Safe Zone

[detour13]

Does anyone else just want to run home when they have a panic attack ( your safe zone)?

[Hidden]

I think most everyone feels that way not a pretty sight seeing someone have a panic attack and the social stigma that goes along with it. I was lucky never felt like I was going to have a panic attack around other people except family. I think when you're alone you start getting more into your own thoughts and fears and the panic attacks come more easily.

[detour13 in reply to Hidden]

It's weird, I could be having a great day and stress free and all of a sudden Bam.... It hits me for no reason... and if I'm driving or out the 1st thing I think of is I need to get home...

[Jeff1943]

Everyone who has a panic attack feels like running home. But if you want to recover that's exactly not what to do. You have to pass through panic to overcome it. Not run from it or try to get round it.

Panic attacks make you feel dreadful. But really they're all bark and no bite. Nobody ever died from a panic attack. Nobody ever became disabled. And nobody ever lost their mind due to one. Remember that when you next have one, detour13. Awful though you feel it's just your over sensitised nervous system saying it's had enough anxiety for one day, thank you very much.

Of course, you could take a diazepam or xanax tablet when you feel one coming. Nothing wrong than that. But it's better to stop them coming in the first place.

Pass through your panic attack, stand your ground, don't run. You now know that the power of panic is limited. Instead, do the breathing exercises that calm rattled nerves: breathe slowly in, hold it for 4 seconds, breathe out slowly and repeat. At the same time feel every muscle in your body going limp, including your jaw muscle. Imagine there's a large muscle where your brain is, let that relax too.

You overcome panic attacks and over sensitised nerves by accepting the symptoms for the moment. Using your understanding and reassurance concerning panic attacks and the breathing exercises you will soon start to lose your fear of them. Let acceptance replace fear.

When you lose your fear of panic attacks by accepting them for the time being then your panic attacks' days are numbered.

Acceptance will set you free: learn to live with your anxiety and you'll be able to live without it.

[detour13 in reply to Jeff1943]

I like that all bark no bite .... I have all the tools and been to therapy and support groups .. I beat it most times.. But some times it just gets a hold of me bad... I am a Cardiophobia I have to deal with it... it sure is mins blowing .. It's mentally exhausting....

[Jeff1943 in reply to detour13]

Detour, there is a book written 50 years ago by a Doctor who had anxiety disorder and cured herself. Her name was Claire Weekes and her first book which described her method is titled 'Self help for your nerves'. Still selling like the proverbial hot cakes 50 years later. It is a short easily understood book, no technical terms, that has helped literally millions to recover - and is the book that has influenced future generations of self help books.

It's message can be summed up in 6 words. 'Face. Accept. Float. Let time pass.' You can pick up this book on Amazon or Ebay for a few quid/bucks. It's life changing. What I wrote us based on its teachings.