the anxiety is too much i can't keep still my chest hurts my heads full of thoughts im really struggling and don't know what else to do other than deep breathing and letting the anxiety be present
When I’m feeling extra anxious I try to distract myself by listening to a podcast (rather than music, because a podcast has all new sentences I haven’t heard before. Vs. a song with repetitive lyrics, so I can keep my brain thinking about the new story in the podcast), being in nature, with my pets, friends or family. I like to listen to my podcast and play a calming farm game on my phone at the same time so my brain can really focus on those two things rather than my worries.
@Lele66 thankyou i'll give the podcast a go
@NaggingOCD Goodluck!
Those periods of intense anxiety and racing thoughts can be extremely tough. And exhausting. While you're feeling this, try to watch the thoughts & sensations ebb & flow (notice those tiny fluctuations)! Noticing this can help you to bear in mind that no thought or feeling lasts forever (even though it sometimes feels like it will in the moment). As you notice the thoughts and sensations, label what you’re experiencing - "I'm having a thought about...." "I acknowledge I'm feeling...." This can help create a little space from it. If you’re struggling and need more assistance, remember that help is available. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at NOCD to find out how we can support you.
@Anna Dufford thankyou i don't think id be able to have help from nocd with the cost of it
I’m so sorry you’re feeling like this and have been there myself. With therapy and medication, I’m doing a lot better and I hope you can find some things that help. Sending you love 🫶🏻
@Anonymice i'm on sertraline and last had therapy a year ago just it's decided to show itself again
i am nearly constantly extremely anxious and i don't want to live like this. my family and friends are so done dealing with me to the point that i feel that i'd be better off completely alone. every small twinge or pain in my body sends me into a panic, and if it's not that it's something else i manage to be worrying over. i'm fairly certain my stress has caused an ulcer to form. i try to sit with myself and not seek reassurance/check myself for issues but it is genuinely agonizing at times. most days i sleep 12-14 hours a day because it gets to a point that i cannot deal with it anymore and i take something to sleep. sometimes i do feel that i would be better off just not around so i wouldn't have to feel this any longer. i do a lot of unhealthy things to cope (drinking, smoking, and otc sleeping pills being the main culprits) and those habits end up hurting me in the long run and making me more anxious. i do have a counselor and she is great but i'm having a really hard time finding a medication provider under my insurance. i really really do want to get better because this is the most miserable i have ever been and i hate being like this and exhausting myself and the people around me. i've been told a big part of the healing process is to make yourself sit with your thoughts and deal with the uncertainty and fear as it comes, but it feels torturous to do that. sometimes reading through these posts does make me feel better knowing that i'm not alone but lately i have been unable to pull myself out of this frantic state. what are some healthier ways to cope/distract yourself that you guys find to be at least semi-effective? i am genuinely willing to try anything to make this terrible feeling go away
I feel horrible! My anxiety over my obsessive thoughts is 10/10 right now and no matter what I try, I cannot seem to relax my body and mind. I had my 2nd therapy apt this morning. I watched a support group this evening, took a walk, did a 20 minute Prgressive muscle relaxation video, sat in the hottub, nothing is making my thoughts less intense. My stomach has been in knots for days and it’s only been getting worse. I have been trying to accept my anxiety and reason and let my thoughts stay all day they still have me super wound up.
I’m not sure what to do. I have a trip to Disney in less than a week, but my anxiety is debilitating right now. Ive barely been able to sleep or eat in 5 days, and it’s not getting any better. I don’t want to not go on this trip because that’ll just prove to the anxiety that I can’t do it, but I truly can’t go while I’m feeling like this. I won’t be able to do anything. I’ve felt like this before, but I’ve never had an obligation like this during a bad spiral. I really don’t know what to do. I’m so tired of feeling like this. I’m heavily medicated, I do breathe work, I do mindfulness exercises and nothing eases the anxiety. Every time that I think I’m fine I think about Disney and freak out again. If anyone has any advice or even just encouragement I’d really appreciate it. Thank you
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