I have a lot of anxiety due to health conditions and its just the way I'm made. I've got IBS, gastric problems, menieres, arthritic neck problems and of course anxiety itself. I also have aspergers/hfa. Thats quite a mix The anxiety isn't just about health, my body just goes nuts at the slightest little thing even when I'm not even thinking anxious thoughts. Actually I think I've got rather good at not thinking about health issues and ignoring them, but that doesn't stop things like palpitations and wotnot.
I do a lot of sport and I run a business which is doing ok and has a handful of staff but sometimes I get massive anxiety attacks which end up leaving me suicidal with deep depression. During these times I'm completely non functional and unable to work, typically to 2 to 6 weeks at a time, perhaps once or twice per year. Its hard to describe what I do during those periods, its just like a black hole. This often happens when I stop sport, perhaps I need those hormones etc as my body has got so used to having them. I can accept that though and I'm looking out for the signs next time, although I'm sure it will get me just as much as ever.
But the crazy thing is that I'm best when I'm drinking lots of alcohol. Yes shoot me now for being evil but it really helps me live normally. I'd really like to stop that though and just somehow be that normal relaxed person who can smile through the day and enjoy everything thats going on. I'm not always an alcoholic but it just helps me through the bad patches, and the rest of the time I just drink sensible amounts. I know that if I just stop completely my body will go nuts so perhaps a taper is in order.
So what do I throw in the mix to achieve that ? I don't take any medication except PPIs and pain killers occasionally. I'm not really keen on medication.
One thing that would really help is if I could put some of the anxiety to bed. That would help me concentrate and work better so the business would improve.
Does anyone on here do specific relaxation exercises? I can't see me being a meditation kind of person but perhaps there's things like that which will help me become more rested and settled = less anxious.
So please put some tools in my tool box, all ideas very welcome, as well as things or resources that you found helpful This is a great forum and it helped me a lot a couple of years ago. thanks in advance.