Anxiety and Panic - What are some coping mechanisms

[DENVAL]

Now suffering massive anxiety and panic attacks, taking Xanax and Lexapro, but literally going out of my mind....

[Lazy_dog_lover]

I do test prep with students, many of whom have anxiety attacks with tests. Because of the nature of being in a quiet test setting, we had to find something quiet.

I asked them to find 5 things they see and say it in their head. Breath in through the nose and out through the mouth between each one.

Name 4 things they can touch.

Name 3 things they hear.

Name 2 things they remember as safe.

Name 1 thing they look forward to when they are done.

[DENVAL in reply to Lazy_dog_lover]

All solid and common sense tips. Have never had a problem with test taking, but as a former Social Worker, have worked with youth in a congregate care setting to instill the value of a good education....

[Agora1]

Hi DENVAL, I'm so glad you're here.

I believe that there is a time and place for medication along with therapy.

We can't worry about becoming dependent on the medication when we are

in the midst of a fear cycle. As long as we stay stuck, the attacks will continue.

The medication and therapy can help you go forward by breaking that cycle.

Let me tell you that I started with Xanax years ago, got off it and was put on

Lexapro which has been a good med for me. Learning other methods to quiet

down your nervous system is helpful. I use daily Meditation and Deep Breathing.

You're in good company here. This is a safe place for you to come to for support. xx

[DENVAL in reply to Agora1]

So I've been told. Venting is a necessary therapeutic technique, as there are so many of us out there suffering with this mind numbing ailment.

This surreal pandemic is wreaking havoc on so many lives, and anxiety and panic is unfortunately now upon many of us. But we will prevail....

Life is too precious to pack it in...

Stay the course....

[SunIsShining]

Journaling everything helps me. Sometimes I’ll logically dissect my fears but sometimes just articulating them and getting them on paper is enough. Coloring predrawn coloring pages is also shown to be meditative and can help with anxiety and PTSD

[Trevor2]

Meditation has helped me a lot. The hard part is that it doesn't work in the way medication does, there is no switch that goes on or any sudden change.

For me it took several months to feel like it was making a difference.

I know that doesn't help things right now but maybe you would find benefits in less time.

[Jessicawarriner]

my family my was my go to I always phoned them up for advice and support and today was the first day I didn’t need to call anyone I just kept busy doing house work and things to please myself make a change In your life to make sure u do positive things and don’t worry about the negative medication can help it’s no the main thing but I would try and get some therapy to help alongside and go to a class

[Tink3rb3ll1972]

Hi aswell as the medication try and calm yourself with deep breathing and reframing you’re thoughts, there are a lot of apps out there but one that really helps me is called DARE, walks you through when having panic attacks, normalises the thoughts and sensations you have please try it hope you feel some peace soon and keep talking ☺️

[DENVAL in reply to Tink3rb3ll1972]

Tks, will give it a try...

[Tink3rb3ll1972 in reply to DENVAL]

Hope it gives you some relief 👍

[Bash1955 in reply to Tink3rb3ll1972]

DARE is so helpful. It’s saved me many times

[Hisanoohta]

Hi,

I am terribly sorry to hear your suffering.

How about to try intense exercise to increase the oxygen intake to your brain and body. Many people said it worked very well.

Also, I think that you need purpose of your life. Or you need to find something you like to do. This is to prevent focusing on negative thinking. It is emotional exercise.

I hope you start and continue physical and mental exercise. It will take time but my daughter finally over come the severe depression of 15 years. Her doctor was keep prescribing serious drugs each time. It escalated. She was so scared. Now, she is completely prescription drug free and living normal life.

I hope you try to see.

Best wish,

[DENVAL in reply to Hisanoohta]

Tks, always been very active, cycling, running, golfing etc.

Have a recumbent bike and do 20 minute rides, 3 times daily.

The Lexapro in combo with the Xanax are finally taking hold, and I have been anxiety free for 3 days. Beginning to feel like my old self, hope it continues...

Stay well...