Anxiety and/or depression discussion.

A friend of mine needed me to collect a car for him and for the first time in months I went out and even though I was thinking of my panic I actually was very calm.


Strange feeling actually lol.....

cheers man, head down, hopes high

Is it possible to actually get rid of the anxiety/depression for good? it just seems like a massive task.

maplesyrup wrote: »

I've been suffering from anxiety and panic disorder for the last few months. Today my doctor prescribed Citalopram. I'm just relieved that finally I'm doing something "real" about the problem.

I'd be interested in hearing anyone's experiences, good or bad, when taking this to treat anxiety?

This has been my life saver for the past 8 years, though I'm coming off it at the moment and trying Cymbalta to treat both anxiety/depression and Fibro.

Shortly after starting ciprimil the physical signs (sweating,shaking etc) disappeared which accelerated calm in my mind, I have nothing bad to say about these meds. Lots of luck x

Pecker31 wrote: »

Hi all - I'm seeing a counceller every week for my anxiety/fear but I find the weeks so long - she recommended twice a week but I can't afford it €50 a pop) is anyone else like this? I'm not on meds - I want to deal with it myself - What does everyone do to elevate the anxiety x

Exercise if you can even a good walk can help and the 478 breath technique


The 4-7-8 (or Relaxing Breath) Exercise
This exercise is utterly simple, takes almost no time, requires no equipment and can be done anywhere. Although you can do the exercise in any position, sit with your back straight while learning the exercise. Place the tip of your tongue against the ridge of tissue just behind your upper front teeth, and keep it there through the entire exercise. You will be exhaling through your mouth around your tongue; try pursing your lips slightly if this seems awkward.

Exhale completely through your mouth, making a whoosh sound.
Close your mouth and inhale quietly through your nose to a mental count of four.
Hold your breath for a count of seven.
Exhale completely through your mouth, making a whoosh sound to a count of eight.
This is one breath.
Now inhale again and repeat the cycle three more times for total of four breaths.

Note that you always inhale quietly through your nose and exhale audibly through your mouth. The tip of your tongue stays in position the whole time. Exhalation takes twice as long as inhalation. The absolute time you spend on each phase is not important; the ratio of 4:7:8 is important. If you have trouble holding your breath, speed the exercise up but keep to the ratio of 4:7:8 for the three phases. With practice you can slow it all down and get used to inhaling and exhaling more and more deeply.

This exercise is a natural tranquilizer for the nervous system. Unlike tranquilizing drugs, which are often effective when you first take them but then lose their power over time, this exercise is subtle when you first try it but gains in power with repetition and practice. Do it at least twice a day. You cannot do it too frequently. Do not do more than four breaths at one time for the first month of practice. Later, if you wish, you can extend it to eight breaths. If you feel a little lightheaded when you first breathe this way, do not be concerned; it will pass.

Once you develop this technique by practicing it every day, it will be a very useful tool that you will always have with you. Use it whenever anything upsetting happens - before you react. Use it whenever you are aware of internal tension. Use it to help you fall asleep. This exercise cannot be recommended too highly. Everyone can benefit from it.

Hope that helps