I had to go to the Drs to get meds for my escalating anxiety. So much better now, no more panic attacks prior to the visits and I seem to let more slide than before. I just don't focus on them as much, which is heaven for me.

Prior to the meds, I'd try to meditate and exercise more (got me out of the house). Those worked well for when I was doing those but not when the skids were hell bent on pushing all my buttons.

I rely on several things - my mom, dad and daugthers are very supportive (daugthers are 22 & 21, so they are adults and can handle my vents), I recently started seeing a counselor once a week, that helps me to just say things and get them out in a safe place (like how I really don't ever want anything to do w/ my MIL again but I know that's not possible), counselor gives me good feedback, but most of my strength comes from my faith. Honestly, if I didn't know the serenity prayer I would be lost. God truly blesses me with His presence and I find strength and wholeness in my relationship with Him. I know I am not the one lacking, if I am I have the humbleness to admit and make things right with those I've wronged and that is who I am. I don't like to drink except the occasional glass of wine and but I do take a mild anxiety med called Lexapro. I was on that med long before I ever became a stepmom though, I had terrible anxiety in my previous marriage and that med has helped, been on it for about 10 years now.

I take Xanax on a PRN basis, but, it's mostly because I was on a tricyclic antidepressant and am waiting for supplements for anxiety to kick in (theanine and an anxiety/stress reduction tea that is made by Yogi Tea (Honey Lavender Stress Relief, it has passionflower in it which is good for anxiety)). In addition to supplements, I also partake in CBT therapy, which helps with anxiety whether it be GAD or situational. I also do yoga regularly, which helps me. Some friends and acquaintances I know who have anxiety, but not necessarily any who deal with skid life, also speak highly of having good, immersive hobbies that get you to a state of flow, where you are focusing solely on the activity and not on anything else.

I'm surprised no one has mentioned sex.

Or is having sex to relieve stress and anxiety taboo?

:?

Yoga then?

I love making word puzzles. Pick a topic, slap those words down in different spots, then fill in the blanks with letters. I personally fill in the blanks with curse words in random order then give it to who I'm upset with. Ha they think they are suppose to find names of animals or something...

Or start a campfire and when Skids come near, toss a lighter that's almost dead into the fire and watch them jump.

Write down things that are bothering you.
Run outside or inside.
Put on music you like, Watch TV,
I have been dealing with some MAJOR Anxiety and weird physical symptoms like heart palpitations, tachyardia...(mainly from mirena)and those work for me, a long with epsom salt baths.

Telling your husband that the step life is making you sick and you need help dealing with it..I did that recently with SO after he called me "controlling". When your anxiety ridden you do become controlling, something uncontrollable is happening to you, so you need some sort of control...(if that makes sense).

And the less is more, really goes a long way, if he has something to say about his kids or his ex, you dont want to know...the less you know, the better(unless it marks a huge impact in your life or finances).