1. < Depression & Anxiety
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Living in the present and actions to reduce anxiety

Posted by BoneHead @stsopoci, Jun 11, 2019

Sometimes I spend way too much time in the future and have to just get busy doing any thing to kick myself back into Now time. I’m GAD and I realize that anxiety about anything is a trap for me. I have several escape actions that help me. I can go to the cabin and chill out and do the simple life or I can exercise or play on the piano. What ways do others find to help their anxiety?

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Lisa Lucier, Moderator | @lisalucier | Feb 10, 2020
In reply to @healingone "I might get a glass of tea, sit on the porch and mentally name: •everything I..." + (show)
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I might get a glass of tea, sit on the porch and mentally name:
•everything I see,
•everything I hear,
•everything I smell,
•everything I taste,
•everything I feel on my skin (touch).

If I just name 5 things I see, 5 things I hear, 5 things I smell, 5 things I taste, and 5 things I feel touching me, (as most recommend) I cannot ground myself and have my thoughts in the present. (My stressful thoughts would nonstop loop.)

PM me if you'd like the book name and author that I learned this strategy from.

Have a great day!

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So, @healingone, if I understand you correctly, you sit on the porch with your tea and name 5 of each of those items touching each human sense, and that brings you more into the present and helps get racing thoughts and any anxiety under control?

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healingone | @healingone | Feb 10, 2020
In reply to @lisalucier "So, @healingone, if I understand you correctly, you sit on the porch with your tea and..." + (show)
Profile picture for Lisa Lucier, Moderator @lisalucier

So, @healingone, if I understand you correctly, you sit on the porch with your tea and name 5 of each of those items touching each human sense, and that brings you more into the present and helps get racing thoughts and any anxiety under control?

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No.

I have to name all the things I see, hear, smell, taste and feel until my thinking is in the present.

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annedodrill44 | @annedodrill44 | Feb 11, 2020

You are all the most helpful, caring, wonderful people. Thank you all for sharing your experiences and ideas. I’m so grateful for Mayo Clinic Connect!

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ann78 | @ann78 | Feb 4, 2025

I developed idiopathic neuropathy a few years ago. It has taken away all the things I did for enjoyment which has caused depression. I heard an advertisement for help for neuropathy and wen for the free test. I wanted to get better so badly I signed a contract which turned out to be a chiropractor. 8,840 dollars later I still have neuropathy and am more depressed, beware of cons that are happening regarding neuropathy. So sad.

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ann78 | @ann78 | Feb 4, 2025
In reply to @dollardylan1 "Hello everyone! I suffered with anxiety for many years and I thank God that I have..." + (show)
Profile picture for Darslon @dollardylan1

Hello everyone! I suffered with anxiety for many years and I thank God that I have not been on many medications. I am currently on Pristiq 50 mg. I have to tell you that having a relationship with God has been the greatest help for me. Coming to know who God is that He is an awesome Father you can talk to 24/7. He is there to help us in our time of need. Reading the bible, having close fellowship with other believers who will support you and give you encouragement! Learning to trust Him and knowing He has us in Whatever situation we face! If you do not know God I suggest you get to know Him for the awesome Father He is. Does it mean I won’t have anxiety at times, troubles, hardships etc. Not, it just means I will have a friend and Father to run to. Jesus suffered on the cross , so we too will suffer. All he wants is our hearts. Do you know where you will spend eternity?.

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I thank you for your testimony. I had great faith until recently. It scares me that I have had doubts when I developed neuropathy and am no longer able to do the things I enjoyed. The depression has been terrible and has effected every part of my life. Some days are better than others, but today I have a lot of fear. God bless you and would appreciate your prayers for me.

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