Coping with anxiety
 

Ugh. I'm just having a rough day here. I feel my anxiety is taking over my life. I feel like it's so hard to relax and I keep thinking about how much my life has changed since this injury. I'm alone on Friday and Saturday nights now which puts me down in the dumps. I should be out hanging with my friends.

Does anybody have any recommendations to cope with anxiety? I feel it's just getting worse for me. I started taking yoga and I also went out and rescued a cat from an animal shelter to keep me company at home. Both have helped a little but I feel I need to give it more time.

I never suffered from anxiety in my life prior to my injury. Now I feel it's a struggle everyday to maintain my calmness. The stress, nervousness, and worry are overwhelming at times. Weightlifting was my escape before, but now since I can't really do that I feel the stress is building. I really don't want to go down the route of medication, so any natural recommendations would be much appreciated. I thought maybe a good book might be a start?

Suggestions
 

Walking, meditation, journal writing, talking on the phone to a friend or family member, starting a crafty project: those are my suggestions. A crafty project could almost be anything, from putting photos in an album to writing a nice letter of thanks to your mom for mothers' day (I'm aware that such a suggestion might not work for everyone, but I thought I'd mention it because I enjoyed doing it yesterday!)

That said, there's no shame in treating anxiety with medicine IMO. It's a nice idea to try to go natural and I respect people's choice to do so, but anxiety is also something that can exacerbate PCS symptoms, so if you're still really struggling after trying the natural route, I'd consider all options! I've hit some bumps with meds and wish I didn't have to take so many dang pills, but I guess it's what I need for the moment to cope. "Whatever gets you through the night" is my motto! Not trying to be pushy though! Everyone is different.

Anxiety is common to a lot of us. It can hit me in unusual ways such as going grocery shopping or other mundane daily activities.

Some things I have found helpful include meditation, gentle yoga, and massage therapy. Depending on where you live you may also be able to find a TBI support group which could be helpful. The BIAA website may have a link to a support group in your area.

http://www.biausa.org/

I think anxiety is a major symptom that comes with every injury or traumatic event. I am plagued by it too. I think it can really hinder our recovery so I think anti anxiety meds help and also in end just working through your emotions by journalling or seeing a psychotherapist. I completely understand how you feel. I always think of my life beforehand:( and feel so discouraged at times. I think acceptance and moving on is key and these are emotions we have to work through:( For me , talking with others who have expereinced something very similar is really helpful for me. And just look straight ahead not back. You are getting better...and the light at the end of the tunnel is near.

I am having the same issue this week. I just got back from a week away at Daytona Beach. It was really nice not to have to do anything or answer up to anybody, but now that I am back I am a mess just trying to reintegrate into life. I tried a message which really helped, I was having trouble sleeping and this relaxed me enough to sleep. I am not that interested in medication but signed up this week for a psychologist to help me deal with my life. There are hugh adjustments, financial stress etc. and the outcome is not know. It is really hard to deal with the unknown. I have not been working for 14 months now and have been told it might be another year before I can work, but nobody really knows. I also use a journal, I write down everything I need to do and schedule it out. It somehow gives me control (even a little) of my life. I think trying to do something you enjoy is important, but like the rest of us there is not alot we can do. I look forward to t.v. shows every week, although I limited to watch 2 hours a day of t.v. but those 2 shows can keep me going.

Good Luck.....Some nights it really sucks!!! I do have 2 dogs who keep me company.

Anxiety is also one of my biggest daily struggles. I do the breathing, walking, meditating exercises. I really wanted to go as natural as possible.

I must confess, however, the propanolol (beta blocker for heart often used in pcs) and the L-Tryptophan (thanks, Mark) have really helped.

L-Tryptophan I use 1 or 2 throughout the day. I find it very mellow and uplifting.

The propanolol is a short term crutch because often my hyper vigilance is triggering panic attacks even before I can identify them. I even wake up from nightmares---my poor unconscious.

Learning to manage the anxiety and social isolation is learning to reframe the experience not as "being away from friends" but perhaps "being in quietness with my self". Not easy but necessary.

Anxiety
 

I feel really lucky and blessed that I have not been plagued with too much of it due to this PCS situation.

However, I wonder a lot if it is because for at least 3.5 years I take Gaba, 5-Htp, and L-thanine every night due to some horrible anxiety I had from mid life hormone changes. Prior to finding these supplements I had brain fog and just horrible, crippling anxiety that I hope never to feel again.

I do get depressed sometimes these days, but I handle that with my hobbies, positive thinking, and prayer.

I know this is a hard time and you're a young person wanting to be out with friends.

Try to think on how far you have come, and that you will recover, bit by bit, and be changed surely by this experience.

Here's hoping you find something to take the anxiety away!

pm

Your Not Alone
 

Weekends are the worst for me and have been for awhile.I really did not care about in the winter because it was cold etc.But now it is getting nice out and my friends call and tell me about BBQ's their going to or what they are doing over the weekend.My daughter is enjoying life and time with friends etc and here I am in my 30's single and isolated to myself.I just have to be thankful for the things I do have like I am still able to drive, talk, walk etc.

I know how hard it is and it really sucks so I put a comedy movie on to laugh the sadness away!Hang in there you are not alone:hug:

Hi tpont
 

I never really read a book for pleasure until I got these issues of mine. Now I can't not read, and am more or less a book worm. Find something you are intersted in, and go for it. This does wonders for me with both pain and anxiety. I also turn up blues music quite loud at times! ginnie:hug:

Anxiety is hard to cope with, I had it to the extreme and it affected my recovery. When I went on an antidepressant combo, that's when I began my healing. Anxiety and stress even without a brain injury are two things that are bad for the brain, depression also. A happy brain is a healthy brain. My recommendation is to check the Vitamin and Supplements thread Mark posted. Also, check in to see a therapist, and this is optional but it really helps, check out a psychiratist. These people are here to help you.