Has anyone tried ice packs?

[marheart]

Consider keeping a few ice packs at the ready in your freezer.

If you feel like an attack might be coming on, place a couple against your lower back while holding a few more in your hands and you’ll likely notice relief from the stress and anxiety that is coming over you.

By doing this you might notice immediate relief as the tightness and tension in your upper body moves down to where the cold sensations produced by the ice packs are centered.

After a minute of this you can move on to some slow breathing and within a couple more minutes the panic and anxiety will likely to have passed!

[JAYnLA]

This is interesting - I'd heard of cold showers being helpful but I hate them and haven't tried it. I may just give this a try. Thanks!

[Hidden]

Sounds a good idea but ice directly on the skin could cause your back muscles to tense up with the cold and may be a jolt to your heart. Suppose you wrap the freezer packs in a towel, to lessen a freeze burn?

Do you think splashing cold water on your face, might avert an attack? Have found this helpful, if I break out in a sweat, due a hot flush from food intolerance or anxiety.

Putting your feet into a bowl of tepid water might help avert an anxiety attack. The nerves from your feet run up your spine to the central nervous system, so the water will stimulate the blood supply to your brain. Have you found ice on your back successful?

[marheart in reply to Hidden]

Haven't tried the ice routine. Wanted to hear from users.

Seems we would have to be a juggler to be able to apply ice pack to back and hands too.

Wrapping ice in a back support of some sort would help. Want to hear from more users.

Cold water on face sounds reasonable.

Ice could be shocking to the nervous system, or is that what it's supposed to do?

[-Sasha-]

I've never heard of this, but makes sense and sounds like a good tip. I've tried having ice water near me when I can, sucking on the ice cube helps keep my airways clear making it easier to breathe. I'm not sure how effective it will be during a panic attack tho.

[HappyChi]

I use them. I have disposable ones in my car, purse, bag. My chiropractor told me about it and she said to place it on your neck or wrists. It works if I remember to do it. My husband is working on getting to the freezer or bag ASAP without me asking. Hope it helps you too.