i don’t know what to do
lately it’s been panic attack after panic attack. i don’t know why though. i feel so bad feeling this way because it doesn’t only effect me it affects the people around me. sometimes i feel like i’m dying. panic leads to heart palpitations and loss of breath and i can’t find a way to calm myself.
I know what you mean, my mother in law has been driving me up the wall with her craziness. Today was the worst in a long time. It really messed me up because she started ranting and raving in a really crazy way. I am in horrible shape now because of it with increasing chest pains and increasing heart rate, at least it feels like it. I tried to be completely honest in another post but because I referenced the word “sui#$#de,” I got censored and so no one would even listen to me. I know how badly you feel! I hope you feel better!
@warmheartedWest725 I hear you. Panic attacks can be exhausting. My mom had them for many years. The good news is that there is a lot of information about it and identifying the triggers and learning about them can help you in the path to manage/ prevent the attacks. Look in your local library the book: Seven Steps to stop Worry Stopping You. Leahy 2005.
To start. Maybe you could try a couple of common management exercises:
1-the slow and deep breathing exercise focused on the sound of the air coming through your nose out through your lips slightly close.
2- make a little pocket notebook with simple challenges: time tables, count all the round things around me, animals that start with a, or b or.., how many rectangles can i see, etc, so, when you feel the onset of the panic attack open your little booklet and put your mind on the simple challenge.
And...Can you tell me a bit more about your panic attacks? When did they start happening? When mostly happen?
@destinyinman21
Thats a horrible feeling. I have been told that breathing exercises help. 4 in hold for 7 out in 8. I was told by another person who has panic attacks that doing it by 3 counts helps him. He does it 5 times. I hope that helps. Herbal tea helps me too.
@destinyinman21 really sorry your going through that, I know how bad panic attacks can be! Be kind to yourself and if you can let yourself rest when you feel that way. Something I found that helps me when I take panic attacks is to breath Into a paper bag (sort of like the little sick bags you get on planes) it gives me something to focus in (bag going in and out) and it also helps to slow down my breathing without having to focus too much on the breathing itself (I know when I try fixing in my breathing it tends to make It worse) Another thing I found to help me, which probably sounds a little silly, is too say “I’m okay” or “I’ll be alright” out loud, I just find hearing myself say it can be grounding and can remind you that you will be okay! 😊