Anyone experience anxiety due to caregiving? How to cope?

Steering away from medications for anxiety I have found several activities that can unwind that heavy burdensome feeling. Most of the time! Sometimes I have to resort to a prescribed medication or I will not get any sleep which will just keep the process running full speed ahead. A walk outside, meditation (10 minutes on YouTube), tapping (free app), EMDR bilateral music (found on YouTube) listening with headphones. Tapping can be done in the shower and only takes 2 minutes. I have found a YouTube of meditation that has what I believe is bilateral music in the background so I accomplish both at the same time. When in the mist of the vicious anxiety circle it takes effor to even remember what helps. Starting each day with a morning prayer asking for peace, patience and love. It is early now so prayers for all of us caregivers for a peaceful, anxiety free day.

At first, when we got my husband’s diagnosis, my doctor prescribed an SSRI that I did not want to take, and I haven’t. That said, what has helped are CBD gummies (with no THC) I take a half a gummy when my anxiety is at it’s peak and they do help.

As time goes by I need them less and less as I educate myself more about the disease and become accustomed (is that possible?) to my ever changing spouse or at least the fact that this is our life now. I also attend a monthly caregiver support group with the local Alzheimer’s Socitey, it really helps. I pray, oh do I pray. I also continue to lunch with friends. Oh, also going for a walk each evening with my spouse helps us both.

I still have bad moments but I feel better able to cope with them.

I love all the pictures!

@gratia
I must be in a mood this morning because my sarcastic self wanted to respond to your post with, are there any of us NOT experiencing anxiety as caregivers.
If you're not anxious what is your secret?
My GAD-7 score is high (anxiety scale). I started seeing a therapist. Sometimes my therapy sessions are virtual because it's hard to get away unless I pay for respite care.
Good luck finding what works to reduce your anxiety. Photography is a great stress reducer!
Bye for now. 🦭

Yes, I feel anxious and overwhelmed sometimes. I deal with it with going to the gym, lunch with friends, and thinking positively. Like counting my blessings, my own health, and small accomplishments.

@jenniferkr These are all wonderful suggestions 🤗❤️✨

🤗❤️✨@judimahoney

@blisst thank you so much for sharing what helps you. 🤗❤️CBD alone is very calming- but i accidentally took one with THC last night! 🤩 😵‍💫😵‍💫😵‍💫😆 never again! lol 😂

@gratia Do you mind sharing what happened or how you felt when you took the one with THC?

@trishaanderson I thought it was a CBD gummy I took from cabinet but it was THC & cbd ….after about half an hour (lying in bed), I felt dizzy and all over the place. Every little sound was amplified. Basically it ratcheted up my anxiety and the state of high alert was so much worse. I felt disoriented and just out of it most of the night.
The CBD alone seems ok - I prefer the Boiron brand natural stress gummies better- very mild.

@gratia I appreciate you sharing your reaction. That must have been awful when you were looking for relief.
Out of desperation for some help for my husbands agiatation and aggression. I went to a state-run dispensary; the staff was very helpful. They suggested a gummy product that is THC & CBD,
It has helped calm his agitation. Thankfully, he didn't have your reaction.
Trish