New here and reaching out...

[villalad]

Hi everyone, I'm new here and wanted to give this a try. I had my first panic attack in 2014 and ended up in the ER because of it. It was one of the scariest thing I had ever experienced in my life. Since 2014, I was able to manage my anxiety with the help of a therapist I saw one summer. Flashforward to 2 weeks ago when I had another panic attack similar to the one back in 2014 but a little more elevated. Since then, my panic attacks have been reoccurring up to 3-4 times a week and have no clue how to control them. I feel as though the thought of having a panic attack triggers my panic attacks (is this a thing???) and it is now all I think about. Right now, I am in the process of figuring out what I need to do such as medication, therapy, or even both, etc. Looking for some tips on what you guys do to help you all calm down and some kind words to help me know that things will be ok. Thank you all advance!

[GemBec]

Hi, sorry to hear about your recent reoccurring attacks. I completely understand and yes i often think thinking about an attack can trigger one. This happens to me. I can be having a great day and when work is ending i start thinking about being alone and what if I have an attack and that starts me getting anxious which often ends in an attack. I was given a very low dose of Xanax to take when i start to feel anxious and before the attack begins. It does help. Maybe try to figure out when your attacks begin then before that time turn on some of your favorite music, watch a show that you really enjoy or makes you laugh, take a long walk or a hot bath or have some tea all of these things help me if I can do them before the attack starts . I hope this helps. Someone also suggested to me the calming videos on YouTube and playing solitary or some other computer game to keep ypur mind busy.

[villalad in reply to GemBec]

Thank you for all the advice GemBec. Tea has helped me as well as a hot bath. Will be taking your advice for future panic attacks, fingers crossed that it helps. Thank you for reaching out!

[GemBec in reply to villalad]

I am so glad I was able to suggest some things that worked for you. Everyone has to do what is best for them. I keep trying new things until I find something that at least helps. Fingers crossed for future relaxation.

[Francesca61]

Hi, go for relaxing walks, listen to music, I love Pavarotti or George Michael, Lana Del Rey, Essential oils like lavender, or rose oils are nice. Avoid sugar and coffee maybe just one for morning. Lots of lemon in water. For me I need to have quiet time. I did have to get paxil 10 mg which helps me a lot. But before I did that , which I did not want to do, I took meltaway Tylenol 160mg when I needed. Strange maybe but they helped me. Life became more stressful and rushed and that's when I got the Paxil. I felt like I was in a black hole that I would not get out of but the day comes when you do!! Take care and I wish you well.

[villalad]

Thank you Fracesca61! I have recently cut out coffee from my daily regime and has helped somewhat thus far. Will definitely look into essential oils and such, sounds good before bed. Thank you for taking the time to reach out with the kind advice. Best of luck to you!