Coping tips

[alanacareylawson]

Does anyone have any coping tips or skills you could share with me for panic attacks? I suffer from Bipolar Disorder, Anxiety, and Chronic Depression...possibly ADHD but getting that tested later. I just REALLY don't know how to cope. I give in to my panic attacks and leave work and I have a son and I support him and can't keep living like this. I have been seeing a psychiatrist for 5 months now, I have been on so many medications. I'm currently on Prozac, Lamictal, and Xanax. Just some background info. But I really would love some coping skills that work for you all.

[justjo74]

Look up breathing exercises. I also have BD, Anxiety and severe PTSD. I’ve been on so many meds in the past 20 years... too many to remember. Lamictal has been a good med for me.. I was taking lithium before and it was awful! Breathing exercises work to a point. At least enough for me to be able to get myself into a store after sitting in my car for 15 or so minutes convincing myself that I’m going to be ok if I get out of my car. Sorry I went on like that but wanted you to know that I understand where you’re coming from.

[alanacareylawson in reply to justjo74]

No worries at all, background info helps one relate to another so thank you for sharing that. I am the same way, some days I can't find my car in the parking garage after work so I'll just sit in the corner and cry cause I feel so uncomfortable. I will definitely look into breathing exercises. I have been told that meditation helps as well, but I am far too anxious to sit still for a period of time like that.

[alanacareylawson in reply to justjo74]

Lamictal has been decent for me so far, I am on 200mg, but still not in control of losing control if that makes sense. I have only tried Lamictal and Abilify and Abilify made me feel like a ZOMBIE. It was absolutely AWFUL.

[blackcat64013]

Hi,

Self-acceptance plays a big role in reducing anxiety.It allows you to feel calm and to stop focusing on the way you feel. When we try to control the feeling of anxiety and we fail, then we panic.

Accepting anxiety seems at odds with letting it go. Hopefully these 2 great articles will help you

anxieties.com/66/panic-step...

healthyplace.com/blogs/anxi...

[TubaPlayer]

Telling myself that I have been through this before and everything came out alright. Going outside for fresh air or to the restroom to splash cold water on my face. And putting my head between my legs have all helped. Also listening to happy music and singing along.

[alanacareylawson in reply to TubaPlayer]

Thank you for the advice. I sometimes try to get fresh air and it does help some.