Anyone have high anxiety? What do you do to help?

@gseaborn, I think the first step is to isolate what causes you anxiety and panic. Not the root cause, but the every day things that trigger you. I know that being in crowded rooms where I can’t move or hear well causes me to feel claustrophobic. I know that loud noises, especially machinery and banging or (angry) yelling causes my PTSD to “kick in” and I can’t function. Figuring out what triggers you can allow you to find ways either to avoid the situations or to find ways to calm yourself when you’re in them.
After that, you can delve into what in your past or present, whether psychological or physical or both (trauma, neglect, abuse, etc.) that is at the root of your condition. For that, I’d suggest therapy.
28.75 years of recovery, 2+ years of therapy, out patient mental health treatment, medication, and I still have attacks. Now though, they don’t control me as much as they used to. (I can ride a crowded bus without throwing up. I can attend social functions.) I’ve found that listening to music with headphones while I’m out walking or shopping really helps. It can be distracting but sometimes that’s the point.
Bottom line, what is the immediate is cause your panic attacks and why do you have them?
Good luck. You’re not alone.

@hraka13 I have schizophrenia and panic attacks happen every once in a while, but when they do happen its pretty intense. It's hard to give out an example because its tough to talk about, but its like an overwhelming feeling that strangers give me.

I beg to differ with @gunshy .......I have been on xanax for over 10 years and never taken over 4 mg per day. I only take it in .5mg doses and only when I need it. The times I don't and it could be several days I do not feel any type of withdrawal. One must be respectful of the medication and it's potential and manage that. Hopefully, you will find some peace in whatever you decide to do. For myself, Xanax has worked but I strictly manage my intake.

@kndaustin71

@gseaborn Breathe 🧘 Deep diaphragmatic breathing. 😮‍💨

@kndaustin71 it’s one thing to take Xanax as and when needed, but that is not what doctors prescribe. They prescribe regular, daily doses as in the case of @gunshy and it is when taken daily and regularly for several months that it becomes a problem getting off these types of medications.

It is great that you started off on an “only when needed” basis, and that it has worked well with you. For some people a medication does not kick in on the first dose and it takes a few days to take effect. Then they are required to keep to that daily schedule. That is when dependency becomes a problem to wean off.

In my case, the very first dose of Xanax as prescribed actually triggered a panic attack and I didn’t take another dose again!

Then I was prescribed Ativan, to be taken as and when required, e.g., at the start of a panic attack and it did sort of become my lifeline because I always had my vial of Ativan at arm’s reach (often clutched in my hand) at all times. What eventually helped me get over my panic attacks was deep diaphragmatic breathing.

Strange how different bodies react to the same medication, eh?

Could not find what group you had me checking in on?

I like anxiety yoga with Adriane on You Tube. It’s short and she uses the nasal breathing technique.

@kay123
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28061969/

Hi, I have had anxiety for years. Was able to cope initially but lately it is out of control. Not sure what to do next. Antidepressants scare me. I take occasional Ativan when it is intolerable. However I am aware of the addiction profile so very careful. Miserable & Exhausting. Any suggestions that you have tried?