[greyroom]

Hi.

I have panic disorder with some agoraphobic symptoms, mainly avoiding places I have panic attacks, grocery shopping,malls, even going for walks
My biggest issue that starts the panic is I get the jelly legs and feel like i cant feel the ground and then start to hyperventiate and the room starts getting bright and dizzy and i want to escape,etc....The book Hope and help for your nerves says 'jelly legs" will still get you there, etc and they recommend floating with the feelings........Does anyone have any tips on doing this and staying with the fear when you are doing an exposure.

for driving what helped me if I start to get "funny" feelings is putting on talk radio and concentrating on the conversation or blasting song loudly and singing along etc.
I just can't get out of my head enough for things like the back of a big grocery store or being very far away from my car.

[kaliope]

the biggest thing that helped me was knowing you cant panic and relax at the same time. it is physically impossible. so when i felt a panic attack come up, i would imagine my body relaxed, go limp like a wet noodle and the panic attack would subside. sometimes i would have to do it over and over which felt ridiculous but it would eventually work. welcome to psych central. you will find that we have several forums where you can post about your concerns and receive feedback from other members. you will get a lot of support here. again, welcome

[Kaboodle]

I try to form a mental picture of the panic/anxiety and confront it with anger in my mind, even picture myself punching it and disabling it. I tell myself that I am stronger than the panic. It's my body and I rule. I did read the book you are talking about, by the way. It'd be great if the author was still alive and taking patients. I would love to have a few sessions with her!

[greyroom]

^ She is so comforting the way she speaks and has such insight into every little thing we feel.
One of her cd's was recommended to me I am going to order that, "pass though panic" Dr Claire weekes if anyone is interested. I could see it being helpful to play while driving if you have issues with that.

Thank you both for the welcome and tips.

[Unrigged64072835]

When my mind starts to go into panic mode, I start doing deep breathing exercises. I breathe in through the nose, out through the mouth. I usually associate the breathing with a calming word as I breathe in and out. The nice thing about it is I can do it anywhere, even in a crowded mall.

While I'm doing this I also treat the panic as a temporary thing...it'll pass and I'll feel better soon.