New anxiety

[aspeers22]

So ever month I have something new that triggers a panic attack.

Last night I experienced one and it was caused by the thought of being possessed 🙃 it literally makes me so mad because it’s something so stupid but I can’t calm myself down when it happens. My panic attacks mostly happen at night now when I wake up randomly. Any suggestions on how to cope?

[Ffaiers]

Ok firstly, well done on realising that the thoughts are not real. Panic is very very scary but can be controlled. Irrational thoughts are perfectly normal at this time. I’ve had panic attacks for 20 years now & they used to scare the life out of me but I now realise what they are & let them go through my body. When you fight against them they last so much longer. I talk to myself & say ‘right you know what this is & you’ve felt these feelings hundreds of times & nothing has ever happened to you’

I used to get them in the middle of the night too, keep your breathing regulated without hyperventilating, remember it’s not going to last. If lying there gets too much, get up go into the bathroom & put your wrists under the cold water tap. This should bring you back down. Then go back to bed & listen to some relaxation or some nice soft music.

They will stop eventually & I know at the moment they feel like torture but I promise they will get better.

Is there anything bothering you? Are you stressed? I also keep a pad next to my bed as I often wake remembering I need to get something done. After I’ve written it down I feel a lot better, like I’ve lightened my load. My inbox is always open if I can help in any way. Take care & be kind to yourself.

[marsbarr in reply to Ffaiers]

Very nice, I thank you, I needed that too.