Hey all,

I am new to this whole thing, but I wanted to let you know that along with my anxiety, I have a form of autism known as Asperger's Syndrome. I'm really not here to explain what the autism is. I am here to help you with finding ways to cope with anxiety.

One way I found is aromatherapy. Using lavender and chamomille scented items helps out. Also drinking chamomille tea seems to help when I know an anxiety attack is coming on or when my stomach is acting off or I get that nausea like feeling in my stomach.

Since I have autism and seizures (not frequently), my parents recommended that I avoid melatonin, St. John's Wart and other herbs because when looked into, they found out that some of the herbs can cause a seizure.

I have found writing, reading and talking to either myself or a friend can help me figure out what has gotten me so down. You see, for me, the anxiety seems to come in bursts. I'll find myself crying one day, and then laughing and being my old self the next day. When people have told me to "calm down" or "everything's going to be okay" or something else they say to "make the anxiety go away" comments, I usually end up feeling worse because I can't stop feeling the emotion or pain. I just would like to say that telling me those things doesn't seem to help and as I have gathered, it doesn't help anyone with anxiety either.

So, to generalize what i just said, use aromatherapy, herbs are ok just look into them if you or someone else has a history of something those herbs could trigger, do something that you enjoy, talk with someone or yourself, and just go out there and don't worry about what others say about whether or not to calm down and enjoy. Anxiety is an emotion, and to be honest with you, you need to express yourself without getting upset or angry or feeling hurt. Understand the other person's logic behind what they said, and ask yourself "Was this an attack against me? Did the person mean it the way I heard it?" If the second question confuses you, ask the person to clarify what they said, I am sure that will help you out and that way friendships and other relationships can be helped out in ways you never thought. As Monty Python always said: "Always look on the bright side of life."

-by Ana, age 23