ahhhhhh... panic attacks...

Have... been having full fledged panic attacks.. in stores.. lately..

I pretend.. they are asthma attacks... when people.. get all uptight.. what else.. is there to do???

how do you cover a panic attack????

I'm sorry to hear that freewill. (((((hugs)))))

I haven't been getting panic attacks as often as I used to, but I can understand how difficult it is to deal with them in public. Usually, I just try to sit down somwehere, anywhere I can, and just focus on my breathing, perhaps do some guided imagery if I can concentrate enough. I don't know if there really is a good way to 'cover' a panic attack, but asthma attack is a good one, I might have to use that some day!

Just getting away from the crowd usually helps me manage: go to a batroom, or some remote corner, a changing room, whatever you have to do to get that space you need.

Hope this helps.

Take care,



J

((((((((((((( freewill ))))))))))))))
I am not sure how to cover a panic attack, what I do in a store is to find the most deserted isle and try to pick out five things on the shelves to concentrate on. It doesn't always work but I have had a little bit of success with it.

((((((((((freewill)))))))))

i'm sorry you are going through this. when i was still able to go out i used box breathing to get past this panic attacks in public. don't know how that would work with the asthma attack story though. wish i knew a way to help you.

lost

I walk. I walk and concentrate on the soles of my feet making contact with the floor / sole of my shoe as I walk. I feel it slowly, from beginning to end, from my heel making first contact to my toes at the end of the step, almost as if it's in slow motion. It's very orienting and calming at the same time. I also practice focused slow breaths as I walk. Sometimes, if tears are involved, I go to the restroom and get past that part in private.

If someone notices, they notice. I don't offer any explanation. If I have to excuse myself, I do so by saying I need to go to the restroom.

Do you have any fast acting meds, like Xanax, to use? Or benadryl? Sometimes I will use a bit of Xanax. I try to avoid that, but sometimes I can't avoid it so I'll take a bit--like a quarter of a .5mg.

I hope this gets better for you, freewill.

Thank you all for your kind suggestions... it seems that I will be using them.... unfortuately... cause... the attacks... seem to be continuing... today was a "bear"...

(((((((((((((( freewill )))))))))))))))

I had been very close to or even had mini-panic attacks in stores, and i was always afraid how people would look at me. (chills down my spine) I remember walking into meijer, and cvs and I remember the exact store and exact path i walked through when it happened. The panic almost sharpened my memory in a strange way. I think it made me very aware of my surroundings which is actually somewhat positive in a way. Weird huh?? But I was very self concious about how people might react, if they might call 911 at any sign of destress.

Quick comment... Ive been known to cover up an emotion before with the "allergies" excuse. If me and hubby were fighting and i was crying at work, my eyes of course turn all pink and above my lip gets all blotchy, so when people would ask what was wrong I would say "oh its my allergies".