anxiety

Hi @peggycarter

There is the self help guide at the top (http://www.7cups.com/anxiety-help/) that has some information, however equally there is a really good group of members and listeners that post in the Anxiety forums here.

One such forum that I absolutely love as a resource can be found here (http://www.7cups.com/forum/AnxietySupportCommunity_53/SocialAnxietySupportSharing_247/MethodsforCalmingDownRelaxationFeelingBetterPleaseShare_18674/)

But be sure to look at some of the other threads. There are a lot of people who suffer from anxiety - both listener and member alike - that's a really good place to start :)

Exercising, like running or weightlifting, can help as a therapy forstress, anxiety, or depression. I do both. Not only will this distract you from what you are worried/thinking about, but you also feel great afterwards. Exercise is often associated with only physical health, but it does wonders for mental health as well. It builds confidence and a sense of accomplishment. There is also the added bonus of looking better which will make you feel better about your body too. Hope this helped.

Just close your eyes and take deep, slow breaths. Know that everything is going to be okay. Nothing will harm you. If you can, take a hot/warm bath then go to sleep. Or read a book. Or do some yoga. It also helps to talk to a friend or adult, maybe someone online about it.

I agree with Mike, for a good overall solution try exercise. I used to take Tae Kwon Do and I miss is severely. It's a great outlet for stress and anxiety, put it all into the workout. It helps clear your mind and exhausts your body, which will help you sleep... which also is a great help for anxiety.

In specific situations, I think deep breathing can help... some minor meditation-like mental exercises... visualizing the problem being solved ( by some realistic solution, by the gods, by superman, anything :) ) Sometimes I just scream a lot ( in the car mostly, when no-one else is around! )

I suggest this book in helping you deal with anxiety :http://www.anxietynomore.co.uk/the_book.html. I read it myself and it helped me look at anxiety in a way I had never really thought about before. It really helped me feel a lot better relatively. I hope it helps, even if just a little! :)