Why do vicks inhalers seem to help calm my upcomming panic attacks?
I am 25 and have gotten panic attacks since i was in middle school. I usually keep a stick of vicks vapor inhaler in my pocket because when I feel the panic come on, if I inhale a little vicks, I seem to calm down and breath a bit more regulated. Is this placebo or did I actually discover a lil handy tool to share with others. I can’t imagine it being good on the nose maybe to use often, but far and few between, it can’t hurt I dont think. Anyways….feedback welcome…thanks!
just a possibility….when you inhale the vicks, you are most likely taking a deep breath. sometimes taking a deep breath does help with anxiety (although not always). it might be that your mind has recognized this, and then associates calming down with vicks, so whenever you have vicks you automatically calm down.
Comments
Comment from unclemax0
Time February 11, 2010 at 2:11 pm
I think J.C.’s answer is probably true. Also, the menthol in the inhaler may be dilating the blood vessels in your nose and lungs, allowing more oxygen into your bloodstream. Or it may be like breathing into a closed paper bag when you hyperventilate. Are you receiving any type of treatment for your panic attacks?
References :
Comment from J C
Time February 11, 2010 at 1:36 pm
just a possibility….when you inhale the vicks, you are most likely taking a deep breath. sometimes taking a deep breath does help with anxiety (although not always). it might be that your mind has recognized this, and then associates calming down with vicks, so whenever you have vicks you automatically calm down.
References :