Frequent Panic Attacks

[Hi_anxiety]

I’ve been diagnosed with MDD and GAD for over 10 years. 2 years ago, I experienced a very traumatic incident and have struggled with PTSD ever since.

When I get overwhelmed I start to panic, and I experience agoraphobia. I work in the office two days a week, and my boss isn’t very understanding of my situation.

I am at the office right now and I am starting to panic. I want to go home very badly. I miss my dog.

Just thought I would try a new form of support to try and make it through my workday.

[Theloudone]

hi! Sorry you are dealing with panic and agoraphobia. I have a lot of experience with that and it’s not fun! There are a few things in the moment that I can do in public that help when the panic sets in. There’s a pressure point in our hands between pointer and thumb and I’ll press that firmly. Also peppermint oil- I’ll smell it. Both of these things help take my mind off the racing thoughts of impending doom. I can’t just use positive self talk in these moments and I need something more physical. At home I’ll put ice on my temple and neck.

I hope any of this can be helpful. And if not- just know that I also have experienced panic, anxiety, agoraphobia, ptsd.

[Hi_anxiety in reply to Theloudone]

Thank you for the tips! I will definitely try those out!!

[gajh]

Hello and Welcome. I hope that being here with people who understand helps you as it has helped me.

[Hi_anxiety in reply to gajh]

Thank you!

[Bekindtoyou]

When you get like this just stop for a minute and take some really deep breaths. No one will die because to stopped to ground yourself. If your boss isn't supportive it's possible they are struggling with their own demons and is trying not to show it. If you miss your dog bring something of your dogs with you. When you start to panic taking deep breaths whilst holding on to something of your dogs will help to ground you more than just breathing.

Something else that might help is to have a jotter with you. When you start to feel wobbly before you get to the point of panicking write down that feeling and why you feel it. It might help you to see if there is a pattern so for example if your boss keeps checking up on you because say an account you're working on, then it may be that she needs that information sooner than you had anticipated.

Good luck and don't forget to breathe - really deeply and slowly, in though you nose and out through your mouth. If you mentally count as you breathe try to make the next breath longer and keep doing this for a minute or two.