Is there anyone here in the lounge that gets panic attacks?

[samplegirl]

I'm having a bad one right now........trembling the whole nine yards.

[elehhhhna]

1. breathe in one nostril, out the other (use your fingers, lol)

it helps. Also, put your hand over your heart, close your eyes, think of someone you love very much...that helps when you feel it coming on.

[Bennyboy]

2. Juggle. Seriously.

Play some music. go for a walk.....

[LynzM]

3. Yep.

They are lame. I find that deep breathing and distraction are helpful for me... this often means curling up in bed, listening to an audiobook, putting my hand on my stomach and focusing on feeling the breaths come in and out.


Also, :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug:

[samplegirl]

4. I guess I am just so shaky

scared.

[Bucky]

5. My daughter gets them. It's quite immobilizing for her.

It might be nature's way of saying you need more hugs. :hug: Or beer.

[Mike 03]

6. Just recently, I have had a few. I am old to have them happen, but they

started when my dad was diagnosed with terminal cancer, then I found out my ex had died from cancer, and it went downhill from there (LOL).

It gave me great appreciation for people who suffer with this syndrome. It is terrifying to say the least, and I have so much respect for anyone who deals with this.

[samplegirl]

7. thank you

:cry:

[bigwillq]

8. I used to get them quite severe.

Then I made some lifestyle changes and really haven't had any since. I feel for you. :hug:

[Gormy Cuss]

9. I used to get them. Breathe.

Think about breathing in slowly using your diaphragm (stomach area,) hold it for a count of 5, then exhale slowly through your nose. Repeat 5 times, then assess how you feel. Is it helping? If so, take a break for a couple of minutes and then do the exercise again.

Here's a different technique explained:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=15F9JQcM5Tk

I know that it's hard to implement this when you're in the middle of a panic attack but if you practice breathing deeply it can become a tool to stave off or at least lessen future panic attacks. Learning to breathe and getting rid of stressors that caused the anxiety made the problem go away for me.

If relaxation breathing doesn't work for you, see a doctor. There are meds that can help.
:hug:

[EvolveOrConvolve]

10. I second this

The breathing exercises really helped me a lot.

But, if it gets worse, see you're doctor about getting something like Xanax or Valium to help you in the short term.

[lazarus]

11. third

mine were triggered by a med for my bipolar. I quit taking the med, but kept having the attacks.

Clonazepam works for me.

[Bertha Venation]

12. wish I could help

All you can do is ride it out

I know it doesn't help much to know you're not alone, but you're not.

[applegrove]

13. I get adrenaline or anxiety attacks. I have nothing to reccommend except for meds and belly

breathing. In my case removing the cause of my anxiety works too. But I don't think there is a cause for panic attacks eh?

[samplegirl]

17. Dear Applegrove

Thanks for the advice..........I need all I can get.

[denbot]

14. I used to, but not for a few years.

I used to trade the financial markets. After a couple of trips to the E.R. I could recognize them coming on. Knowing did not help stop the attacks, but it let me deal with them without thinking I was going to die. A job change ended the panic attacks.

[Randall Flagg]

15. Like Denbot, I used to.

They eventually passed and never came back (thank god).

[SeattleGirl]

16. Yep. I'm on medication now to control them, though once in

a great while, I'll have a break through attack.

I agree, they are awful.

I'm sorry you're having one, samplegirl.

[Brickbat]

18. I used to. I would breathe deeply, counting four on each inhale and each exhale, and would

visualize a deep, indigo blue. I found that restful. Also, stroking my own arm (or, hee, belly, if I was in bed, where I had most of my attacks) or Mr. Brickbat's arm was also helpful. I also had great sleep after a panic attack, so I would just tell myself that when it was all over I would drop off to sleep like a baby and get some rest. I'm sorry you're going through one right now. They are ass.

[samplegirl]

19. Thanks to all who posted tonight

I appreciat it more than any of you know.