Non-drug techniques to cope with emotional symptoms

[Walking]

Interesting subtopic, Nelly!

I find the research on neuroplasticity encouraging, and I use a number of energy psychology techniques to bring down or eliminate the emotional charge from people and situations.

 

Logosynthesis and the cortices technique are daily practices, supplemented with EFT and hook-ups (from Brain Gym) as needed.

[MissyE]

Irene Lyons is an expert on the nervous system and neuroplasticity.  Her life's work is to help everyone regulate our nervous systems.  Her podcasts are very watchable.  l find understanding my physiology helps me as well working on building my capacity for healthy stress (before trying to process old traumas) and grounding techniques.  A good podcast to start with is: https://youtu.be/DvVp9fXhAAk

MissyE x

[Georgio]

Hello Everybody!

 

I found an anonymous case study on the web about reducing and eliminating anxiety/panic attack. I think it might be quite interesting for anyone who suffers from these symthomps.

 

http://nothingworks.weebly.com/

[ChessieCat]

I've just discovered something which might be good as a distraction.

 

Squishing Play Doh around in your hands.

 

I bought some yesterday after seeing my physiotherapist and finding out that I have lost some muscle mass in my thumbs because I haven't been using them much after developing trigger thumbs (caused by pressure at base of thumbs from using walking stick).

 

Apart from it being beneficial for my issue, I like the sensation of playing with it in my hands.

[Moment19]

I have found it essential to find ways to be able to be by myself and allow the pain to be there that is associated with withdrawals and recovery while I go do the things I want to build and grow in my life. Obviously the symptoms of withdrawal can really put us down and out mentally and physically. I have found it most useful to learn skills and tools to not ruminate on fixing the problem. That just seems to make it worse and recovery slower.

 

There is a guy that recovered from all kinds of disorders that he no longer has issues with. Although he never took medication, he learned the skills to progress past the issues he was having of Anxiety, depression, OCD, DP/DR etc. He no longer suffers with any of those conditions. I have found the mental workouts that he suggests are very helpful in recovering with the symptoms of withdrawal. His book is called, "You Are Not A Rock". I would recommend this book to all the individuals on this forum. His focus is all about recovering and leaving it all behind instead of just managing poor mental health the rest of our lives we can truly recover and leave it all behind.

 

I would love to talk with anyone that has questions on it. It has been a major support for me on my journey of recovery.

[souim]

On 12/16/2021 at 9:06 AM, ChessieCat said:

Squishing Play Doh around in your hands.

 

I bought some yesterday after seeing my physiotherapist and finding out that I have lost some muscle mass in my thumbs because I haven't been using them much after developing trigger thumbs (caused by pressure at base of thumbs from using walking stick).

 

Apart from it being beneficial for my issue, I like the sensation of playing with it in my hands.

 

I had a teacher who always held a few chestnuts in one hand during his lectures. He would play with them and sort of "knead" them as he was talking. I learned later that it was to deal with his anxiety.

 

This thread has some truly great advice, thank you to everyone who contributed !

I found that for me, right now, it works really well to do some sort of housework, like folding the laundry. It makes me more focused and less self centered. I might try to also wash dishes but when I'm really anxious, I'm worried I might break some...

Pottery sounds very appealing to me, I might try that. Although I don't have the material. Maybe I could take a class or something.

 

One thing I use sometimes is an acupressure mat my mom gave me. It's made of hundred of tiny plastic points. (picture attached). You lie on it and it sorts of stimulate your back. I find it very soothing even if the effects don't always last as long as I wish. Still, it's helpful. I have a friend who cured her insomnia by using it every night. I found out it's quite expensive (didn't know as it was a gift), but there is also a pillow version that is cheaper.

 

 

 

[FeralCatman]

Earlier I posted some videos about vagus nerve exercises for anxiety, sleep, and depression. I think it may have been better to post it here.

 

I have also found that using an ice pack wrapped in a towel on the back of my neck for 15 minutes in the morning has a significant calming effect. I lay on my couch with my head on a pillow with the ice pack on the back of my neck and do 4 sec in / 6 sec out deep breathing. It's very calming. Here is a link on this.

 

https://www.longcounseling.org/post/relieving-anxiety-by-icing-your-vagus-nerve

 

[souim]

@FeralCatman

 

You're absolutely right, I do the vagus nerve exercises as well, they are quite effective. And I also freeze wet towels in a U shape, that I then put in the back of my neck. It's been a lifesaver during the heatwave we had this summer. And quite relaxing also, I agree.

[zeromg]

Three things that help me:

 

Vagus nerve massage

 

Donna Eden's Daily Energy Routine

 

Emotional Freedom Technique (Tapping) https://thetappingsolution.app.link/GetTSApp 

[Withdrawingcipralex]

Has anyone used to Linden method and had success? 
 

I just purchased it yesterday and I’m going through the first modules. It promises a cure, which sounds too good to be true. 

[Withdrawingcipralex]

On 12/6/2022 at 8:35 AM, Withdrawingcipralex said:

Has anyone used to Linden method and had success? 
 

I just purchased it yesterday and I’m going through the first modules. It promises a cure, which sounds too good to be true. 

I feel information is inaccurate and dangerous even… he claims you can’t have anxiety and depression at the same time which is complete nonsense. 
 

The method is to develop a routine where you stay occupied every waking moment. Routine is great but this is not a cure as they claim.