[nirmal]

I wrote a post about this,apparently it got lost. Does anybody have any
ideas on this panic, how to get through it without an episode?

[gimmeice]

Hello Nirmal, it's nice to meet you.
Are you taking some time for yourself? Try doing things for yourself that you find relaxing, like a hot bath or something like that and always remember to slow down at least long enough to breath sometimes. You also may find browsing our anxiety forum helpful, reading past posts of people also dealing with these same issues.
If you have any questions feel free to private message any community liaison or moderator, here is a link to a list of forum leaders.
http://forums.psychcentral.com/showgroups.php

[ECHOES]

Can you identify what happens when the panic begins?

[madisgram]

if you've done all your shopping that is good cause everyone seems to go into a sort of frenzy at xmastime. i try to stay away from crowds at this time. also i do a mental exercise to remind myself that xmas, while a special day for some of us, is still just another day in the year. that seems to keep me "balanced' even when most everyone is more jubilant/frantic. quiet times, quiet tasks like reading also help me. if you start to feel overwhelmed i'd suggest making a quiet exit from all the "noise' even if for only 15 minutes. i hope these tips may help you and hope ya have a blessed christmas.

[ozzie]

I think being well prepared for the event is one of the best ways to avoid the panic. At the same time, I think most of us experience some degree of panic or anxiety at Christmas time. Maybe that's actually normal.....considering all the relationships and feelings involved this time of year.

[multipixie9]

welcome to pc.com nirmal. there are two types of stress, we all know about distress, but also there is eustress. this is "positive" stress where you are experiencing pleasant feelings but they still add up to the quantity of feelings you experience before you begin to be tired out and over-stressed and therefore may slip into a panic. Christmas, Hannukah, Kwanzaa are events that we expect to be fun, joyous - but many times they are less fun than we hope and that can cause stress unless you prepare yourself for the mixture of good/bad feelings that come to everyone this time of year.

madisgram had very good suggestions on things to do to soothe yourself, we all tend to have certain things that can calm us down. spend some time thinking of what makes you feel calmer and find ways to incorporate those things into your life at this time of year.

being "self-protective" is a good thing; finding out what you can and can't do without going into panic is just smart. knowing yourself is important and the sooner you learn how to manage your own life and stress levels the easier you will find high stress periods in each year.

i found out that shopping at hours that have less crowds helps me stay calmer. learning to accept fewer invitations - being selective helps me, i just can't go, go, go. my spouse and one of my children seem to thrive on being busy. every day i have to have some quiet alone time and then i handle the rest of the day better. these differences do not make me better or worse than anyone else - they are just how i'm "wired".

many of these suggestions may not help this year but you can plan ahead for next year.

finances also can be a big stress and some people find that setting aside some money each month in a "holiday savings account" will keep away the panic from feeling unprepared financially or from getting into debt from buying more than you can afford.

there is a lot of pressure this time of year from people, advertisers and especially family. everyone has someone in their family who is "difficult". take time to figure out how to deal with events and people in a way that will keep you feeling "sane" and "in control".

you did a smart thing in coming online looking for support. people here understand and are willing to encourage you. that can be a big source of help in avoiding panic or calming down if you already hit the "panic button". believe me, you have plenty of company! hang in there, you will get through this.

[nirmal]

Thank you sooooo much!

love and light,
nirmal

[nirmal]

Thank you so very much! When I feel panick coming on it starts with shortness of breath, then my heart pounds and feels like it will come right out of my chest, then
i begin shaking all over. This usually lasts for several minutes, then i begin to settle
down. Any advice on how to stop a panic attack? Thanks again, nirmal

[nirmal]

Thank you for your words of wisdom!

love and light,
nirmal

[nirmal]

Thank you for your words of wisdom!

love and light,
nirmal

[nirmal]

Thank you so much for your helpful insight!

love and light,
nirmal

[nirmal]

Thank you so very much!

love and light,
nirmal

[nirmal]

I appreciate you taking the time to give me such wonderful insight. Can i add you to
my contact list? No hurt feelings if you say nada!

love and light,
nirmal

[nirmal]

Can I add you to my contact list? No harm done, either way!

love and light,
nirmal

[multipixie9]

nirmal,

i'd suggest you read through materials on pc.com for handling panic attacks. then i would suggest you google/ search for "self-help for panic attacks".

i do not have actual panic attacks, i've just dealt with long term anxiety. so my advice is not what you need. hang in there you will make it through this.

leslie and the pixes