Posted by Dinah on July 4, 2011, at 10:59:30
I've gotten pretty good at just observing my anxiety without acting on it. I was pretty proud of the fact that I rarely reach for a Klonopin or even a Risperdal anymore. Just idly observe that I'm very anxious. That my heart is pounding quickly. That my hands are tingling. Etc.
Well, it turns out that my body cranks out a lot of stress hormones, and that my blood sugar level responds more to anxiety than is typical, per my doctor. This does make sense given my long history and kindling theory. I know my diabetes usually gets worse, on a permanent basis even, after stressful periods of time at work. And on a short term basis, it shoots up worse with anxiety than with pasta.
She wants to put me on more medication, then possibly on insulin in a couple of months. I think I've grown used to that idea, and have spoken with my therapist about ways we could make it safe for me to have insulin in the house those times when I have strong suicidal ideation.
But I'm putting off starting the medication to see if I can bring down my anxiety levels and thereby lower my fasting blood sugars.
My therapist says there's nothing actually wrong with my strategy of just observing my anxiety. Just that it isn't enough. He suggested adding breathing exercises, and physical exercise as well.
Since my hard won technique has proven not so good for my health, I'm looking for other suggestions on anxiety reduction. Does anyone have any favorites?
I like my endless games of Bubbles or Bejeweled, but I suppose I'll have to pay attention to how my blood sugar reacts. I'm also planning to start using my despised CPAP again, and possibly adding back a miniscule amount of Klonopin to my bedtime meds, since the early morning anxiety seems to be causing most of the problems with fasting blood sugars.
Any other suggestions?
poster:Dinah
thread:990160
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/psycho/20110511/msgs/990160.html