Do you have panic disorder? How do YOU deal with the attacks?
I have panic disorder (I’ve had it for a long time) and usually find that it is totally under control. However, yesterday afternoon I had a really horrible panic attack. I hate the fact that I instantly run for my bottle of klonopin (it really does help, though!) but the meds took a good 30 minutes before they really kicked in. I tried doing the deep breathing (from the abdomen), etc…but I still had to suffer with that HORRIBLE and terrifying feelings for 30 minutes before the attack subsided. So, I want to know from people that actually have problems with panic attacks..What do YOU do WHILE you are in the midst of one to calm yourself down? Serious answers only. Please don’t tell me "just relax" because it isn’t as simple as that! Thanks:)
by the way: I’m under a doc’s care for this, AND I’ve had counseling many, many times (but ultimately, it doesn’t help with the attacks all that much) and I’ve tried meditation, etc…
This is the best advice I can think of. Everytime you get a panic attack it’s not going to be the same place at the same time. So you can’t just sit and scream. That’s just bull. Let’s be realistic. Do that on a plane and see the cops when you land, OK?? First things first. Don’t let yourself talk to you….talk to yourself. Don’t make matters worse by thinking oh no this is it….I am dying, I am dizzy or my heart is going fast. Even if your heart is going fast it’s going fast for a reason. The adrenaline gland sends out pure adrenaline and your body is in flight or fight mode. Depending on where you are you want to get out and leave…..work, the train, airplane, movie, concert, mall, grocery store, friends party, the beach or a long drive far from home and safety. I know this because I have lived like this for a very long time and I have set myself up for failure from not accepting panic for what it is. It’s FEAR….False Evidence Appearing Real. I have lied to myself over and over. I have convinced myself that I am dying when my heart goes 187 waking up from sleep. But I have no evidence at all to this. My heart can handle that all day long if it had to. Read a book by Dr. Claire Weekes and you will be amazed what information this old book has in it for you. Taking deep breaths can work but what if you can’t focus at that point and time. What if everything around is too loud?? Too bright and you just can’t focus on breathing? Self talk…..talk to yourself and say this is going to pass it always has it always will. This will not harm me in anyway shape or form. Damn it! This feels really strong this attack and very uncomfortable but I will pull through and realize it’s just another trick…. a trick called anxiety/panic. Each time it’s over realize how all those negative thoughts you had did not come to pass. What does that tell you? You are perfectly fine and this panic does not control you …..you control it. Good luck my friend.
Comments
Comment from me.
Time February 14, 2010 at 12:01 pm
Umm.
http://www.essortment.com/family/anxietyattack_smoc.htm
References :
Comment from algaemaster
Time February 14, 2010 at 12:11 pm
Valium.
And that is my serious answer. Scariest of all for me is that alcohol works as well. Bu that is dangerous as hell. I don;t take Valium with alcohol, but a drink works also. That is, however a very slippery slope. Definitely not something you want to use every time. One thing I have used other than drugs is something I read on here. Try to be an OBSERVER of your symptoms other than a victim. Go through all the symptoms that way. If you feel your heart is racing actually check your pulse. It probably isn’t. Dizziness? Just observe it and concentrate on making it go away. Hot tip. If you are really having vertigo or a stroke you can’t think the dizziness away.
Bottom line is use the meds. Don’t make them a habit. If your usage increases and you find yourself taking klonipin without full attacks then worry. But taking a Klonipin once every 3 weeks to a month does not make you Heath Ledger.
References :
Comment from Aiden
Time February 14, 2010 at 12:27 pm
sit in a chair and grip the side arms as hard as you can. Scream shout, throw a flipping hissy fit, but what ever you do don’t get up. make sure no one else is around you and just let the feelings pass
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Comment from Cyberghost
Time February 14, 2010 at 1:10 pm
I had a attack last week, I’m not sure if it was a panic attack or a mania episode, because I felt hyper, trembling, I had a 1000 thoughts in my head and they were literally choking me, I wanted to bang my head against the wall to make it stop, I just didn’t know what to do, it only stopped when I cut myself, which I don’t even normally do, anyway, that’s probably a way on how not to deal with a panic attack.
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Comment from sheltoes
Time February 14, 2010 at 1:34 pm
Ive suffered from panic disorder for a few years and like you I usually find I can calm myself down most days however I still get the odd attack which totally throws me! although breathing exercises etc…help sometimes I know they don;t always and when they don’t I have my own method for calming myself down….totally serious now I sing the entire Buffy the Vampire Musical to myself either in my head or outloud depending on the circumstance…now im not suggesting this exact technique will work for you but just try to have something to focus on which is totally random and a bit silly, I find by the time im half way through im so much calmer! The attack is still there in the background but im focusing on something totally different and it really really helps, maybe not singing but listing all the states in america or everything harry potter related beginning with the letter A, just something utterly stupid! From personal experience it works a treat, give it a go! All the best!!!!
References :
personal experience
Comment from Ash
Time February 14, 2010 at 2:09 pm
I have panic disorder, I just got diagnosed with it about a month ago. I’m on lexapro, + xanex. My psychiatrist gave me xanex that melts under my tongue and it works in about 10 mintues. It really helps a lot. I understand why you say "just relaxing isn’t that simple" I hate when I’m in the middle of them + someone tells me to just relax, it makes them worse. Good luck!
References :
Comment from Carl G
Time February 14, 2010 at 2:37 pm
I had the exact same thing…scared the Sh%%^ out of me for a weeks. First off…it is OK. You have to let it come on – don’t fight it. The reality is that it WILL pass. Try to calm yourself daily and think of positive thoughts, or clear your mind completely.. If you feel it coming on…that creeping fear…let it . Then just relax clear your mind and let it pass.
I know it sounds easy….and it took me 6 months to totally get rid of them. but it WILL go away with work. But I tell you this, I am a better person for going through the phase in my life your going through. I realized how many negative thoughts I had during the day. Try this…write them down for a whole day…you will be amazed of all the junk you let go through your mind. Also keep a journal of your daily progress – Good or Bad. Sounds stupid, but it works, I swear.
Also check out – http://stresscenter.com/. Go to the forums. Her program changed my life…..go now!! Great info and stories. Good luck -
References :
Comment from Tom
Time February 14, 2010 at 2:52 pm
This is the best advice I can think of. Everytime you get a panic attack it’s not going to be the same place at the same time. So you can’t just sit and scream. That’s just bull. Let’s be realistic. Do that on a plane and see the cops when you land, OK?? First things first. Don’t let yourself talk to you….talk to yourself. Don’t make matters worse by thinking oh no this is it….I am dying, I am dizzy or my heart is going fast. Even if your heart is going fast it’s going fast for a reason. The adrenaline gland sends out pure adrenaline and your body is in flight or fight mode. Depending on where you are you want to get out and leave…..work, the train, airplane, movie, concert, mall, grocery store, friends party, the beach or a long drive far from home and safety. I know this because I have lived like this for a very long time and I have set myself up for failure from not accepting panic for what it is. It’s FEAR….False Evidence Appearing Real. I have lied to myself over and over. I have convinced myself that I am dying when my heart goes 187 waking up from sleep. But I have no evidence at all to this. My heart can handle that all day long if it had to. Read a book by Dr. Claire Weekes and you will be amazed what information this old book has in it for you. Taking deep breaths can work but what if you can’t focus at that point and time. What if everything around is too loud?? Too bright and you just can’t focus on breathing? Self talk…..talk to yourself and say this is going to pass it always has it always will. This will not harm me in anyway shape or form. Damn it! This feels really strong this attack and very uncomfortable but I will pull through and realize it’s just another trick…. a trick called anxiety/panic. Each time it’s over realize how all those negative thoughts you had did not come to pass. What does that tell you? You are perfectly fine and this panic does not control you …..you control it. Good luck my friend.
References :
Dr. Claire Weekes, Anthony Robbins
Comment from Karenita JMJ
Time February 14, 2010 at 11:50 am
breathing exercises, meditation and prayer is how i deal with the attacks.
References :