panic attacks

[Strangecloud]

hello all. I’m new here. I’ve suffered with anxiety and depression for about ten years now but the past few months the anxiety has gotten bad. I’ve started medications again but the panic attacks are no joke lately. I’ll have a couple good days and then out of no where have one happen. Any suggestions to help? Once they start laying down with a meditation podcast seems to help.

[Agora1]

Hi Strangecloud and Welcome

Meditation as well as checking your breathing pattern can help immensely.

The "key" is not to wait until you are in the throes of an attack. By doing

meditation and breathing exercises 3x a day, you can build up an inner reserve

for when you do get a panic attack. Your body and mind will alert you to start

checking your breathing and accepting that anxiety may come and go but is not

dangerous. Breathe

Changing your perspective of fear will eventually get you back into control of your life.

Anxiety is a game that plays with your mind but isn't a game all about winning??

Stay Strong and Breathe xx

[vnarayan]

Hi Strangecloud, i was treated for anxiety medication for my panic attacks for few years. Last year I understood that it was blockage in my heart which was causing panic attacks. I would suggest you to get ECG and Echo.

[designguy]

Hello and welcome, you are already doing a very helpful thing for yourself and being able to deal with your anxiety/panic by meditating. It and practicing mindfulness while meditating can help you become aware that you are not your thoughts and to learn to let them flow in and out of your mind without attachment. So when anxious thoughts come up you can learn to let them go, it takes time and practice but you will get it.

The other really helpful thing is learning what anxiety really is and how to constructively deal with it. Anxiety/panic is our bodies built in warning system malfunctioning and you need to learn how to desensitize yourself to the anxious feeling and no longer fear them or believe the anxious thoughts. I've found the DARE Anxiety book and youtube videos very helpful as well as their phone app. They also have a good facebook group if you need it.

Medication can definitely help but I found it did not eliminate my anxiety, I had to learn how to really deal with and accept that part of me in order to heal.