Dealing and working through panic attacks!

[Msjules]

Hello. How does everyone deal with their panic attacks? Any advice on how you get through them?

[Hidden]

Sorry that panic is causing you so much anxiety, Msjules. I used to get them, but only on occasion. I now know that they can be dealt with, using various techniques. For me it is accepting them and not trying to stop them. The more I fear them and the harder I resist them, the worse they get.

FACT 1: Panic attacks are the body’s “fight-flight-freeze” response kicking in. This response gets our body ready to defend itself (for instance, our heart beats faster to pump blood to our muscles so we have the energy to run away or fight off danger). However, sometimes our body reacts when there is no real danger.

FACT 2: Panic attacks are harmless, although they can feel very uncomfortable or scary. Because panic attacks are the body’s “alarm system,” they are not designed to harm you. You might feel like you are dying or going crazy, but you are not. You would have the same feelings in your body if you were facing a real physical threat (for example, if you were in front of a bear).

FACT 3: Panic attacks are brief (typically lasting only 5 to 10 minutes at peak intensity), although they sometimes feel like they go on forever. Because panic attacks take up a lot of energy in the body, they quickly run out of gas. This is why they don’t last very long. In fact, you might find yourself feeling exhausted afterward.

[Hidden]

This is good, Bobbi. Just letting them pass and then waiting for them to let go of you is progress.

[Hidden]

I also wanted to add this bit about breathing, it helps more than anything else for me, personally.

Calm Breathing: This is a strategy that you can use to help reduce some of the physical symptoms experienced during a panic attack. We tend to breathe faster when we are anxious, which can make us feel dizzy and lightheaded, which in turn can make us even more anxious. Calm breathing involves taking slow, regular breaths through your nose. However, it is important to realize that the goal of calm breathing is not to stop a panic attack because it’s dangerous, but to make it a little easier to “ride out” the feelings.

[Hidden]

Waiting is good, they always, always end. The key is to try to ride them out and not fear them so much.

[fauxartist]

I'm sorry Msjules you weren't getting the response to your post about your panic attacks, but I hope what 'snow' has posted helps you.

[Dolphin14]

Msjules, panic attacks are so scary aren't they. I haven't had one in a couple years. Whenever I had them I had to move. I needed to get away from where ever I was and get air.

What have you tried to help you?

🐬

[Msjules in reply to Dolphin14]

I’ve been on xanax for awhile but that doesn’t seem to help me much anymore, I try the breathing but my mind seems to take over everything, I went for years without them then my Dad passed away and they came back and I can’t seem to get back to where I was before. I’ve been to my doctor and he suggested a therapist but nobody is taking new patients or they don’t take my insurance. It is so frustrating. They just isn’t much help out there for mental health!!

[Dolphin14 in reply to Msjules]

I'm so sorry for the loss of your dad. This is most likely why you are suddenly having these attacks.

I agree the mental health system is so bogged down.

It's very hard to get in which is really a very sad situation.

Maybe a grief support group could help?

I do a lot of meditation and exercise.

I hope you find something that can help you.

🐬

[hypercat54 in reply to Msjules]

No mental health isn't seen as a priority is it Msjules. It's the 2nd biggest reason for doctors visits yet the amount of money allocated to it is very low and almost an afterthought.

I'm sorry your post is being 'hijacked' but it's best to ignore it (or report it). This is your post and we are trying to support you and you only on it.

[Marshall64 in reply to hypercat54]

Then the highjacker complains that nobody is listening to her. Lol

[hypercat54 in reply to Marshall64]

This is despite putting up to 10 posts a day up! Lol