[Natahs_mum]

Now and then l suffer from anxiety.... esp to do with the kids.... and their health.

If the kids are quiet l stress that they are ill (and may even vomit) I have a fear of vomit. We went away last weekend and l spent most of the time in the car stressing that they would be ill (DD was almost ill and we think she may suffer some form of car sickness... only one windy and dirt roads).

Its getting too much some days.... and l watch the kids like a hawk till they are laughing and mucking aorund (liek now )

I am a christian and have some prayer support from a friend from church who l opened up to and she helps....

I usually try and ignore it but l know that doesn't help.

But l am sick of this feeling and it is making my time being a SAHM not enjoyable....

Anyone else have anxiety issues or attacks and how do they deal with it?

Any similar to my anxiety?

Don't want to feel like the only one out there.

[**Xena**]

I suffer from anxiety. In the past it was pretty bad. I ended up in hospital a few times due to my racing heart.

Best thing I ever did was see a naturopath. It took me awhile to go see one and I kicked myself that I hadn't gone sooner. She gave me some powdered minerals that I was a bit deficient in and made up some herbal remedy based on my particular fears. They were just little balls that I would put under my tongue until they dissolved and I would feel a lot calmer.
I also increased my exercise and started eating a lot more natural and organic foods. I cut caffeine out of my diet (with the exception of a small amount of chocolate LOL)

I still have anxiety to a small degree but absolutely nowhere near as extreme as it was! Now I generally just use Rescue Remedy (you can buy this at Chemists) as well as my powdered minerals and life style changes.

Good luck

ETA: I wasn't able to take any other kinds of medication for my anxiety. My doctor did prescribe me some when I became really desperate but I would spend all day and night throwing up when I took it which obviously renders it useless.

This post has been edited by **Xena**: 29/01/2010, 09:57 AM

[Freyja]

I suffer with anxiety but it manifests itself a bit differently. I worry about money, and replay things over and over in my mind, can't seem to sit still and watch television or focus my thoughts. I get easily annoyed and my stomach feels knotted up. I now know the signs. Once upon a time I didn't even notice when I was anxious. It's great that you notice it!

I used to be on meds but have been medication free for 12 months now . I also saw a psychologist which was invaluable in teaching me skills to cope with anxiety without meds. Those skills I will take with me forever.

Some things I have found to help me are:

Finding something I enjoy which I do every week - I go to yoga every week for one hour. I usually leave feeling stressed and come back relaxed. If I'm having an extra anxious day I go that evening even if it's not my planned day.

Meditate for 10 mins. Sounds a bit new-age but it really helps settle my mind. Just focus on your breath and try to keep your mind free from thoughts. Afterwards I seems to be able to stop my mind from jumping to silly thoughts fuelled by anxiety.

Try to 'stay in the moment'. Meditating really helps you do this. If the kids aren't sick RIGHT NOW there is nothing to worry about. Worry means you are not in the right now - you are thinking about something that is in the past or may happen in the future. Even if your kids are sick RIGHT NOW chances are there is nothing to worry about. Even if something bad comes up have the trust in yourself that you can deal with it - then leave it to deal with IF it happens.

Put on some music you enjoy. Amazingly it perks you up, focuses your mind and keeps you 'in the moment'.

I have found Bowen Therapy beneficial ( a bit like massage but using pressure points. Great for relieving tension)

As pp said - rescue remedy in emergencies

I hope you feel calmer soon XX

This post has been edited by Freyja: 29/01/2010, 09:37 AM

[*Shabadoo*]

It's worth a trip to the GP to discuss it. There are LOTS of different, evidence based strategies that work for anxiety. Seeing a psychologist to learn some of these strategies helps lots of people. Myself included.

Check out the beyond blue website & their info on anxiety: beyond blue - anxiety

[miriams]

I started having massive panic attacks about 1 month after my son was born which subsided at about the fourth month. Exercise helped tremendously as did a total internet ban ( the panic attacks were hormonal but related to the things I had read about WW2 for uni and me making connections with things happening currently). Lots of tea as well....but not coffee. Also, even if negative things are happening, to try and concentrate on the positive things and not to develop a Messiah complex about it all (eg I have to warn everyone, I have to be the 'protector' etc etc)

[42snuggle]

I also banned myself from EB due to anxiety levels. It's amazing how even the most smallest things can set it off. Though i should have more control over what topics i should read here. I find it hard when you write something and people can twist it so it makes one feel so down. I don't think people consider how it can hurt others. Though i try not to write things much anymore. I might write a little bit here and there but i've learnt from my lesson. I get my husband to block eb site so i'm not tempted lol.

[Tokenista]

I find Zoloft works a treat.

I'm also about to start cognitive behaviour therapy because I don't want to take drugs forever.

[pegasus77]

I think talking to your GP is the best place to start but I also agree with the advice about trying natural remedies.
I have greatly reduced my anxiety levels by eating a more balanced diet, drinking more water, taking fish oil and B vitamins and excercising 3-5 times per week. Avoiding caffiene and alcohol helps too.
Also reading a book called Buddhism for Mothers was a big thing for me. It helped me learn among other things to live in the present moment and switch off the constant internal dialogue that causes the anxiety in the first place. I have to reread it every now and again but I can't praise the book enough.

ETA I was on Lexapro for 4 years but coming off it and changing my lifestyle was the best thing I ever did.

This post has been edited by pegasus77: 29/01/2010, 12:56 PM

[PrincessPeach]

I find Zoloft works a treat.

I'm also about to start have started cognitive behaviour therapy because I don't want to take drugs forever.

[fairy dust]

I wonder if you suffer from emetophobia? http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emetophobia

I have suffered from emetophobia all my life, and only recently found out that it is an actual phobia. It sounds odd, but I actually feel a lot better now that I have a name for this irrational fear and anxiety that I get with anything to do with 'it', whether it is myself or someone else or even just a story (I even hate hearing or seeing the 'v' word )

The last time I was sick in a car was over 18 years ago, but I still get motion sickness.
I find it helps if I feel prepared, so I have a couple of thick plastic bags in the glove box 'just in case'.

Sorry I am not much help, but I know I would feel exactly the same in that situation