I never really understood how people suffer from anxiety until I admitted I had a gambling problem last year and my whole word fell apart. My (now) wife supported me, as did my parents and her parents, and I managed to keep my job. But something inside fell apart. I was flooded with emotions. Sadness, anger, panic, guilt. Everything. But as time passed, things got better. Despite being over £50k in debt, which will take years to repay, I eventually felt a lot more like myself again.
All of a sudden, the anxiety and stress has come flooding back. I cant get a moments peace from my own thoughts, all of which are negative and catastrophic. The business I work for is struggling and I'm very closely involved in it's running. I feel responsible but I can't see a way to change it's fate. That then means I'm out of work, can't pay my bills or repay my debts. These thoughts go around and around in my head all day, every day. I can't turn them off. I feel trapped in my mind.
I've been having counselling all year. I've tried all the techniques this time, but nothing is working. In the past, the only thing that would truly 100% distract me from my own thoughts was gambling. Gambling would suck me into it's own tiny world for hours and hours and nothing else would matter. I cannot and I will not do that again. It isn't an option. It only makes things worse and it isn't what I want or need.
Does anyone have any advice on how to deal with anxiety and stress? I can't keep breaking down and crying for hours in a dark room being tormented by my own thoughts.
Anxiety is BS. I've had it for years. I meditate with head space or other online vids on YouTube. I go wild swimming to get me out of my head and into my body. Also make lists in my head or journal focusing on all the things I'm grateful for and the good things in my life. Another good one is when you're confronted by a particular anxiety inducing situation I write down the things I CAN and CAN'T control about it. Then just focus on the things you CAN and work through them the best way you can. Just give yourself a break sometimes too. You can only do so much ?
Mediation!  There is a app called headspace and I would highly recommend. A few years ago I was in a similar position mental health wise and I did a couple mediation sessions and afterwards I cried with relief. I hope this can help you on you’re journey as it does mine.
kind regardsÂ
dave101
Hello MrLyndhurst,
Well done on remaining free of gambling for a year.
For your anxiety, your fellow forum members have suggested meditation, physical exercise, gratitude exercises, problem solving methods... all good practices. You mention you are seeing a counsellor, you could also choose to talk with your GP about your anxiety, if you like.
As some of your anxiety revolves around thoughts about your future finances, you might also like to talk with a free debt advice service.
StepChange
0800 138 1111
https://www.stepchange.org/debt-info/gambling-debt.aspx
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Money Helper
0800 138 7777
You can always call us on 0808 8020 133 if you need support.
Take care,
Adam.
I agree with the above posts.
Try meditation and try hypnosis. That is fast results. You may feel it is weird to get used to, but it is easy when you know what to do. I will give you an example.
Sit down (alone and undisturbed on a comfortable chair) or lie down on your bed
Hands on your legs or by your sides and focus on a point in the room.
Now close your eyes
Pretend to breathe in and exhale through your heart.Â
Slowly inhale through your heart and slowly exhale through your heart
Do that 10 times in your own slow speed and see what it does.
There are plenty of exercises to be done to tackle anxiety.
You just need to find the one that works for you.
Best
C
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Thank you for all the tips. I've tried a lot, but the ones that I haven't tried yet, I certainly will. I am my own worst enemy and always seem to focus on the negative. The only thing that usually gives me a break is becoming so mentally exhausted that I fall asleep for a few hours, which isn't healthy.
The meditation is definitely something I will try to do more.
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