Can't think straight

[Katydids]

I have had a series of panic attacks for the past 3 weeks. Can someone tell me how they deal with what feels like a continual panic attack?

[CapitalT]

Breathing exercises, distraction, etc can help, an inactive mind and body is the worst, and that's speaking from experience.

Good luck

[Windy101]

Are you sure it's a panic attack and not general anxiety? I'm no expert, but I thought panic attacks (feeling like you're going to die) eventually pass, while anxiety (my neck of the woods) can go on and on.

Regardless, DodgyD has good advice. Breathe! Can you get to an indoor pool and swim? Do some calisthenics? Listen to relaxing music and do progressive muscle relaxation? Take a bath with lavendar oil?

Hugs to you - anxiety is the worst, but you'll make it. Keep breathing!

[deborah27]

I am doing similar thing, fear packed days and sleepless nights. adrenalin surges and racing thoughts. like my circuitry is overloaded! what on earth is going on. so tired that I can hardly function, yet unable to sleep. I do have brain injury but the anxiety is difficult to deal with on top of everything else. I know that physical activity does help to get rid of some of that adrenalin but I am so tired and in pain that I struggle with that a lot. I think that we all need lots of reassurance and firm guidance at times, sometimes just a few words from someone who understands and is familiar with the experience can make us feel less alone. x

[aj29]

Distraction! Distract yourself with something. Music, tv, singing, counting, reading, breath in and out and focus on the air that's going in and out. Rub your fingers together and focus on every little detail of the touch. It's all about putting your mind on something else. Your panicking because you mind is thinking of something bad.

[Lostjoy]

Hi Katydids, how are you doing today? I just came across your post, and it sounds exactly like what happened to me when I first started feeling bad. I'm no expert, but for myself after reading everything I could find about my symptoms I believe it is general anxiety disorder. It doesn't go away like a panic attack. I have gotten better through the months with the exception of bad days here and there. I do the breathing, and I know I'm supposed to exercise, but haven't done much of that. Mine came on after a move we made that is far away from all of my family and friends. I have three grown kids who all live close to where we lived before. I just can't accept it. I did see a therapist for a bit until I couldn't afford it anymore. That might be something you would want to look into if you are not already. Meds work for a lot of people also.

Hope you are feeling better. Best wishes..

[one-love]

I know your pain I have my good days and my bad days a lot of my anxiety attacks I thought were heart attacks in the beginning because of the physical symptoms I was always having (heart pounding, dizzy, impending doom feeling, breathing difficulty) but after years of having them and talking to doctors and therapists I realize now when I have them they are just anxiety attacks but they can be very scary for sure if you don't know what it is in the beginning. I hate taking RX meds too so it's a double edge sword, I feel like I trade one problem for another when I take the pills the doctors give me and all the side effects that come with them. To be honest I have been using medical marijuana for the last few years and I feel it really helps me and doesn't have near as many bad side effects. I know it might sound crazy but look into it and try a sativa strain it really helps with mood, anxiety and depression. But use a low does if you never tried it before