How to deal with anxiety?!

How to deal with anxiety?

I have a real problem of work anxiety for some reason and I have been battling it for years now. I seem to be ok once I'm at work but just getting myself to go is the problem. I get myself so stressed out that is has caused me to get ulcers and physically feel sick. I even had this problem in school too. The thought of people tend to make me really nervous and I just want to either crawl into a hole and never come out and run away to a place that there isn't anyone around. For the most part it's just the leading up to something that really bothers me. once I'm there I'm fine. For instance I was a lead person in drama all 4 years of HS and loved it. Being on stage was a blast and really fun. but just getting myself to rehearsals and things was really hard for me. I always feel like I'm loosing control of my life or like I'm going to miss out on life by going somewhere. Not that I have a life staying at home hiding all the time. Any ideas or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.Thnx

Hi! I’m so sorry to hear you are feeling bad. It sounds like you have social anxiety. The following steps should help reduce your anxiety:

1.Breathe properly - if you control your breathing, you control panic. As soon as you notice the signs of anxiety, check your breathing: breathe in slowly through your nose pushing your tummy out (to the count of 5 or so). Breathe out slowly and for a bit longer (to the count of 7 or so) through your mouth. Do not breathe rapidly or shallowly (in the chest area). This will soon restore the balance of oxygen and you will feel a lot better.

2. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy! CBT is proven to be the most effective thing for panic attacks and anxiety. It takes a bit of work, but it is super effective. (After 15 years of panic attacks, mine stopped completely). You can speak to your doctor about taking a course or you can take a course for free online at: http://www.livinglifetothefull.com/elear... (A ‘prettier’ version of this type of programme can be bought at www.thewellnessshop.co.uk). If you don’t like computers, the best book is Dr Robert Burns, The Feeling Good Handbook. It basically teaches CBT and used by many psychologists.

3. Try relaxation exercise tapes (progressive muscular relaxation). They really help if you practise often enough. This site has instructions on how to do it without the tapes (and other useful info): http://www.cci.health.wa.gov.au/resource...

With each of these steps, practise makes perfect. Hope you feel better soon! Good luck!