Thread: Tips for Anxiety?

My husband has taken buspar for his anxiety/panic attacks.

Do you think another school or another grade level might be a better fit for you? Do you have any co-workers that can be a sounding board for you?

I do a couple of things when I'm feeling this way (which has been often, this year, so I definitely can sympathize with you!). One (maybe not the best advice, but it does help) is a glass of wine while I'm planning lessons on Sunday night. Not more than a glass of wine of course, but just one helps me stay relaxed.

During school days when I feel this way, I try to focus on the moment. I mean not to think about how many classes are left in the day or how much time is left in this class or how badly something I did earlier went. Just to focus on right now, and if necessary, to just stop and breathe.

I know that isn't much, but I hope it helps a little. Also, remember this too shall pass!

I began my teaching life as a shy person who rarely spoke. Today, with preparation, I have no fear of public speaking any longer. I plan, I focus on what I have planned, and I accomplish (to some extent) what I set out to do. I will say that a lot depends on what you expect to happen. If you are anxious things will go wrong, then that only makes it more likely that things will go wrong. Therefore, focus on making things come out right- that is, expect them to. Even when they don't.

That's not to say that the anxiety is completely gone. If I have something come up that I haven't planned for, it returns. But, I have mastered it enough to where I can get through whatever it is that has occurred. Buck up and remember- you have to be the one to make your situation different.

I do yoga several times a week, so the breathing works at any time in any place to focus on the breathing to slow my system down and relax a wee bit. Sleep and exercise helps, also.

Originally Posted by Xyphir

Do any of you get like anxiety attacks before school?

Is this related to the PTS that you wrote about several months ago? I don't remember whether you sought help for PTS but if the anxiety attacks are related, you should consider looking for professional help.

I myself had problems with PTS following the bombing of Beirut by the Israeli Air Force back in June of '99. I completed the school year, left the country on vacation ... and never went back.

After returning to the states, I had problems with flashbacks that were triggered by claps of thunder. The doctor I spoke with told me that I had developed "coping mechanisms" for living in the Middle East. I lived in the Middle East for eight years and was in Saudi Arabia as a civilian during the First Gulf War when the Iraqis were firing scud missiles at us in Dhahran.

The doctor said that after I returned to the states, I "let my guard down" which was why I began to have problems with flashbacks. The problem became so acute that I had nightmares and couldn't sleep. In addition to suffering from post traumatic stress disorder, I also developed extreme fatigue from chronic lack of sleep.

Life got much better after I began seeing a therapist and talking about my experiences.

There are some problems that you simply can't internalize otherwise they lead to all sorts of unhealthy problems ... high blood pressure, anxiety, sleep disorders, nervous eating (wait gain) etc.