a pretty good workout.
One thing that @Former-Member mentioned to me when I was freaking out was to use scent (perfume etc) to centre myself when I'm off my head with stress and anxiety and it helps a bit too.

In response to: Finally crashed

SwearyCynSenior Contributor17 Sept 2017, 8:20 pm AEST

Re: Finally crashed

Thank you everyone 🙂 they are wonderful tips and I was doing well until recently (you'll see from my latest post). It's good not to feel so alone and get advice from people who have been through it.

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