I'm Having A Panic Attack

[Maggyie]

I have an anxiety disorder and usually it's just generalized anxiety.

 

But today I experienced a lot of triggers and I'm panicking. I have strategies that I learned in CBT for how to control it but I'm wondering if anyone has favorite techniques?

 

It's annoying because I can't enjoy the holiday when I'm feeling like this. Ugh :(

 

 

[Chestertonian]

Go outside and walk around for a little bit, or try focusing really hard on something, like a book or a tv show. Most importantly, breathe! In through the nose, out through the mouth. Deeply and slowly. Remind yourself that panic attacks are temporary.

Edited July 3, 2013 by Chestertonian

[Chestertonian]

Also, relaxation music helps. 

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ls7NMH_O5Ck

[Lil Red]

Try to remove yourself from the situation causing the attack. If possible. Will write more later

[PhuturePriest]

My advice is do whatever Lil Red tells you to do.

[Chestertonian]

My advice is do whatever Lil Red tells you to do.

 

So she should disregard my advice?

[PhuturePriest]

So she should disregard my advice?

 

No. Breathing is a necessary function of life and should therefore be practiced.

[Chestertonian]

My advice is the baste.

Edited July 3, 2013 by Chestertonian

[Lil Red]

sorry, i was on my phone in my earlier response, and i get too irritated to type quickly on my phone.

 

i about had a panic attack while shopping the other day. i was hot, and irritated, and too many people, equalled me going to have a panic attack.

 

i got into the car and rolled the windows down so the wind could blow on me, turned the radio up and found a song I liked, and just sat there trying to breathe. then i went home. i was past my limit, and should have stopped shopping two stores ago, but I finally realized I was past my limit, and went home.

 

if you're panicking because of the coming holiday and family members, realize that it's okay to remove yourself from the situation. impress upon your husband the absolute need for your mental health that you need to do whatever it is you need to do so as to not have a meltdown. if that means he needs to take you home, or if that means he needs to make excuses for you while you calm down and let the moment pass, whatever. but he needs to be your support. 

[CrossCuT]

I used to have very extreme panic and anxiety when I was younger...but I never felt I could control it very well.

I usually just had to remove myself from whatever situation was causing it if possible.

[HisChildForever]

What Red said - remove yourself from the environment asap.

[OnlySunshine]

I have an anxiety disorder and usually it's just generalized anxiety.

 

But today I experienced a lot of triggers and I'm panicking. I have strategies that I learned in CBT for how to control it but I'm wondering if anyone has favorite techniques?

 

It's annoying because I can't enjoy the holiday when I'm feeling like this. Ugh :(

 

I have anxiety disorder, too, and I've learned to cope through CBT and watching my favorite comedians.  I love Red Skelton, Victor Borge, etc.  I usually watch my favorite funny clips on YouTube to help me get through the day.  Clips like the one below make me laugh and help me forget my troubles.

 

[media]http://youtu.be/wdYPxFMhEkE[/media]

 

It doesn't work for everyone, unfortunately.  But I hope it'll work for you.

[OnlySunshine]

Also, if you find environmental changes and other things don't work, you can always try medication therapy.  I've been on Ativan since I was 16 and I only take it as needed so I don't get addicted to it.  It's not a cure-all and you really do need CBT to help long-term but it helps short-term.  :)

 

Ativan is part of a class of medications called benzodiazepines, which have a variety of effects. Ativan works to decrease anxiety and is often a treatment option for panic attacks. Although there is a potential for addiction and abuse of Ativan, there are potential positive factors that you must discuss with your primary care doctor. A frank discussion with your primary care doctor including the risks and benefits of starting Ativan as a treatment for panic attacks would be the first advisable step when deciding whether to start ativan or not. In terms of other options to treat the symptoms you are experiencing from the panic attacks, consider stress relieving activities such as stretching, deep breathing exercises, mediation, biofeedback, and therapy as options related to starting medications. There are other medications that can be taken for panic attacks outside of the benzo- class of medications, but it would be best to discuss all the options available with your primary care doctor who will best be able to evaluate your medical history and presenting symptoms and decide upon the appropriate treatment options available. He or she may also recommend further evaluation and referral to a specialist.

Edited July 3, 2013 by MaterMisericordiae

[Lil Red]

Also, if you find environmental changes and other things don't work, you can always try medication therapy.  I've been on Ativan since I was 16 and I only take it as needed so I don't get addicted to it.  It's not a cure-all and you really do need CBT to help long-term but it helps short-term.  :)

 

i think it's great that you added in your personal experience with something. i didn't think you really needed to add in the second paragraph (not to mention you didn't even give a link where you got that information?).  most people are perfectly capable of GTS if they need more information on something. since Maggie is already in CBT, I'm guessing her doctor has mentioned Ativan to her. Hell, I've even heard of Ativan from commercials, and I'm not in therapy. 

[Lilllabettt]

Ativan is a crazy powerful drug. I thought they only gave it out in crisis situations. Like imminent suicide, that kind of thing. 

 

anyway. Chick is antipharma unless its life or death.

 

p.s. maggie I think I have your kabuki brush, and you have my car keys.

Edited July 3, 2013 by Lilllabettt