Anxiety Combat
Never heard of the wellbeing service? It's run by the NHS and their aim is to help people with depression and/or anxiety with non medicinal treatments. https://www.readytochange.org.uk/norfolk/pages/Home.aspx < This is the link for my area, it shows on there what treatments are available near you.
I have always tried self help after a bad experience with prescription drugs a few years back. I think there are natural ways to deal with my GAD (Generalized anxiety disorder), rather than relying on mind altering tablets.
I'm not here to say taking meds is wrong, I have taken them myself and could be persuaded again, but currently I chose not to.
I self referred (doctor's appointments are like gold dust, right?), and went to my first taster session this week.
The session is a large group, you just sit through an hour long presentation where the hosts describe a number of symptoms, and offer 4 types of treatment for you to choose from.
There were three people who hosted and each took their turn to speak. I, awkwardly had a panic attack when I arrived, but calmed down when the people helped me and spoke to me. They were nice and explained everything clearly.
I found that most of the information was not new to me, I have lived with anxiety for many years and have heard most of it before, so I think it's definitely a good session if you are recently experiencing symptoms or you haven't sought any help before.
What I did find interesting is that I think I was the youngest there, (I'm 25), I always hear so much surrounding anxiety that it's a "young person's" illness and older people "just get on with it" , not that I am pleased these people are suffering but it was refreshing to see a lot of older people there.
I chose option one, which was a four week course to help me control stress.
So stay tuned to see how I get on!!
Thanks for reading, remember if you ever have any feelings of harming yourself or others, or plans to take your own life, there is help and support out there - please call the Samaritans 08457 90 90 90 (uk) http://www.samaritans.org/how-we-can-help-you/contact-us
I'm always happy to chat too! Twitter or Instagram @15TwentyFive
Edit / I have now been prescribed medication, but won't be starting it until after my course of CBT
Thank you so much for sharing! I've been suffering with stress, depression and anxiety for a few years, but more recently the anxiety has become a lot more intense, to the point where I had a panic attack for the first time on Friday. I literally thought I was dying! I was in the house alone and was more scared than I have ever been (which probably made it worse!) but then didn't feel able to talk to my boyfriend/family/friends as they don't really understand and just tell me to 'get a grip' and that I have nothing in my life to make me feel that way! It's nice to know I'm not a freak and that there is support out there!
ReplyDeleteSiobhan
ahandfulofsparkle.blogspot.co.uk
Hi Siobhan, I'm so sorry, I have only just seen your comment!
ReplyDeletePanic attacks can be so intense! It can seem hard to talk about, because when you put it into words, it's never as bad as when it's happening to you. So you just tend to play t down. I did this for years and feel I can finally be open, but not everyone is accepting. I really hope you find support and that you can cope! x