A daily struggle. Help?

[Celestial.]

Hey guys.

Lately I've been feeling very anxious on an almost constant level. I've tried a number of different things to combat this, but none seem to be working. The only things that make a difference to this level of anxiety are ones that heighten it, like meeting new people or being in a crowded place. It's getting to a point where I can hardly seem to concentrate on anything, which worries me a little. So my question is: what can I do? Seeing a professional is out of the question for at least another month, so I'm wondering if any of you lovely people had any tips on how I can try to deal with this myself?

Thanks.

[Amberpamber]

Hey Chess!

I know all too well what its like to live with anxiety. You could try breathing exercises to help relax you, listening to some soothing sounds like the rain forest, ocean, etc. The calm jar is another great idea if you haven't already made 1 or 3 I highly recommend doing so. If you ever need anything else on this or others things you know where to find me.

[Ajroe]

Hey!
I know when I get freaked out I try to distract myself by talking to a friend or playing a game on my phone or something like that. I also am I believer in deep breathing.
Feel free to PM me if you ever want to talk

[Palmolive]

Hey chess. I'm really glad that you've come to us for some help. You definately deserve it. Living with anxiety can be really difficult and even exhausting at time. I honestly believe the way to overcome anxiety is to beat it, not let it win. Like you i get very anxious in crowded places which sometimes leaves me having panic attacks. It's very unpleasent but you have to keep at it. Don't let your fears and the anxiety overtake you, control you and stop you from going to places that make you feel anxious. As hard as that may be. If you avoid those situations, the harder it's going to be to deal with them and get through them when you are in that situation. I've often found listening to music when i'm in a busy place helps keep my mind focused on something other than my surroundings. Try deep breathing too. Perhaps take four deep breathes in through your mouth and out four through your nose and repeat it a few times. Perhaps you can try doing that. Self positive talk can be really useful too. Tell yourself that you can deal with it and you can cope with the situation. That you have been in these anxiety triggering situations before but you did cope with them, that you've done it before and you can do it again. That as horrible as it is, these are only feelings and can not hurt you in any way. It might also be good for you to do one thing each day which helps you relax. This could be just taking an hour out each evening and doing something that you find relaxing such as taking a bath, going for a walk, doing art, listening to music, running, anything that you find relaxing. I hope that this helps you a little. I'm always here if you ever need anything. Keep your chin up. Jessie x

[Thirteen]

Hey Chess,

You know, for Anxiety issues, you can usually talk to your GP. I don't know if your idea of "professional" was only on a mental health level, or if you're avoiding doctors in general. But if not, then I suggest talking to your GP, because it does sound like this is disrupting your life.

[Celestial.]

Thank you so much, everyone. I didn't expect so many replies! I may take some of you up on your offers of talking.
Julz: what sorts of things would/could a GP do?

[Thirteen]

Chess, your GP is usually able to tell if you have Anxiety or not, help you with treatment, and they can even help you find a psychiatric professional when the time is right.

[minniemouseprincess]

I don't really have many ways that I know of because I suffer from the same thing=( But what I try to do is relax and distract myself in any way I can. So that means read, write, talk to someone, watch tv, whatever. Just anything that takes your mind off of being anxious. And if you can't do anything like that because you are out in public, just do your best to relax yourself and let yourself know that everything is okay. Hope it helped=( You can talk to me anytime you want=)

[Celestial.]

Thanks guys.