I need help! Extreme Panic attacks

[Ann_25]

My anxiety has gotten so bad. My panic attacks last bout two hours. I’m scared. I hate medication. I don’t know what to do I’m scared I’m only 18. I hate not being able to breath or feel my hands someone comfort me please!! Or give suggestions???

[quitter333]

Hey. How are you? You know panic attacks happen because fear builds on itself right? I can read in your post that you are worrying about being worried and 18 etc... chill a little.

[quitter333]

As for what you can do right now .. well what bothers you?

Take contrast shower hot cold hot cold

Breathe 4 seconds in, hold 6, exhale for 7. Repeat. Its weird patern and scientifically proven to stol anxiety.

Go for a walk and listen to music.

[jkl5500]

What you can do right now is go to YouTube and watch anything by Dr. Claire Weekes.

She's been there and conquered it. You could buy one of her books like "Hope and Help for Your Nerves" when you get a chance.

I know - anxiety is terrible. But relax the best you can and let some time pass. You WILL feel better. Don't be afraid to see your doctor about this either.

[jkl5500]

I've read some of your earlier posts, and I see that you have had medical treatment for anxiety, including trying some meds. I know personally how bad the side effects can be from some of them, but your illness is too serious to try and "slug it out" all by yourself. The right med can give you your life back, and make you feel human again. I hope you work with your doctor and find the right medication for your condition.

In the meantime, there are many videos on YouTube with relaxing music to help your nerves calm down from this latest panic attack.

[AZ1970]

Put ice water or cold water on your face. Hold an ice cube in your hand and switch it between your hands. Roll yourself tight in a blanket. Listen to music. Play with Play Doh. Put your hands through sand. Dance. Jog. Take a shower. Eat something sour. These are just a few ideas.

[Agora1 in reply to AZ1970]

Great ideas AZ1970 That's one to tack up on the fridge

Thanks for sharing xx

[AZ1970 in reply to Agora1]

DBT can take the credit.

[anxiousgirl7]

Essential oils, baths , peaceful music. A few things I use ❤️

[Olinick]

I had my first panic attack when I was 16. I didn't know what was happening and it lasted all night - about 8 hours long! Several months later I happened to read an article in one of my mother's women's magazines and there happened to be an article on panic attacks. At least then I had a name for what happened and knew I wasn't going to die. Mind you I hadn't told a soul what had happened that night. For years afterwards I would always have my attacks at night and would be up the entire night shaking uncontrollably, be in a cold sweat, my mind would constantly race but still I never said a word to anyone. First of all I wasn't in a position I felt I could say anything to my parents (they never knew) and in those days talking about mental health issues or going for help was "acceptable". So I learned to treat the attacks myself. I would sit in bed and break down what happened that day to cause the attack. That took a while to even be able to determine what was the trigger. I would go over the event and ask myself, what is the worse that will happen? I then realized the situation was something I could control and eventually got so I could calm down enough to get some sleep. This method didn't happen overnight, it took a long time to train myself to do that and it worked until an event happened that left me with PTSD. Now I take medication and see a counselor and psychiatrist on a regular basis. It did feel good to know I had learned to control the attacks myself and even the doctors were amazed I taught myself to do that. Just keep asking yourself what is the worse that could happen as a result of the event that triggered your attack. Plus remember, the attack isn't going to kill you. I have also learned that what you are experiencing isn't one long attack but repeated attacks over and over for the two hours so as one attack is easing up work to switch your thinking around. You may still have to do that for hours so at the beginning the attack may still last for hours but you can learn to control them. Are you going for help? Have you told anyone? Don't let it go like I did. I think if I started getting help earlier in my life I could be in a better situation today.