Hi everyone,
I am new here but I wish I had known about this a year ago. I have suffered from anxiety all my life but didn't understand what was causing until last year (I am now 46). It took me a while.
For me it took an extreme crisis and an extended hospital stay to find out that my anxiety was caused by a very pure form of OCD that only occurred in my head and didn't present outwardly at all. Once we knew that and thanks to an amazing psychologist I am beginning my journey to get on track and to get rid of these horrible thoughts.
For me there are a few things I find work really well;
A weighted blanket for me is incredible if I am seriously anxious and under threat my from thoughts. For me it is like a massive hug. BUT they are not for everyone so perhaps speak to an OT about that one first.
I have found that for me art can help to get my mind off things and focus on something else to stop it spinning. I love drawing and painting and sculpting (I'm not great at it but it keeps me focused on something else).
Exercise every day is so important to me. Walking in the cold helps bring me down from periods of high anxiety as does cold water splashed on my face. Making sure I get enough exercise every day has definitely helped keep me a lot more level than I used to be. I don't go to the gym, just walking with the dog and simple things like that.
I have also been working on something called detached mindfulness and to allow myself to let go of thoughts that are triggering my anxiety. Due to the nature of my anxiety I need to let go of these thoughts and for me, this has worked well.
Support is critical. I struggle some times and I have a very selfish boss who doesn't understand at all. When I returned to work after my "crisis" I was told there was going to be no special treatment and that I had to pick up the slack from when I left. Luckily I have an amazing partner who has helped me so much. I hope everyone can find someone (or through this site or others) who can help them when they are struggling.
I am really struggling at the moment due to work but I am also aware of my struggles and I beginning to take steps to do something about it.
Have a great day everyone and keep smiling.