How do I handle anxiety?

[[Bu...]]

For many months now, my anxiety has been severe much of the time. What do I do??? Life is very hard.thx.

[[ia...]]

Hi Bulldog,

 

Living with anxiety can be so debilitating at times. I can really appreciate and empathize with what you're sharing, as I've been in a pretty regular state of anxiety, not only during my taper but for a long period of my life. I have a few suggestions that you may have already tried... but these are the things that work for me when I consistently implement them.

 

- Eliminating all caffeine (sounds obvious but with benzo tapers - little things add up to big things.) If you can eliminate refined sugar that might help also.

 

-Therapy/counseling has been important for me; getting a third party who can listen and provide empathy and compassion.

 

-Sunshine < may sound silly but over just the last few days, I'm finding that getting out in the sun, has REALLY helped my anxiety big time.

 

-Other things include, giving back to others, volunteering, things to look forward to, to-do lists, and routine - these have helped me more than anything.

 

I've learned that anxiety for me (might look different for you); is often my mind telling me 'stories' about the unknown. Most of these stories are 'untrue' but I run with these stories sometimes. If I can have a routine and have some 'control' of the outcome of things... this helps curb some of the physical symptoms we experience when going through WD.

 

I hope some of this helps. Thinking of you.

[[mi...]]

-Tried to adentify your triggers

-Don't avoid them. Even welcome them!

-Acceptance

-Avoid stress as much as you can.

-Exercise. A must if you can. Just walk can do it.

-Healthy diet

-Reduce coffee and colas. Take decaf if you like it a lot.

-Sunshine!

-Belly breathing 

-And last but not least.Don't get anxious when you do this things!

[[Bu...]]

Thank you, you guys, for your very thoughtful answers . Take care!