[FracturedPieces]

Any tips for managing severe anxiety without meds? I have benzos but I really believe the key here is learning to handle the anxiety through coping strategies over medication.

Anyone have any skills they would like to share? I have heart attack like panic attacks.

[TunedOut]

Originally Posted by FracturedPieces

Any tips for managing severe anxiety without meds? I have benzos but I really believe the key here is learning to handle the anxiety through coping strategies over medication.

Anyone have any skills they would like to share? I have heart attack like panic attacks.

Sometimes I can figure out what is triggering it (sometimes it is a person or their behavior) then get away from them for a while (boundaries). Sometimes stress causes it for me so if I can eliminate the stress (not always possible) then the panic attacks settle down. My SSRI (zoloft/sertraline) also helps me with panic attacks. When my life is really stressful--this is when I do need medications. I also try to not work to much in the evening (do relaxing things--I don't go online much in the evening) so that I can fall asleep easier. When a panic attack happens, try to remember what you thought about or was happening right before it started. This can sometimes help you identify what triggers it. Understanding what triggers it then avoiding or talking about what is triggering can also help in the long run.