Anxiety

I think there is a heck of a difference between habitual worrying and anxiety.

Aka what if you don't why you are waking up shit-scared feeling nervous? How can you avoid that?

Did anyone see Holby last night? An old lady who had been self-medicating with herbal remedies rather than seeking medical help. Was not pretty.

For me the answer has to come from within myself, inasmuch as I must not allow myself to give in to my anxiety. Not allowing my thoughts to turn to the basis of the anxiety.

Keeping busy yet trying to find some 'me time', reading, listening to music, eating sensibly, getting out and about, gardening, planning projects, talking with friends, thinking of other people, my family, my dogs, learning to laugh again, and so on.

I don't want to go down any medication path but that's a personal choice.

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Watch out for Dt John's Wort if you are on Tamoxifen, or statins, because it can interfere with the efficacy of these drugs, and quite a few more. I found out during treatment for breast cancer.

KatyK Good one!

henetha As I read your message, I was nodding...

How I think of myself as - I used think I was indecisive and now I'm not so sure! Queen of indecision here.

I used to take St John's Wort for mild depression, and it certainly worked for me. Not sure how well it works for anxiety, though.

St. John's Wort. It works well for me. I mostly take it from November to March, as I seem to be far worse during the Winter and Spring, so assume it is SAD related.

henetha I am the queen of indecision!!! Is it an age thing? Once I have finally made a decision, say on a holiday, or something for the home , then I wake up before dawn worrying about it. My GP has sent me on a group CBT course. boatyard I think as others have said !there's a lot of it about!!

I take anti-depressants, but sometimes think it's an anti-anxiety pill which I really need. I spend ages worrying over things and my brain feels like it has been taken out and put back in upside down!
Making a decision about anything whatsoever takes me ages.
I do suspect though that these feelings are pretty common in older people who live alone.
So, to anyone out there who is suffering, you are not alone. And do see
your doctor.

Boatyard I think if you read some of the threads on here you will see that there are quite a lot of people suffering the same. I suffer acute anxiety and have also had depression due various events in my life. I think we all cope in different ways. Personally I have never taken medication but have always tried to 'cope'. I just get up in the morning and get through the day. I do think that soop's suggestion of visiting your GP is a good one. I believe there are some very good treatments now. I should probably follow my own advice, maybe I would feel better. I hope you can find some help.

Boatyard Anxiety, when not appropriate, is a curse. You are most certainly not alone. If you haven't approached your GP, may I suggest that it could be a very important first step in the right direction.

Me too, jings...only I listen to radio 3...

I wake up most early mornings with a horrible feeling of being miserably afraid of something. I put my radio on with earphones and it goes away.

And then I get up and take a lovely little green and yellow pill.

I can think of one or two Gransnetters who might be able to help you - hopefully they'll see your post and jump in.