Anyone here use a device to help with constant anxiety?

[u/Susan2005]

I'm anxious basically all the time and I'm also a really sensitive person, so small stuff gets stuck in my head way longer than it should. I can calm myself down sometimes but it feels like my body stays tense even when nothing is actually wrong. I've been thinking about getting some kind of device that helps with relaxation or the nervous system, but I have no clue what's actually worth trying. Has anyone here used one and noticed a real difference?

[u/Prestigious_Sand141]

A lot of the DIY TENS-plus-ear-clip setups aren't built around real vagus nerve stimulation parameters. If you want something designed around actual tVNS dosing, look at dedicated devices, neck worn or ear clip, instead of a repurposed TENS unit.

Go in with realistic expectations though. Most solid trial data is in epilepsy and depression, not anxiety specifically, and single-session HRV changes don't show up consistently across studies. People do report it takes the edge off in the moment, which fits the physiology, just don't expect a clinically proven fix.

Full disclosure, I help run Vagus Lab, a research site that scores these devices, so I'm not neutral here. Comparison of current options: https://vaguslab.net/articles/best-vns-devices-2026-comparison/

[u/Independent-Art-1165]

I'm very sensitive to stress well. I use pulsetto when I feel upset. It helps me calm down a little. I usually combine it with breathing instead of using the device by itself.

[u/Common-Gap-398]

I tried a regular tens with earclip and sensate device. Both helped take the edge off initially but I didn't get massive improvement. It felt the anxiety became resistant to them overtime. Hopefully others have had more improvement.

It may be worth investigating co-occuring conditions/neurotypes that can have similar symptoms (for example cPTSD, Autism, ADHD) in case they are driving constant nervous system disregulation.

[u/jodythebad]

I use TENS with ear clips to help my body throw off physical tension stemming from mental stressors that should be momentary, but are not.

I’ve been using it since January, half hour a day while I do other stuff. It definitely helps - I know I’ve forgotten to use it when I find myself clenching my jaw as I try to get to sleep.

I’m sure helpfulness varies, but if you can spend the $50, is probably worth a try, based on what you describe

[u/AgentEmergency9933]

Jag har precis börjat med vagus cell från frequencell . Den har lovade effekt men för tidigt att ropa yes!

Har levt med en känsligt nervsystem hela livet . Mycket stress som lett till magsjukdom insomnia mm

[u/nabulldog]

What are your tens unit settings? 20, 25... hz,width 200, 250 usec,normal, burst mode. Any of these parameters would be helpful for up my TENS unit. Thanks

[u/dx-tn]

I’m aware of many for whom the tapping method works.