Coping with Anxiety

Anyone have any tips or techniques they use?

Typically Im good at being able to calm myself down. But I take anxiety meds...Im in the process of switching them so they arent working up to par yet ....and I am having an ambulatory surgery tommorow and am freaking out about freaking out...LOL
Im scared I will really panic tommorow when its time..

any advice?

Thanks so much...

Re: Coping with Anxiety

Keep BUSY

honestly i don't think there is anything that is going to keep you from this kind of worrying

IMO you could try expercise, hot shower...
but honestly i don't think it will really help in this case

CALL A FRIEND...that would work the best for me

have one of those all night silly convos about nothing

Re: Coping with Anxiety

Donna,

You have fm!!

Re: Coping with Anxiety

FM

Re: Coping with Anxiety

I have really bad anxiety as well, especially before I have to do something huge concerning my health. I usually write down every, single fear I have, and I'll write it down over and over and over again until I can calm myself down. I don't know why it works, but it does for me, at least to an extent. Hang in there

Re: Coping with Anxiety

I hope you are getting some good answers.

When your head starts spinnign and you start panicking about panicking.... picture this in your mind and focus on it instead

Image Attachment(s):

Re: Coping with Anxiety

Donna-
Remember, this is only temporary anxiety and overall you are being anxious about something that is going to help you.
Just repeat, this is a good thing
this is a good thing that is for the greater good.

Re: Coping with Anxiety

I going to a quiet place and listening to music helps. I think it would be good for you to bring you ipod or walkman etc. with you so if you feel like you're starting to panic you can put the headphones on.

Re: Coping with Anxiety

thanks everyone! Each tip is a great one!

I have been on the phone all night and FM'ing you all....and the STOP sign is a great idea Pauline!

Im more worried about tommorow when I get there...losing it waiting....

Re: Coping with Anxiety

Good Luck with your surgery tommorrow!
Go take a nice hot bath, watch a good movie and relax. (Easier said then done) Hope all goes well for you!

Re: Coping with Anxiety

i get his too. u have to learn how to breathe. take deep bretahes through you nose and out your mouth.(slowly) Yoga helps too. its mind over matter at times so u need to think good thoughts. sometiems i call my sister adn she calms me down. its good to have soemone like that

Re: Coping with Anxiety

Donna -dont get there too early, ask for meds the minute you get there (I know you hate them but it will help). If you need to call someone while you are waiting as a distraction.

Re: Coping with Anxiety

I'm not a very anxious person, but I would try breathing out slowly & stretching to help. Distraction works for some people.

Best of luck on your surgery tomorrow!

Re: Coping with Anxiety

Good Luck Tomorrow
&
I hope you find a way to remain calm

Re: Coping with Anxiety

thanks again everyone. Im trying. Im so scared I will flip out when I get there.

The worst is my surgeon had a medical problem of her own, so I have to use her partner and I met him today and DONT like him at all....but cant wait 2 weeks till my surgeon is back...

I wish the DR had explained more of it to me or tried to calm me...Maybe his attitude is whats freaking me out.

I appreciate you all!

Re: Coping with Anxiety

sometimes less is more. You will be asleep, whatever they have to do to make you feel better. Surgeons are notrious for their bad bedside manner, as long as he is skilled at his work.

You will not freak out out.

Now repeat after me.... I will not freak out I will not freak out I will not freak out I will not freak out I will not freak out

Re: Coping with Anxiety

Posted by rose825

sometimes less is more. You will be asleep, whatever they have to do to make you feel better. Surgeons are notrious for their bad bedside manner, as long as he is skilled at his work.

You will not freak out out.

Now repeat after me.... I will not freak out I will not freak out I will not freak out I will not freak out I will not freak out

Re: Coping with Anxiety

I'm sure everything is going to be fine

Re: Coping with Anxiety

ALl of the posters have given great advice.. I would say to breathe... and try to relax... good luck, everything will go great!

Re: Coping with Anxiety

I'm sorry I didn't see this yesterday. I hope you got a great nights sleep last night. I tend to breathe long and slow breaths to calme me down when I am anxious. You know I am thinking of you and that your procedure goes smoothly

Re: Coping with Anxiety

There are so many methods you could use to manage your anxiety. Distracting yourself by doing something that you enjoy. Exercising is a wonderful way to get out all the energy. Progressive muscle relaxation, which involves tensing and relaxing the different muscles in your body. Don't try to keep out the thoughts and emotions. Trying to block them just makes them try even harder to get in. Remember that emotions are like waves. They come and then they go. Remember that the anxiety will pass. Good luck.