high anxiety

[Dianewest]

Im at a point where Im so anxious that Im thinking about going on anxiety medication like my doctor recommended but I read in the news today about people being addicted to medication and its really put me off I don’t want to be on pills for the rest of my life! Is there anything I can do to stop anxiety myself

[Ali Mortimer]

Hi Diane
I am so sorry to hear that you are anxious and suffering.

When I was diagnosed with clinical depression and anxiety, I felt the same and didn't want to take medication.

You may need to 'experiment' a little, but there are complimentary therapies you can try to help anxiety. The simplest and cheapest is to learn to breath properly; if you can count in for 4, hold for 4, breathe out for 4 and hold for 4 (and repeat) and do this a few times, you can lower your heart rate and breathing patterns. There are also some really good meditation apps you can try - such as calm or headspace or insight timer that specialise in anxiety and different forms of anxiety. Or you may be able to find a local meditation tutor who can help you.

You may also like to try yoga or tai chi if you like exercise and this can combine both breathing and mindfulness to help anxiety.

Massage, aromatherapy, reflexology and talking therapy can all help with anxiety and give you some time to relax and offload.

Many people find that exercise is a good way to improve anxiety - anxiety is often caused by our thoughts and the quickest way to get out of your head is to move your body. So perhaps a good walk or any other form of regular exercise would help.

Finally, have a look at what you eat. If you are eating a diet high in sugar, processed foods or alcohol this can disrupt your digestion which can cause anxiety due to the gut-brain axis (basically if you have a happy belly, you have a happy mind!). Also high sugary foods can cause sugar crashes which can cause emotional roller coasters of feelings and subsequently cause anxiety.

I hope this has given you a few pointers or things to try but please do get back in touch.

best wishes
Ali