I pretty much wrote a big long essay here, but no one wants to read that, so I'll just ask my question simply - How do you deal with anxiety? When it's spiraling out of control (like, barely being able to leave the apartment alone and not being able to sleep because you're dreading having to make a phone call the next day out of control), what do you do? Particularly when you can't afford professional help (and therefore medication)? Is there anything that can help one suffering from anxiety be able to function?

I know Subeta isn't the best place to seek this kind of advice, but I figure some of you must suffer from anxieties and maybe could offer some suggestions or tips, or at least share some stories :3

Well i just really drink some tea or read a good book. but it usally is diffrent for othe peopole.

May i ask why your anxtious?

I wish I knew :( It started just being shy, I guess. Then I started getting nervous when I was around other people. It got worse until I pretty much just started being afraid of being around people. Especially having to talk to them. Like, being in a small group setting is absolutely the worst, especially with people I sort of know and may see again. I'm probably more afraid of that than death, seriously. I don't know why, it's completely irrational. I can barely leave my apartment to go do laundry in the basement because there might be someone else in the laundry room. I know that's kinda "So what if there is?" but to me it's terrifying.

Blah, I'm all fucked up D:

alright. i've had anxieties since forever, and they're sort of hereditary in my family. i'm not sure if you actually have the same type i have, but i had them because i had a huge and irrational fear of vomiting. it got to the point where i wouldn't even eat because i was afraid that i would get sick. and every time i got a stomachache, i would freak out.

i remember that before i got diagnosed and got help i would have these little quirks where i physically had to ask my mom if i would be okay before i got out of the car for school and before i went to bed. of course she didn't know but i had to ask to calm my mind. i had panic attacks at school whenever i had a stomachache. i'd get cold sweats and i'd HAVE to be doing something with my hands (twirling my hair, doodling, biting my nails, etc.) to make me feel better. and i would bounce my legs. i felt like i was trapped and i felt like i needed to get up and run away, but i couldn't.

dealing with anxieties is horrible, and depending on the level that you're feeling them i'm not sure how you could make them pass easier. i would suggest staying busy and doing things to get your mind off of them. when you're going to sleep, relax your body from your toes to your head and close your eyes taking deep breaths. that always helped me.

or try little quirks that may calm you down, like rubbing something soft. for some reason that made me feel better, too.

i hope it all works out for you and if you have any questions, feel free to ask me. i'm on medication now luckily so i've got a little bit of control over them.

You really should go to a doctor as soon as you can. I used to be like you, and my anxiety was so bad that is was causing my stomach to turn, so I actually went to the doctor because of those symptoms, and that's when my anxiety was diagnosed and treated. When I'm not on my medication, I can't go to a friend's house, I get so unnecessarily nervous about it.. it's awful having your life being controlled by something you can't control. My life is so much better when I'm on medication, seriously. It's one of the best things I've ever done for myself.

When I'm not on my medication, I usually take deep breaths, in and out, and clear my mind. If you focus on your breathing, it'll take your mind off of what is worrying you. Also closing your eyes helps a lot. Maybe turn on some calming music to drown out the noise. The deep breaths help me the most, though. You can also try focusing on your muscles and relaxing them one at a time. Relaxing your body and mind is key.

I know it's hard to believe, because the anxiety makes you so irrational, but you'll be fine. And, again, go to the doctor or psychologist as soon as possible and see if there are better alternatives. Anxiety is caused by an imbalance of Serotonin in your brain and can be helped successfully with medication.