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Anxiety

  • 23-09-2010 6:13pm
    #1
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5


    anyone got tips on how to cope with anxiety ? terrible feeling. i do try to keep my self occupied and think positive i firmly believe in self help.:)
    Tagged:


Comments

  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 813 ✭✭✭Sinall


    Is it that free floating anxious feeling about nothing in particular? I hate that! For me, exercise helps and a balanced diet is supposed to be beneficial for many things! If all else fails then sleep is to be recommended.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 5,797 ✭✭✭KyussBishop


    +1 on exercise and diet, that helps a lot.

    If your diet is not great, and you e.g. eat a fair amount of sugary stuff, or drink a lot of coffee, that can have quite a negative effect on your overall mindset.
    I stopped drinking coffee altogether last year, and have felt all the more better for it since.

    What kind of anxiety do you experience though? Is it situational? (and if so, what kind of situations?)


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,688 ✭✭✭kerash




  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 11,419 ✭✭✭✭jokettle


    Self help is a wonderful tool if used properly, but sometimes it's impossible to cope all by yourself. Venting every so often can do you the world of good if you're feeling overwhelmed.

    I'd highly recommend confiding in a friend, venting on here or even calling a helpline like Aware. I used to work for them and it's not just for people with severe depression; anyone who needs to talk is more than welcome to call and you will be listened to with sympathetic, trained ears.

    Personally, I couldn't deal with my own anxiety issues without outside help. I use my best friend, my mum and my boyfriend to help me cope!


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 20,944 ✭✭✭✭Links234


    I used to suffer from severe anxiety attacks, I think what you need to do is to get to the cause of the anxiety and deal with that. thats how I got over my anxiety


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 11,419 ✭✭✭✭jokettle


    Links234 wrote: »
    I used to suffer from severe anxiety attacks, I think what you need to do is to get to the cause of the anxiety and deal with that. thats how I got over my anxiety

    Out of interest, did you get to the cause yourself or did you get help from anyone? Don't answer if I'm being too nosy/personal, just tell me to mind my own :)


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 20,944 ✭✭✭✭Links234


    jokettle wrote: »
    Out of interest, did you get to the cause yourself or did you get help from anyone? Don't answer if I'm being too nosy/personal, just tell me to mind my own :)

    Yes, I did get to the cause myself without any kind of outside help. It took a lot of introspective thinking and time alone with no distractions and it was incredibly hard to deal with, but I managed it. You're not being nosy or too personal either. ;)


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,691 ✭✭✭Lia_lia


    The only thing that fixed my anxiety issues is just making myself realise that it's all in my head.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,766 ✭✭✭squeakyduck


    Maybe have a chat with a friend about your fears etc, or as others said try and get to the route of your anxiety.

    Walking helps clear my head as well as a shower or a bath! :)


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 2,540 ✭✭✭Giselle


    The only time I've ever suffered pronounced anxiety was before an exam or test of some kind.

    I dealt with it by distracting myself from the anxious feelings by getting busy or thinking about something else very deliberately so I didn't focus on it, because the more I thought about being anxious, the more anxious it would make me.


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,150 ✭✭✭LivingDeadGirl


    Does anyone else suffer from anxiety in social situations? I seem to feel worried and anxious about what I say/do etc and whether or not I'll be accepted and liked. :( I know it's not something that I should worry about but I guess it's a pattern I've formed over the years. It's really getting me down.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 22,058 ✭✭✭✭Abi


    Does anyone else suffer from anxiety in social situations? I seem to feel worried and anxious about what I say/do etc and whether or not I'll be accepted and liked. :( I know it's not something that I should worry about but I guess it's a pattern I've formed over the years. It's really getting me down.

    As someone else said, it's in your head. Sometimes I let myself be completely drowned by a problem / problems that I don't feel up to seeing anyone, and become a little reclusive. I don't have an issue of being liked or accepted, just that I am unable to interact with anyone because I'm lost in my own shit. I've been like that for a couple of days now, and people asking if Im alright just makes me worse - hence the reason I go into hiding. I suppose its the worst thing you can do, but when you hit these patches you don't be really thinking straight.

    LDG, if its an on-going problem, and you've noticed it becoming worse go to your GP.


  • Posts: 0 [Deleted User]


    As people have said, anxiety attacks exist solely in your head. Once you realise this, close your eyes and take deeps breaths, sending your awareness inwards.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 430 ✭✭margarite


    Abigayle wrote: »
    As someone else said, it's in your head. Sometimes I let myself be completely drowned by a problem / problems that I don't feel up to seeing anyone, and become a little reclusive. I don't have an issue of being liked or accepted, just that I am unable to interact with anyone because I'm lost in my own shit. I've been like that for a couple of days now, and people asking if Im alright just makes me worse - hence the reason I go into hiding. I suppose its the worst thing you can do, but when you hit these patches you don't be really thinking straight.

    LDG, if its an on-going problem, and you've noticed it becoming worse go to your GP.
    I agree with LDG problems when you get them either write what worrying you down on paper, have a mug of tea/coffee, then read what you have put down and either put in a Private Message to someone like me or a friend who really knows what it is like. I ve being there myself and sometimes the people who do not know what it is like, and therefore can not relate to you and what is happening. I do and did not go to see my G P until it was to late. I now know that writing to people that do not know me, can sometimes relate and give excellent advice. Do not hesitate to send me a private message if you need and want to. Good luck.:)


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 196 ✭✭cards


    Homeopathy and flower essences maybe.See somebody qualified and have a chat.I have used several different essences over the years and been surprised that they can actually work. They should be a lot more mainstream imo.

    Also,meditate.Do some kind of grounding meditation daily because anxious people are generally not in their bodies as much as they need to be.Doing other things like gardening,washing the car,physical things help you to be in your body more.

    and...Focus.Such an important point.People with anxiety focus a lot on what they don't want because they are scared. Your mind can only see pictures so if your walking into a shop going, "Don't freak out,Don't freak out!"
    your mind just starts making freaked out pictures and then goes about creating that reality.You have to focus on being calm.Calming thoughts...breathe...ah...zen...mountain tops...!
    And it takes just 17 seconds for a thought to start thinking iteslf so to speak...so once you start thinking a thought for that time , more thoughts come to you that are aligned with that way of thinking.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 17 Blacktulip


    when i got my attack i usually take rescue remedy bach flower, 5 drops under my tongue... it helps me alot.just try it and see how it works with you.
    i think it would be better to know the reason why u are getting this attack. :)


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,338 ✭✭✭squishykins


    Blacktulip wrote: »
    when i got my attack i usually take rescue remedy bach flower, 5 drops under my tongue... it helps me alot.just try it and see how it works with you.
    i think it would be better to know the reason why u are getting this attack. :)

    Yeah when I was getting stressed out about my exams I took that, though usually a syringe full (when I was in the full throws of worry, tears, panic attacks leading onto asthma attacks sort of thing), it works wonders :)


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,325 ✭✭✭Eviledna


    Anxiety can really be crippling. There are new medications out now that are really tackling it in a different way though, particularly the use of a nerve-calming medication usually used for fibromyalgia, it's called Lyrica. It's precription only, and it's usually precribed by a psychiatrist. Not many GPs will know of this medicine in that context yet as it is relatively new.

    It is a real alternative to the usual anti-depressants that are handed out though. It doesn't have the common side effects of anti-depressants either, so you don't feel "drugged", just calmer and more secure.

    Someone in my life is on it for generalized anxiety disorder and it is unbelievable the change in them since they are taking it. previously they had tried every single anti-depressant without sucess and with alot of side effects. But they weren't depressed, they were anxious. So it was tackling the wrong symptom. Since they are on Lyrica they are more confident, not so worried. They've described it as a wonderful holiday from worry. And they are delighted how much they can get on with real life. I've noticed a huge positive change in them.

    Anxiety is so different from depression and other mental health issues, because every single person experiences it at some level, it can be really overlooked when it becomes chronic, and can then turn into depression.

    It's really important if it is affecting your everyday life that you gather the courage to speak to a health professional that can discuss the benefits of the dual-pronged approach, medication plus talk therapy. You won't believe the change it could make in your life.:)


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 430 ✭✭margarite


    Eviledna wrote: »
    Anxiety can really be crippling. There are new medications out now that are really tackling it in a different way though, particularly the use of a nerve-calming medication usually used for fibromyalgia, it's called Lyrica. It's precription only, and it's usually precribed by a psychiatrist. Not many GPs will know of this medicine in that context yet as it is relatively new.

    It is a real alternative to the usual anti-depressants that are handed out though. It doesn't have the common side effects of anti-depressants either, so you don't feel "drugged", just calmer and more secure.

    Someone in my life is on it for generalized anxiety disorder and it is unbelievable the change in them since they are taking it. previously they had tried every single anti-depressant without sucess and with alot of side effects. But they weren't depressed, they were anxious. So it was tackling the wrong symptom. Since they are on Lyrica they are more confident, not so worried. They've described it as a wonderful holiday from worry. And they are delighted how much they can get on with real life. I've noticed a huge positive change in them.

    Anxiety is so different from depression and other mental health issues, because every single person experiences it at some level, it can be really overlooked when it becomes chronic, and can then turn into depression.

    It's really important if it is affecting your everyday life that you gather the courage to speak to a health professional that can discuss the benefits of the dual-pronged approach, medication plus talk therapy. You won't believe the change it could make in your life.:)
    Can you recommend someone or place I can go, I m on blood thinning tablets and have to be careful what I can take. Thanks you for all of the above information.:)


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,494 ✭✭✭Leelaa22


    One word - lexapro.


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  • Closed Accounts Posts: 17,485 ✭✭✭✭Ickle Magoo


    Please refrain from randomly suggesting prescribed medications - the only person qualified to suggest medication for the OP is their general practitioner.

    Many thanks

    Ickle


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,494 ✭✭✭Leelaa22


    sorry
    wont happen again


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 430 ✭✭margarite


    Leelaa22 wrote: »
    One word - lexapro.
    Is that your nick name or does mean something else.:D


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,325 ✭✭✭Eviledna


    Margarite, you would be amazed how competent and nice and helpful the psychaitrists are in your local hospital's outpatient service. They tend to be on the cutting edge with the latest medications, and understand the medicine/life balance, sometimes better than the average GP.

    First stop is the GP though...ask for a referral. If you wish to go private and can do, the person in my life went public after going private previously and found them (a) worth the wait and (b) kind and more up to date and willing to listen.

    I'm sure everyone's experience differs, but don't discount the public health service, it can be excellent.

    Feel free to PM me if I can help more, and remember that the hardest part is deciding to tackle it, but it's soo worth it. :)


  • Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 23,556 ✭✭✭✭Sir Digby Chicken Caesar


    if it's anxiety attacks you're getting, mild or strong.. keep an eye out for any triggers you might have. With me, it's hunger. I spent a year pretty much not eating, I'd have 2-3 small chicken strips with mustard for dinner every night... maybe a couple of crackers for lunch and i spent all my money on about an oz of weed a week, drinking about 2ltrs of coffee a day. so now if I even look at a joint I start getting panicky, hunger doesn't set me off unless i'm absolutely starving but the less i've had to eat the easier it is for say weed, or social anxiety to set me off.
    someone else mentioned breathing exercises, but aside from exercises just keep an eye on your breathing in general. when I start getting a little panicky, i start breathing shallower and faster which can bring on similar symptoms to a panic attack and once you realise this, you start having an actual panic attack :) If you start feeling anxious at all just start controlling your breathing straight away, in through the nose hold for a few seconds, out through the mouth.

    if they start getting regular though go to a doctor, panic attacks can be learned. The more you have them, the more likely you can be to have them in the future. So if you start having too many medication might be the way to go, for a time at least.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 430 ✭✭margarite


    Eviledna wrote: »
    Margarite, you would be amazed how competent and nice and helpful the psychaitrists are in your local hospital's outpatient service. They tend to be on the cutting edge with the latest medications, and understand the medicine/life balance, sometimes better than the average GP.

    First stop is the GP though...ask for a referral. If you wish to go private and can do, the person in my life went public after going private previously and found them (a) worth the wait and (b) kind and more up to date and willing to listen.

    I'm sure everyone's experience differs, but don't discount the public health service, it is excellent.

    Feel free to PM me if I can help more, and remember that the hardest part is deciding to tackle it, but it's soo worth it. :)
    Thank you for taking the time to write back to me, I have being to my G P and my specialist in the hospital, and have being advised that they have wrote to my ex psychiatrists who did not like the fact that I was not happy with his diagnosis and had gone for a second opinion. My G P is trying his best, but he is very busy, I have being told by the hospital that they have written to my ex psychiatrists and he is willing to see me again, but I know it will not work for me with him. I have spoken to other people that attend him and they say the same 'he s up himself, his decision is final and that the dbt course that I did was enough for me. I have talked to other people who was on this course and they are still attending their psychiatrists within the same clinic. What is so different from them to me? I need help badly, and being let down by everyone, as each day goes by I am getting back to that black hole where I attempted to end it all. :confused:


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 13,713 ✭✭✭✭Novella


    margarite wrote: »
    Thank you for taking the time to write back to me, I have being to my G P and my specialist in the hospital, and have being advised that they have wrote to my ex psychiatrists who did not like the fact that I was not happy with his diagnosis and had gone for a second opinion. My G P is trying his best, but he is very busy, I have being told by the hospital that they have written to my ex psychiatrists and he is willing to see me again, but I know it will not work for me with him. I have spoken to other people that attend him and they say the same 'he s up himself, his decision is final and that the dbt course that I did was enough for me. I have talked to other people who was on this course and they are still attending their psychiatrists within the same clinic. What is so different from them to me? I need help badly, and being let down by everyone, as each day goes by I am getting back to that black hole where I attempted to end it all. :confused:

    Believe me when I say that you are not the only one being let down. The health service in this country is shockingly bad, and while I haven't had much experience with it in other areas, I know from experience that the mental health service is appalling. You can't give up though. See your GP again, explain the gravity of the situation. Ask to be referred elsewhere. You gotta stick with it 'cause if you don't, sadly, you will slip through the cracks. Best of luck.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 430 ✭✭margarite


    Novella wrote: »
    Believe me when I say that you are not the only one being let down. The health service in this country is shockingly bad, and while I haven't had much experience with it in other areas, I know from experience that the mental health service is appalling. You can't give up though. See your GP again, explain the gravity of the situation. Ask to be referred elsewhere. You gotta stick with it 'cause if you don't, sadly, you will slip through the cracks. Best of luck.
    That I m making sure of, I have had experience in both fields medical and Mental Health Services, if you try and kick up about either you are told you are not being rational. So this being said I am remaining rational and going at both my own G P s help and from my specialist help. Thank you again for taking the time to listen to me and wish more people would listen to each other.:)


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 13,713 ✭✭✭✭Novella


    margarite wrote: »
    That I m making sure of, I have had experience in both fields medical and Mental Health Services, if you try and kick up about either you are told you are not being rational. So this being said I am remaining rational and going at both my own G P s help and from my specialist help. Thank you again for taking the time to listen to me and wish more people would listen to each other.:)

    Good on ya, hope it works out and you get an appointment soon with someone who listens to you. :)


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 430 ✭✭margarite


    Novella wrote: »
    Good on ya, hope it works out and you get an appointment soon with someone who listens to you. :)
    Oh believe me I will, I used to be a private assistant, I m used to twisting people around so I am going to use those skills to allow the dr. to see the real me so that I can get help. If you lose your cool they put it down to having an episode and get labeled which does me no good. So I m have to let my guard down and let it all out for my own sake. Please wish me luck, I do not find it easy to do this. I do not like feeling in control but then I feel that people are not seeing the real me. Thank you again.:)


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,325 ✭✭✭Eviledna


    It is terribly fustrating that when you have an issue with something in mental health service and voice it, it often is labelled as an episode or symptomatic of your condition, when it is in fact a normal reaction to an annoying situation!

    Margarite, keep after them. It is the height of absurdity that a doc would take offence/issue with a second opinion, it is your perogative as a patient to seek one. You are right to go elsewhere if your doc isn't a good fit for you, as little can be achieved when that's the case, and he/she should know that.

    Keep after them and you will get your way in the end. I'm sorry it's such a struggle but remember that mental health issues are like any other illness, a broken leg, etc. Don't let anyone treat you any differently and you will get there in the end. And remember you are very much not alone,and there is always someone you can talk to, it's just a matter of seeking them out :)


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 430 ✭✭margarite


    Eviledna wrote: »
    It is terribly fustrating that when you have an issue with something in mental health service and voice it, it often is labelled as an episode or symptomatic of your condition, when it is in fact a normal reaction to an annoying situation!

    Margarite, keep after them. It is the height of absurdity that a doc would take offence/issue with a second opinion, it is your perogative as a patient to seek one. You are right to go elsewhere if your doc isn't a good fit for you, as little can be achieved when that's the case, and he/she should know that.

    Keep after them and you will get your way in the end. I'm sorry it's such a struggle but remember that mental health issues are like any other illness, a broken leg, etc. Don't let anyone treat you any differently and you will get there in the end. And remember you are very much not alone,and there is always someone you can talk to, it's just a matter of seeking them out :)
    I feel alone, how did you manage to so much information about depression, and do u mind if I ask you what age group that you are in. It would be nice if we could continue talking through the boards because u r really helping me.:)


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 17,485 ✭✭✭✭Ickle Magoo


    It is really not the done thing to request or engage in private messages with other posters relating to a medical complaint they or you have.

    I'm not suggesting it is pertinent in this instance but I want to point out that no poster should feel obliged to engage in pm with anyone else and that posters always have the option to pm a moderator or report any pm conversations you feel are getting out of hand or you feel uncomfortable continuing.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 430 ✭✭margarite


    It is really not the done thing to request or engage in private messages with other posters relating to a medical complaint they or you have.

    I'm not suggesting it is pertinent in this instance but I want to point out that no poster should feel obliged to engage in pm with anyone else and that posters always have the option to pm a moderator or report any pm conversations you feel are getting out of hand or you feel uncomfortable continuing.
    I m sorry I did not think of that, it will not happen again.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,325 ✭✭✭Eviledna


    Thanks for the heads up mods, want to ensure this conversation is kept above board because I think there are many people in this situation.

    All I will say is that I have people in my life that have been through what the OP and margarite have been through. I know first and second hand how bad unmanaged anxiety can be, and I like to maintain a distinction between anxiety and depression.

    Just like any industry, it is sometimes just blind luck to end up with a medical professional that helps. Sometimes you can search endlessly and feel like they are all singing to the same tune and them BAM one day you find someone that fits. It is important to keep looking and trying until you find them though, because it is your happiness and quality of life at stake.

    I urge anyone suffering from serious uncontrollable anxiety not to take it with a pinch of salt, or just to try to brush it off. It is so often mis-labelled as depression, yet treating it as such does nothing for the root cause and seems to self propegate. It really is a quality of life issue and that's why I feel so strongly about it, I've seem my loved ones go through hell with meds/bad diagnoses until they opened up and were lucky to find the right combination. But I've also seen them loose hope, and almost give up.

    I feel there needs to be more of an openness about mental health in Ireland, more of a debate about the quality of services on offer, rating those that are good, and trying to help those in need. But I really understand that boards.ie must be so careful with threads like this. The temptation to reach beyond our bounds when we are in need is strong, but the rules are there to protect us and boards, so thanks mods for keeping the eye on it.:)

    Margarite, have you considered a support group? Aware run them across the country and they are reassuring and helpful?


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 430 ✭✭margarite


    Eviledna wrote: »
    Thanks for the heads up mods, want to ensure this conversation is kept above board because I think there are many people in this situation.

    All I will say is that I have people in my life that have been through what the OP and margarite have been through. I know first and second hand how bad unmanaged anxiety can be, and I like to maintain a distinction between anxiety and depression.

    Just like any industry, it is sometimes just blind luck to end up with a medical professional that helps. Sometimes you can search endlessly and feel like they are all singing to the same tune and them BAM one day you find someone that fits. It is important to keep looking and trying until you find them though, because it is your happiness and quality of life at stake.

    I urge anyone suffering from serious uncontrollable anxiety not to take it with a pinch of salt, or just to try to brush it off. It is so often mis-labelled as depression, yet treating it as such does nothing for the root cause and seems to self propegate. It really is a quality of life issue and that's why I feel so strongly about it, I've seem my loved ones go through hell with meds/bad diagnoses until they opened up and were lucky to find the right combination. But I've also seen them loose hope, and almost give up.

    I feel there needs to be more of an openness about mental health in Ireland, more of a debate about the quality of services on offer, rating those that are good, and trying to help those in need. But I really understand that boards.ie must be so careful with threads like this. The temptation to reach beyond our bounds when we are in need is strong, but the rules are there to protect us and boards, so thanks mods for keeping the eye on it.:)

    Margarite, have you considered a support group? Aware run them across the country and they are reassuring and helpful?
    Yes I have attended Aware and came out feeling more depressed then I went in. How have you achieved the knowledge that you have.:)


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,325 ✭✭✭Eviledna


    I wouldn't call it knowledge, it's just personal experience. I don't work in healthcare if that's what you mean.

    Is there anything to be said for attending a session out of your normal jurisdiction? Maybe in the next town/city over? A change of scenery and personnel might be worthwhile?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 430 ✭✭margarite


    Eviledna wrote: »
    I wouldn't call it knowledge, it's just personal experience. I don't work in healthcare if that's what you mean.

    Is there anything to be said for attending a session out of your normal jurisdiction? Maybe in the next town/city over? A change of scenery and personnel might be worthwhile?
    Sometimes all I need is someone to talk to, but that s against The Boards rules. I m not be listened to and was just hoping to find a friend that I can meet now and again, help if required and be there if required. But as usual I am on my own and because of The Board Rules cannot ask for help. Thank you for trying.:)


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 430 ✭✭margarite


    margarite wrote: »
    Sometimes all I need is someone to talk to, but that s against The Boards rules. I m not be listened to and was just hoping to find a friend that I can meet now and again, help if required and be there if required. But as usual I am on my own and because of The Board Rules cannot ask for help. Thank you for trying.:)
    I do not even know where to start.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 13,713 ✭✭✭✭Novella


    margarite wrote: »
    Sometimes all I need is someone to talk to, but that s against The Boards rules. I m not be listened to and was just hoping to find a friend that I can meet now and again, help if required and be there if required. But as usual I am on my own and because of The Board Rules cannot ask for help. Thank you for trying.:)

    You can meet up with and make friends on this website. I met my boyfriend on boards, in this very forum. I've made some really good friends through this site. What makes you think you can't find a friend here? There are beers etc., that you can go to where you can meet people who post in the various forums.

    It just kinda seems to me that you're expecting people to be your friend without knowing you... I mean, friendships happen after you get to know someone. You chat, you share things, you realise you have common interests, you know? You don't really just meet a stranger and say, "Hey, wanna be my friend?".

    Plus I guess boards is about discussion and friendship kinda just happens after a while. I didn't always have boards friends, I didn't join with the intention of making friends, I just wanted to talk. Then friendship happened naturally. If what you really want is just an easy way to meet people, there are sites specifically for that too.


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  • Hosted Moderators Posts: 16,186 ✭✭✭✭Maple


    Guys, there is some very helpful advice being shared in this thread however it's beginning to morph into a PI issue. Can we please get it back on topic or we will have to close/move the thread.

    Thanks,

    Maple.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 489 ✭✭perri winkles


    Just rooted out this thread, as now that it's exams season I find myself having my weird anxiety thing again!

    Anyone else get it like me? It feels like I can't breathe properly, almost as if something is sitting on my chest and I cant take a deep enough breath. It's not bad enough to be deabilitatiing or anything, just an annoyance really!

    Usually when it comes on, I don't realise why, I didn't realise I was anxious about something, for example it came on leading up to a party I was throwing, becuase I was nervous about it :o Or when my best friend moved to another county, I got it then.

    Anyone have this kinda thing? and how do you deal with it?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,325 ✭✭✭Eviledna


    I know exactly what you mean perriwinkles, exams were a big trigger of anxiety and even panic attacks for me in college.

    The amazing thing is that though you feel your breathing is the problem, breathing itself is the way to conquer that particular symptom of anxiety!

    There are many breathing techniques out there, that help you use your diaphragm in helping you to relax. Shallow anxious breathing can sometimes draw in too much oxegen, making your chest feel tight or even becoming lightheaded, even sometimes to the point of passing out. This extreme is usually a panic attack. The passing out is your brain's failsafe, a "reboot" to stop you from taking in too much O2, and letting your CO2/O2 regain balance.This is why you see people breathing into paper bags when they "hyperventilate". It forces the CO2 to be breathed back in.
    It is very much possible to prevent it getting to the stage of a full panic attack, and well done you for recognising the weight on your chest and anxiety and taking the first step. I've taken a quick peek online and here is a basic video on deep breathing to try:



    Also, remember that colleges have councellors for a reason, because exams are hard and make people anxious. They serve their purpose and are worth a visit, they are kind and understanding and have seen it before! They can help you recognise the things in your life triggering the anxiety and take preventative measures.
    Just treat it like anything else, like a cold. It's normal, it's understandable and it's your body asking you to pay attention to the stresses around you. Take some time to talk to someone and try the breathing.
    Best of Luck :)


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 489 ✭✭perri winkles


    Thanks for that post eviledna it was really helpful :)

    It's weird this is the first time I've gotten it over exams, usually its trivial things like the friend moving away, or a big event that Im nervous about. Really I should be more worried about the exams :p

    From the way I've heard people describe asthma attacks, thats what it feels like for me, a tight chest not taking in enough air etc. Very weird. I've never had a full blown panic attack, I don't think I have anyway!
    I'll take a wee look at that video now, thanks a mill again


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 274 ✭✭pejay


    Eviledna wrote: »
    It is terribly fustrating that when you have an issue with something in mental health service and voice it, it often is labelled as an episode or symptomatic of your condition, when it is in fact a normal reaction to an annoying situation!

    Margarite, keep after them. It is the height of absurdity that a doc would take offence/issue with a second opinion, it is your perogative as a patient to seek one. You are right to go elsewhere if your doc isn't a good fit for you, as little can be achieved when that's the case, and he/she should know that.

    Keep after them and you will get your way in the end. I'm sorry it's such a struggle but remember that mental health issues are like any other illness, a broken leg, etc. Don't let anyone treat you any differently and you will get there in the end. And remember you are very much not alone,and there is always someone you can talk to, it's just a matter of seeking them out :)

    hi i know this is an old thread but found it interesting about the lyrica as i have just been put on this med recently for my anxiety could i ask how long if you remeber it took for the lyrica to work before your friend noticed any improvement thanks


  • Posts: 50,630 ✭✭✭✭ [Deleted User]


    Hi peejay.
    Please do not bump old threads. You are welcome to start a new thread on the subject of anxiety if you wish bearing in mind that no medical advice will be allowed.
    Thanks :)
    whoopsadaisydoodles


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