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What do you do to cope with stress/anxiety?

Things are just so messed up right now, it feels like. Found out that someone tried opening a credit card account using my personal info. That's just freaky. Also got into a fender bender leaving work today and all that is on top of a really, just, sad family situation. Magnify all that by my tendencies toward OCD and I just don't even really know what to do. I know everyone has hard times and my problems are nothing compared others but if you've if you've got some trick or tip for dealing with those times you feel like a bug on the windshield of life, I could use some advice.

Take a long walk, appreciate nature, give your head some space to think. Amazing what you can sort thru on walks like this. i call it me time.
And it works.
 
Things are just so messed up right now, it feels like. Found out that someone tried opening a credit card account using my personal info. That's just freaky. Also got into a fender bender leaving work today and all that is on top of a really, just, sad family situation. Magnify all that by my tendencies toward OCD and I just don't even really know what to do. I know everyone has hard times and my problems are nothing compared others but if you've if you've got some trick or tip for dealing with those times you feel like a bug on the windshield of life, I could use some advice.

Hey X Factor! When we have pre-existing mental health challenges, we normally can only handle a certain number of things going wrong before our coping mechanisms begin to break down. Different thresholds for different people. I know people who deal with way, way more than I do on a daily basis, and they seem to be going strong, but I would not be able to handle their lives. So don't worry about comparing your suffering to that of others, we all have different trials and tribulations, and we all have different things that trigger us into these states.

The one thing I have found the most important when dealing with anxiety and having a really stressful life / day is to slow down. Find the time in the day, even if it's only 10-15 minutes, to just chill. I compare it to rock climbers. Have you ever watched one scale a wall? They look for little micro-rests while climbing, before continuing the challenging journey. So maybe a time out looks like sitting on a park bench in the sun, and just breathing... maybe it's driving to nature and sitting with trees. Maybe it's a comfort food, or a good book, or a bath, or cuddling with your favorite someone (or a pet!).

The other thing to remember is that it's temporary. Everything passes, everything. How you feel now isn't forever. This is sometimes a big challenge for me because suffering makes time slow down like I'm one of those dinosaurs in the tar pit. But really, it won't last. You've had good times before and you'll have good times again.

Are you a spiritual person? I find praying to God really helps... surrendering it to a higher power. Because when you feel like you have to be in control and aware of every single little thing in your life, it's overwhelming. Giving that up to a loving source so that you can call in help is important. And asking for help from other people is important too! Don't go it alone if you don't have to. Even just confiding in someone that you're breaking down is important. Sometimes when we put things into words or just have a friendly face around, it re-frames things. You've already taken that first step by just posting here, so kudos!

I have many more ideas but let me know if any of that makes sense?
 
Yeah if you're looking for a brief distraction, of course there is exercise, but if that's not available or you're just too down to muster the energy, something simple and childlike such as a phone app game can get the mind off adult angst

Sadly our problems rarely just stay disappeared however. Maybe the trick isn't finding a way to forget your problems, but to live with them

Finding ways to turn OCD or chronic depression or what have you into a positive. Not what the medical industrial complex would tell you, but if they can't cure it, may as well embrace what makes us different (learning this all too well lately)
 
On top of all the things already mentioned that are truly hitting the nail on the head, you could also spend some time reading around this very forum and realize you're far from being as messed up as you think.

Some of these people 'round here are truly messed up in ways you'll never even come close to approaching. (hopefully)
 
I watch comedy movies ,go dancing or swimming ,try delicious recipes ,try to be optimistic ,pray a lot and the most important one is I try to ignore people as much as I can
(playing musical instruments makes you feel good too,as a child it would make me happy)
 
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Things are just so messed up right now, it feels like. Found out that someone tried opening a credit card account using my personal info. That's just freaky. Also got into a fender bender leaving work today and all that is on top of a really, just, sad family situation. Magnify all that by my tendencies toward OCD and I just don't even really know what to do. I know everyone has hard times and my problems are nothing compared others but if you've if you've got some trick or tip for dealing with those times you feel like a bug on the windshield of life, I could use some advice.


For me.......

I suck it up and bear the strain...........it feels good to find a work around for the barriers that come along.

Having a sailboat nearby, and a 12 pack always works for me. A little quiet time with crab pots over the side. ;)

Appreciate the good things that you do have going on in your life.....................and keep on truckin!
 
Things are just so messed up right now, it feels like. Found out that someone tried opening a credit card account using my personal info. That's just freaky. Also got into a fender bender leaving work today and all that is on top of a really, just, sad family situation. Magnify all that by my tendencies toward OCD and I just don't even really know what to do. I know everyone has hard times and my problems are nothing compared others but if you've if you've got some trick or tip for dealing with those times you feel like a bug on the windshield of life, I could use some advice.

You are a beloved person ,cotton and dont forget that.

Sending-You-A-Big-Hug-Blinking-Teddy-Bear-Animated-Image.gif
 
ok but thats not healthy and it increases the anxiety :mrgreen:

Not healthy, but it decreases MY anxiety. But then I only do it a couple times a month. If I did it every day it would be a habit and probably would increase my anxiety.
 
Your family situation is the basis for other day-to-day annoyances to take on huge importance.

The fender bender, sucks. I hate it when that happens, but hey, you're insured, so drop the car at the shop, get a rental and let the shop/insurance solve the problem. The credit card thing really is freaky, but the most important word is tried. Most major credit card companies have folks who can backtrack attempts at Identity Theft, and they might have information that will relieve your mind a bit. These two things happening at the same time is enough to make anyone mad as hell, but they can be reasonably resolved.

So it's back to the crux of the matter, your family situation. If you have a physician or other professional you can talk to who may be able to assist with anti-anxiety prescription, you may want to contact them. I'm told by people I knew that also suffered from severe stress/anxiety that the medication was a big help.

If all else fails, I know a couple of stiff drinks drains the stress out of me for a short while, but since liquor is a depressant that might not be the best idea for you. Another reason to ask questions of a professional who knows you and your situation.

Mostly, life just sucks at times, and you have been and are still going through an emotional wringer. Give yourself permission to be sad, mad, furious, and everything in between. It's okay to be human. Sometimes it's difficult to look around our homes, pet our beloved animals, and count the number of blessings that we still have. You're in my thoughts, Xy. *hugs*

Great post, thank you Di and you're right. I've mentioned that I'm on an anti-depressant before and it's been a huge help (without it, I'd be even worse). What comes along with my OCD is what I've heard referred to as "catastrophic thinking". You should see what kind of scary scenarios my mind can make up just to scare me. Right now, I try to counter that by being aware of it and recognizing it for what it is and what's real and what isn't. The family situation is very real and that will not end well and I have some anger and resentment about that. The credit card thing is a legit concern, but, so far, everything seems ok. The fender bender is the one that totally got overblown in my mind.

I'm sorry you are feeling so stressed, Xy. Di offered really great advice.

My tip is exercise. It's good alone time if you walk (or run). It takes you out of the environment where you might just sit and ruminate over things you cannot fix or cannot be immediately fixed. And the endorphins counter the sadz.

Hope things change for the better soon.

Thank you, Gina, I am fortunate to live in a place that's very close to some nice hiking trails. Normally, our little desert mountain is pretty dry and dusty brown (but I think still pretty in it's own way) but we've had more rain than usual and so it's really green. I did one of those trails on Saturday. I have also finally found someone else who likes to hike so we've been doing that a lot more. I've heard about the benefits of just being outside and you're right, I'm really starting to appreciate the therapeutic value of getting my heart rate up and a little sweat going and for me, the hiking/walking is ideal and I do feel better when I get home.
 
Vitamin B12, 1000 units taken 15 minutes before eating. If you take it between meals, your stomach acid will destroy it.

Have a drink in the evening. Works for me.

Get busy. That works for me as well.

Stress. A little is good. Too much is unhealthy. If you can de-stress some of the stressors, make it a point to do so. Otherwise, try to keep in mind that, "This too shall pass."

I'm with Dianna, though. *Hugs*

Thank you, Mags. I don't suppose a 5 Hour Energy shot would work just the same?
 
Thank you to everyone whose replied so far. I got a little busy but I wanted to really read and consider everything and that's why I haven't replied until now. I think this can really help and I don't want to just skim over any of it.
 
I suppose when I was perhaps the most stressed ever (as well as literally borderline insane from sleep deprivation), preparing for the first semester of law school exams, I would take out Return of the King (Tolkein) and read the passage where Sam argues against his despair, eventually resolving to climb the mountain whether it killed him or not.
 
I get up and walk, then walk some more and then walk more

15,000 steps in a day = a good deep sleep

sleep is magical
Getting rid off, well as much as possible of those that are always negative, rude, ignorant,and such.
And for the ones you cannot avoid, as in work or family, reduce it when and where possible.
In the summer i do what I call my "me time" yard work and such, it is my me time, where i can think, relax, and late in the day, early evening a few beers on the deck, also me time as well.
 
Getting rid off, well as much as possible of those that are always negative, rude, ignorant,and such.
And for the ones you cannot avoid, as in work or family, reduce it when and where possible.
In the summer i do what I call my "me time" yard work and such, it is my me time, where i can think, relax, and late in the day, early evening a few beers on the deck, also me time as well.

your "me time" sounds damn good...I do the same but with some wine...and I am selfish about me time, I guard it well

as for casting off negative people I agree, it reduces aggravation by a huge amount :thumbs:

cheers :party
 
your "me time" sounds damn good...I do the same but with some wine...and I am selfish about me time, I guard it well

as for casting off negative people I agree, it reduces aggravation by a huge amount :thumbs:

cheers :party
I am fully retired. House has sold and moving to NS. Daughter- SIL and Grandkids there now. We will be living in the basement. Small but have run of the house. 2.3 acres, well wooded, and my lovely bride and I will be traveling more.
As my daughter said, the 2 most beautiful alarm clocks you can have.
He will be traveling back and forth from Fort Mac.
Life is beautiful.
 
I am fully retired. House has sold and moving to NS. Daughter- SIL and Grandkids there now. We will be living in the basement. Small but have run of the house. 2.3 acres, well wooded, and my lovely bride and I will be traveling more.
As my daughter said, the 2 most beautiful alarm clocks you can have.
He will be traveling back and forth from Fort Mac.
Life is beautiful.

congratulations Janfu, that is a wonderful lifestyle
 
congratulations Janfu, that is a wonderful lifestyle

Thank you. never thought it would happen.
Always thought i would die at a young age, both my parents did.
So i figured i would as well.
 
I suppose when I was perhaps the most stressed ever (as well as literally borderline insane from sleep deprivation), preparing for the first semester of law school exams, I would take out Return of the King (Tolkein) and read the passage where Sam argues against his despair, eventually resolving to climb the mountain whether it killed him or not.

No wonder you write well, a dammed lawyer. lol
 
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