I had anxiety disorder alongside depression.

Here are some things that helped me and some things that have helped people I know.

1. I was prescribed anti-depressants that helped with anxiety. This doesn't help everyone, but it gave me a lifeline. It didn't cure me but it allowed me to have enough energy and space in my head to tackle my problems via other methods.

2. Counselling was very useful for me - I learnt what made me anxious and whether it was something that was really that scary or not. I developed invaluable coping strategies. For example - what is the worst that can happen? is this rational to be anxious about this?

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy is very good in these situations for helping to change the way you think about things.

Maybe keep a journal of times when you are anxious and see if there is a pattern to it. What is making you anxious? etc

3. I don't drink caffiene but a friend of mine got rid of her anxeity straight away by giving up coffee.

4. I sometimes took valerian and inhaled or vapourised lavender essential oil. Chamomile tea is also relaxing.

5. I learnt to practise Reiki which was really important to me. It always relaxes me and has given me a great way to relax by myself. This isn't for everyone but I would always recommend that people learn a relaxation technique that they can use themselves. Mindfulness is a particularly effectvie technique for depression and anxiety.

The easiest way to do this is to take a slow, deep breath right down into your abdomen, hold it for a count of about six seconds and then slowly release.

If you say the word calm to yourself on the inbreath and peace on the outbreath this is also very relaxing. Just spending time relaxing and being in the moment is really important when you are anxious.

Most importantly remember that the unpleasant feeling is only temporary. It will go away. Reassure yourself that you will be ok.

Thanks for the key pointers.

No problem! Hope it helps in some way. Thanks for the award.

I have recently started using L-Theanine in small doses... If you get it in 100 mg or 200 mg. you can take the capsule apart and sprinkle a little bit on your food each day...