[Niky]

I have currently been suffering panic attacks everyday for the last month. I have had them on and off ever since I was about 8 years old. But they were never as long or severe as they are now. Now it feels like my mind goes out of control and everything seems like a dream. I want my life back, but the ativan isn't helping and I don't get to see the therapist until the 26th of this month. So what could I do when one comes on and it's not going away? <font color="black"> </font>

[Perna]

Getting literal/concrete helps me. Feeling textures and using all of my senses (I've literally gone outside and hugged a tree :-) and talking to someone; "experiencing" anything other than the panic. My logic kicks in and my "will"/brain reminds me that even though it feels like such-and-such is happening, it's not. Eventually the panic lets go.

Can you make yourself a panic kit to remind yourself how "okay" you are in reality? Different textures and things to touch, see, smell, taste, hear? Think up some "easy" experiments to try (does eating a pickle or lemon slice help?) and going and trying them like it's "fun" and an opportunity having a panic attack might help overall? If you retrain your brain to think a panic attack is not a panic attack but something else, maybe it won't "panic" as much.

[Soidhonia]

Hello I hope things get better for you soon. I feel that you should call your therapist or Dr if possible you may need to have your medication adjusted. I walk in the moning to help panic seeing nature and getting my mind off of things that cause panic helps. Walking seems to decrease the panic. Your therapist can help with the most therapeutic therapy to meet your needs and triggers. martial arts and journaling helps many and so does exercise. There are too many numerous things to mention, but your therapist cna help you to decide the best course of action for you at this time. Take care soidhonia

[psisci]

Breathing in a bag actually helps alot of people when you are at the worst part of the attack. Also, keeping in mind it will end (they always do), and it will not hurt you physically (they never do) can help alot.

[okiedokie]

All good advice and very true. I see patients come into the emergency dept. where I work for a bad panic attack and by the time they are through registering, it's over!

I do know they don't feel good though and I wish you the best.
Okie

[tiodlliwi]

I think, as previously stated, that a brisk walk is THE BEST CURE- moving your body, even if for 15 minutes and it will pass and all seems right with the world again (even if it's a temporary fix). Another thing someone mentioned about feeling, seeing, tasting, etc. I am fully behind that as well. I will crotchet (touch), go outside and look at my surroundings (although I've never hugged a tree, I may try that one now!), and one of my biggest is mints- popping an altoid. The flavor is clean and refreshing, and for some reason is something that really seems to help for me. Just some suggestions. Good luck!

[jlove973]

I am so sorry to hear that you are having a rough month Niky All I can say is Breathe. As I have been told in the past which I try to do as often as I can. Just stop what you are doing, sit or lie down in complete silence. Let your mind go. Take a moment close your eyes and think about happy thoughts, about all the wonderful things you have in your life, or the beautiful things of the earth. Breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth. Most of the time it works for me with my Anxiety.
Maybe you can try it? I hope that it works for you
Jlove

[Niky]

I've tried the lying down and just breathing thing. but when I do, it seems like my mind just takes of on it's wild rollercoaster ride and then I feel out of control. I find it real hard to think of a happy place. I don't know, maybe I'm too far to be helped.

[erysichthon]

I've read that one must stop fearing the panic attack, as difficult as that may sound. Breathing is great, probably better if its regulated in some way (say, inhaling for 2 sec, exhaling for 4), and then accepting that you feel panicky, and finally permitting yourself to have it. Hope this helps.

[Boopers]

Niky,
I was thinking about you today as I think it is the day that you go to your T.?
I hope it went well and hope that things turn out great for you.
Hugs,
Boopers