Skip to main content Skip to bottom nav

Sometimes I get so anxious I throw up, shake, can't breathe, and sweat profusely - what can I do?

141 Answers
Last Updated: 06/24/2019 at 6:23pm
1 Tip to Feel Better
United States
Moderated by

Elaine Kish, LMSW

Clinical Social Work/Therapist

My goal is to treat clients with respect and compassion. I am a supportive, strengths-based therapist with experience in treating mood disorders, grief, and trauma.

Top Rated Answers
Anonymous
November 16th, 2014 4:12pm
There is a thing called 7-11 breathing, Take a look, This may help you before it gets to that point :). Take care.
kalistaheartXx
March 18th, 2016 2:25am
One of the best things you can do is take deep breaths... it seem cliche, but its true, it really does help. Breathe in and out. Drink water. Think about calming things. Also, try to not think about things as much. Don't over think and over stress. You'll be okay, if you ever need anyone to talk to, I'm here.
yessitshannah
October 26th, 2014 11:52pm
It sounds a lot like a panic attack. That's what used to happen to me minus the throwing up part. Now I talk to someone and take medicine for it. It helps a lot
Anonymous
September 18th, 2014 6:04am
Try breathing deeply and rocking back and forth, or closing your mouth and talking to yourself about what's wrong
23lostdreams
September 27th, 2014 2:20am
Does this happen often in certin situations or randomly? i'm sorry. if there's anyway i can help please contact me! im new to 7 cups but i'd love to try and see if theres anyway i can try to help you with this.
Anonymous
September 13th, 2015 2:35am
It sounds like you may be having anxiety attacks. This must be a bit scary for you right now. You can go and see a professional, they can be very useful. But you could also try several anxiety relieving techniques. Progressive muscle relaxation is a good one. You can do this sitting or laying down, either is fine. Whatever feels comfortable to you, or whatever situation you are in. Now, tense your neck muscles, not so tightly that it hurts. Do this for 5-10 seconds or when first starting 2-5 seconds. Now relax. Then do your shoulder muscles. Tense and relax them just like how you did your neck. And now work down your body. All the way to your toes. I hope this helps!
Coffeewood
September 10th, 2015 12:51pm
Being that anxious must be hard on you. What has helped you in the past? Tell me more about when this happens to you.
HaileyJS
September 16th, 2015 11:56pm
As bad as it sounds- its all in your head. Focus on ways to calm yourself down. Look around the room and find 5 things you can touch, 4 you can see, 3 you can hear, 2 you can smell, and 1 you can feel. Try the 573 breathing method. In for 5, hold for 7, out for 3.
WhatACatchKelsey
November 15th, 2014 12:31am
Bring a stress ball with you everywhere you go! Put it in a backpack or purse, and when you feel the panicking sensation starting to come on, squeeze away!
Love2smile
September 28th, 2014 3:22am
I am so sorry you feel that way. Good books or maybe even some soft music helps those when in times of pure anxiety.
Kayla1313
October 29th, 2015 5:52am
Take deep breath. Start by breathing in for 7 seconds, holding it for 3-5, and breathing out for 8-9. This helps to regulate your breathing. Other short term fixes are listening to soothing music, watching cartoons, or coloring. Long term, try to find a therapist to help you deal with your anxiety
laurlistens
September 10th, 2014 11:56pm
When I have a similar situation, I like to become aware of my breathing. It's nice to have control of something- and I like to pick my breathing. Once I know I can control that, I feel like I can calm down a lot.
Anonymous
September 23rd, 2014 2:26pm
I like to go to Rainymood and listen to the rain through my earphones, and I grab a cushion and hug it, I turn the air cooler on and I tell myself everything- from the basics, like- This is my name, this is my age, I live here, and so on. It makes everything fall into place, and I apply strict logic and common sense at those times.
heartsNcupcakes
September 27th, 2015 10:20pm
Ive been there. In fact Ive been there a few times throughout my life. First thing to do is to still try to stay hydrated, even if you puke it up. Better than dry heaving and your stomach may absorb some of it. It will also settle the acid in the stomach. Next really is finding a distracting that works for you in these time (I like netflix, reading, walks, yoga, music, writing, 7 Cups of Tea.) Some of mine are reminding myself that it will pass, or I do my best not to puke for a little while longer, and longer, until i didnt do it as much anymore, i started to not eat after 8 PM as it takes longer to digest.
worthytalktime
September 19th, 2015 6:13am
Firstly, try to figure out what gets you all anxious and tensed up. Once you find the reason, you're good to go. Next, when you find that something is getting you all stressed up, do some relaxation exercises. Like deep breathing and muscle relaxation or you could just sip some water and try to think about something you like, it would help clear out your mind.
Anonymous
October 28th, 2015 9:28pm
Definitely arrange an appointment with a doctor and let them know what's been happening and any triggers that lead up to these. Sounds like a severe panic attack.
compassionatecupcake99
September 27th, 2015 2:24am
Personally, I try to focus on my breathing. I try to count my breaths and I breathe in through my nose and out through my mouth! Eventually, after focusing on that for long enough then I start to calm down and then I continue to distract myself by doing an activity or hobby that is fun!
Puffin
September 13th, 2014 2:45pm
It's might sound simple, but seek for distraction. Try to do some relax exercises and focus your thoughts on something else. If your anxiety is under control, try to discover why you are getting so anxious and what you can do to solve the problems behind your anxiety.
Anonymous
September 29th, 2015 5:37am
if you can take a shower, wash your face this will help calm your nerves and give your body and mind time to feel as if it were at ease. TAKE time to learn how to meditate as it is healthy and helps clear your mind and create a healthy mindset
PerfOrigami
October 22nd, 2015 2:59am
While you still can, distance yourself from what's making you feel this way. Take this time to breathe in and out slowly, to free your mind from all your intoxicating thoughts. If not, take your time to acknowledge your feelings and analyze what makes you feel this way? If it's fear, worry or self-doubt, try to remember what your initial goal is in doing this and analyze if it's worth it. If it is, keep your focus on that and try your best to blur out everything that's keeping you from doing it. If it's not, you know what to do.
Anonymous
October 22nd, 2015 4:07pm
Just remind yourself that these times will pass. Pain and anxiety do not last forever. I used to get like that. So to make myself feel something, I would self harm. Now I know that if you just focus forward and remind yourself that it won't last forever and try to stay positive, it will work out okay!
blackorange02
October 22nd, 2015 5:00pm
Sounds like you are going through anxiety attacks. I suggest you to talk to a professional counselor about your anxiety attacks.
Anonymous
October 23rd, 2015 4:29pm
Talk to a professional. They have experience and will be able to help you figure out what you can do to reduce these symptoms.
Anonymous
October 24th, 2015 3:18am
First of all, sit down and take a deep breath. Try to think of the things that calm you down the most. Everything around you is fine, and you're gonna be fine. Nothing is gonna hurt you, okay.
Anonymous
October 25th, 2015 2:07am
Meditation has really helped me with my anxiety and depression. I used to vomit due to my anxiety but then I started using seven cups of tea and started going to therapy.
zaix
October 25th, 2015 3:28am
Normally the only thing you can really do is try to calm yourself down, usually by taking deep breaths.
Anonymous
October 25th, 2015 12:08pm
You could try autogenics. The point is that you have to CALM yourself. Calm yourself, and you'll automatically start thinking rationally which lead to decreased anxiety; And a more fulfilling life. http://www.guidetopsychology.com/autogen.htm
Anonymous
November 5th, 2015 8:15am
The most important thing about anxiety is, the moment you feel anxious give yourself some space and calm down 1st before you think or asked for help.
Cosmicdust
November 6th, 2015 12:21am
I would suggest thatduring a panic attack you lie on the ground facing the roof and focus on your breathing. Tense each of your muscles moving from toes to head continuing to focus on your breathing until panic attack has passed.
heavenslightning
November 6th, 2015 5:20am
I understand the feeling you are going through. What I usually do to rid myself of this anxiety, is lie down in a bed, with the heat moderately. Most people feel like they are absolutely cold when they go through an anxiety attack. Some feel warm. I myself usually adjust myself to the situation and close my eyes, take deep breaths. If it becomes something of deeper concern, consult a doctor.