Mental Health

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Dealing with anxiety without meds (self.mentalhealth)

submitted 1 year ago by HandOfDoom to c/mentalhealth

29 comments fedilink hide all child comments

Hello,

I know there are tons of articles and videos about this topic on the internet. But I think I need to interact with real people with similar struggles (feel free to share articles and videos that have helped you, though).

I've always had anxiety problems, even as a kid. I got diagnosed late (at 30) with ADHD, depression and social anxiety, and I started taking meds for those. The meds helped, but after a year or so I stopped taking them, mainly because I was feeling better and they were too expensive. Unfortunately the cheaper options gave me too many side effects.

I can function without the meds. But this year is being really hard on me and my wife, and my anxiety is starting to get out of control again. I'm getting some panic attacks and they make me feel like shit.

Can you share some tips on what works for you when you are feeling anxious?

Thanks a lot and wish you the best.

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[–] Chadsalot 3 points 1 year ago

I'm going through a very similar situation. Honestly my first and most important bit of advice GET MEDICATED. It helps so so so much (even if it stops actively feeling like it). Seriously, I cannot stress enough how important medication is.

My biggest issue with my anxiety/depression is my overthinking. It feels GOOD for me to spiral as deep into my thoughts and worries about myself, my relationship, my problems (bills, health, etc) as possible. My advice for this is to take things one step at a time. Literally force yourself, when you're having these incredibly stressful moments, to have a "1 foot in front of the other" mentality.

You have to understand and accept that it IS okay to have these feelings/thoughts/emotions AND its okay for you to experience them. Just don't let them take control, and tell yourself you're going to move forward, one step at a time.

I know the advice I gave is hard. It is really fucking hard to stay on top of. Do not feel bad if you don't get it the first couple times you try. It'll take time to get into the flow of things. But that's just how it has to work. You're forcibly trying to "rewrite" how your mind responds to traumatic/triggering stimuli.