My Panic Attack Solution

Comment from Kat
Time October 12, 2009 at 11:04 pm

Take deep breaths and try to relax. Try to think of pleasant things and not focus on the anxiety. Do something that will take your mind off of it. The reason Benadryl works is because it makes you sleepy and therefore you are in a relaxed state of mind. I know that the panic attacks can be scary but once you realize that is what it is, then the next thing is how to calm yourself down. Try music, tv, chatting with someone, playing with the children, or take a nap. Different things work for different people. Mine is to play with my boxer, because he is always happy to be with me and he is a real stress reliever.
Good luck
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Comment from lovelorn
Time October 12, 2009 at 11:22 pm

Take a hot bath and de-stress. If you have candles, light a few in the bathroom and take a bath by candle light. The candle lighting is calming and the bath will give you some peaceful time alone to do some deep breathing and to relax as the warm water relaxes your muscles and body. Put a warm cloth over your eyes while in the bath to further relax.
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Comment from thefreevariable
Time October 12, 2009 at 11:29 pm

Benadryl is often good for sleep, but not for anxiety. There are medications that control panic attacks, and although none are available over-the-counter, it would be rare for a doctor to deny that medication to a patient who is making the extra effort by seeing a counselor.

Certainly there are relaxation techniques that help. I’m not an expert on that, so I’ll leave it up to others. I will just say that panic attacks are taken quite seriously, and prescription medications are usually part of the overall treatment plan. So is counseling, and I’m very glad to hear you’ve already begun.
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Cognitive Science student

Comment from Char
Time October 12, 2009 at 11:41 pm

I agree with the other responders. What I do is distract myself. At night, it can be harder, especially if my anxiety is keeping me awake, I’m having night terrors, etc. Then I sometimes resort to a prescription medicine. If used occasionally, they are not addictive. Atavin is one that is often prescribed for panic attacks. They are mild, but effective. It gets easier, and good for you for seeking treatment. Good luck!
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Comment from Rusty Angel
Time October 12, 2009 at 11:51 pm

First off, breathe. The fact that you have started counseling is a great first step. You should also see a psychiatrist. I know you’re probably thinking "but I’m not nuts", honestly a psychiatrist will be able to allow you to speak your mind to a neutral party and prescribe medications to help relieve the symptoms. Support groups are out there. There are thousands upon thousands of people out there who suffer from the same problems, you are not alone in this. I work for a not-for-profit organization that helps the mental health community. If you have something called First Call For Help, call them. They are a font of information on different organizations in the area. I really don’t recommend taking Benadryl for the simple fact that using it for anxiety is not what it was made for. Try meditation or yoga. I hope this helps a bit. Take care.
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Work at an Adult Mental Health outpatient facility

Comment from jacko
Time October 13, 2009 at 12:31 am

See panic attack, and anxiety treatments, at http://www.ezy-build.net.nz/~shaneris 0n pages 8, and 6.
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Comment from mollyflan
Time October 13, 2009 at 12:39 am

First, cut out all caffeine from your diet. No coffee, cola, etc.
Exercise for at least an hour a day or go jogging.
Drink herbal tea.
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