Any advice about dealing with anxiety?

[Mr. Gweilo 420]

Hey Guys - I currently find myself in a pretty poor state and was hoping to get some general advice and would be very interested to hear of the experiences/solutions other FCers have come up.

So at the moment I seem to have developed an anxiety disorder. To be honest I have probably had it for a long time but it is just starting to get the better of me. I'm a pretty tough kind of a guy in my own way so it is hard for me to talk about this issue. A couple of days ago I found myself crying like a baby in the morning because I didn't want to go to work. Crying is not usually something I would do. I wake up at 3am and cant get back to sleep. I've lost my appetite and seem to be fast losing interest in most things. This isn't me at all.

I first had problems with anxiety back in 2001. It was a combination of anxiety and severe depression at that time. Now I think I am only mildly depressed but the anxiety is really taking over. In 2001 I took an antidepressant called Aropax for 6-12 months. It helped a lot and I eventually returned to normal (whatever that means) and had no real trouble getting off the Aropax. To be honest I don't want to take any medication if I can help it. Last year I was loaded up on Codeine, Lyrica, Celebrex and Camgesic to treat back, neck and shoulder issues. I am happy to say that I quit it all over Xmas and am now free of such substances.

I know the main cause of my anxiety is my job. I can't give it up right now and need to make it work for a bit longer. I have done it successfully for the last 8 years without much trouble. However, I have developed such a sense of impending doom relating to my job and it is really kicking my arse.

In terms of herbal medication I am obviously vaping everyday. I have both sativas and indicas which helps. I have also stopped using concentrates over the past few weeks (somehow I thought they might be adding to my anxiety). Tonight I am picking up some Platinum Bubba Kush which should help as well.

But what else can I do? As I said I am very reluctant to get back on any prescription medication. I know the easy answer is to quit my job but I don't think I can do that. I eat a very healthy diet and exercise as often as I can although injuries have slowed my exercise down a lot over the past year. So I am looking at other herbal supplements such as Passionflower, Kava and Valerian. Has anyone tried these? Also, should I possibly be looking at some form of hemp/CBD oil or supplement?

Well I guess that is about all. I would really appreciate any thoughts, suggestions and/or experiences any of you may be able to share. Cheers.

 

[CarolKing]

I have anxiety i've dealt with since a child. It came on the spring before 6th grade. I had such anxiety about having to switch schools the following year for 6th grade. All summer long and into about 1/2 through my 6th grade year, then it got less. Then the following year I did OK.

I've dealt will bouts of anxiety off and on since and I am 57 soon to be 58. It seems like traumatic events and change triggers mine.

I used to be able to walk an hour every day 6 or 7 days a week rain or shine and that really helped me. It acted like an anti anxiety remedy. I find watching something on TV and using an Indica dominate cannabis helps. Something to get your mind off what's triggering the anxiety. Finding an exercise routine that doesn't hurt rather than help.

Growing up I had a dad that was emotionally abusive, I couldn't wait to turn 18 and get out. So maybe some of it has to do with that? Maybe it's the way my brain is wired? My mom and grandma had anxiety too. I know why my mom had it, she was married to my dad.

Lately I'm going through some issues with my son. I've been trying to help him, he's an adult. Also I lost my mother last spring so I miss her a lot. I was the strong one who took on a lot of responsibility with my mother towards the end and that was April.

My anxiety flaired up over the summer. It's just the last month or so that I have gotten it under control. I think it was acceptance of what's going on in my life. I've been feeling an inner strength and I'm unsure where it's coming from? If I was religious I would say from my Mother or God but I'm not. My Mother was very religious, her religion was her life but I gravitated away when I left home at 18. Sometimes just acknowledging, acceptance of the situation and having a plan. Maybe the plan doesn't work out perfectly, but knowing how you are going to help change the situation.

Sometimes it's reaching out to others, friends and family. The simplest ideas can brighten the situation that you are dealing with and help to turn around what's driving the anxiety. I know it's easy to get into the habitual worry mode. Don't do that, don't dwell on it, move on.
If you think counseling will help you, peruse that.

Also weed folks out of your life that suck your energy. Those negative people that only want to take. Try not to make life too complicated.
I wish you peace of mind friend. Sometimes the simple pleasures in life are the best.

 

[Abysmal Vapor]

Have you tried eating ABV edibles or extract ? I would recommend to stay away from use caution with herbs like passionflower or at least take in mind that it is a MAOI (although a mild one)which may interact with some medications if you are on smth you better check for interreactions . I suggest you also look into yoga and physical exersizes ... Anxiety is often related to elevated levels of the stress hormone ,you got to brake trough and free yourself of it.. i do it via "tripping" 2-3 times a month and experience everyday joy of life and am totally free of anxiety.. but.. i could not recommend to anyone i don't know to self medicate with psychedelics.. Anyway you might want to look MAPS online and see what are ther are dealing with..

 

[h3rbalist]

I'm really not great at writing long posts, especially on my mobile. So apologies.

I can relate to points in both your and Carols posts.

And would agree with Abysmol about exercise and yoga also performing slow repetitive tasks really helps me.

(I do puzzles like rubic cubes, and have a Perplexer epic atm)

 

[photobooth]

I have had a few close friends deal with anxiety, I second the exercise recommendation, even an hour long walk can make a huge difference. I would also maybe look into mindfulness exercises/techniques to self-talk and reduce anxiety. You may also want to check out http://www.amazon.ca/Anxiety-Phobia-Workbook-Edmund-Bourne/dp/1572248912 I've heard good things

 

[elvenflow]

My universal suggestion for everyone with anxiety is to make sure its not a kidney tumor. Now that there is a simple blood test this condition is proving to be not nearly as rare as they thought.

http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pheochromocytoma/basics/definition/con-20030435

"Signs and symptoms of pheochromocytomas often include:

• High blood pressure
• Rapid or forceful heartbeat
• Profound sweating
• Severe headache
• Tremors
• Paleness in the face
• Shortness of breath

Less common signs or symptoms may include:

• Anxiety or sense of doom
• Abdominal pain
• Constipation
• Weight loss

These signs and symptoms often occur in brief spells of 15 to 20 minutes. Spells can happen several times a day or less often. Your blood pressure may be within the normal range or remain elevated between spells. "

 

[lwien]

As stated above, exercise, even if it's just that act of walking, can make a HUGE difference in both the treatment of anxiety and depression. I would think Yoga, as mentioned above as well, would be great.

What also can be a tremendous help is get involved in a hobby that you can really get into. A hobby like stamp collecting, or model buiiding, or painting or any hobby that requires you to take your mind totally off of yourself and focus it somewhere else.

I've never had to deal with anxiety, but I have had to deal with clinical depression and I know how debilitating that can be. My thoughts are with you, Gwello.

 

[DDave]

Job Security:
* Make or keep yourself "valuable" in your job.
* Ensure you have a backup plan. Start compiling documents needed if you do have to job hunt. Search jobs and other opportunities now (positive search results, identifying available positions for which you already qualify for, and finding openings in areas of interest will do much to help you feel better!)
* Identify exactly how much $ you need to make to maintain the lifestyle you wish. Sometimes, rarely, one makes more than they need and identifying a lower amount can open up further opportunities.
* If playing dirty, gain dirt on those who could impact your job. (not DDave style, but an option still).

General Anxiety Advice:
* Cut out caffeine and other stimulants.
* Stabilize your sleep cycles.
* Strains: Switch to uplifting strains (plain Sour Diesel is awesome to stop the crying!)
* Loss of appetite and interest in things - sounds like depression. (Change routines, uplifting strains).
* Help someone else in need. Physically, if possible. This will change your focus.
* Exercise more, as stated previously.

If you think MMJ is contributing to your Anxiety, change your sessions & routines. I recently switched to solely low temp vaping (175C max) during the daytime. This gives an uplifting, pleasant level of elevation, without impacting my normal activities. Then later in the evening, re-vaping at higher temps (235C max). This new routine works better with my lifestyle, and when things run more smoothly, Anxiety levels can decrease....

Hope this helps as Anxiety & Depression suck!

 

[Snappo]

Hey Guys - I currently find myself in a pretty poor state and was hoping to get some general advice and would be very interested to hear of the experiences/solutions other FCers have come up.

So at the moment I seem to have developed an anxiety disorder. To be honest I have probably had it for a long time but it is just starting to get the better of me. I'm a pretty tough kind of a guy in my own way so it is hard for me to talk about this issue. A couple of days ago I found myself crying like a baby in the morning because I didn't want to go to work. Crying is not usually something I would do. I wake up at 3am and cant get back to sleep. I've lost my appetite and seem to be fast losing interest in most things. This isn't me at all.

I first had problems with anxiety back in 2001. It was a combination of anxiety and severe depression at that time. Now I think I am only mildly depressed but the anxiety is really taking over. In 2001 I took an antidepressant called Aropax for 6-12 months. It helped a lot and I eventually returned to normal (whatever that means) and had no real trouble getting off the Aropax. To be honest I don't want to take any medication if I can help it. Last year I was loaded up on Codeine, Lyrica, Celebrex and Camgesic to treat back, neck and shoulder issues. I am happy to say that I quit it all over Xmas and am now free of such substances.

I know the main cause of my anxiety is my job. I can't give it up right now and need to make it work for a bit longer. I have done it successfully for the last 8 years without much trouble. However, I have developed such a sense of impending doom relating to my job and it is really kicking my arse.

In terms of herbal medication I am obviously vaping everyday. I have both sativas and indicas which helps. I have also stopped using concentrates over the past few weeks (somehow I thought they might be adding to my anxiety). Tonight I am picking up some Platinum Bubba Kush which should help as well.

But what else can I do? As I said I am very reluctant to get back on any prescription medication. I know the easy answer is to quit my job but I don't think I can do that. I eat a very healthy diet and exercise as often as I can although injuries have slowed my exercise down a lot over the past year. So I am looking at other herbal supplements such as Passionflower, Kava and Valerian. Has anyone tried these? Also, should I possibly be looking at some form of hemp/CBD oil or supplement?

Well I guess that is about all. I would really appreciate any thoughts, suggestions and/or experiences any of you may be able to share. Cheers.

I believe that your new year's bout with high level anxiety may be due to the fact that you just very recently quit several long term mind & body meds. The anxiety has been building from that point on as you are riding the unpleasant wave of withdrawal. Happened to me after quitting several SSRI related meds. Took months for me to settle back to a normal state. Your experience of course may differ. Drink lots of water, get some regular exercise, don't take pharma, ...know that it will pass.

 

[CarolKing]

Some really great advice from @Snappo and the main one that @DDave suggested that I forgot is helping someone else. When you are helping someone that puts your thought process in a positive mode helping others. You don't have time to dwell on your anxiety. You'll find that others have it a lot worse than yourself sometimes.

The hobby is a great one too. It's keeping your mind off of what you are worried about and you are having fun.

 

[jdee]

Since you mentioned herbal supplements
http://www.politiquessociales.net/kratom-extracts-for-anxiety/
I have a friend who recently picked up a bunch of this stuff, and is having great success with it. The fact it's legal and (somewhat) readily available is nice.

Yoga and meditation along with a healthy diet are what doctors recommend to patients who feel bad in the head and don't wanna become zombies from prescription meds. CBT is also one of the more effective ways of dealing with the root cause (childhood trauma,PTSD, etc), rather than the symptom (I get anxious).

 

[Dramma Lamma]

This may sound stupid: but frankly a worry stone, which is just a smooth piece of rock polished to be easy to handle like this:

That is by far the most beneficial mind easing tool I have ever run across. For many of us anxiety is a result of over active thoughts, giving them a simple task like rubbing the stone actually focuses its efforts and thus all of the noise gets reduced some and things are more calm and focused overall.


Personally I wear and use a Mala, which is a necklace designed and created for the same purpose within meditation.

The worry stone is the same thing, just not associated with any specific religions like the Mala is.


For the record Valerian root tincture is also a very effective sleep aid for me as well and I do still often use that, KavaKava and Kratom are others you may look into but I found Valerian the most agreeable.

Also a little lavender or jasmine essential oil on the pillow or upper lip helps me focus on breathing through the nose and thus better sleep in general.

 

[grokit]

I have had anxiety issues since my mother introduced me to an abusive stepfather when I was six years old. Stress is a huge killer, and can brought under control with acceptance and gratitude; there have been some great tips posted here already. I will add another: when all else fails, try and focus on your breath. In, and out, focus on the path the air takes, the role of the diaphragm and lungs, there are tons of breathwork meditations to explore and for good reason; it can be very relaxing and can even be illuminating.

I have this coming from massdrop, I'm hoping it will help keep me calm and engaged while in 4-hour videoconference mode. I will be taking a stressful codes & standards type of class online starting monday.

 

[herbivore21]

Hey Guys - I currently find myself in a pretty poor state and was hoping to get some general advice and would be very interested to hear of the experiences/solutions other FCers have come up.

So at the moment I seem to have developed an anxiety disorder. To be honest I have probably had it for a long time but it is just starting to get the better of me. I'm a pretty tough kind of a guy in my own way so it is hard for me to talk about this issue. A couple of days ago I found myself crying like a baby in the morning because I didn't want to go to work. Crying is not usually something I would do. I wake up at 3am and cant get back to sleep. I've lost my appetite and seem to be fast losing interest in most things. This isn't me at all.

I first had problems with anxiety back in 2001. It was a combination of anxiety and severe depression at that time. Now I think I am only mildly depressed but the anxiety is really taking over. In 2001 I took an antidepressant called Aropax for 6-12 months. It helped a lot and I eventually returned to normal (whatever that means) and had no real trouble getting off the Aropax. To be honest I don't want to take any medication if I can help it. Last year I was loaded up on Codeine, Lyrica, Celebrex and Camgesic to treat back, neck and shoulder issues. I am happy to say that I quit it all over Xmas and am now free of such substances.

I know the main cause of my anxiety is my job. I can't give it up right now and need to make it work for a bit longer. I have done it successfully for the last 8 years without much trouble. However, I have developed such a sense of impending doom relating to my job and it is really kicking my arse.

In terms of herbal medication I am obviously vaping everyday. I have both sativas and indicas which helps. I have also stopped using concentrates over the past few weeks (somehow I thought they might be adding to my anxiety). Tonight I am picking up some Platinum Bubba Kush which should help as well.

But what else can I do? As I said I am very reluctant to get back on any prescription medication. I know the easy answer is to quit my job but I don't think I can do that. I eat a very healthy diet and exercise as often as I can although injuries have slowed my exercise down a lot over the past year. So I am looking at other herbal supplements such as Passionflower, Kava and Valerian. Has anyone tried these? Also, should I possibly be looking at some form of hemp/CBD oil or supplement?

Well I guess that is about all. I would really appreciate any thoughts, suggestions and/or experiences any of you may be able to share. Cheers.

Sorry to hear you haven't been well brother! I have had much the same kind of experience and Omega Labs CBD oil has been a Godsend!

I'm about to head off to work but I'll drop you a PM later tonight with what hopefully might be some help

In the meantime, hang in there mate! Hope you are back to top form soon!

 

[Snappo]

Sorry to hear you haven't been well brother! I have had much the same kind of experience and Omega Labs CBD oil has been a Godsend!

I'm about to head off to work but I'll drop you a PM later tonight with what hopefully might be some help

In the meantime, hang in there mate!

AGREED BIG TIME! Omega Labs "Dark Side of the Moon" and Canibdol 3000 mg. drops help me tremendously with mental/emotional adjustments as well as some medical issues I'm dealing with! Chris from Omega Labs will also accommodate you with custom formulations based on your individual needs. Excellent products, excellent service, super clean product, excellent results! You won't find better!

 

[lwien]

I have this coming from massdrop, I'm hoping that it will keep me calm and engaged while in 4-hour videoconference mode.

This was just mesmerizing (enlarge full screen):

 

[Enchantre]

My universal suggestion for everyone with anxiety is to make sure its not a kidney tumor. Now that there is a simple blood test this condition is proving to be not nearly as rare as they thought.

http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pheochromocytoma/basics/definition/con-20030435

"Signs and symptoms of pheochromocytomas often include:

• High blood pressure
• Rapid or forceful heartbeat
• Profound sweating
• Severe headache
• Tremors
• Paleness in the face
• Shortness of breath

Less common signs or symptoms may include:

• Anxiety or sense of doom
• Abdominal pain
• Constipation
• Weight loss

These signs and symptoms often occur in brief spells of 15 to 20 minutes. Spells can happen several times a day or less often. Your blood pressure may be within the normal range or remain elevated between spells. "

Thank you. I will be having my doctor test for this...

 

[Mr. Gweilo 420]

Wow. I just got through reading all of your responses and I must say I am deeply touched and grateful for all of your thoughts and ideas. Thank you. I am at work right now so I can't respond properly but I will write a proper response later tonight.

 

[basement farmer]

Good on you for looking beyond pharmaceuticals for relief. Well established, healthy coping mechanisms are way more beneficial in the long term if you can develope them than anti-anxiety medications.

As others have said, excercise. The benefits walking are irrefutably beneficial to both the psyche and body.

Maybe read up on some meditative techniques. It doesn't need to be a huge production or take up much time. Some excercises can be done while performing the most mundane of daily tasks.

I have Tich Nhat Hahn's Peace Is Every Step, The Path of Mindfulness in Everyday Life in my bedside drawer. I'll crack it occasionally when I need to calm the fuck down.

Oh, and I really hate my job too. Payday and weekends only mitigate the suffering.

 

[fogvalley]

Quitting all that stuff at once is what caused it. IMO not saying that's a bad thing either. If you change that many chemicals in your body ie stopping 3-4 prescriptions it can throw off science stuff in you. Don't think about it either! If you are thinking o fuck impending doom at work, think about puppies or count to 210. 10 isnt long enough. Get outta your head. Anxiety is fear fear is only scary when you let it be. But honestly it sounds easier than it is for sure. Cognitive thinking wiki that

 

[His_Highness]

Anxiety can feel very much like paranoia sometimes and any paranoia may add to the mix. Is it possible that cutting back on everything except the vape has left you hypersensitive to herb induced paranoia? Maybe you should limit caffeine and stick closer to the indicas for a bit.

 

[DOOM]

I'd be lying to you if I said vaping or smoking MJ (whether it's sativa or indica) was a perfect remedy to ease anxiety and does not heighten anxiety for those dealing with it. The MJ feels good for the first 30 mins or so, then my mind starts to wonder.

I've had anxiety mixed with OCD since I was a kid, so I would obsess about dying and other stupid shit. What helped me was cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and exercising, and not referring to a brisk walk around the block. I'm talking about either basketball, boxing, mma, weight training, intense cardio etc....

You also have to find some way to avoid weird thoughts and find out the triggers. Just imagine your negative thoughts like a fucking huge boulder about to roll off a cliff. Do whatever you can to stop that boulder from falling off the cliff.

Now if you want some bad advice, try a mild ABV shake and a xanax. OMG it's the best combo for me hahaha. When I try that combo I feel like a sluggish god with no worries in the world.

 

[DOOM]

Wow a kidney tumor? ..anxiety could be an underlying cause for all sorts of medical issues: parkinsons, MS, early dementia, thyroid, heart disease or abnormalities, various cancers, autoimmune diseases etc..but that would be sudden onset anxiety I believe.

I think a doctor approach would be a referral to mental health department, not a full thyroid, kindey,etc workup.

My universal suggestion for everyone with anxiety is to make sure its not a kidney tumor. Now that there is a simple blood test this condition is proving to be not nearly as rare as they thought.

http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pheochromocytoma/basics/definition/con-20030435

"Signs and symptoms of pheochromocytomas often include:

• High blood pressure
• Rapid or forceful heartbeat
• Profound sweating
• Severe headache
• Tremors
• Paleness in the face
• Shortness of breath

Less common signs or symptoms may include:

• Anxiety or sense of doom
• Abdominal pain
• Constipation
• Weight loss

These signs and symptoms often occur in brief spells of 15 to 20 minutes. Spells can happen several times a day or less often. Your blood pressure may be within the normal range or remain elevated between spells. "

 

[Steele Concept]

Great suggestions guys! My doctor always has said the best thing for anxiety/depression is exercise. I second Ox45 in that you should immerse yourself in intense exercise. When I'm feeling down/anxious going to Jiu Jitsu does wonders for me.

I'd specifically recommend:

1. Hard exercise - hopefully a group sport for social benefits as well
2. Meditation - I use: http://www.nsrusa.org - After I read a solid article on LifeHacker
3. Solid nutrition - ensure to eat well and supplement as per my recommendations on my blog wwww.greendiet.com
4. Good sleep - If you are tired, meditate and feed your body good... You will sleep like a rock. Especially if you are using a solid Indica before bed and add some chamomile tea which works wonders

I have Ulcerative Colitis, which was once so bad I considered having my bowels removed. If you are having a particularly difficult time, ask your doctor about an SSRI like Celexa or Lexapro - these SSRI's are pretty mild, non stimulating and super effective for anxiety. Benzodiazepines such as Xanax/Valium/Klonopin can be good 'as needed' meds and are extremely effective - but are very habit forming.

Best of luck bro, you will feel better. Try not to worry about the anxiety itself and adopt a 'who gives a fuck' mentality.

 

[His_Highness]

Consider me a +1 on exercise being a mood enhancer. 99% of the time I can cure a bad mood, anxiety, etc. via a long run. Has to be at least 40 minutes or more of cardio to work for me though. Strength training and martial arts allow me to focus on something good and take my mind into a different direction but I need the runners high to fully clear the mental hurdle from anxiety/stress/unhappiness and turn it into 'feeling good' about things.

There can be a mental hurdle to get over so you can physically exercise and it requires a 'belief' in what the exercise end result will be. Anxiety and stress can sap the mental drive needed for physicality. I know I'm going to feel better if I run but if I'm having a bout of anxiety/stress convincing myself to get up and go instead of lay down and wait for it to pass can be like climbing a mountain. Anger on the other hand is a good way for me to snap out of it and I'll use it if it presents itself but I don't like how it feels or how it can affect those around me.

Over the years I've developed a Pavlov's Dog technique. The music play list I've developed for exercise is just that...only for exercise. Some of my exercise music is ugly and I wound't listen to it otherwise. If I'm having one of those 'can't get my mind right' to exercise moments I put the hardcore rap, putrid punk portion of the playlist on and my heart rate automatically picks up, my muscles twitch and my feet start to tap out of reflex and I'm able to get over the I-Don't-Wanna.

Exercise definitely works but it can also backfire if the mental gets in front of you and you beat yourself up for not exercising. Find a exercise that makes you happy...I've had folks say they hate exercise, and I tell them I do too...it may look like I'm running but I'm really dancing to the music.