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Posts created by Kezza

12 years ago 0 +0 / -0 7

My Introduction

Hello Everyone,

I just joined the group this week and am starting to read through the lessons. I have struggled with anxiety and panic attacks for 10 years or so...they first started in my early twenties/late teens. I didn't realise for many years what was even going on--I just assumed that I was a little high strung and that most people had these anxiety and thoughts. After years of just 'dealing' I finally spoke to a doctor about it and she diagnosed me with "generalised anxiety disorder" with panic attacks. I'm not on any daily medications for it--I decided not to go with SSRIs. I do have lorazepam but I only take it on an 'as needed' basis. Sometimes I will have two in a day other times I will go weeks taking none. One of the things that triggers my anxiety is alcohol. If I go out on a Saturday night and drink I always have ridiculous anxiety the next day--which sometimes leads to more wine...to take the edge off. It's a vicious cycle. I know the obvious answer is to stop drinking alcohol--but I would like to be able to go to a party or out for dinner or hang out with my friends and drink and feel normal the next day! Anyway I suppose I can post about the specifics in another thread.

Just wanted to say hello to everyone and say I'm really looking forward to this program.

12 years ago 0 +0 / -0 7

My Introduction

Thanks for your reply!

No specific questions about the program as of yet--I have read a lot about anxiety/panic disorders etc.. and CBT. I was diagnosed a few years ago and have done research since then--but I am finally getting to a point where i realise that I don't have to endure life like this and really need to do something about it!

12 years ago 0 +0 / -0 7

Anxiety and Insomnia--any strategies?

Hi All,

I'm new to the forums--have posted in the introduction section a bit about my background.

Just wondering what people's strategies are for coping with insomnia--or sleep disturbances. I have struggled in the past with not being able to stay asleep--but it would come and go with stress or other factors.

In the past 4 weeks or so I have quit smoking (yay) and started a new job--so my stress and anxiety levels are very high.

I think that the insomnia was a side effect of the nicotine withdrawal (at first) as I read this is a very common symptom and I spoke with my doctor about it.

Though most of the research says this should go away after about two weeks. Four weeks in and I still am having difficulty falling asleep--something I have never experienced before.

I feel like I am super anxious and panicky about NOT being able to sleep and having to get up and go to my relatively new job--that I am perpetuating the condition and am unsure how to handle it.

I do breathing exercises, progressive muscle relaxation, work out 3-4 times a week--have tried all the 'cures' or 'tips' i can find for insomnia and I am sleeping--better now--but it is still very hard to fall asleep and let go of the anxiety I am feeling about it.

Anyone experiencing this also? Or previously and have overcome it? I would love to hear some stories, tips and techniques which have worked well!

Thanks

Kez

12 years ago 0 +0 / -0 7

My Introduction

Thanks to everyone for the support!

I am definitely finding the program to be helpful and look forward to working with it and chatting to everyone.

12 years ago 0 +0 / -0 7

Hi i´m Ella

Hi Ella,

Your story sounds a lot like mine (and probably lot's of people's on here!) I was going to start a discussion to ask anyone about a 'swallowing' problem with anxiety because I don't often see or hear about it as one of the major symptoms..

I'm not sure if what you describe is the same as what I deal with but it's basically that (especially out for dinner in public) I will start to feel anxious and then i feel like i won't be able to swallow my food and i am going to choke. It happens sometimes just when I am normally trying to swallow--as if the reflex just 'isn't going to work' is what I think..

so whenever I am eating i HAVE to have water with me or I fear I will choke. Not sure if that is the same for you..but it's one of the things I really hope I can get a handle on!

12 years ago 0 +0 / -0 7

Hi i´m Ella

that's exactly how I feel too--and yes I'm with you on the chewing things up really well..to make sure it doesn't get stuck

I do that all the time when im feeling the 'stuck' feeling. Well hopefully we will get there soon! It doesn't happen to me all the time but it's enough that as I said I will not eat anything without water or some kind of liquid near by....

12 years ago 0 +0 / -0 7

Hi i´m Ella

one side of my jaw has a constant click on it...the other side sometimes will but go back into alignment ..

i get like a really sore jaw/neck/back from being 'tense' all the time and not realising it..but i've learned to try to take notice of it and make adjustments but sometimes if im not paying attention i realise ive been clenching my jaw or tensing my shoulders for ages..

or even silly things like if im holding an umbrella--I realise ive been clenching it realllly hard..all stuff that i never really took notice of before examining my behaviours.

So at least being able to identify them is a good thing...i think!

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