BG, did you find something that helped?

I have a serious anxiety disorder (on a bad day I can have several panic attacks "out of the blue", or one lasting upwards of an hour where my whole body shakes and "locks up") and Rescue Remedy has helped at times for me when I am feeling *on edge* but not panicking. When I have a "real" panic attack, there is no way anything other than my RX meds will help to stop it. I have no way of knowing if the Rescue Remedy effect was due to placebo or not, because when you're in the grips of panic, you will cling to anything you think will help you.

I try to never take my pills unless I can feel a serious physical reaction to anxiety coming on. Diversions include many things others have posted: hot showers or baths, exercise, fresh air, PHYSICAL and mental diversions, calming music or books, eating a balanced diet...

Do you have a co-op in your area? My friend runs the local co-op here and she made me a blend of organic tea with lots of different ingredients that help with anxiety (mugwort, valerian root, etc) and that has actually really helped me - and I have a medically diagnosed anxiety disorder.It doesn't taste great so I mix it with one bag of Sleepytime tea. It's best to drink the tea morning and night because these times are when anx iety strikes the hardest.

Since you're having more acute anxiety, I wouldn't really recommend starting a St. John's Wort regimen as it can take weeks to feel its effects. Personally, as someone who is hereditarily prone to depression and anxiety, I found that things like SAM-E and St. John's Wort did not help even when taken for months. I've tried MANY natural remedies for anxiety...I do recommend B-complex vitamins taken under the tongue.

Two herbal concoctions that have helped me are Happy Campers which feature Kava Kava and lavender and the already mentioned Rescue Remedy. If you don't already exercise and avoid the white carbs, it might cause MORE stress to try to make that switch now on top of everything to come with the holidays approaching. With the family stress you're under, I'd get both on hand, but, if those don't do the trick, you might find the "real" stuff works better and more consistently. Sometimes, the biggest hurdles are the ones we impose upon ourselves; with society's "help", of course.

Good Luck! Hope this helps!

Yes! Went back to running every day and changed my life.
I sleep better. Eat healthier.

I 'try' to do everyday around the same time, built a routine. I get back, shower and go on with my day. I normally do later in the day. Now that is getting dark so early I might change.

Also I cut down coffee. Am still taking Vitamins.
On the really cold nights if I am sitting by the couch stitching and watching TV I drink chamomile tea

I am 150% better
(for now, lol)

Good to hear!