Panic attack

[Jeno10]

Hi. I am new!! I woke up in a horrible panic attack. Just looking for some support.

[a_work_in_progress]

It really has helped me to talk to some of the people

here tonight. I think I just might even be able to get some sleep.

Im here for now if you need to chat

[Hidden]

Jeno,

I'm really sorry to hear about this. It's fairly common to awake with anxiety. There are a lot of people on here who experience what you did. The first things to know....this panic attack will not harm you and it will go up, peak, and then pass. My best advice, though difficult, is to not resist them. The harder you fight one from coming, the more you struggle. It's like a boa constrictor or quick sand....we struggle and resist it...and it just gets worse. Try to allow it to come on, give it a wacky character name/picture inside, and talk to it. "Hey there, Ralph Waldo Emerson Obama Garfield Marmaduke...you little rascal. You want to make me feel really crappy, eh? Well, go ahead, I'm going to do some deep breathing techniques while you sit over there doing your usual crap. Go ahead, make me feel dizzy or my heart rate increase!" After this, eyes closed, breathe in through the nose, out through the mouth. Deep into your belly so it rises, and do it slowly. While you do this....what part of the breath do you feel the most? Let's go with cool air in your nose. So your mind will keep thinking about the cool air going in...that sensation. Now, while you're doing this...your mind is going to wander. Maybe it's a meeting tomorrow or what's for dinner. Simply acknowledge them and immediately return to the cool air in the nose. It's very normal for the mind to wonder and it helps the brain "rewire" when you return to the thought. This known as deep breathing/mindfulness....and sort of like meditation. Outside of medicine, it's the best thing there is for anxiety and panic.

Remember that your brain is telling your body that it's in danger or threatened. This is how our body would normally react if a tiger were chasing us. All of the physical sensations you're feeling are going to be uncomfortable and probably a little scary. No matter what I've told you so far, you might even think, "What the hell is this idiot trying to get at....just breathe?" I know it, I've been there, and I know, it sounds crazy, but it works by relaying to your brain that you are, in fact, not in danger. If this is something typical (you may already be treating this), I would advise seeing a doctor to get treatment or suggestions for panic attacks. Medicine may help you in reducing anxiety and panic, especially upon waking. It might help to try aromatherapy...lavenders and softer flowery smells can (huge asterisk there) help relax the mind....nothing 100% proven there.

So, I know you're feeling scared and worried, but it will pass. So many of us have been exactly where you are. You are in good company with lots of years worth of experience. Another thing that may help is guided mindfulness audio sessions. You can find these on YouTube ("guided mindfulness anxiety" is a good search) or on a phone app (there are many, some free, some not...my favorite paid one is 10% Happier). These sessions have a gentle voice helping you through the anxiety and panic, stressing many of the points and practices I mentioned. I have found they work tremendously...like I'm not alone...and we're breathing this out together. Remind your body that if something is truly bad happening, help is merely a phone call away. You might talking to someone about anything but anxiety helps you focus somewhere else. Friends, family, whatever. And, if things truly are hitting terrible, don't feel ashamed to call for emergency services. They see anxiety and panic attacks all the time...and they can provide assistance to calm you down in a gentle, kind manner.

We're here for you, so if you have any questions or maybe want some other practices, please let us know. Above all else, you will be okay and this will pass. I hope you feel better quickly and get back to a relaxed state. Take care and be kind to yourself while you manage the panic. Hoping the best

[Jeno10 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you so very much!!!! Although I had finally fallen back to sleep and an now reading this in the morning....your message is something I'm going to keep and read next time that happens. Thanks so much! That was truly a blessing.

[Hidden]

Imagines with my happy childhood play in front of my eyes. When time passed and I grew up I was more and more unhappy, with physical manifestation of depression and anxiety. Today I'm lost in this life, feeling that I missed somewhere in the road of life my purpose in this life.