Is there anyone suffering from anxiety and finds it difficult to cope?

Rashida, thank you for responding to my post. I have told several doctors about my swallowing problem and the first thing they do is look down my throat. They don't believe me when I tell them it is nerves that are the problem. Thank you for sharing your trick by bending your head down. No one has ever told me anything that helped in that way. My pcp wants me to find a psychiatrist to help me come off Ativan, but I am finding that is easier said than done! Many doctors in medication management do not deal with scheduled drugs. I believe I am reaching the point in thinking my whole life has been nothing but one big mistake.

That's because it tends to open the esophagus. When you put your head up and even hyper extend the airway opens and increases the chances of aspiration and choking feeling.

@sudsy I am sure I have general anxiety disorder although I have never been diagnosed with it officially. I am anxious all the time, and I know when I am stressed because that is when I cannot swallow something and have to use the head down method. When I am not in a stressful situation I have no problem eating or drinking. I am so glad I learned this trick from my friend some years ago because up till then I used to sit clutching my glass of water in one hand at every meal, ready to take a gulp right after a mouthful of food to get it down my throat and even then I would feel I was choking every so often during a meal.

Talking of Ativan, that was another bottle I often kept clutched in my purse, ready to take one if or when I had a panic attack. I did see a mental health specialist - can’t remember whether he was a psychologist or psychiatrist but he was the one who told me no pill works instantly - they all take at least twenty five minutes to kick in! I couldn’t believe him because I felt my Ativan worked as soon as I placed it under my tongue! He said that was because you can make your mind believe it is working this fast! Well, now when I take any medication I am aware that it will take that long and just wait about twenty minutes to get relief. Whether it is a reverse mind trick or not, I don’t care because it works. 😀

Anyway, he tried to teach me breathing exercises so I needn’t be dependent on the Ativan, but I just couldn’t learn from him so he got me enrolled in a relaxation therapy program where they teach you to relax your body and learn proper breathing, mental imagery, etc. That program was a lifesaver for me! I have not used Ativan since I learned to belly breathe, and have averted several panic attacks over the years simply by doing the breathing exercise and talking myself out of an attack. Can’t remember when I even tried to avert an attack now! lol. I am still a very anxious person though - but can function without the Ativan.

You just need the right doctor to steer you into the right treatment, to get off the Ativan.

I like this article so much Inhave been sharing it on Mayo Connect threads. Maybe you might benefit from it …?
https://www.cbc.ca/life/wellness/simple-techniques-for-relief-from-fear-and-anxiety-1.5517952

Rashida, Thank you for the information you provided especially for article on the breathing technique. What you described about the ativan working as soon as you took it is similar to the placebo effect. If you think it works it will work. I always take that about an hour before I eat anything and that helps. I first noticed my swallowing problem when I was in the 4th or 5th grade. After the initial onset it didn't bother me for a long time, but then it started again when I was in HS.
I have also taken relaxation therapy and I can actually put myself to sleep when I am in bed, I have never learned how to put that to use during the day. I have tried using white noise to lull me to sleep but that just keeps me more awake. It's funny, what I learned from relaxation therapy was somewhat the same as what I was already doing. I am seeing a clinical pharmacist to help me taper off this drug but she isn't really much help. The doses she gives me for the coming month is something I can do myself. If it wasn't for the swallowing problems and the anticipatory angst I could stop this drug cold turkey. But then what?
I will read this article and try it. Thank you again for sending it!

@sudsy every body is different, and every person has his/her own method of coping. It seems you are already progressing so don’t let setbacks discourage you. As long as you are moving forward at any pace you are doing well for yourself!

It is anxiety producing to navigate the amount of Dr’s and conflicting directions they want me to take. More and more medication gets added when I want to be weaning off some of them. I was born with RA like AI. Always considered lazy, a quitter, and angry as a child. I also have a bad case of Dyslexia. It was a hard hand to be dealt. At 62, I wonder what tomorrow will bring and can’t remember when I’ve gone 2 years without a major surgery.
I write this to encourage you all to hang on another day, and the importance of a really good Psychiatrist. The anxiety and depression is part of AI disease, minimalized by many Dr’s. Deep down, and on a good day, I believe we tap into what is best for us. I am a fan of Radical Acceptance and DBT skills for body mind regulation. There is a meditation by D. Chopkra ‘Comfort in the Unknown’. It calms me like no other. Caring thoughts and vibes to you all💕

@debbie8331 Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect! It certainly sounds like you have had quite a path to take in your years, and have some sound advice to offer to others. We each have our own story, and being able to share our experiences can be helpful to others as we try to find a good way for us to deal with things!
Ginger

Hi there I've had a few types of anxiety from crowds to interviews to just sitting with my dogs on my patio. I've found that blocking out everything and consintrating on my breathing. Breath in hold 1 breath out slowly 2 and continue. At first it can't be done slow but you work up to it. All other thoughts tend to leave me then I'm calm again the time frames vary on the anxiety level. I also wriggle my toes and just count my toes slowly often helps don't know why. Good luck hope it helps you as it has me. Let us know how you go 😀

I'm the same I have 5 dogs they know when an attack is about to happen they all sit, ly down on me it's like the anbsord the negative energy

Yes — every single day.
The best approach for me is to make sure I get out in nature. Literally trying to stop and smell the roses and get out of my own head. Try to remind yourself that you are not the anxiety – it doesn’t define you – you are still in there despite the feelings you’re having. And they too shall pass. I wish you the best.