Anxiety and/or depression discussion.

InReality wrote: »

How'd today go Stinkle ?

BlueFairy wrote: »

You're doing really well with this stuff, in time you'll see the benefit of it all

One thing you might like to add is Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, it's one of the most recommended treatments for anxiety. I see that you're already seeing a therapist, so you probably don't want to add CBT in on top of that, but there's a great free online course that you can do instead and it will give you a good insight into how it works and how to apply it: (I can't post the link, but the website it called Mood Gym, it'll be the first hit if you google.)

Anxiety issues are often rooted in unhealthy thought patterns, the way that we view and react to the world is what makes us feel bad. Then our brain reacts to this perceived threat (your brain doesn't know the difference between a real or imagined threat/stressor) by releasing stress hormones into your body. The hormones will make you feel even more anxious and so you worry more and on the cycle goes. CBT will teach you to look at the way you think and challenge thoughts that are irrational or overly anxious, and help you to cut off this process at the beginning. It will also help you to be unafraid of feeling anxious, and to simply accept it instead.

The work you're already doing will have a beneficial effect on the stress levels in your body, as I'm sure you're already learning through your practices. But CBT and your other therapy will help you to learn about how your thoughts work and how they can affect your anxiety levels. Approaching anxiety from both these angles will give you plenty of tools to support yourself and get better

If you wanted to add something else to the mix you could consider ways to raise levels of endorphins (hormones that will make you feel happy and lower stress levels). Exercise is a great way to do this naturally. Laughter is great for it too, watch something that makes you laugh every day! Connecting with your loved ones will do it, as will allowing yourself to engage in your hobbies, little luxuries and just things that simply make you feel good. Do something every day that raises your mood!

With all of the above, including the work you're already doing, you'll feel empowered, more in control of yourself and your life and most important of all, you'll feel happy.

EDIT: I forgot to mention, if you're waking up with anxiety it can be down to low blood sugar in the morning. Keep a banana by your bed and eat it as soon as you wake, then don't leave it long until breakfast! Never skip breakfast, and don't stay too long in bed thinking about things or worrying, just get up and distract yourself. If you think it might be down to poor sleep quality then looking at methods to help you get a deeper sleep will help

lukesmom wrote: »

Dug out my copy of self help for your nerves by dr Claire weekes and actually feeling a lot better already