[coko27]

Ok In the winter like this It seems like everytime I go to a store and walk to my car I always have to catch my breath like take a xanax and drink water for me to relax .Does panic attacks be like this in the winter ?Because In the summer I dont have to catch my breath like this .

Winter has not been a trigger for me, which is not to say it cannot be for you.

My therapist gave me a card with these tips to help me cope with anxiety and panic:

1. Remember, feelings of panic are just exaggerations of normal bodily stress reactions.

2. Sensations are neither harmful nor dangerous - just unpleasant. Nothing worse will happen.

3. Anxiety is temporary. Instead of fighting it, relax into it. Just let it be*.

4. Focus on facing the fear rather than trying to avoid it or escape from it.

5. Stop adding to the panic with frightening thoughts of where panic will lead.

6. Stay in the present. Be aware of what is happening to you rather than concern yourself with how much worse it might get.

7. Notice that when you stop adding to panic with frightening thoughts, the fear begins to fade.

8. Wait and give the fear time to pass.

9. Look around you. Plan what you will do next as the panic subsides.

10. When you are ready to go on, do so in an easy, relaxed manner. There is no hurry.

11. Think about the progress made so far, despite all the difficulties.

* Breathe.

[ECHOES]

Regularly practicing relaxation techniques that use deep breathing are really helpful! If you can, do them twice a day to start then once a day.

I find mine at two sites: www.wholeperson.com and www.healthjourneys.com.
I like the ones that have Steven Halpern music as well as others.
They really help, even if you don't believe they will. It feels good too.

[thunderbear]

Sounds like panic attack but do you have asthma? I know in the winter my sister's asthma is worse than summer.

[ugala5777]

I have to catch my breath too when I'm anxious. But I have athsma, so that could be part of it. But yeah, when I'm anxious, it's very hard to be able to calm down. Just take a deep breath and try to forget your worries

[possum220]

breathing can be an issue when its a panic attack.

The other posts have really good suggestion in them.

I would really check out thunderbear's thought about it being asthma. Some times cold water makes me cough.

[coko27]

Originally Posted by TheByzantine

Winter has not been a trigger for me, which is not to say it cannot be for you.

My therapist gave me a card with these tips to help me cope with anxiety and panic:

1. Remember, feelings of panic are just exaggerations of normal bodily stress reactions.

2. Sensations are neither harmful nor dangerous - just unpleasant. Nothing worse will happen.

3. Anxiety is temporary. Instead of fighting it, relax into it. Just let it be*.

4. Focus on facing the fear rather than trying to avoid it or escape from it.

5. Stop adding to the panic with frightening thoughts of where panic will lead.

6. Stay in the present. Be aware of what is happening to you rather than concern yourself with how much worse it might get.

7. Notice that when you stop adding to panic with frightening thoughts, the fear begins to fade.

8. Wait and give the fear time to pass.

9. Look around you. Plan what you will do next as the panic subsides.

10. When you are ready to go on, do so in an easy, relaxed manner. There is no hurry.

11. Think about the progress made so far, despite all the difficulties.

* Breathe.

thanks 4 the good tips that does make sense.

[coko27]

Originally Posted by thunderbear

Sounds like panic attack but do you have asthma? I know in the winter my sister's asthma is worse than summer.

yeah I have asthma .