Ok, so this is the first time I've ever done blogging or been in an online support group. Joining was actually suggested to me by a friend, so I figured I would try it since it worked for her. I was diagnosed with clinical depression and anxiety/panic attacks about 2 years ago. I started therapy, which lasted about a year, but was never on any medications because my parents are strongly opposed to anti-depressants, etc. Therapy worked for a while but I never got any real solutions besides "think more positively" and "practice deep breathing." So I feel like I'm running out of options somewhat quickly! My question is, does anyone know any self-soothing techniques? Because my panic attacks usually happen at night and I can't just call up my friends at 3 am and ask to talk or for them to keep me company...any suggestions would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!
Welcome to the site. How old are you? Getting exercise can really help. I also find swinging to really help clear my mind and relax me. Journalling about what isstressing you can help you to put things in prospective and reduce the stress. I also use quilting to self sooth. Video games can help but they can also make things worse so it depends on both the game type and what stresses you.
Sorry to hear your parents view on medicine....
I really admire your initiative taking in finding away around the problem.
For me, before the meds, I learned Buddhist meditation and relaxation techniques.
Some of them had profound effect.
I discovered you could practice these without getting into the actual religious aspects of Buddhism.
I also discovered that leaders of Christianity,Judaism, and Islam do the same thing.
Some of these techniques are very simple and can be done just about anywhere without anyone being aware that they're being done.
I think you'll find many parallels with modern psychology.
A library is the best place to start, but if this is something you have to do incognito, then you can google or even youtube it.
Anyway, that's my two cents worth.
Hope some of it helps...and for Gods' sake "don't give up!"