When anxiety gets loud, I start looking for something to take the edge off before I’ve even admitted how bad I’m feeling. Sometimes it’s alcohol, sometimes it’s more medication than I should take, and sometimes I just keep reaching for anything that might make my thoughts slow down.
The relief is quick, which is probably what makes it so easy to repeat. Then the guilt and worry show up afterward, and I’m right back where I started, only more tired and disappointed in myself. I know it isn’t really solving the anxiety, but knowing that doesn’t always stop me in the moment.
I’m trying to notice the first signs sooner and pause before I reach for something. It helps a little to step outside, drink water, or text someone, but when the anxiety is intense those things can feel almost pointless. Has anyone found a way to interrupt that urge before it turns into a habit?
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@Diana_House, noticing that you’re reaching for something before you’ve fully admitted how bad things feel seems like a useful warning sign, even if it’s easy to miss. I’ve found it helps to treat that moment as a safety issue rather than a test of willpower.
For me, creating distance from whatever I might take works better than trying to argue with the urge. I might hand medication to someone I trust, leave the room, and text a plain message like, “I’m having a strong urge and need you to stay with me.” Have you been able to tell someone close to you exactly what’s happening before the anxiety gets intense?
Since you mentioned taking more medication than prescribed, I’d bring that up directly with your prescriber too. If you think you may take too much or mix it with alcohol, please contact emergency services or a poison control service right away and don’t stay alone.
@Diana_House, the quick relief followed by guilt is what kept me stuck too. One thing that helped was making the first step extremely specific: I put the alcohol and extra medication somewhere I couldn’t grab them easily, then texted one person, “Please call me. I’m having the urge to take something.”
I didn’t wait to feel convinced that water or stepping outside would work. I treated those as ways to buy ten minutes while someone stayed in contact with me. Since you mentioned taking more medication than prescribed, I’d tell your prescriber plainly, and if you might take too much or mix it with alcohol, don’t stay alone and contact emergency help or poison control right away.