Stayseeliz Posted February 7, 2013 Share Posted February 7, 2013 I've had an extremely stressful few days around here. I won't get into it but I need something for anxiety/stress for at least a little while. What can I take that will just calm me down? I've already had a stress headache/migraine all week and these circumstances aren't helping. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
klmama Posted February 7, 2013 Share Posted February 7, 2013 B vitamins can help and are a major part of the Stress Tabs vitamins you can buy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
whitestavern Posted February 7, 2013 Share Posted February 7, 2013 My son takes magnesium for stress. We like Natural Calm. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scarlett Posted February 7, 2013 Share Posted February 7, 2013 I found some calming herbs one time that seemed to help me. Mild but nothing harmful. I think I took 5 or 6 at a time at various points. Got them at Walmart Also hot tea, especially camomile, can help soothe me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mommyfaithe Posted February 7, 2013 Share Posted February 7, 2013 Kava kava works well, as does Valerian. Both are available at the health food store. I use the alcohol free....but the stuff w/ the alcohol works better.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mommyfaithe Posted February 7, 2013 Share Posted February 7, 2013 Oh, and if you are not averse, A glass of wine and a yoga DVD does wonders too....my little guys will do yoga with me, and it makes them calmer as well. Sorry you are stressed. I am learning to calm down now too.... Oh, if all else fails, call the doctor and get some Xanax or Ativan. They both worked wonders for me when I needed them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Night Elf Posted February 7, 2013 Share Posted February 7, 2013 I read that eating a bar of dark chocolate once a day for a week or more can reduce stress hormones. It's not a quick fix, but it's something. I like hot tea and a good book that's an easy read that doesn't require thinking. You would need some quiet time for that though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PrincessMommy Posted February 7, 2013 Share Posted February 7, 2013 motherwort. I was just doing research on this for on of my college kids. Motherwort is supposed to be calming but not sleep inducing. She takes a combo herbal to help her sleep. It has valerian and passionflower in it. Getting enough sleep helps with anxiety, so it is essential you get sleep. During the day she can take several 8-10drops worth. It tastes TERRIBLE! I tried it. But, what I read said that the tea or pills don't help. I put it in a small glass a of juice and she takes it in one gulp. For my dd just talking it out helps her tremendously. Do you have someone you can confide in? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pawz4me Posted February 7, 2013 Share Posted February 7, 2013 Valerian. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stayseeliz Posted February 7, 2013 Author Share Posted February 7, 2013 Thanks. No time for yoga, books etc. A family member got in to trouble and we're dealing with the fallout of that. Thanks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
happi duck Posted February 7, 2013 Share Posted February 7, 2013 Rescue Remedy works for me. I use the spray. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
freeindeed Posted February 7, 2013 Share Posted February 7, 2013 Magnesium B Vitamins Taking walks outside - even just short ones, fresh air works wonders A couple of small pieces of dark chocolate each day An occasional glass of wine in the evenings Prayer Talking things out with a close friend Reading fluff Watching a favorite movie Listening to favorite music Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dsmith Posted February 7, 2013 Share Posted February 7, 2013 Definitely call your doctor and get a one-time Xanax prescription. It helped me so much during my mom's last week. The natural stuff is great for day to day stress, but during a crisis I think something stronger is helpful. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
unsinkable Posted February 7, 2013 Share Posted February 7, 2013 Doctors will write scripts for Xanax and ativan over the phone? That sounds messed up to me. Ativan (sometimes) knocks my DD out when she is having uncontrolled seizures. I'm sure they are giving her a much bigger dose but still... :confused1: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joanne Posted February 7, 2013 Share Posted February 7, 2013 Thanks. No time for yoga, books etc. A family member got in to trouble and we're dealing with the fallout of that. Thanks. Please, for *situational* anxiety, stress and worry, don't think of "taking something". Instead, please think through the issues you are dealing with, and seek the appropriate support and information for that. Look into stress management and coping skills. Learn what are your appropriate boundaries of activity and action within the situation. Drugs (even naturals) for anxiety are serious and should be considered for "anxiety" as a diagnosis. What you are dealing with is a life-created crisis. To respond to that healthfully, you need to think in terms of crisis management which includes support, information, self care, etc. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Laurie4b Posted February 7, 2013 Share Posted February 7, 2013 "Take" exercise. A brisk 10 min walk or 10 min of dance or whatever you can do. Try for 2-3 times per day. Outside is best if weather permits, because nature is calming as well. You don't "lose" time spent in exercise because your brain will function better afterwards. It saves you the time you waste spinning around in your head. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Orthodox6 Posted February 7, 2013 Share Posted February 7, 2013 Impressed by Joanne's reply and agreeing with her. Also "seconding" the encouragement for exercise. Kava-kava has serious potential health dangers. I used it for a while, then learned more. Although GABA does not cross the blood-brain barrier, according to scientific studies, I have found that it does, nevertheless, calm me down. Occasionally I have taken GABA during a "situational" crisis, with quick aid resulting. I don't use it regularly. Prescriptive meds sound like "overkill" for what you describe. Hope your situation settles out safely soon, and that you soon feel better. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stayseeliz Posted February 7, 2013 Author Share Posted February 7, 2013 I am just trying to keep my head above water and take care of my kids right now. The situation is very very bad. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joanne Posted February 7, 2013 Share Posted February 7, 2013 I am just trying to keep my head above water and take care of my kids right now. The situation is very very bad. {{Hugs}} Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
katilac Posted February 7, 2013 Share Posted February 7, 2013 Doctors will write scripts for Xanax and ativan over the phone? That sounds messed up to me. Ativan (sometimes) knocks my DD out when she is having uncontrolled seizures. I'm sure they are giving her a much bigger dose but still... :confused1: Generally only if it is your regular doctor who knows you well. If they know you are in general good health and don't seek out meds, I see nothing wrong with it in an emergency situation. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scarlett Posted February 7, 2013 Share Posted February 7, 2013 I am just trying to keep my head above water and take care of my kids right now. The situation is very very bad. Surely hot tea and some brisk exercise would be ok while you get through this. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joanne Posted February 7, 2013 Share Posted February 7, 2013 Generally only if it is your regular doctor who knows you well. If they know you are in general good health and don't seek out meds, I see nothing wrong with it in an emergency situation. Because they are drugs for the brain disease/disorder of anxiety. Not for a fix when life gets tough. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OH_Homeschooler Posted February 7, 2013 Share Posted February 7, 2013 Oh, and if you are not averse, A glass of wine and a yoga DVD does wonders too....my little guys will do yoga with me, and it makes them calmer as well. Sorry you are stressed. I am learning to calm down now too.... Oh, if all else fails, call the doctor and get some Xanax or Ativan. They both worked wonders for me when I needed them. I agree with this. Doctors will prescribe short-term anti-anxiety drugs as needed. Also, cardio really helps me with nervous energy. A good fast walk can do wonders! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Orthodox6 Posted February 7, 2013 Share Posted February 7, 2013 Different camps within the thread. That's normal for a large group, so I'm not being hostile. I'm just coming from years' experience with psychiatric drugs used properly by some family members, so I can't back a "casual use" recommendation. My own thoughts also are that a doctor who would prescribe "quick fix" psychiatric medications for a non-diagnosed situation is not a good doctor. (Correspondingly, I don't favor non-psyschiatrists prescribing meds for mental health conditions, for ADHD, etc.) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OH_Homeschooler Posted February 7, 2013 Share Posted February 7, 2013 Doctors will write scripts for Xanax and ativan over the phone? That sounds messed up to me. Ativan (sometimes) knocks my DD out when she is having uncontrolled seizures. I'm sure they are giving her a much bigger dose but still... :confused1: Mine didn't. I was having a series of panic attacks brought on by a particular situation, and he needed to see me before prescribing Ativan. But he did write the prescription and it helped me get through that horrible weekend, and then I was okay before the prescription ran out. I could sleep for the first time in days. I just needed something to get over the hump and help me think rationally again. I was in a complete thought spiral I could not get out of without help. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
unsinkable Posted February 7, 2013 Share Posted February 7, 2013 (((Stacey))) i am sorry you are having such a rough time. i have had horrible situations that make me think i can't take another breath and i would do anything for relief. i also feel like there are times i am on a permanent gerbil wheel of worry. i hope you can find something that helps you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brookspr Posted February 7, 2013 Share Posted February 7, 2013 Exercise is the first choice for me. Yoga, pilates, cardio, even just a 10 minute walk around the neighborhood with the dog helps. Deep breathing from the belly also helps, sit or lay down and put your hand on your belly as you breathe in for 4-6 counts, then out for 4-6 counts. I also take Vitamin C and drink lemon balm tea which can calm nerves and decrease cortisol (stress hormone). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TCoppock Posted February 7, 2013 Share Posted February 7, 2013 Sorry things are so stressful. My first suggestions would have been yoga and meditation, but you said you don't really have time for that. How about a warm bath and some tea, or a glass of wine. It might give you a few minutes to relax and collect your thoughts. I like to add scented bath oil. Lavender is suppose to help you relax. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
J-rap Posted February 7, 2013 Share Posted February 7, 2013 Magnesium, plus a bath with epsom salt which also contains magnesium. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ondreeuh Posted February 7, 2013 Share Posted February 7, 2013 Relaxing music (dh likes Enya :closedeyes: ) and some mindless puzzles? I do http://www.puzzle-nonograms.com/. If you have underlying generalized anxiety that is being massively triggered by the situation, I think it's totally appropriate to go to the doctor for help. If what you're feeling is situational stress, then that may be different, but it doesn't hurt to call your doc, describe what you're going through, and ask if they have suggestions. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
katilac Posted February 7, 2013 Share Posted February 7, 2013 Because they are drugs for the brain disease/disorder of anxiety. Not for a fix when life gets tough. Instead, please think through the issues you are dealing with, and seek the appropriate support and information for that. Look into stress management and coping skills. Learn what are your appropriate boundaries of activity and action within the situation. I'm assuming life is beyond the normal realm of 'tough' for the OP right now, and traumatic events can certainly trigger diagnosable anxiety. It's absolutely great if someone can deal with it without meds, but nothing to be ashamed of it they can't. Joanne said: Drugs (even naturals) for anxiety are serious and should be considered for "anxiety" as a diagnosis. What you are dealing with is a life-created crisis. To respond to that healthfully, you need to think in terms of crisis management which includes support, information, self care, etc, Yes, in the long-term, certainly, but this assumes that one is capable of rational thought and crisis management. I went through a "life-created crisis" that would have rapidly gone even further south without short-term meds. A person cannot seek information and build a support network when they can't think clearly enough to turn on the computer, or drive, or eat. A traumatic event can trigger anxiety. Meds can help someone who has suffered with anxiety for a long time. They can also help someone who has suffered with anxiety for a short time. Meds helped my brain enough that I could actually do all those great things on your list. Everyone has to make their own decision, but I strongly disagree that short-term meds in response to crisis are always a bad thing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mergath Posted February 7, 2013 Share Posted February 7, 2013 Generally only if it is your regular doctor who knows you well. If they know you are in general good health and don't seek out meds, I see nothing wrong with it in an emergency situation. Yup. My doc will do this for me because I've been seeing him for years and he knows me and my diagnoses well enough to feel comfortable doing it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stayseeliz Posted February 7, 2013 Author Share Posted February 7, 2013 Normally I take as little as possible of anything at all. This is one of those times when I'm having trouble breathing and remaining upright, much less exercising. I have taken nothing today besides medicine for my horrible stress headache and I feel like I'm about to puke. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OH_Homeschooler Posted February 7, 2013 Share Posted February 7, 2013 Normally I take as little as possible of anything at all. This is one of those times when I'm having trouble breathing and remaining upright, much less exercising. I have taken nothing today besides medicine for my horrible stress headache and I feel like I'm about to puke. That definitely sounds like something a doctor could prescribe something for. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sbgrace Posted February 7, 2013 Share Posted February 7, 2013 Normally I take as little as possible of anything at all. This is one of those times when I'm having trouble breathing and remaining upright, much less exercising. I have taken nothing today besides medicine for my horrible stress headache and I feel like I'm about to puke. I'm sorry. It really sounds like that is intense enough to need something pharmaceutical to me. Do you have someone who can help you--be a support, watch children/clean/help in some way? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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