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  • In my late 20s I was so anxiety-ridden I worried about carrying my food tray through the cafeteria in case I might get dizzy and pass out, even though that never happened. I thought a sudden heart attack was always right around the corner. Then I signed up for a community college acting class two nights a week. I forced myself to jump in with both feet and participate. The anxiety faded away almost immediately. I became a hardcore theatre guy - doing extra scenes, building sets for the actual production that was going on, learning how to do lighting, etc. I ended up having major parts in two plays and was part of more than 20 productions over the next 7 years.

    I had friends, went to parties, threw my own parties, dated a lot, and because it turned out I was pretty decent at acting I became one of the actual cool people. Other students wanted to do scenes with me. People sought me out. Complete reversal of my teenage nerdy introvert past. I had a second adolescence and felt like I finally finished growing up and became my real self. My favorite role turned out to be stage manager, which taught me I could be responsible enough to handle having kids and being a dad. Getting together with my wife was a direct result of my theatre activity.

    I'm sure theatre isn't everybody's cup of tea, but it worked out so well for me I HIGHLY recommend trying it out. Even if you don't get immersed like I did, the acting exercises and learning the whole process are a very good substitute for meds or therapy (which I've also done, so it's a legit comparison).

  • Hanging out with friends that are just as "non-punctual" as myself.

    Accepting and embracing the fact that I'm very spontaneous in decision making.

    Accepting that I am how I am and that my friends accept and like me that way.

    Also, realising that this question was not about adhd in general and more about anxiety, but it's too late to rewrite everything. Sorry! I'm one of the lucky one who doesn't have anxiety on the bingo card...

    Having taken high-dose medication, I understand that anxiety sucks, but I don't really have tricks to share against it...

  • Repeating a lot of what's already been said here, but I'll list what's worked for me so far. Strenous exercise, lifting zone 2 cardio for an extensive period of time. Spending time in nature hiking/camping/going for walks in the park or around the neighborhood. Journaling has been a huge help for me personally, just helping me keep track of things I've done keeps me from feeling anxious about getting enough accomplished, and to get troubling thoughts off my chest. Prayer/Meditation/"Ritual activity", whatever you want to call it, bullshit or not, it helps calm the mind.

  • Digging/hauling/lifting/mixing in the garden until my mind quiets. I have learned to stop before reaching the point of exhaustion when the anxiety actually returns and ramps up higher. I now have all the annual garden space I can manage by myself 10-15 hours a week, but I'm adding more space. Also therapy, venlafaxine and buspirone.

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