Anyone experience anxiety due to caregiving? How to cope?

@kmliste These plants make me smile too. I do have an odd sense of humor and it helps
having fun stuff these crazy days. Take care.

@porfe81 Walking does help - movement and putting focus on something else. It’s all just very overwhelming at times.

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.

@bethyh79 Just as people with dogs and cats (and I've even seen a big lizard) dressed in little outfits maybe I should start a "Dressing up Plants" thread. I'd likely be the only one posting. Our sweet dog girl passed a year ago. I only had her wear headbands on special days all of ten seconds but it was a fun photo.

@jenniferkr There is a phone app called Calm. It has some guided meditations that are free. They are also short and they've worked for me.

@jenniferkr These are all wonderful suggestions 🤗❤️✨

🤗❤️✨@judimahoney