How to fight Panic attacks - Anxiety and Depre...

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How to fight Panic attacks

samanthajewel profile image
6 Replies

So I just posted about what I go through when I start having my panic attacks and I have some tips that may be helpful to people who have attacks or anxiety.

Get a box and fill it with something you can hear like a music box or maybe even like a phone with certain music that makes you feel good, something you can feel like a bear or a piece of your favorite blanket, something you can taste like a mint, smell like lavender( lavender really is calming) a distraction like crossword puzzles and a journal. You can decorate the box or get one that’s already decorated like from Michaels the craft store.

Personally the touch and crossword puzzles really help. I keep a squishy ball that has like sparkles in it like a stress ball but gooey if you get what I mean lol....

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samanthajewel profile image
samanthajewel
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6 Replies
primrose81 profile image
primrose81

Great tips! Love the sound of your ball- do you know the name or make of it?

samanthajewel profile image
samanthajewel in reply to primrose81

I edited the post and posted a picture of my coping skills box ,the ball included! :)

Rin9 profile image
Rin9

Thank you for posting this. I've been trying to find ways to deal with my panic attacks. I will definitely try this. So thank you. It's much appreciated.

samanthajewel profile image
samanthajewel in reply to Rin9

You’re welcome and also breathing is very important. As long as you’re doing that then you will be okay. Oh! Mantras telling yourself out loud that “I’m okay” “I’m in control” really does the trick for me but everyone is different

Jeff1943 profile image
Jeff1943

But surely, do these things not distract you from your panic attack?

To free yourself of panic attacks you must pass through panic. Not try to hide from it or go round it. You should pass through panic and accept it. And in so doing you will lose your fear of panic attacks.

Panic attacks are partly caused by the fear of having a panic attack.

After a while, you know that a panic attack alone cannot kill you. Cannot physically disable you. Cannot make you lose your mind. So what is there to fear?

A panic attack is an awful feeling. Maybe instead of diversions and distractions meet it head on.

1. Let every muscle in your body go limp. Specially your jaw muscle, let it hang loose. Imagine there is a large muscle where your brain is, feel/imagine that unwinding and going limp too.

2. Breathe slowly in through your nose. Hold your breath for 5 seconds. Expel your breath slowly through pursed lips. Repeat. Repeat. Repeat. This releases calming hormones.

I repeat, to overcome it you must pass through panic. Accept it (for the time being only) and you will lose your fear of it. It is the fear felt during a panic attack and the fear of the prospect of a panic attack that stresses your nervous system and becomes the harbinger of your next panic attack. Fear is your enemy.

Learn to live with your panic attacks and you will be able to live without them.

I may be wrong but diversions and distractions prevent you from facing your panic attack and accepting it through reassurance, understanding and courage.

Panic attacks. Once you learn to accept them their days are numbered.

samanthajewel profile image
samanthajewel in reply to Jeff1943

You are still going through the panic but coping skills also help to prevent future panic attacks from being so severe but you have good advice too I’m just putting in what works best for me and may help with others :)

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