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Looking to connect with other anxious people and learn some new coping skills.
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#1
I find that walking alone really helps. Backstory: in middle school, I had a teacher who I really hated, and I would always get super anxious in that class (most of the anxiety was caused by the teacher). I had gym the next period, and would always go in very anxious. My gym teacher pulled me aside one day after realizing the issue and decided to let me walk up and down the hallway (the gym was in its own wing) instead of playing with the rest of the kids. So instead of my anxiety getting worse by being in a crowd of people, it would calm down. I felt the need to write this out because this teacher’s actions were amazing. Thank you, Mr. Gym Teacher.
Final score:
29points
Richard Portman 3 years ago
Oh thank you for telling us. I had gym teacher in middle school like that. He had a withered leg because polio survivor. The bullies would make fun of his limp. He was always protecting the weird kids. I remember his name to this day. Mr Underwood also knew his sports. He was a good teacher.
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#2
I carry really tiny plush animals in my pockets and squish them, i have autism and it really helps my anxiety. I wish id had them when i was younger the plastic fidget toys i got never really helped
Final score:
27points
Summer Mason 3 years ago
You and my daughter have alot in common. It helps sooth her too. And she is doing phenomenal I school now with them. *hugs* to you both if that's okay.
Carol Emory 3 years ago
My son is autistic and his anxiety coping method is listening to Lo-Fi music and drawing Manga characters.
#3
Painting. I love coloring all my emotions out on a white page. It may look gibberish sometimes, but it is what I'm feeling on the inside.
Final score:
19points
Ami (she/her) 3 years ago
That's how I feel about journaling, expressing emotions through something physical can sometimes help so much.
Earl Grey 3 years ago (edited)
Upvoting this. I am not religious but I inscribed this on the very first page of my very first sketchbook “A blank page is God’s way of showing us just how hard it is to be God. - Author Unknown.” Pick up a pencil, pen or whatever and just scribble scribble scribble. You never have to share it if you don’t want to. But just get something down on paper, pad or whatever. Months or years later you will thank yourself so much for doing that! YOU yourself are a perfectly fine audience.
#4
Silence and alone time. Dimmed lights.
Final score:
19points
13 3 years ago
I moved from the big city to a hole in the ground. Still too many people, but the surrounding forests are a balm on frazzled nerves. You can walk for hours and the only thing you'll hear is the wind in the trees and distant birdsong. One of the few sounds left that I can tolerate endlessly.
#5
Time alone, no one asking what’s wrong, or why am I being b*tchy, or why I am being this way. Just time locked away in my room with some snacks, water, and remotes to the tv, and I’ll be just fine.. until I’m out of there and have to do it all over again.
Final score:
17points
#6
I’m socially anxious and I find that listening to music helps when I’m in crowds- might not be possible for everyone so here’s another that I like to use: fidgeting with my hands. It can be anything from just my fingers to a crumpled piece of paper to a fidget cube, but it also helps with my adhd hyperactivity :D
Final score:
16points
Summer Mason 3 years ago
Music seems to be a huge healer. But i do the same with my hands. I have to hold something to help if my anxiety kicks in. It helps alot. Glad we are not alone.
Jennifer Bugaj Koehler 3 years ago
Music is always good. Hopefully not rap or heavy metal because I think that would make it worse.
Vincent Van Bro (Submission author) 3 years ago
Haha I listen to heavy metal a lot when I’m stressed, actually calms me down! But hey everybody has their own opinions
Load More Replies... #7
Crochet. It lets me channel the anxious energy into something creative. It's also helping me quit smoking.
Final score:
16points
#8
Medication and therapy. Lots of therapy.
Final score:
15points
Ami (she/her) 3 years ago
Yes, therapy is definitely what's helped me a ton. And also just building up the courage to tell someone about what I was going through. I'm proud of everyone who's reached out and tried to get help, it's sometimes the hardest part of the battle.
Summer Mason 3 years ago
You got this. I don't know your story. But you got this. And I'm here if you need me. We all have struggles but no one is greater than the other.
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Collin Lyle (Submission author) 3 years ago
I want to share a few things in case it's helpful. 1. I had crushing generalized anxiety. No matter how much I leaned on my friends to help me with it the anxiety always came roaring back. It was destroying my career. It was going to destroy my friendships. The medication gave me space for coping skills to work. 2. The medication my doctor put me on was life changing for my anxiety. (Like when my asthma doctor changed my corticosteroid inhaler life changing. I got bronchitis 2x a year and ended up in the ER until I got new a new med.) It took time to find the right anxiety med. 3. I found a fabulous therapist. Look for a therapist that practices psychodynamic psychotherapy. 4. I have a behind the scenes view of the cannabis industry. It is an industry. The laws for legalization in most states make it impossible for small growers to become legal growers and compete with the big guys. 5. Sometimes you'll want to give up. Allow yourself to feel that. Then keep working on yourself.
Load More Replies... #9
My bun (bunny), i love my bunny, everytime i get anxious or shy, her name is snowy.
Final score:
15points
MARIAN JESSICA VILLANUEVA (Submission author) 3 years ago
Unfortunatly, my bunny died yesterday, but she lives in my heart, inside me: I MISS HER SO MUCH😭😭😭😭
Something Different 3 years ago
oh my god, I'm so sorry for your loss of a dear companion, and I know how it feels. I keep a picture of my old dog in my pocket and remember her little smile, and it helps me.
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Haily Jynne 3 years ago
I have my beautiful chickens that love and distract me. I love all of them.
#10
If I'm at home, I'll organize my bookshelves. I've arranged them by color, genre, size, author, title, and whether or not I have read them. It's really calming and I can focus on that instead of everything else in my life.
Final score:
13points
Summer Mason 3 years ago
Same here. I just rearranged all my children's bedrooms and cleaned out all my kitchen cabinets. It's my 1st week alone since my son died so it's a huge goal in my mind. I cleaned instead of laying in bed crying or sleeping. Cleaning can mean huge things for us suffering.
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#11
I have two big stuffed animals. A unicorn and a dolphin on my bed that my son slept on before he died. I cuddle them and they still smell like him be washed 4 times since October. I love them and when I'm breaking apart at the seems I can stuff my face in them and remind myself to be stronger for the other children. It's almost an oxymoron in my life at this point. Brings happiness and sadness then comfort
Final score:
13points
Summer Mason (Submission author) 3 years ago
I really appreciate it. I do. Thank you soo much .
Load More Replies... Summer Mason (Submission author) 3 years ago
I want to personally thank every single person in the BP community who is giving of their grief for me and my family. Yall are amazing and some have become good friends over it in different parts of the world and remind me to stay strong. I'm so happy to have met all of you. God bless every single one of your hearts. Your amazing. Thank you so much.
MARIAN JESSICA VILLANUEVA 3 years ago
Oh stop...... your'e making me blush
Load More Replies... Summer Mason (Submission author) 3 years ago
Thank you so much grouchybooty. Means the world.
Load More Replies... Amy G 3 years ago
I’m so so sorry for your loss, Summer. I’ve read several stories from people who feel like their loved ones visit as butterflies of a specific color, and it gives me peace to think about. I didn’t get to find out if my two that I lost were boys or girls, but I dreamed a couple times they were girls and I associate white and pale yellow with them. So it may sound silly, but I always look for the yellow and white butterflies and it makes me smile. They are waiting for us in the After. ❤️and hugs to you.
Summer Mason (Submission author) 3 years ago
Thank you Amy. I have a red cardinal that now lives by my house. I feel like it's my sons spirt looking down on us and watching over us. So i completely get it. I'm also sorry for your loss. Losing a child is losing one no matter how. Hugs and love to you too. I can wait to see him again because i know it's not my time yet.
Load More Replies... Summer Mason (Submission author) 3 years ago
Thank you Jeana. I love the hearts. Thank you soo much.
Load More Replies... #12
Therapy, more so talking. Writing about anything. Designing new things, like how I could redo a room, rearrange it to make it different. I craft, paint, diamond art, jewelry making and really anything I could possibly want to craft with. I have slowly built up a base level craft store in my room. I can pretty much do any craft. I love to listen to music. And sometimes I take nighttime pm and go to bed.
Final score:
10points
#14
Hugging my Dog Shilo.
Final score:
10points
IlovemydogShilo (Submission author) 3 years ago
Yes. He is just the best thing in my life. I love him so much.
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Janet Floyd 3 years ago
My dog saved my life. She keeps me from going off the deep end. Sometimes you really need that unconditional love.
#15
I try to think of the good things I have going on. It's so easy with anxiety to focus only on the negative so I think, what am I grateful for? If that doesn't work I smoke some great legal weed and watch something like Rick & Morty to remind myself not to take life so seriously.
Final score:
9points
#16
(Doesn’t always work for obvious reasons-) but when I’m with my sister particularly, it’s a good coping mechanism. She’s the same level of “oh god everything is bad this is very very bad time to leave time to-“ as I am, but she’s younger. I think it helps me to help *her*, if that makes sense. She’s nervous about a situation? Well, I am too, but dang it if I’m not gonna fight god over her. In taking on this mindset, I end up being less anxious because I’m already prepared to handle things. I hope that made any semblance of sense-
Final score:
9points
Ami (she/they) 3 years ago
I do this with my friends, especially those who have social anxiety and need me to help in social situations (I don't have social anxiety, just generalized anxiety disorder)
christine chatfield 3 years ago
Yes, when you are anxious, helping someone else will help you to calm down. To move your focus outside of you to another person will cut off your mind worry loop.☺️🥰💕
#17
When I suffer from anxiety and especially the racing thoughts that fuel it, I consciously fill my mind with lists of positive words such as harmony, peace, joy, heaven, love, serenity, angel, light, hope etc and I just keep going, finding as many words as I can and make it a sort of mantra. This calms me.
Final score:
8points
Ami (she/they) 3 years ago
It took me until recently to figure out that with enough effort I could change racing negative thoughts into a positive mantra, so far it's been difficult but really helped.
#18
I sing the song I learned in elementary school called "50 nifty united states" lol it gets my mind off of it alphabetically singing the states
Final score:
7points
Stacey Maura 3 years ago
Fifth nifty United States, from thirteen original colonies. Fifty nifty stars in the flag that billows so beautifully in the breeze ... 🎶🎵
#19
If I have time: crafting and audio books. If I don't: concentrating on my feet on the floor.
Final score:
7points
Bina Cobbler (Submission author) 3 years ago
Actually that's not funny, it's a coping mechanism that works by taking your mind off things while demonstrating that you're not freefalling. Learned that in therapy and it works.
Load More Replies... #20
My favorites are cuddling/training my chickens (Hens: Li, Goldie, Breda, Lynn and Roosters: Raven, Vanilla) I love them very much, and the absolute peace is amazing. I also LOVE reading. Getting into a good book (usually by Brandon Sanderson, specifically Stormlight Archive) also helps. So many times have I avoided or diffused a panic or anxiety attack because of these books!
Final score:
7points
Ami (she/they) 3 years ago
Yes!!! I love Stormlight Archives so much, finding good books that can make anxiety disappear, even for a moment, is amazing
malenchki 3 years ago
Oml Brandon Sanderson is so amazing I love the mist born series and I also love one of his more recent ones called Skylark
Haily Jynne (Submission author) 3 years ago
He just released a new Skyward book, and I was able to go to the release event! It was AMAZING!
Load More Replies... #21
Breathe in quickly but breathe out slowly. It tricks the brain into that calming breathing out after you've been startled, but without being startled at all. Physical exercise helps. House cleaning helps. Self care like showering helps. There's no one trick that works for everyone, unfortunately, but there are a lot of tricks out there so I know that we'll all be able to find something here. Pandas taking care of Pandas. :)
Final score:
6points
Richard Portman 3 years ago
I do that breathing thing also. It works for me. I make up imaginary words to go with the breath patterns. Sometimes my mind won't stop. I also like to listen to Discworld novels. Horrorbabble is an audio channel on YouTube that has hundreds of stories that i enjoy. Some people i know have a tree or a place they like to visit when they can. Not everyone has a park or open space, but if you do they are great. We still have birds where i live. I really enjoy them. I am in a wheelchair. Sometimes it is a big effort to go outside and do these things but so far it is worth it. Don't beat yourself up. This covid has made things more difficult but not impossible.
Ami (she/her) 3 years ago
Hot showers are a great way to recenter, I know they definitely calm me down
#23
i bounce my leg whenever im bored, stressed or anxious
Final score:
6points
Jennifer Bugaj Koehler 3 years ago
I do that too. So did my grams. I used to make jokes but now I’m doing it, she used to say just you wait! Lol. I think it’s genetic, people who are especially hyperactive.
#24
True crime, my cat, and medication.
Final score:
6points
malenchki 3 years ago
See I can’t listen to anything about crime or burglaries because then my anxiety goes “oh you thought I was gone did you? Thought you would get to turn the light off and not glance over your shoulder ten times tonight WELL I HAVE NEWS FOR YOU.” It sucks becuase I love that stuff
Silre (Submission author) 3 years ago
Critical Role is pretty good at helping me fall asleep. I don't listen to true crime at night, because I'd just stay awake listening lol
Load More Replies... #25
Ever heard of Undertale? I love the music. And its just a really nice thing to listen to when I need to calm down.
Final score:
5points
#26
Grounding skills! I typically use some combo of these for high anxiety, panic or uncontrollable crying. 1. Easiest one is I hand them a small rock and tell them to tell me everything they know about the rock. People usually say things like “It’s a brown rock, it has a chip on the corner.” Then I ask them what the rock surface feels like, does it feel cold or room temp? Basics like that. Then after distracting them with rock questions, I explain that that patient just uses their sense of sight and touch
Final score:
5points
Dana (Submission author) 3 years ago
***Focusing on uses your 5 senses takes attention away from the anxiety. Also then they want to know why I had a random rock. Boom, de-escalated! Can also use ice cube if you have one handy.
Dana (Submission author) 3 years ago
**Try to identify exactly what feeling you are having. I also have feelings wheels with me, but if you are self-soothing just google “feelings wheel”. And then pick 1 or 2 that you feel describe your current emotional state. Just identify WHAT you feel is such a huge step in learning to manage intense emotion/anxiety!
grouchybooty 3 years ago
Thanks for the tip with the feelings wheel. Most times I have absolutely no idea what I'm feeling, so this will be definitely helpful. I only know "angry", "tired", "hungry" and "I'm the greatest"
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#28
It depends on what my stressor is. I’m a kindergarten teacher and sometimes dealing with the children/parents has completely worn me down. If need a short break before handling my own kids at home, I’ll take a half hour in my room with low lighting and either read, listen to an audiobook, play a mindless game, or take a short power nap. Just whatever shuts my brain off for a brief respite. If it’s just life in general, like I don’t have a specific reason to be anxious but I feel anxious anyway, then anything creative helps me. Crafting, painting, decorating, whatever. Now in cases like today where I received bad, life changing news? Movement. Working out, dancing, heavy duty cleaning, anything with real heart-rate increasing movement. It helps burn off panicky nervous energy and I usually emerge from the other side much calmer and with a clearer head.
Final score:
5points
Amy G (Submission author) 3 years ago
Also, never underestimate the power of a cozy out-of-the-way corner and a cup of something hot, whether tea, coffee, hot chocolate, hot apple cider. Hugging it close and deeply breathing in the steam can help open and soothe your airways, which automatically reduces stress and promotes calm. This is my favorite wake-up/get ready for bed ritual.
Load More Replies... Ann Dennis 3 years ago
I hope you have some emotional support, given the bad news you've received.
Amy G (Submission author) 3 years ago
I do, thank you! I don’t have family here that I’m in contact with but I have an amazing circle of friends and ‘chosen family’ that have all rallied around us. So it’s all good. Or at least, it will be soon enough. 🙃
Load More Replies... #29
Drawing even if in terrible
Final score:
5points
#30
staying away from other humans as much as possible
Final score:
5points
malenchki 3 years ago
Yeah people I used to associate with ( I say this because we were never friends in the first place I stayed bc my friend with social anxiety was to anxious to just ditch their asses and tbh so was I) claimed they had anxiety then would be like OMG YOU ARENT AS ANXIOUS AS ME GOD WOULD YOU JUST DEAL WITH IT then go on about how their anxiety was so bad… she magically sprouted anxiety after she hurt her finger in a door. She was like “im never opening that again” like she might have had anxiety but she dismissed mine and essentially told me that my opinion meant nothing. Sad thing is my friend with social anxiety is still friends with her she says it’s just because we were all friends for so long and im scared to tell her that I still don’t feel comfortable around her. And now I’ve gone on a rant. Sorry you had to read my rantin NZCas
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#31
For mild to moderate anxiety, treat it like an annoying client who needs to calm down. Tell it "Not now" and do something distracting. Maybe an hour later, check in with my anxiety and see how it's doing. There's a good chance it's doing better. Then back to doing something else. Then check later in the day and the anxiety will be smaller. And so on, until it's gone.
Final score:
4points
#32
When I'm really stressed I take a hot shower and play music very loud. Sometimes I just shutdown, that's not a very good coping mechanism though.
Final score:
4points
#33
I try to reason through the anxiety. first I try to figure out exactly what I'm scared of, then
Final score:
4points
Virtually Fabulous (Submission author) 3 years ago
Help help how do you edit?? God I feel stupid. Like I was saying, I list a solution, or multiple, to every trigger. Then, if I think of how those could go wrong, I lost more solutions to those. This proves to me that something can be done. Granted, I am mostly claustrophobic and agoraphobic (fear of something going wrong
#34
I like those pixel art games, they're great for destressing. I also go for runs, I live near a national park so I go down the nearest trail, it's really peaceful. If I'm not at home, just being alone for five minutes and talking it through helps a lot.
Final score:
4points
#35
Hi again, btw, my bird is still my comfort,when im anxious ot shy, she's a budgie and her name is peanut, she died again a few hours ago. I hope i can see her again😭😭😭😭
Final score:
4points
#36
Playing with/hugging my two puppies and weight training.. aerobic exercise just doesn't work for me... but weights, yes. Sometimes they are still not enough... i need to able to combine the two somehow.... puppy lifting ?
Final score:
4points
#37
Keeping my hands busy keeps my mind calm. Continuously learning and accomplishing projects help
Final score:
4points
#38
i like to say the alphabet backwards, because it makes me think. also take deep breaths in between. Z... breathe...Y..... breathe it really helps, trust me, especially in a panic attack or anxiety attack
Final score:
3points
Ami (she/her) 3 years ago
I do something similar, counting backwards from 100 if I can't sleep because of anxiety
#39
Often times don't take care of my anxiety properly, and it usually leads to a panic attack. When I do deal with my anxiety, I take some deep breaths, and try to focus on slowing my heart rate. Because I've had multiple panic attacks before, I usually take my pulse often. Sometimes I also try reassuring myself via positive self-talk.
Final score:
3points
#40
I’ve yet to find one. It doesn’t help, but alcohol is still my only coping mechanism. My cats help me a little bit but are a cause of great anxiety too! One of them is stuck in a cycle of itch, scratch, make it bleed, let it scab over, scab becomes itchy, scratch, make it bleed, scab over … and so on!
Final score:
3points
13 3 years ago
Try meditation (and i mean really f*****g try) with Scratch Kitty in the same room. There's a good chance your stress is the cause of her distress. I'm not saying the meditation wil cure your anxiety but if you give this a shot you might be surprised. And no you don't have to sit crosslegged and go ohm if you don't want to. Just sit comfortably, close your eyes and calm your breathing. Or you know, try. For Scratch Kitty! You both deserve it.
Kathi Firns-Hubert 3 years ago
I used alcohol, too, but then it got our of control & took me down a long, ugly path. The last couple of years of drinking were absolutely horrifying until I quit. Now I do deep breathing.
Ryan Deschanel 3 years ago
Alcohol might be the best mechanism ever to help you cope with... life in general.
Viviane 3 years ago (edited)
Getting drunk can be a form of catharsis. However, I am concerned if someone uses it to self-medicate on a daily basis. That view is partly shaped by a friend who was an alcoholic. When she got a brain injury, it was very hard to tell if it was from the hard liquor or not. I'm on anti-depressants which do reduce anxiety and cause fewer side effects. Therapy and joining a support has also helped.
Load More Replies... #41
Running. Everytime I get anxious or snappy because of stress my bf will ask if I would like to go for a run. Works everytime! Good music in my ears and bringing the dogs along helps too.
Final score:
3points
#42
any kind of noise helps me. i just find a place that has lows, constant noises and kind of sit and stare until i feel a little better. i also like to sit in the shower with loud music on and sit on the shower floor.
Final score:
3points
Amy G 3 years ago (edited)
Yes! I have the Windy app for this. It has different outdoor scenarios ( I live in the middle of a metropolitan area so going outside to listen to the hot rods roaring by isn’t conducive to relaxation). Like rain against a tent, a babbling brook in a forest, the wind through a meadow. You can set your own preferences of how loud you want the water, the birds, the crickets. There is also a repetitive soft musical accompaniment that usually I leave off but it puts my kindergartners out in 5 minutes if I turn it on. It is so grounding and restful. When I got it it was free, but I think it’s $1.99 now. Still so worth it, I use it every night.
#43
When I'm at work, I have found doing stock count helps me. The Company loves it, as do my collegues, as it is one thing others hate doing. Half an hour of it calms me enough to go back to doing everything else.
Final score:
3points
Viviane 3 years ago
Love it! Sometimes doing the boring crap is so calming and you get to make others happy, too. :)
Lily 3 years ago (edited)
Yes, doing something routine and ordinary distracts the mind, and allows you to calm down. I do chores to help - it works great for depression as well.
Load More Replies... #44
Cats…just cats and only cats (or chinchillas if you have one)
Final score:
3points
#45
If possible, something that involves moving. At work, I’ll try to go for a walk. If I’m home, yoga, yard work, or lots of cleaning. If my mind just will not settle, heavy metal music. Anything that will distract or drown out the noise in my head and hopefully reset my brain for a while. The music thing helps when I’m stuck with an issue at work, too. I also have a “things that give me anxiety” bingo card for work. It’s almost all forms of public speaking that I’d never thought I’d have to do as peon - like presenting something to over 40 people without much forewarning.
Final score:
2points
#46
Cooking. When I get wound up I head straight to the kitchen. To do things properly takes every bit of my concentration. After a while I forget what set me off, and I can relax and enjoy and appreciate what I have just made.
Final score:
2points
#47
Learn as many lessons as I can so as not to repeat the same reasons for the pain. Acceptance that pain is. That’s a big one. Because life is difficult and the reward for repairing the damage done to me that I continued to repeat to myself. That finally asking for help starts the healing. And I have found heaven is on earth, not after death. And accept that I do the best I can. Always. It is a sign of forgiveness for myself and kindness toward others, who are also doing the best they can. Think about it. No matter what. You ARE doing the only thing you can and that is the best you can do.
Final score:
2points
Leslie Hill (Submission author) 3 years ago
It’s one of those conceptual things. Once appreciated, never forgotten.
13 3 years ago
I have serious issues with things ending. I get the acceptance thing. Litterally a mantra of sorts to say to yourself "Everything ends, that's the natural order and it is ok." Doesn't get rid of the ever present existential dread but keeps the panic and hopelessness at bay. And that is ok for now. Thanks for sharing ❤
Load More Replies... #48
Sleep. Hard to get, and keep, with anxiety. I found a little trick to quickly get myself back to sleep during the night. Maybe it will work for others: When I wake (and don't have to go to the WC), I keep my eyes closed, try not to move (much), and sing a Nickelback song in my head. My brain gets bored quickly and I usually fall right back to sleep. It doesn't have to be Nickelback, of course, I think any dumb song would work (just not something to bring up emotions).
Final score:
2points
#49
Redefining my day I try to find joy in every day no matter how small. And use it to light my way (Autism, PTSD, OCD & Anxiety.. if ganged up with migraine answer changes to hiding in my darkroom/converted walkin closet)
Final score:
2points
#50
I always carry at least one small object or a plush or I chew gum
Final score:
2points
#51
I go outside by myself and just breathe. I clear my mind and watch the sunset most days
Final score:
2points
#52
I find that going outside at night, when everyone is in bed, and take three deep yoga breaths. If I can feel that my stress levels are about to pop I go outside and breath. I also chant "Goosephaba" No kidding! From the movie Anger Managment. Music also is good for you. Play some air guitar.
Final score:
2points
#53
I have this stuffed bunny and and a security blanket that help me a lot, whenever I hug my bunny or I cuddle up in my security blanket i always feel like my mom is there hugging me and telling me that everything will be ok. I also like to do art especially painting and also baking/cooking helps.
Final score:
2points
PansexualFrog (Submission author) 3 years ago
I also forgot to say that reading also helps me. I also like to fidget with things, it’s keeps my mind busy
#54
In times of high stress/ anxiety simply grip your left wrist with your right hand and squeeze moderately hard. Say the word; "Calm" gently to yourself over and over. Doing this has dramatic results. Something to do with your pulse and heartbeat. You can feel it working.
Final score:
2points
Sail Westerly (Submission author) 3 years ago
I was told this by a Doctor years ago and I still use it today. It so works.
#55
Holding onto something always helped. Whether a pen, keys, a small stone, any small object that I can hold in my hand. If the anxiety becomes overwhelming, since I was a small child I found holding onto something solid always helps calm the body and mind. I used to wake up from anxious nightmares and just reach my hand up to hold onto the headboard of my bed. It always gave relief. So, a table or wall - hands firmly grabbing or flat on something solid will help grounding. And of the times driving in the car during road trips, anxiety has hit from time to time - I turn on the music, loud, to drown out the thoughts in my head - that always helps.
Final score:
2points
#56
I don't know if someone else said this but pushing your tongue against the roof of your mouth during a panic attack. It helps lower your heart rate some how. Just don't do this to much because I would do this all the time and it irritated my tongue, don't know how.
Final score:
1point
#57
Here's a two-fer. First, mine. Hold your arms out directly from the shoulders. Take a deep brea
Final score:
1point
#58
Medication. Lots of medication. Only medication. Oh, and also pessimism. When you know nothing matters and you are already sure everything will always suck anyway (which, admit it, is always true), then you are under a little less pressure because you know you won't miss out on any chance as chances never happen in the first place.
Final score:
1point
Raven DeathShade 3 years ago
Ah yes. Pessimism as a form of coping with anxiety. Making myself feel worse will certainly help me, Monsieur Deschanel. /s
Ryan Deschanel (Submission author) 3 years ago
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Load More Replies... Summer Mason 3 years ago
8 think hugs should be more often. Parents kids pets friends grand parents whatever it is. Its scientifically proven to longer the human life span. They are researching it in common house hold animals. I wish the pandemic didn't exist. Sometimes my best friend has to vedio call me rather than come over cause she is in the medical care field and can't hug me due to covid. It could kill my husband.
#59
When I'm at home, I'll put on a pair of noise-canceling headphones and a sleep mask and sit on the floor. It's a bit like meditation for me, being able to experience the complete nothingness allows me to calm down and, when I'm ready, work through whatever caused me anxiety. I also love singing my anxiety out or acting inside my head as a means of escape.
Final score:
1point
#60
I get really itchy when anxious, so I like to gently rub my fingers on my arms.
Final score:
1point
#61
Being aware of my breathing and taking deep breaths. Mindfulness has helped me sooo much. And a good, warm hug helps me calm down.
Final score:
1point
#62
Meditation mode. I immediately go into it even if I'm on a bus, at work or walking around.
Final score:
1point
#64
Petting my dog, spending time alone outside, and finding quiet places. I have hypersensitivity, especially to noise, so wearing noise canceling AirPods helps in loud situations. Playing the cello also helps me relax. I have social anxiety, so in social situations I sometimes take little breaks to recharge, or take deep breaths. Meditation before bedtime helps my anxiety so I can sleep.
Final score:
1point
#65
My coping method is going for a small drive. I think it's because, growing up, neither home or school were safe havens for me. I was constantly bullied and threatened in school and I would go home to an verbally abusive mother that had no problem hit us if we stepped a toe out of line. On the weekends, my Dad would load me up in the car and take me for a long drive. We'd stop in small towns for ice cream or lunch. It was one of the only times I didn't need to feel afraid and I knew I was safe. Now it's a coping mechanism.
Final score:
1point
#66
When it gets really bad, I let out the loudest, longest primal scream, drop to my knees of exhaustion, stay there for as long as it takes. When I get up Im a different person!
Final score:
1point
#67
Dropping the Anchor. Also known as 5-4-3-2-1. 1. The first step is to look around the room and name (out loud) five things that you can see (a clock on the wall or a car. 2. The second step is to focus on four things that you can feel. This could be the fan blowing on your face, or the texture of your jeans. Describe each out loud. 3.The third step is to name three things that you can hear. This could be a bird outside to the hum of the fridge. 4.The fourth step is to notice two things that you can smell. Perhaps the room freshener and you can smell something specifically (like a book or an eraser). 5.The fifth step is to focus on one thing that you can taste. Take a sip of water or coffee and describe how it tastes. Or you can eat a mint. This technique helps get you out of an anxiety spiral and back into your body. It works well to ‘drop the anchor’ when you feel overwhelmed in the storms of life.
Final score:
1point
#68
I draw it helps me release and transform all the icky stuff inside into something that I enjoy
Final score:
1point
#69
I sit alone and writ stories or read
Final score:
0points
#70
You are going to have to be more specific regarding what situation calls for coping skills. How someone deals with illness, family, work, relationships, society, death, loss, personal issues, require different coping skills.
Final score:
-1point
Viviane 3 years ago (edited)
bumble bee, it sounds as if you have quite a long list of problems to handle right now. Can you tell me the ones that are the most urgent? I may be able to give you some ideas for coping with them.
bumble bee (Submission author) 3 years ago
I think you need to re read my post.
Load More Replies... Viviane 3 years ago (edited)
Keep in mind that some of the people here are still in their teens. They're sharing their techniques. They won't work for everyone, but I think it's nice to hear what other people do and it helps me to appreciate individual differences. You sound like a very cerebral person. You might benefit more from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or analysis than from meditation or exercise.
Explore more of these tags
What do you think ?
Jods 3 years ago
I lost my job due to my mental health. They said they could not cope with it any longer! I’m still so angry that this happened and until I can let go of this anger then nothing will help. CBT certainly didn’t help. One little victory the day before Christmas Eve - my bank have agreed to write off my debts with them as they did not fully understand my mental state at the time when they placed my account with the recovery’s section, nor did they query why I had got into financial difficulties.
K Witmer 3 years ago
So sorry this All happened to you. I live in the US and it's illegal to do this. It's discrimination against people w disabilities and diagnosed mental illness falls under that law. How cruel and infuriating. I hope you can find peace. My heart goes out to you.
Load More Replies... Raven DeathShade 3 years ago
I have anxiety, depression, and I think ADHD as well. Got the whole set XD. I probably need to start a post here asking for advice, I've been sort of...dissociating recently, more often than I have before. Google isn't helping, since I have a lot of doubt over if what I believe to be symptoms are even real. I just hope there are therapists on BP XD.
K Witmer 3 years ago
I'm not a therapist but my daughter dissociates too. She's been in therapy for 4 yrs. Her therapist said it's her OCD linked to anxiety depression and intrusive thoughts. She's learned coping mechanisms for this. Things that keep her grounded: talking about things out loud to someone she trusts will listen and not give advice unless asked. She also writes in her journal so she can see the pattern and find out her triggers. She knits and plays music. Calls her therapist when she needs to. You're not alone. I know how hard it is too. I have anxiety and depression as well. My heart goes out to you.
Load More Replies...
AMM 3 years ago
Something that helps me in the moment is to spell names backwards in my head or make an A-Z list of something-- foods, animals, band names, etc.
Viviane 3 years ago
I use something similar for insomnia: I make similar useless lists in my head. That serves two purposes: keeps me from focusing on personal stresses and it's not exciting enough to keep me stimulated. It's reduced my insomnia considerably.
Load More Replies... Jennifer Bugaj Koehler 3 years ago
I diffuse things with humor. In the past I would become other personas or I would talk in accents and just be other people. Now I’m healed of my extreme depressions and anxiety so I just make jokes.
Viviane 3 years ago (edited)
I acted out an anxiety attack and imitated my hubby getting freaked out about it. My nephew was in stitches. I thought "Wooohooooo!!! I'm killing this!!" Maybe I should get T-shirts printed up - I might want to sell merch at my next anxiety attack. ;)
Load More Replies...
シ *’-BLOODLUST-‘* シ 3 years ago
I’m a wolf biter…. It doesn’t help it just makes everything worse ØvØ
bumble bee 3 years ago
Lots of people using diversion methods to cope with things. Ignoring things will not help, and you should meet things head on. Knowing and understanding the truth of what is going on allows one to deal with situation with better results. Coping is similar to problem solving and gaining some control over what is going on.
K Witmer 3 years ago
That works for you. Doesn't work for all of us. There is no such thing as me facing my irrational anxiety head on. I've learned coping mechanisms for that. To deal in absolutes when it comes to mental illness is not healthy. I've been in therapy for years. I've learned one thing and that's everyone deals w things differently and there's no right or wrong. We all grow and learn differently according to our trauma or what it is we have to deal with. And all mental illness can not be "cured" my nervous system runs amuck all on its own. Can't really teach my nervous system to stop doing what it does just like you can't tell a broken bone to heal all by itself. You get treatment and take care of yourself.
Load More Replies... Jods 3 years ago
I lost my job due to my mental health. They said they could not cope with it any longer! I’m still so angry that this happened and until I can let go of this anger then nothing will help. CBT certainly didn’t help. One little victory the day before Christmas Eve - my bank have agreed to write off my debts with them as they did not fully understand my mental state at the time when they placed my account with the recovery’s section, nor did they query why I had got into financial difficulties.
K Witmer 3 years ago
So sorry this All happened to you. I live in the US and it's illegal to do this. It's discrimination against people w disabilities and diagnosed mental illness falls under that law. How cruel and infuriating. I hope you can find peace. My heart goes out to you.
Load More Replies... Raven DeathShade 3 years ago
I have anxiety, depression, and I think ADHD as well. Got the whole set XD. I probably need to start a post here asking for advice, I've been sort of...dissociating recently, more often than I have before. Google isn't helping, since I have a lot of doubt over if what I believe to be symptoms are even real. I just hope there are therapists on BP XD.
K Witmer 3 years ago
I'm not a therapist but my daughter dissociates too. She's been in therapy for 4 yrs. Her therapist said it's her OCD linked to anxiety depression and intrusive thoughts. She's learned coping mechanisms for this. Things that keep her grounded: talking about things out loud to someone she trusts will listen and not give advice unless asked. She also writes in her journal so she can see the pattern and find out her triggers. She knits and plays music. Calls her therapist when she needs to. You're not alone. I know how hard it is too. I have anxiety and depression as well. My heart goes out to you.
Load More Replies... AMM 3 years ago
Something that helps me in the moment is to spell names backwards in my head or make an A-Z list of something-- foods, animals, band names, etc.
Viviane 3 years ago
I use something similar for insomnia: I make similar useless lists in my head. That serves two purposes: keeps me from focusing on personal stresses and it's not exciting enough to keep me stimulated. It's reduced my insomnia considerably.
Load More Replies... Jennifer Bugaj Koehler 3 years ago
I diffuse things with humor. In the past I would become other personas or I would talk in accents and just be other people. Now I’m healed of my extreme depressions and anxiety so I just make jokes.
Viviane 3 years ago (edited)
I acted out an anxiety attack and imitated my hubby getting freaked out about it. My nephew was in stitches. I thought "Wooohooooo!!! I'm killing this!!" Maybe I should get T-shirts printed up - I might want to sell merch at my next anxiety attack. ;)
Load More Replies... シ *’-BLOODLUST-‘* シ 3 years ago
I’m a wolf biter…. It doesn’t help it just makes everything worse ØvØ
bumble bee 3 years ago
Lots of people using diversion methods to cope with things. Ignoring things will not help, and you should meet things head on. Knowing and understanding the truth of what is going on allows one to deal with situation with better results. Coping is similar to problem solving and gaining some control over what is going on.
K Witmer 3 years ago
That works for you. Doesn't work for all of us. There is no such thing as me facing my irrational anxiety head on. I've learned coping mechanisms for that. To deal in absolutes when it comes to mental illness is not healthy. I've been in therapy for years. I've learned one thing and that's everyone deals w things differently and there's no right or wrong. We all grow and learn differently according to our trauma or what it is we have to deal with. And all mental illness can not be "cured" my nervous system runs amuck all on its own. Can't really teach my nervous system to stop doing what it does just like you can't tell a broken bone to heal all by itself. You get treatment and take care of yourself.
Load More Replies... You May Like 80 Fitness Tips To Start Forming Better Habits 55 Health Tips To Live Life To The Fullest 84 Healthy Habits To Start And Follow Throughout Life
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