Hello

Leelee51

Hi I’m Lisa I’m 52 and new here, I have severe anxiety and depression and cannot work due to chronic back pain, I’ve really struggled with all this covid 19 and lockdowns, wondered if anyone has any useful tips for me, especially the anxiety. I am on medication for it but it seems to be getting worse. Nice to meet you all btw 

janer1967

Hi @Leelee51 welcome on board glad you have joined 

There are lots of members who have anxiety on here so sure they will offer some tips . There are also lots if posts relating to lockdown have a look around 

I look forward to seeing you in the community 

leeCal

Hi @Leelee51 welcome to the community. Best wishes.

chiarieds

Hi @Leelee51 - welcome to this friendly & supportive group. Scope has some advice on helping mental health issues during this pandemic. Please see: https://www.scope.org.uk/advice-and-support/mental-health-and-coronavirus/

I also find this breathing exercise helps reduce stress & anxiety, & helps reduce pain. Please see: https://www.guysandstthomas.nhs.uk/resources/patient-information/therapies/abdominal-breathing.pdf

I also find simple distraction can help with pain; anything you enjoy, perhaps reading, listening to music, watching a film or having a hobby.

I also practice mindfulness, & I'll ask @leeCal if he has some links on this or meditation, which I know he practices.

Cher_Alumni

Hello @Leelee51 and a warm welcome to our online community 

We have some discussion about coping with anxiety on our mental health issues discussion board if you fancy a peek.  Also, feel free to get involved on the board by joining in chats and playing games, we have lots going off in our virtual coffee lounge.

If you have any questions just give us a nudge!  Have a great Friday evening.

leeCal

This is an article explaining a simple meditation technique, please note, it is not absolutely necessary to sit in the lotus position in order to meditate successfully, any chair or seat which allows you to have a fairly straight back and if possible it raises your knees slightly above yòur lower stomach will suffice. I meditate sitting on my settee.

https://www.lionsroar.com/category/how-to/

The below link also has links to other connected themes including meditation.

https://www.mindful.org/category/meditation/guided-meditation/

I hope you find something helpful here @Leelee51

I suffer from anxiety myself and find meditating very helpful and it gives me a welcome break. I started by doing five minutes and then extended it gradually to a half hour. I find that my body clock causes me to stir from meditation almost exactly at the appropriate times, but you could set a timer. Best wishes.

Leelee51

Thankyou all for your replies and links, I will take a look at them all, and thankyou for the lovely welcome 

steve51

Hi @Leelee51

Good Evening and Welcome to our online community /family.

@steve51

Ross_Alumni

Hi @Leelee51, how are you getting along? Did you find the replies here helpful?