[Shriveled Muse]

This has happened to me a few times now since school started. Whenever I get a panic attack, I need to find a place to be alone in order to calm down properly. If it is in the middle of class, I can walk out for a "bathroom break". However I got it once right before a midterm and I did not have the time to spare so I suppressed it. I almost failed that midterm; I got 90% on the last one. Another time, I got it while performing onstage. Luckily I was in a group so I could fake most of it, however I still needed to suppress in order to not break down in front of hundreds of people. I don't like suppressing; it is more like a last resort than anything else. And just as the midterm proved, it doesn't actually work that well.

With my panic attacks, I need the time to calm down. It can't be done in a second, but in a situation when you can't afford to waste time being unable to function (ex. Can't be a dead weight onstage while performing), is there another possible solution other than suppression?

[gayleggg]

Hi, Shriveled Muse.

I start deep breathing (count to 10 when breathing in and out) and counting my breaths, after about 10 of these I usually feel better or have to repeat the process until I feel calmer. Also, I try thinking of a beautiful place or flower, and stay with that a while.

I used to have panic attacks really bad a long time ago and a counselor helped me learn these techniques. The breathing one worked best for me because I was having them while driving as well and you can't always pull over and stop immediately.

Hope this helps.

[XSleepingSiren21X]

Originally Posted by Shriveled Muse

This has happened to me a few times now since school started. Whenever I get a panic attack, I need to find a place to be alone in order to calm down properly. If it is in the middle of class, I can walk out for a "bathroom break". However I got it once right before a midterm and I did not have the time to spare so I suppressed it. I almost failed that midterm; I got 90% on the last one. Another time, I got it while performing onstage. Luckily I was in a group so I could fake most of it, however I still needed to suppress in order to not break down in front of hundreds of people. I don't like suppressing; it is more like a last resort than anything else. And just as the midterm proved, it doesn't actually work that well.

With my panic attacks, I need the time to calm down. It can't be done in a second, but in a situation when you can't afford to waste time being unable to function (ex. Can't be a dead weight onstage while performing), is there another possible solution other than suppression?

I know what helps me at times is listening to music. I take it absolutely everywhere, just in case I end up with a problem or need to be prepared at certain times and events. Daydreaming of being elsewhere can help too, trying to escape reality and finding a way to distract you from the surroundings.