5 Things Not To Do When You Struggle With Anxiety

Dr. Daniel Amen gives a visual representation of things to avoid if you struggle with anxiety and how to help manage anxiety.

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[Gamerdestiny]

May every person reading this lines have love, happiness and abundance in life.

[susanmayer]

One thing to DO if you have anxiety: DRINK WATER! I found out by accident that drinking water when you feel anxious can help lessen that anxiety. Apparently, dehydration can cause anxiety or make symptoms worse.

[rijd]

I'd add do not drink high caffeine beverages (like coffee or diet coke), that's like throwing gasoline on a fire. Green tea is much better, lower caffeine and has a calming effect. Also, mindfulness meditation in the book 30 Days to Reduce Stress by Harper Daniels was a big help for me.

[diamondlife-gihg]

I've read that staying off of social media can also help. And walking also helps. Best of wishes anxiety sufferers. You are not alone there's many of us.

[harvestarr]

not leaving is so important. it’s like exposure therapy, in a way. a few months ago i went through a car wash by myself for the first time and was freaking out the entire time and cried after, but because i now have the experience, it is something that will get easier every time i do it. little steps.

[Space_Princess]

Key note: if you have sensory and information processing issues due to autism or ADHD, not leaving the situation can lead to pain, burnout, meltdown or shutdown. If the anxiety is caused by a fear of social situations for example, then leaving the situation will do more harm than good because you won't be facing your fear to overcome it.

So it highly depends on the source of anxiety and the situation at hand that will determine whether you should leave or not. Knowledge is power 🙏🏻💕

[Strawbz]

Vacate social media or significantly reduce it to the point where

1. it doesnt control you
2. you still get things you want/need to get done
3. you feel less anxious, depressed & truly contentful

[smyrnasstory]

“Do not be anxious over anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication along with thanksgiving, let your petitions be made known to God; and the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and your mental powers”

[Hello-zflq]

My mom would encourage me to skip school when I was stressed or overwhelmed. This created so much anxiety to come back to school after you stayed home for a day or even two weeks.

[deedeeturner]

I have horrible anxiety because I have stage 4 liver cirrhosis and possible liver cancer. Breathing exercises do help tremendously and taking a walk is my go to.

[chefbenardee]

Love each of you reading this... you guys are all warrior legends

[dsujmjn]

I will not be controlled buy any thing ever again
After divorcing a malignant narcissist.

[chrismccaffrey]

Psilocybin has been shown to retire the brain beneficially and stop addiction and anxiety and depression.

[kaii-rojw]

I developed anxiety at 4-5 years old but then at the age of 9 I found my first true best friend and she helped my anxiety a lot and now I’m comfortable talking to new people, I do suffer with anxiety still but it’s not that serious anymore! I am so grateful that I meant someone like my best friend!!

[petiza]

Thanks, Dr. 👍🏽 I wish that everyone who suffers from anxiety could understand how this mental illness takes over your freedom

[mdhejny]

Also, practice living in the “wise mind” mode - living in the now, not the past or the future. Reminding yourself to hone in on the moment you’re currently in. Find a micro-positive in that specific moment and breath.

[jojospeechy]

He's absolutely right! I made the mistake of leaving when I had panic attacks many years ago. It got to the point where I couldn't go anywhere for fear of a panic attack. Thank you

[Drualeaf]

As someone who deals with bad panic attacks and anxiety. It affects us all differently. these tools don’t work for everybody.

[hkhlkzz]

I struggled with weed dependency for years due to anxiety. Didn’t help my girlfriend at the time and most all of my best friends were heavy smokers, but eventually I found it just did not work for me.

Rather than alleviating anxiety and allowing me to focus on task without the constant feeling of impending doom, judgement from others, hopelessness, etc it made me content to avoid reality as much as possible

[mrscpc]

That’s not always the best advice. I have had severe issues because of childhood trauma and my terror would last sometimes 10-16 hours. Getting to a safe quiet place was the wiser choice. I’m almost totally recovered now but that’s taken 12 years of hard work.