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Malcolm_Xtasy
Oh baby what Is you doin??



Registered: 04/04/12
Posts: 13,851
Loc:
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How do do you guys manage your anxiety? (without drugs)
#21773392 - 06/07/15 09:55 AM (8 years, 7 months ago) |
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I was using alcohol and weed to manage my anxiety for the last couple years. Now that both of those things are basically out of the picture, im having a really hard time sleeping and going through my day ever since my first anxiety attack. I seem to be hyper aware about every little thing happening in my body from muscle twitches to the slightest increase in heart rate. Again, I never really had this problem until my alcohol withdrawal. I have some Valerian root supplement and melatonin for sleep but getting through these last couple days have been pretty hard for me.
When I start to feel panicky, I try to analyze why im feeling the way I am and take deep breaths. But more often than not, my thoughts just end up spiraling out of control and im back at square 1.
Any tips or advice are much appreciated. Again, im not looking to take benzos, drink, smoke, or anything like that
-------------------- I'm stupid, Enlil is smart. I'm ugly, Enlil is beautiful. I'm a loser, Enlil is a winner. Someday, I hope to be like Enlil but secretly know I never will.
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Beanhead
IS IRONIC PARADOX


Registered: 10/11/08
Posts: 17,257
Loc: Geospatial inversion.
Last seen: 3 years, 5 months
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Re: How do do you guys manage your anxiety? (without drugs) [Re: Malcolm_Xtasy]
#21773394 - 06/07/15 09:56 AM (8 years, 7 months ago) |
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Run away from the situation and walk around the city for hours untill I regain my senses.
Let me know if you find the solution
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Malcolm_Xtasy
Oh baby what Is you doin??



Registered: 04/04/12
Posts: 13,851
Loc:
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Re: How do do you guys manage your anxiety? (without drugs) [Re: Beanhead]
#21773403 - 06/07/15 09:58 AM (8 years, 7 months ago) |
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That's actually what I've been doing And I definitely find it helpful. But obviously im going to be in situations where I can't just haul ass to my "safe place" so im looking for more practical solutions
-------------------- I'm stupid, Enlil is smart. I'm ugly, Enlil is beautiful. I'm a loser, Enlil is a winner. Someday, I hope to be like Enlil but secretly know I never will.
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King Klick
That Guy Everyone Knows



Registered: 11/13/11
Posts: 7,267
Last seen: 7 months, 4 hours
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Re: How do do you guys manage your anxiety? (without drugs) [Re: Malcolm_Xtasy]
#21773405 - 06/07/15 09:59 AM (8 years, 7 months ago) |
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Therapy is the best solution...imo
-------------------- Your god is dead, and I killed him. When you’re lost, here I am. Forever with your soul
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Malcolm_Xtasy
Oh baby what Is you doin??



Registered: 04/04/12
Posts: 13,851
Loc:
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Re: How do do you guys manage your anxiety? (without drugs) [Re: King Klick]
#21773408 - 06/07/15 10:01 AM (8 years, 7 months ago) |
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Really? The few therapists I've talked to really didn't have any enlightening things to say to me
-------------------- I'm stupid, Enlil is smart. I'm ugly, Enlil is beautiful. I'm a loser, Enlil is a winner. Someday, I hope to be like Enlil but secretly know I never will.
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Enjoywho
Rags to Bitches



Registered: 07/06/09
Posts: 20,880
Last seen: 2 years, 6 months
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Re: How do do you guys manage your anxiety? (without drugs) [Re: King Klick]
#21773409 - 06/07/15 10:03 AM (8 years, 7 months ago) |
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I've never really had anxiety. Well I guess I did but just dealt with it. Until I became an alcoholic. Loud noises make me flinch. And I've been to the hospital because of it my heart rate was over 180 bpm. But ya alcohol does that to me I'm very confident and up front but it breaks me. I dunno why I keep drinking it haha.
-------------------- "I don't give nothin' to nobody, I just pay the cost to do business." - Riley "Young Reezy"-Boondocks "The road to hell is paved with good intentions." "In the days of kings and queens I was a jester." "And then the great lord created bears... too many bears... shoulda really dialed back on the bears." Squidbillies "Can you start speaking words instead of your damn filthy lies!"- Louise "Bobs Burgers"
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Beanhead
IS IRONIC PARADOX


Registered: 10/11/08
Posts: 17,257
Loc: Geospatial inversion.
Last seen: 3 years, 5 months
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Re: How do do you guys manage your anxiety? (without drugs) [Re: Enjoywho]
#21773413 - 06/07/15 10:03 AM (8 years, 7 months ago) |
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Because doctors prescribe Antipsychotics over benzos
To death and decay it is then!
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OhMrJohnson
Ashes Against The Grain

Registered: 01/12/14
Posts: 17,544
Loc: Terra Incognita
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Re: How do do you guys manage your anxiety? (without drugs) [Re: Beanhead] 1
#21773459 - 06/07/15 10:17 AM (8 years, 7 months ago) |
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Exercise
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Diminish the sub-principle and leave its toxic trace.. Once and for all!
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Malcolm_Xtasy
Oh baby what Is you doin??



Registered: 04/04/12
Posts: 13,851
Loc:
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Re: How do do you guys manage your anxiety? (without drugs) [Re: Enjoywho]
#21773461 - 06/07/15 10:17 AM (8 years, 7 months ago) |
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Quote:
Enjoywho said: I've never really had anxiety. Well I guess I did but just dealt with it. Until I became an alcoholic. Loud noises make me flinch. And I've been to the hospital because of it my heart rate was over 180 bpm. But ya alcohol does that to me I'm very confident and up front but it breaks me. I dunno why I keep drinking it haha.
Yeah this is why im abstaining from alcohol outside the occasional beer. Im hoping it gets better after a couple weeks go by weed/booze free. This is no way to live
-------------------- I'm stupid, Enlil is smart. I'm ugly, Enlil is beautiful. I'm a loser, Enlil is a winner. Someday, I hope to be like Enlil but secretly know I never will.
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Shroomism
Space Travellin



Registered: 02/13/00
Posts: 66,015
Loc: 9th Dimension
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Re: How do do you guys manage your anxiety? (without drugs) [Re: Malcolm_Xtasy]
#21773464 - 06/07/15 10:19 AM (8 years, 7 months ago) |
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Quote:
OhMrJohnson said: Exercise
+ sunshine + fresh air
for me... + lots of 
Also... have you tried meditation?
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Mr.PhilCybin
Master Baiter


Registered: 06/13/11
Posts: 11,642
Loc: Gnarnia
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Re: How do do you guys manage your anxiety? (without drugs) [Re: Malcolm_Xtasy]
#21773468 - 06/07/15 10:20 AM (8 years, 7 months ago) |
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Meditation saved me from crippling anxiety around 6-ish years ago.
It can be a little difficult at first, especially to make it a habit, but it's incredible what it can do for the mind.
#1 advice - stop worrying if you're doing it right, and let go of any expectations of immediate gratification.
Just sit, and breathe
-------------------- I'm stupid, Falcon91Wolvrn03 is smart. I'm ugly, Falcon91Wolvrn03 is beautiful. I'm a loser, Falcon91Wolvrn03 is a winner. Someday, I hope to be like Falcon91Wolvrn03 but secretly know I never will.
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Shroomism
Space Travellin



Registered: 02/13/00
Posts: 66,015
Loc: 9th Dimension
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Re: How do do you guys manage your anxiety? (without drugs) [Re: Mr.PhilCybin]
#21773483 - 06/07/15 10:24 AM (8 years, 7 months ago) |
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Quote:
Mr.PhilCybin said: Meditation saved me from crippling anxiety around 6-ish years ago.
It can be a little difficult at first, especially to make it a habit, but it's incredible what it can do for the mind.
#1 advice - stop worrying if you're doing it right, and let go of any expectations of immediate gratification.
Just sit, and breathe
+1. Lots of people overanalyze meditation. There is no single "right way" to do it. The most important thing is your breath.. and also the easiest way to maintain focus.. just focus on your breathing. The goal of meditation varies between people, but in general it helps you to ease your mind and help calm those crazy thoughts.
The best way I have had it described to me.. was.. You aren't going to "eliminate" your thoughts from happening... as some people think the goal of meditation is to have a completely clear mind.. which is basically impossible for a human to do. Thoughts will randomly pop in even if you aren't trying to think of anything... rather... just "observe" the thoughts... as if they are passing clouds in the sky. You aren't interacting with them or thinking about them.... just watch them float by as an impartial observer.... and don't overanalyze.
Most people find it easiest to just focus on one single thing, like your breathing.. that's the easiest to focus on as it should be your main thing... steady.. calm... deep breaths.
At the very least... it's very relaxing. At best... it can replace years of psychotherapy and provide super deep insight into your inner workings maybe you weren't even aware of. But don't expect anything from it.. just be and go with the flow, don't have any expectations except to relax. Even just 5-10 minutes a day can do wonders. It's like a defragmentation for your mind.. and helps train your mind to FOCUS on what you want. Every time you do it is beneficial practice.
It would also help you to become more aware of and have more subconscious control over your body.. since you mention obsessing over even little minute muscle twitches and shit. Sounds like meditation would greatly benefit you.
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Mental Taco



Registered: 07/02/14
Posts: 2,290
Loc: Hell
Last seen: 6 years, 8 months
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Re: How do do you guys manage your anxiety? (without drugs) [Re: Malcolm_Xtasy]
#21773523 - 06/07/15 10:35 AM (8 years, 7 months ago) |
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Yoga, breathing exercises, meditation, exercise, eating healthy(no fast food or sugar), and getting outside in nature and doing things have helped me tremendously in the past year. Ive taken things in baby steps but now i am finally off benzos and tapered off of alcohol (drinking only on weekends). Never thought id be able to be happy without drugs but here i am today, still a long way to go but my crippling panic attacks are finally under control.
Best of luck to you Malcolm, remember sitting around by yourself and doing drugs will only make your anxiety worse. Take things in baby steps and don't be too hard on yourself.
-------------------- Did you not know that the royal hunting grounds are always forbidden?
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Patlal
You ask too many questions



Registered: 10/09/10
Posts: 44,797
Loc: Ottawa
Last seen: 7 hours, 35 minutes
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Re: How do do you guys manage your anxiety? (without drugs) [Re: Mental Taco]
#21773534 - 06/07/15 10:38 AM (8 years, 7 months ago) |
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Cirpralex for me. But I guess that would fall under the drug category
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Malcolm_Xtasy
Oh baby what Is you doin??



Registered: 04/04/12
Posts: 13,851
Loc:
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Re: How do do you guys manage your anxiety? (without drugs) [Re: Shroomism]
#21773562 - 06/07/15 10:46 AM (8 years, 7 months ago) |
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Quote:
Shroomism said:
Quote:
Mr.PhilCybin said: Meditation saved me from crippling anxiety around 6-ish years ago.
It can be a little difficult at first, especially to make it a habit, but it's incredible what it can do for the mind.
#1 advice - stop worrying if you're doing it right, and let go of any expectations of immediate gratification.
Just sit, and breathe
+1. Lots of people overanalyze meditation. There is no single "right way" to do it. The most important thing is your breath.. and also the easiest way to maintain focus.. just focus on your breathing. The goal of meditation varies between people, but in general it helps you to ease your mind and help calm those crazy thoughts.
The best way I have had it described to me.. was.. You aren't going to "eliminate" your thoughts from happening... as some people think the goal of meditation is to have a completely clear mind.. which is basically impossible for a human to do. Thoughts will randomly pop in even if you aren't trying to think of anything... rather... just "observe" the thoughts... as if they are passing clouds in the sky. You aren't interacting with them or thinking about them.... just watch them float by as an impartial observer.... and don't overanalyze.
Most people find it easiest to just focus on one single thing, like your breathing.. that's the easiest to focus on as it should be your main thing... steady.. calm... deep breaths.
At the very least... it's very relaxing. At best... it can replace years of psychotherapy and provide super deep insight into your inner workings maybe you weren't even aware of. But don't expect anything from it.. just be and go with the flow, don't have any expectations except to relax. Even just 5-10 minutes a day can do wonders. It's like a defragmentation for your mind.. and helps train your mind to FOCUS on what you want. Every time you do it is beneficial practice.
It would also help you to become more aware of and have more subconscious control over your body.. since you mention obsessing over even little minute muscle twitches and shit. Sounds like meditation would greatly benefit you.
I always thought meditation was hippie dippie bullshit but im definitely going to give it a try
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Mr.PhilCybin
Master Baiter


Registered: 06/13/11
Posts: 11,642
Loc: Gnarnia
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Re: How do do you guys manage your anxiety? (without drugs) [Re: Malcolm_Xtasy]
#21773588 - 06/07/15 10:54 AM (8 years, 7 months ago) |
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far from it.
it's probably one of the most "human" experiences you could possibly have.
It really is incredible man. start small, make time. even 10 minutes a day will help.
shroomism did a really good job describing what you're going for. just let your thoughts float by and observe.
It helps me sometimes to count my breathes (in-1, out2, in3,out 4, etc.) as a way to help ground me if my mind is going too fast. whenever I get distracted I just start over.
honestly, anytime you can take nice slow, deep breathes it almost always relaxes me.
-------------------- I'm stupid, Falcon91Wolvrn03 is smart. I'm ugly, Falcon91Wolvrn03 is beautiful. I'm a loser, Falcon91Wolvrn03 is a winner. Someday, I hope to be like Falcon91Wolvrn03 but secretly know I never will.
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Astral Pain
Strange

Registered: 11/10/14
Posts: 2,923
Loc: Chicago
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Re: How do do you guys manage your anxiety? (without drugs) [Re: King Klick]
#21773611 - 06/07/15 10:59 AM (8 years, 7 months ago) |
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Quote:
King Klick said: Therapy is the best solution...imo
I was about to suggest the same, but that's only because it was what helped me at a time where I absolutely needed it. I think therapy really helped me rehone my existing coping skills and add a few as well. I unlike others in my therapy group loved process group therapy. Good practice for getting things out in the open as well as becoming a better listener. it's really just the practice of the art of mindfulness. You learn the ability to give yourself a tune up and keep things running smoothly as best you can.
-------------------- "I don't mean to sound bitter, cold, or cruel, but I am, so that's how it comes out" -Bill Hicks-
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Edited by Astral Pain (06/07/15 11:32 AM)
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Ganga Lova
fuck I spelled ganja wrong



Registered: 03/28/15
Posts: 328
Loc: Chicago
Last seen: 8 years, 13 days
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Re: How do do you guys manage your anxiety? (without drugs) [Re: Astral Pain]
#21773681 - 06/07/15 11:25 AM (8 years, 7 months ago) |
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Valium. Oh wait.
If there's anything I got out of therapy (not much at all), I learned that only I can help myself. And valium. Valium is great. But if you just quit smoking and drinking, high anxiety is definitely to be expected. This will subside as the rest of the withdrawal symptoms wear off. However lesser anxiety will likely remain possibly for the rest of your life. Then you're just a part of the club. Get used to it buddy.
-------------------- "My only fear in death is reincarnation" -Tupac Shakur
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Enjoywho
Rags to Bitches



Registered: 07/06/09
Posts: 20,880
Last seen: 2 years, 6 months
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Re: How do do you guys manage your anxiety? (without drugs) [Re: Malcolm_Xtasy]
#21773694 - 06/07/15 11:29 AM (8 years, 7 months ago) |
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Quote:
Malcolm_Xtasy said:
Quote:
Enjoywho said: I've never really had anxiety. Well I guess I did but just dealt with it. Until I became an alcoholic. Loud noises make me flinch. And I've been to the hospital because of it my heart rate was over 180 bpm. But ya alcohol does that to me I'm very confident and up front but it breaks me. I dunno why I keep drinking it haha.
Yeah this is why im abstaining from alcohol outside the occasional beer. Im hoping it gets better after a couple weeks go by weed/booze free. This is no way to live
Asking a pretty girl on a date, all that high school shit sure i anxiety but not like this. If I'm in deep withdrawals I can't even look other people in the eyes. I feel so shitty because I am very confident and social. Alcohol fucking sucks but I do have a beer in hand atm. So What Do I know.
-------------------- "I don't give nothin' to nobody, I just pay the cost to do business." - Riley "Young Reezy"-Boondocks "The road to hell is paved with good intentions." "In the days of kings and queens I was a jester." "And then the great lord created bears... too many bears... shoulda really dialed back on the bears." Squidbillies "Can you start speaking words instead of your damn filthy lies!"- Louise "Bobs Burgers"
Edited by Enjoywho (06/07/15 11:29 AM)
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TNK
Pleasures of Africa



Registered: 01/30/10
Posts: 14,237
Loc: I AM THUNDERBOT
Last seen: 1 month, 18 days
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Re: How do do you guys manage your anxiety? (without drugs) [Re: Ganga Lova]
#21773696 - 06/07/15 11:30 AM (8 years, 7 months ago) |
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I moved out to the desert, live by myself and go into town only a few times a week. I tried to out-run my anxiety and it keeps catching up. 
Meditation, Yardwork, Drawing, Music, Walking, Hiking, most physical activity helps. Anything to distract myself from whatever I'm freaking out over, I clean alot too
-------------------- Edited by TNK (02/22/22 22:22 PM)
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