Anxiety Disorders Hints and Tips

This section of Anxiety Network Australia is for consumers to share any hints and tips they have found valuable on their road to recovery. Please email your hints and tips to Anxiety Network Australia* for the benefit of all those who are still presently living with anxiety around Australia. (therapies, treatments, books, resources, internet links, support groups, workshops, etc). You can remain anonymous if you choose, or you may prefer to include your contact email with your 'hint' so others can contact you.


	Exposure & Risk Taking
Outline	I have seen many psychiatrists and psychologists and found not much was helping until I decided one day that I needed to step out side of my comfort zone to really challenge my fears. Step by step I have overcome many of my fears I had in social situations. Persistence and patience and lots of being kind to myself is the answer. Scary at first, but getting out there is definitely the key to no longer being afraid. Getting rid of many of my old entrenched negative beliefs about myself of course really helped. If I can give you any tip, it is to become aware of and question your underlying values. It takes work, but it is worth it.
From	Jayne - Sydney

	Personal Story
Outline	I am 22 from Melbourne and I have only just realised I have Social Anxiety. I found reading 'Sally's' story on your web site in the Personal Stories section of your web site really helpful. I could relate so much to what she said and what she went through. I also found 'Linda's' story amazing - a psychiatrist!! I never knew they suffered from anxiety!! Good for you Linda. I have realised anxiety affects many people, even those you least expect. I don't feel so alone anymore. Thank you both for your honesty.
From	Jessie - South Yarra, Melbourne, Victoria

	St. John's Wart
Outline	I have been taking this herbal supplement for 6 months and I find I sleep better and have a general sense of calmness to my day. Some people I know have taken it and say it doesn't do much for them. For me I believe it really works.
From	Cassandra - Brisbane, Queensland

	Exercise
Outline	I have found regular aerobic exercise helpful in managing my anxiety. I took up jogging three times a week two months ago, along with swimming once a week. It seems to have benefits that last throughout my day - I would encourage it for anyone who lives with anxiety. It really helps.
From	Jason - Perth, Western Australia

	Caffeine
Outline	I had two cups of very strong percolated coffee and only worked out after the most intense panic attack in my life that they were the likely culprit as normally I only drink tea. I have read that 'anxious' people should limit their caffeine intake to a maximum of 100mg per day as we are very sensitive to it, that also goes for medications which contain Pseudoephedrine.
From	Christina

	This will pass...
Outline	I have found during my periods of despair (depression) that it is always helpful if I can remain aware that this is a "passing" phase that I am going through. That as much as what I am currently experiencing seems like the end of the World and that I cannot take it anymore, that these feelings will pass. Easier said than done, I know. However, as I practise this technique, it seems to become easier to maintain some glimmer of hope even in my darkest moments. Maybe I am able to use this technique because I am slowly coming out of my deepest depression, I don't know. It's hard to determine at times where I am in the "cycle" of ups and downs I experience, but remaining aware that it will pass gives me a little something to hold on to through my darkest times...
From	Peter - feel free to email Peter

	Meditation
Outline	I was never one for sitting still, and emptying my mind. My life was rush, rush, rush. But I spent the money and learnt how to meditate, and I believe it has made the biggest difference in my recovery from anxiety and depression. It does take a while to get it right, but stick with it, and you will find a sense of clarity and calm in your life. I now practice twice a day, and it is just part of my daily routine now, and I believe it will help with relapse prevention also.
From	Beth

* Sue Cleland reserves the right to determine which 'hints and tips' are published to this page.

This site is not intended as a means of disseminating medical advice. If medical advice is required it is advisable to seek expert medical assistance. This site contains links to other sites, practitioners and therapists providing health related materials, treatment and therapies. However, the content and materials, treatment and therapies provided by these third party sites, practitioners and therapists, are not produced by nor are they the responsibility of the author of this site.