Struggling with anxiety

 Hi  

It sounds like you are working hard to deal with everything that's happening right now. Give yourself credit for that, because it's not easy, it is exhausting.

You mentioned you love walking, which is great. I think being out in nature and the rhythm of walking and running really settles the nervous system.

For safety reasons I joined a local running club when they did a couch to 5k. It's great because there's not much talking involved, therefore no pressure.

I have started to journal and this really helps me to get my thoughts out and down on paper.

I'll keep you posted on the in person group search.

I'm really sorry you are struggling so bad with the anxiety. I haven't been to a mental health group before but I can imagine if it isn't done with autistic people in mind it probably won't be a lot of help sadly. Unfortunately support for autistic people still has a long way to go!

I'm glad this community is here though! It's a really warm and friendly environment to be part of.

I find distractions work best for me and also making sure I start to distract myself before the anxiety gets too bad (Not easy I know)! - but noticing my anxiety before it hits me for six is something I've been trying to work on. 

Some things that work for me well is distracting myself by painting, listening to music, singing and lately going for walks. Walking is working really well for me - exercise is generally recommended as it calms you down and lowers anxiety levels. 

Another tip I got from a professional is focusing on your immediate senses so what you can see, hear, touch and taste. You can write them down or just think about them or say them out loud. It's almost like a game in a way but it does work, for me at least. It helps ground you and distract you when anxiety comes around.

I hope this helps you. Keep your chin up and try to stay positive, if you need to chat hit me up anytime

Hi DormouseAtRest_25 I hope you can get into crochet, I find these ladies to be really good at teaching, if you need any help or other videos just let me know, crochet has been a massive help for me in calming my mind. 

I LOVE savoury food, people have often said I had a 'savoury tooth' rather than a 'sweet tooth' I am a massive fan of spices especially paprika, I'd put it on everything if I could Middle eastern cuisine is also delicious I love the flavour of ras el hanout (I think that is how it's spelt) especially in soups, it's so warming and yummy. 

I am also always on the lookout for freezer-friendly recipes, I like to try and plan meals ahead as much as I can as my appetite does tend to fluctuate. I also can't stand food waste and I feel so bad if I don't eat what I've made.

If you find any good recipes I'd like to know

Hi Lonehare12 Thank you for your kind words, I am working on finding things that help me deal with all the big changes happening right now, but it is exhausting managing it on top of everyday stuff. I also love walking and I'd like to start running (if you have any tips I'd appreciate it). Being outside has always been a big comfort to me even when I was little I loved being outside and play with the snails I love making art too, especially sketching/doodling, what kind of stuff do you like to sketch?

I hope you find an in person group, I'd love to find a group too. 

Hi I've just found this community as well. I'm sorry to hear you're struggling so much right now. Anxiety really sucks, I suffer with it all the time and it's rubbish.

I get you with the mental health groups. I've had mental health intervention before but they didn't understand the autism at all and it made me a lot worse. I wish there was a neurodiverse group near me I feel like that would be a big help.

When my anxiety starts to get bad I try to preoccupy myself with the things I enjoy most. It's better to distract your mind than sit and think so that's what I try to do. Sometimes I can lose myself in a fun film like Toy Story or a good book. Or I will play video games they are a brilliant distraction.

The time just flies when I do these things and I suddenly realise I'm not anxious anymore. I hope you can find some things that work for you. You might like to try meditation as well. It doesn't work for everyone but it might for you.

Hi and welcome 

I'm new here too and newly diagnosed.

I'm sorry to hear you are struggling with anxiety right now. I took struggle with change. I just try to do the things I love which are running/walking being in nature, sketching, it helps calm my nervous system.

I agree with the mental health group thing. I'm so pleased I've found this space, but I'd like to find an in person group to meet nurodivergant friends, but I can't find anything near where I live.

I hope things settle down for you.

ihoardjars said:

Does anyone have anything helpful they do when feeling anxious or overwhelmed?

It’s important at times like this to make time for yourself, rest, involve yourself deeply in your interests, get plenty of sleep, go for long walks. Remember to be mindful of yourself, it’s time to heal and you are allowed to do that. Treat yourself like your own best friend and do not feel bad for going on holiday mentally for a while till you find firm ground again during this emotional earthquake phase. Breathing techniques can be a great way to centre yourself quickly and it’s easy enough to do anywhere, focus on your breaths and this should help keep you in reality rather than having your thoughts run wild. 

I have bookmarked:

- Blossom Crochet - Absolute Beginner Series,

and ditto for

- Hooked by Robin - Crochet Projects for Absolute Beginners.

(Thank you for offering other videos, however, instead; I think your Blossom and Robin suggestions will be a good place to start).

I like cooking savoury food.  In addition to UK dishes I also enjoy some international foods too.  For example, I like spice styles popular in the Middle East.

I keep a lookout for freeze ahead, healthy recipes.

My research also keeps watch for ideas suitable for outdoor pack lunches / picnics.

I really recommend Hooked by Robin and Blossom Crochet youtube channels, they are both British ladies who are really good at explaining what they are doing and have videos of all the beginners basics, I can send some of the videos if that would help. 

I love cooking too, especially chopping vegetables I find that so soothing I'm not sure why. What kind of things do you like to cook?

I really love gardening too, but like you it is on the back-burner on the moment as I just haven't had the energy or time. I would like to get into houseplants again as I miss having little green buddies around me. 

Do you like doing arts and crafts? 

Crochet is one of the things on my "learn how to do" list.

I have tried teaching myself via a couple of booklets ... without success.

I ought to have an explore on YouTube to see if watching people on video might help unlock my stumbling blocks.

For me, cooking can be a brain happy pursuit.

In times past, I used to do "all things gardening-related".  That is on the "dormant" mode for now.

Hi Dormouse, I really agree with you about busy hands and quiet brain. I feel like I always need to be doing something with my hands. I am a big fan of tactile hobbies especially crochet, I'm currently working on a big blanket at the moment and it has taken me ages. Are you working on any crochet projects right now? Also, do you have any other hobbies you enjoy and keep your brain happy?

Hello ihoardjars, welcome to the community here.

For me, one if the best anxiety-busters is to pick a pastime which involves buy hands but a quiet brain - something like your crochet where you are operating on semi-autopilot and at the end if the session you have made some tangible progress.  Even if you don't feel like it - give it a go anyway and see how things pan out.