How can i stop worrying?!
Question: How can i stop worrying!?
I don't worry often, but do occasionally feel worried and stressed out mostly about the future and goals , it sometimes prevents me from sleeping well too!. I was taking medication for stress before and decided to come off it because i want to be medicine free!. can anyone give me some advice on how to stop worrying about this!?Www@Answer-Health@Com
Answers:
Anxiety (worrying) : (1!.) Generalised Anxiety Disorder: There is a saying in the mental health field: "if the only tool you have in your kit is a hammer, you tend to treat everything as a nail"!. So it goes with doctors, and their prescription pads: handy, quick, and convenient, when trying to manage a large list of patients, with very limited time for each!.
With anxiolytics (anti-anxiety medication, such as Lexapro, or Paxil, which treat both anxiety and depression) you are only addressing the symptoms, and even then, often only temporarily, as your system becomes used to it, and you have to accept the risks of an increased suicide/homicide rate, aberrant behaviour, and side effects, such as possible sexual dysfunction (common), or weight gain!. For those reasons, I recommend first trying the alternatives, (which only treat the symptoms, using supplements like inositol, and SAMe, or herbal remedies, such as c(h)amomile but the cause, as well) using the EMDR variant, EFT, and relaxation techniques!. The anxiolytics/antidepressants will still be there, should the alternatives prove insufficient for you, but give them a tryout period of several weeks, first!.
See anxiety treatments, at ezy build (below) in section 6!. Set yourself a specific time period for worrying about anything, (say; around three quarters of an hour, possibly when you get home, or after your evening meal, but not too close to bedtime) after which, resolve firmly to refuse to even entertain the thought of worrying again on that day: realise and accept that to do otherwise would be counterproductive to your mental health, and enjoyment of life!. You will have had your "worry time" for the day, and can just write down any more thoughts that come to mind, and say to yourself: "Well, I'll just have to worry about that tomorrow, won't I!?"!. It is important to deal with a negative internal monologue (self talk), or mental process, such as disturbing thoughts, or images, by the process of (a): recognising it, and (b): challenging it immediately!. When you notice something negative, such as: "I'm never going to get over this!" or: "Why am I always so pathetic/useless/such a loser!?" or even: "I can't do this/will never get over this!", or a disturbing image, recognise that this is part of the mindset which will hold you back from progressing in your recovery!. Having identified and labelled it, I first visualise a large "STOP!" sign, then I say to myself as forcefully as you can, even aloud in a big voice, if alone: "I know this tactic: GO AWAY FOR A WHILE !!!" You may want to use either: "ruse", "ploy", "game", or "trick", instead of "tactic"!. In the case of an image, visualise a large "STOP" sign, or your preferred version!. Some people go so far as to keep a wide rubber band in their pocket, then put it around their wrist, when they catch themselves backsliding, stretch and release it, as a method of reprogramming their mind sooner, but I don't regard it as being strictly necessary!. Remember to remove it, afterwards, if you use this method!.
Practice one of the relaxation methods on pages 2, 11, 2c, or 2i, daily, and when needed!. Alternatively, give the EFT a good tryout, to see if it helps you!. There is also a version for use in public places, (if you like, you can claim to have a headache, as you massage/lightly tap your temples, but you would then be restricted to subvocalising: saying it to yourself in your mind)!. Section 53, and pages 2, 2!.q and 2!.o at http://www!.ezy-build!.net!.nz/~shaneris also refer: "Even though I sometimes suffer from anxiety, I deeply and completely accept myself!." Neurofeedback treatment for anxiety is increasingly becoming available!. Herbal remedies, such as valerian, (which is not for use if depression is also present) passionflower, St!.John's wort, or arctic root are often effective, but the idea is (as with anxiolytic medication) to use them like water wings, or training wheels on a bicycle, providing initial support, and giving time for other treatments, such as therapy, and relaxation techniques, to take effect!.
(The following is a variant of EMDR therapy, which has been used successfully for those people suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, insomnia, and anxiety: it is easily learned, quick to use, yet can be very effective!. It is easy to be dismissive of such a seemingly unusual technique, but give it a good tryout, for at least a few weeks, to see if it is effective in your case!.)!. Prior to using either of the methods in the above paragraph, first sit comfortably, and take a deep breath!. Then, without moving your head, move your eyes from the left, to the right, and back again, taking around a second to do so (say: "a thousand and one": this takes approximately a second)!. Repeat this procedure (without the words, although you can count, subvocally, if you like) 20 times!. Then close your eyes and relax!. Become aware of any tension or discomfort you feel!.
Then open your eyes, and take another deep breath, and repeat step one, closing your eyes, and relaxing afterwards, in the same manner!. Then, repeat the procedure one last time!. Some people may find that this is all they need do!. With experience, you may find that you can practise this in public, with your eyes closed, which greatly widens the window of opportunity for its use, and avoids attracting unwanted attention!. I have found that the 2 - 3 minutes spent using the EMDR markedly reduces distractions to the relaxation process, and is repaid many times over!. ~~~ Sleep disorders are addressed in section 3; adopt those methods, and practise the EMDR variant in bed, after lights out, and then one of the relaxation techniques!. For many people, a good idea is to develop a set "wind down" routine for the last hour before bedtime, so your subconscious mind learns that it is time to put thinking aside, and prepare for mindfulness, (awareness, without cogitation/purposeful thought) or the EFT, in preparation for sleep, but the idea with mindfulness is to not even think about sleeping: just drift off, naturally, during exercising those techniques!. ~~~ See stress treatments, at ezy build, below in section 42!. A certain level of stress is unavoidable, in modern society, so it is a good idea to develop effective coping methods!. For others, or yourself: A massage (at least neck and shoulders) with jasmine, lavender, and/or juniper essential oils added to the massage oil, and to a warm bath, preferably beforehand, to help make any tension knots and muscles more pliant (they may only want, say, a juniper & sandalwood mix: check first)!. See if they will do long, stretching yoga exercises, or t'ai chi with you (see section 2, at ezy build, below)!. Practise daily, one of the relaxation techniques on pages 2, 11, 2c, or 2i; whichever works best for you, but the mindfulness breathing for 15 - 20 mns is ideal, although the progressive muscle relaxation can be learned quickly, and takes only several minutes, if pressed for time!. Employ the EFT version for use in public, for which you can reasonably claim that you have a headache, as you massage/tap your temples, but it may be advisable to restrict yourself to subvocalising (saying it to yourself, in your mind, not aloud)!. Section 53, and pages 2, 2!.q and 2!.o refer!. "Even though I sometimes suffer from stress, I deeply and completely accept myself"!.
You can also multitask, using the gazing technique, as you walk/jog or exercise, by focusing on a distant object, noting any thoughts which flash across your mind, without pursuing any particular train of thought, just gently redirect your focus to the gazing!. Yoga, or Tai Chi may suit others, better, or use them all!. For some people, visualisation of a quiet, relaxing scene, like a tropical beach, (reclining comfortably; feeling the sun warming you, as a gentle breeze caresses your skin lightly, inhaling the tangy, sea scented, salt laden spray from the sparkling, translucent, aqua waves, crashing on the white, coral beach sand, and feeling the hot sand slip through your fingers in one hand, sipping your favorite drink with the other, and all the while, the seagulls swoop and cavort playfully overhead in a cloudless, azure sky: you feel just like one of them; free to soar and cartwheel, or just glide, in the moist, heavy air, and that this moment will last forever !.!.!. )!. Some people may find it helps when they listen to: http://www!.amazon!.com/Sounds-Of-The-Ocea!.!.!. Other suggestions: http://www!.secretsofmeditation!.com/demo!.!.!.!.
and the audio, as well as the printed version, at: http://www!.lessons4living!.com/relaxation!.!.!. and http://www!.amazon!.com/Ambient-Rain-Sound!.!.!. or the mountain river sounds!. Take 4 Omega 3 fish oil supplements, daily, replacing 2 of them with cod liver oil supplements, or a teaspoonful of the oil (I spread mine on toast, and mask its strong taste with fishpaste, and pepper), in the winter months only!. Those people who receive adequate exposure to sunlight, daily, won't need the vitamin D from cod liver oil, but many people, particularly those in latitudes far from the equator, find this difficult, to achieve!. Eat healthily, in accordaWww@Answer-Health@Com
With anxiolytics (anti-anxiety medication, such as Lexapro, or Paxil, which treat both anxiety and depression) you are only addressing the symptoms, and even then, often only temporarily, as your system becomes used to it, and you have to accept the risks of an increased suicide/homicide rate, aberrant behaviour, and side effects, such as possible sexual dysfunction (common), or weight gain!. For those reasons, I recommend first trying the alternatives, (which only treat the symptoms, using supplements like inositol, and SAMe, or herbal remedies, such as c(h)amomile but the cause, as well) using the EMDR variant, EFT, and relaxation techniques!. The anxiolytics/antidepressants will still be there, should the alternatives prove insufficient for you, but give them a tryout period of several weeks, first!.
See anxiety treatments, at ezy build (below) in section 6!. Set yourself a specific time period for worrying about anything, (say; around three quarters of an hour, possibly when you get home, or after your evening meal, but not too close to bedtime) after which, resolve firmly to refuse to even entertain the thought of worrying again on that day: realise and accept that to do otherwise would be counterproductive to your mental health, and enjoyment of life!. You will have had your "worry time" for the day, and can just write down any more thoughts that come to mind, and say to yourself: "Well, I'll just have to worry about that tomorrow, won't I!?"!. It is important to deal with a negative internal monologue (self talk), or mental process, such as disturbing thoughts, or images, by the process of (a): recognising it, and (b): challenging it immediately!. When you notice something negative, such as: "I'm never going to get over this!" or: "Why am I always so pathetic/useless/such a loser!?" or even: "I can't do this/will never get over this!", or a disturbing image, recognise that this is part of the mindset which will hold you back from progressing in your recovery!. Having identified and labelled it, I first visualise a large "STOP!" sign, then I say to myself as forcefully as you can, even aloud in a big voice, if alone: "I know this tactic: GO AWAY FOR A WHILE !!!" You may want to use either: "ruse", "ploy", "game", or "trick", instead of "tactic"!. In the case of an image, visualise a large "STOP" sign, or your preferred version!. Some people go so far as to keep a wide rubber band in their pocket, then put it around their wrist, when they catch themselves backsliding, stretch and release it, as a method of reprogramming their mind sooner, but I don't regard it as being strictly necessary!. Remember to remove it, afterwards, if you use this method!.
Practice one of the relaxation methods on pages 2, 11, 2c, or 2i, daily, and when needed!. Alternatively, give the EFT a good tryout, to see if it helps you!. There is also a version for use in public places, (if you like, you can claim to have a headache, as you massage/lightly tap your temples, but you would then be restricted to subvocalising: saying it to yourself in your mind)!. Section 53, and pages 2, 2!.q and 2!.o at http://www!.ezy-build!.net!.nz/~shaneris also refer: "Even though I sometimes suffer from anxiety, I deeply and completely accept myself!." Neurofeedback treatment for anxiety is increasingly becoming available!. Herbal remedies, such as valerian, (which is not for use if depression is also present) passionflower, St!.John's wort, or arctic root are often effective, but the idea is (as with anxiolytic medication) to use them like water wings, or training wheels on a bicycle, providing initial support, and giving time for other treatments, such as therapy, and relaxation techniques, to take effect!.
(The following is a variant of EMDR therapy, which has been used successfully for those people suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, insomnia, and anxiety: it is easily learned, quick to use, yet can be very effective!. It is easy to be dismissive of such a seemingly unusual technique, but give it a good tryout, for at least a few weeks, to see if it is effective in your case!.)!. Prior to using either of the methods in the above paragraph, first sit comfortably, and take a deep breath!. Then, without moving your head, move your eyes from the left, to the right, and back again, taking around a second to do so (say: "a thousand and one": this takes approximately a second)!. Repeat this procedure (without the words, although you can count, subvocally, if you like) 20 times!. Then close your eyes and relax!. Become aware of any tension or discomfort you feel!.
Then open your eyes, and take another deep breath, and repeat step one, closing your eyes, and relaxing afterwards, in the same manner!. Then, repeat the procedure one last time!. Some people may find that this is all they need do!. With experience, you may find that you can practise this in public, with your eyes closed, which greatly widens the window of opportunity for its use, and avoids attracting unwanted attention!. I have found that the 2 - 3 minutes spent using the EMDR markedly reduces distractions to the relaxation process, and is repaid many times over!. ~~~ Sleep disorders are addressed in section 3; adopt those methods, and practise the EMDR variant in bed, after lights out, and then one of the relaxation techniques!. For many people, a good idea is to develop a set "wind down" routine for the last hour before bedtime, so your subconscious mind learns that it is time to put thinking aside, and prepare for mindfulness, (awareness, without cogitation/purposeful thought) or the EFT, in preparation for sleep, but the idea with mindfulness is to not even think about sleeping: just drift off, naturally, during exercising those techniques!. ~~~ See stress treatments, at ezy build, below in section 42!. A certain level of stress is unavoidable, in modern society, so it is a good idea to develop effective coping methods!. For others, or yourself: A massage (at least neck and shoulders) with jasmine, lavender, and/or juniper essential oils added to the massage oil, and to a warm bath, preferably beforehand, to help make any tension knots and muscles more pliant (they may only want, say, a juniper & sandalwood mix: check first)!. See if they will do long, stretching yoga exercises, or t'ai chi with you (see section 2, at ezy build, below)!. Practise daily, one of the relaxation techniques on pages 2, 11, 2c, or 2i; whichever works best for you, but the mindfulness breathing for 15 - 20 mns is ideal, although the progressive muscle relaxation can be learned quickly, and takes only several minutes, if pressed for time!. Employ the EFT version for use in public, for which you can reasonably claim that you have a headache, as you massage/tap your temples, but it may be advisable to restrict yourself to subvocalising (saying it to yourself, in your mind, not aloud)!. Section 53, and pages 2, 2!.q and 2!.o refer!. "Even though I sometimes suffer from stress, I deeply and completely accept myself"!.
You can also multitask, using the gazing technique, as you walk/jog or exercise, by focusing on a distant object, noting any thoughts which flash across your mind, without pursuing any particular train of thought, just gently redirect your focus to the gazing!. Yoga, or Tai Chi may suit others, better, or use them all!. For some people, visualisation of a quiet, relaxing scene, like a tropical beach, (reclining comfortably; feeling the sun warming you, as a gentle breeze caresses your skin lightly, inhaling the tangy, sea scented, salt laden spray from the sparkling, translucent, aqua waves, crashing on the white, coral beach sand, and feeling the hot sand slip through your fingers in one hand, sipping your favorite drink with the other, and all the while, the seagulls swoop and cavort playfully overhead in a cloudless, azure sky: you feel just like one of them; free to soar and cartwheel, or just glide, in the moist, heavy air, and that this moment will last forever !.!.!. )!. Some people may find it helps when they listen to: http://www!.amazon!.com/Sounds-Of-The-Ocea!.!.!. Other suggestions: http://www!.secretsofmeditation!.com/demo!.!.!.!.
and the audio, as well as the printed version, at: http://www!.lessons4living!.com/relaxation!.!.!. and http://www!.amazon!.com/Ambient-Rain-Sound!.!.!. or the mountain river sounds!. Take 4 Omega 3 fish oil supplements, daily, replacing 2 of them with cod liver oil supplements, or a teaspoonful of the oil (I spread mine on toast, and mask its strong taste with fishpaste, and pepper), in the winter months only!. Those people who receive adequate exposure to sunlight, daily, won't need the vitamin D from cod liver oil, but many people, particularly those in latitudes far from the equator, find this difficult, to achieve!. Eat healthily, in accordaWww@Answer-Health@Com
Accept that anything can happen, good or bad!. Know that you can make it through anything thrown at you!. People survive and conquer in horrible situations and know how to make the most of it!.Www@Answer-Health@Com