In Recovery

[bratgirl67]

Hello all,

I am new to the boards, so here is my story.  I developed my anxiety disorder after the birth of my son in 1990 and I believe had a severe case of post partum depression, that was never diagnosed.  I have suffered with anxiety off and on since then.  My sister who was also my best friend was killed in a head on collision in 2001 at the age of 38, after that my anxiety worsened and I decided to drink alot of alcohol..not a good choice.  Just recently, in Sept in 2009 I quit drinking and started therapy.  I'm proud to say that I have been sober for 7 months.   I am finding it hard to manage my anxiety, I would take any advice anyone has to offer.  I will say that drinking worsened my anxiety and depression and I wish I had never turned to that to self medicate.  I really dint  have a lot of cravings but anxiety was my biggest trigger.  Right now I am experiencing numbness and trouble concentrating, i know it is from being anxious but it still scares the heck out of me. 

[Gobius]

Geetings and congratulations on the recovery. There are others on here who can give you better advice and insight than I, however I can empathize with you struggle (as can they).  I have a hard time focussing, I always have to have several projects at work going on, bouncing back and forth, in order for me to accomplish one of those tasks. I have tried meds and none have helped me as much as self control and exercise. That sounds like a cop out or too simple, but really, just reminding myself of my gals and telling myself that I am awesome (and my wife reminding me of that as well when she knows whats going on), has pushed me to be successful in living with my anxiety.