Panic attacks

[barbspain]

I am now 5 years post stroke loads better but still issue with left hand. Over last few months I have not been going out as often and when I do if I am alone I seem to lose confidence and have anxiety/panic attacks! Should I think about lorizipan or is there a good natural product anyone uses? Thanks

[Hidden]

Hi, talk to your doctor about mindfullness and CBT courses. I'm in Leeds and they have a four month waiting list that I am on. I'm very hopeful it will help me with my anxiety.

[barbspain in reply to Hidden]

Thank you I will look into those courses thxs

[CDreamer]

CBT and mindfulness can help generally but I found EFT to be the most useful in those panicky moments.

Start with learning to breath 7/11 way - it means slowing your breathing down and breathing into your belly so you use your diaphragm. Breath in for 7 hold breath out for 11. If you cannot manage that then 5/7 - what matters is that your breath out is longer than your breath in. In focusing all of your attention on your breathing you will not have capacity to allow all of those 'worry' thoughts to take over, the CBT will help with the worry thoughts and the Mindfulness will teach you to stop and relax - but all need practice.

The more you stay in, the less confident you will be so I would also encourage you to find a group or an interest which would get you out and which will give you pleasure -doing things we enjoy is the antidote to anxiety.

Drugs are a very last resort in my opinion as all come with nasty side effects.

[barbspain in reply to CDreamer]

Thank you I will certainly try that, I agree good to get out, I will try and get motivated again!

[Hidden in reply to CDreamer]

Back in the day I used yogic breathing that is another name for what you are describing. However, since my stroke in July the consultant neurologist has told me not to hold my breath amongst other things. Anybody who has had a stroke knows that it can come out of the blue with no warning however healthy you are. I understand exactly how you feel but engaging with the world is good for us stroke survivors.

[barbspain in reply to Hidden]

Thank you, I live in Spain in the country but I do go to a local art class so I must get back to that, sometimes I feel I can't be bothered but I enjoy it when I am there!

[dizzielizzie1]

VALERIAN IS A VERY GOOD NATURAL REMEDY FOR ANXIETY. YEARS AGO I TOOK KAVA KAVA AND IT HELPED MY STRESS AND ANXIETY GREATLY, BUT IT IS NOW BANNED IN EUROPE.

[barbspain in reply to dizzielizzie1]

I think that is in Kalms which I may try, thank you

[netpi]

Lorazepam (ativan) in short doses or pill in the pocket just in case can sometimes arrest the anticipation of anxiety that often precedes a panic attack - - the idea being that if you know you have a pill that will arrest the symptoms of a panic attack, you won't have one in the first place - low doses of ativan would be in the range of .5 - 1 mg - the beta blocker inderal, in low doses, (10-20 mgs) is also used to prevent the physical sensations associated with anxiety but you will have to check with your physician to see if this is advised with your health history - there should be no issue with the ativan - performers and public speakers will often use low dose inderal (propranolol) to blunt the symptoms of anxiety - another useful technique for overcoming panic is flooding or exposure therapy - you enter into the situation that provokes anxiety and stay in it till the anxiety wears off - a small dose of ativan to begin with will help you take the edge off but it's important to remain in the situation that is provoking the anxiety until the anxiety passes - panic attack symptoms have a limited lifespan in that the body can only produce a limited amount of anxiety before it runs out of gas and the trick is to remain in the situation until the anxiety passes - increase the exposure as you go forward until such time as you no longer feel anything - if necessary, you can take along a partner for moral support - deep muscle relaxation and 7-11 breathing techniques also help

[barbspain]

Thank you , very helpful advice, I will certainly look in to your suggestions.