Anxiety in Middle Aged Women
Having anxiety into my 50’s has been exponentially harder than I thought it might be. By the time you’re in your 50’s you have chronic conditions, injuries, hormones, and mental health issues. It’s so hard! How do you deal with your anxiety ladies only, while also dealing with everything else? I’m medicated but I’m thinking it’s not working lately…
Hey :)
I heard prolonged use of medication can actually backfire, how about you get off medication for a while? Try some natural methods (I know it sounds like it doesn't work but trust me! I've had crippling anxiety since I was 12 and now I'm in my 20s still surviving!)
Some tips I'd give you would be:
Look for triggers (what's causing you to feel anxious? is there a pattern? Journaling may help you identify that)
In cases of sudden surges in anxiety, look around and name 5 things you can see, four you can touch, 3 you can smell, and breathe, deep breathes, in and out.
Do things that bring you joy, take a moment to take a breathe, talk to a friend or family, go for a walk, paint, anything that helps you feel a little better.
Stick to a healthy sleep schedule and try chamomile tea (helps with anxiety and improves sleep quality)
Get a pet! Like cats, studies show that people that adopt cats experience a significant reduction in stress and anxiety along with depression.
Know that it's temporary ❤️ I know it feels hard right now, but you'll be okay, you've been through this before and survived.
And I don't know if anyone's said this to you as of lately but I'm proud of you, take care of yourself! the world is a better place with you in it.
Yes I’m in need of some long term tapering but it’s very overwhelming to get started. I’m prepared physically just not quite mentally ready I guess.
Thank you all so much for the tips and encouragement. I’m completely doing these things already and I have to say that after a social media fast, I find myself feeling a noticeable bit better. And this app! Thanks 🤗
@aquaVase1466
Taking a break from social media or whatever items or person seems to aggravate your anxiety is the best.
Seems like the world news and advertising / social media live to use fear/ and hysteria to fuel anxiety and then wonder why there is so much lol.
@aquaVase1466
I definitely feel that things hit me harder more now in my 50s than they ever did before. I have so many more worries - some of which are real, some of which I imagine (what if scenarios).
Do you have kids? That adds an additional "fear factor" to everything. They get older, go to college, move out, etc. And it's a lot of change all at once and it can add a whole extra layer of anxiety.
I do "all of the above" when it comes to my anxiety, but some days nothing works and I just have to breathe and wait for it to pass.
