Panic attacks
Hey,
I just had the worst panic attack of my life. I couldn't stop shaking, I felt really sick, and my heart was racing really fast. I felt it before, just not at this level and it scared me. I'm really scared it will happen again eventually. I need to be able to keep myself calm and not worry about it so much because worrying about it may trigger another bad panic attack.
I hear you. Panic attacks are the worst. They really scare us to death. I find what works for me is to try to plan ahead when the panic attack is not active. I try to meditate in the morning. I try to constantly move my body. I try to talk to reassuring people and get some support when possible. I keep repeating a mantra : This too shall pass.
@NotCompletelyBroken
I'm one of those people that just says "it's going to happen again" because then I can plan for it. Because I know I'm going to have another panic/anxiety attack. Of course, I don't know when, and I don't know how severe it will be. But I do know that it's going to happen. That's not necessarily a bad thing - like @Damas send, you can plan for it. You can take control and have a plan of action.
So, what are some things you can do when the next attack happens?
If I am in public, I will be able to ____________________.
If I am alone, I will be able to _____________________.
Have a plan for both - I've been in the middle of a grocery store when an attack came on and I didn't have a plan. I do now! I like to get extremely mindful. Very much "in the moment." What sounds do I hear at the store? What do I smell? Which things are cold, or hot? What does the grocery cart feel like in my hands, and how do the wheels sound along the floor. Anything to get out of my head and into the moment.
