Hi All:

First time posting here. I am a 40 something male who was diagnosed with generalized anxiety about 10 years ago after a full blown anxiety/panic attack. In hindsight, definitely showed signs of anxiety before that incident. I have been prescribed meds to help with my anxiety, which helps but definitely does not alleviate it completely. 

Back in October my anxiety was getting worse - like bad (COVID lockdown has not helped in this department) so in order to help I decided to stop drinking. I definitely self medicated with alcohol to help alleviate the anxiety that would build up during the day. The next day was obviously worse. Nasty cycle. After successfully weaning myself off alcohol, I eventually gave up nicotine as well. Unfortunately, after a few months of not smoking, my anxiety got so bad one day that I went and picked up a pack of cigarettes. Still smoking a handful of cigarettes a day despite knowing this just makes things worse.

I have been working out a few days a week, the most I can with my work schedule. I am now thinking it is time to give up caffeine (and nicotine). I don’t think I am a huge coffee drinker. I get a large coffee in the morning and maybe a medium coffee in the early afternoon. It’s part habit and part the need for a pick me up. Except along with the pick me up, I feel like complete garbage, mentally and physically. 

I am wondering how folks here get their anxiety under control. I take meds, I haven’t had alcohol in almost 5 months, I had given up nicotine for almost 3 months, and I am working out. I am exhausted and just want to feel “normal” and not with this constant weight from anxiety. I think giving up caffeine will help as I have always been sensitive to it, and I feel awful every time I have it.

Open to any suggestions.

Thank you all. Have a great start to the week.

-Fresh