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
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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
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.
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.
Anonymous
November 6th, 2015 5:55pm
First of all if you are encountering such a situation, you will have to control your breathing. While you do it, you will need to keep your mind on something pleasant. Take four shallow breaths followed by one deep breath. It should be a deep breath and not a 'Sigh'. You will have to inhale and exhale with the same proficiency. Have some cold water to drink and do some stretching. I have found meditating music very useful. Lay down on a flat surface, with something beneath your head and listen to some soothing music like Meditation music or NewAge or Religious ones...which ever suits you...
Happy to help :)
Anonymous
November 13th, 2015 5:45am
breath.You're going to be okey.Breath ,and remember that you've been in this place before .You've been this uncomfortable and anxious and scared,and you've survived it.Breath p,and know you can survive this too.These feelings can't break you.They're painful,but you can sit with the, and eventually,may will pass.Maybe not immediately,but sometime soon,they are going to fade and when they do,you'll look back at this moment and laugh for having doubted your resilient.I know it feels unbearable right know,but keep breathing again and again.This will pass .I promise it will pass......
One of the main things that can help is to remember to breath! Consciously count your breathing by how long you inhale vs exhale.A good rule if you are having trouble is the 4-7-8 rule (In for 4, hold for 7, out for 8).Also, remember to "Smell the birthday cake, and blow out the candles!" (a saying EMTs use). Being conscious of your breathing and trying to regulate it will calm you down more and distract your temporarily. Hope this helps! "\ml/"
I experienced these symptoms with my own anxiety. I found that I had to try and identify the specific thought I was fixating on at the time and write it down. This helped me to see my problems more clearly and begin to address the emotional root of my problem rather than cover the symptoms.
In my personal experience of having anxiety, I found the best way to calm my nerves is medetation. YouTube videos of this are my go-to.
That's called a panic attack, which is not something you should fight. Try to meditate, breathe deeply, lie down, listen to relaxing music, do yoga or a gentle exercise that won't leave you more short of breath, etc. Fighting it will make it worse. It's something you need to wait out and let pass.
I have had more than enough experience with these instances. With all the pressure from school and family, it's not difficult to fall into anxiety. What helped me was talking with others who eventually calmed me down.
Maybe you should talk to your doctor about these episodes and see what options are available to you, so you won't have to suffer.
Take deep breaths. Slow down your breathing see if that helps. It always worked with me. Just try to calm your self down.
Anonymous
November 8th, 2014 2:00am
I am having a panic attack and they scare me. I try to slowly breathe into a paper bag so I do not hyperventilate. Talk to a person that cares and can come over here to talk to me.
It sounds like you are experiencing some pretty severe anxiety symptoms, identifying your triggers can help to reduce these.
Anonymous
August 18th, 2015 6:39am
You can try and talk to a professional about getting medication or avoiding situations that make you anxious. I used to get that anxious over going places and doing things. Going to concerts was the worst. I received help and got medicated for it and my anxiety almost went away completely after that. Do not medicate yourself or diagnose yourself with anything. And don't just take the doctor's word. Doctor's have a go-to medication that they try to give almost everyone with anxiety and depression. A psychiatrist will as well, but it's best to work with a psychiatrist to see what they think is right for you.
If you are having feelings like this on a repetitive basis you might want to see the advice and help of your healthcare professional. You can start by talking with your doctor to ensure there aren't any underlying health problems. You and your doctor can discuss the possibility of follow up care with a counselor or therapist if needed. You can also discuss other things such as medications if those are needed. Either way speak with your family physician to discuss what options will be best for you.
Try to become familiar with your surroundings. A way of doing this is to name all things around you.
You can use grounding techniques, coloring, remove yourself from your current environment or do anything to distract your mind from whatever is causing you to be anxious.
Educate yourself on anxiety disorders for starters if you haven't, and join a community like anxietysocialnet.com you are NOT alone, and there are tons of resources for dealing with this...
Try learning some deep breathing exercises. Focus on your diaphragm expanding and shrinking nice and slow.
If your symptoms happen fairly regularly maybe it would be best to consult a physician. If they don't happen very frequently then try a breathing technique. There are several that you can find online that may be effective.
Anonymous
November 17th, 2015 8:46pm
I keep a teddy bear in my car for moments like this, and I have a play list of songs that I find comforting and relaxing. Also, America's Funniest Home Videos is a great distraction :)
Take a deep breath, relax and go through the anxiety steps listed here... Slow things down, let your mind calm and reflect on the good, not the bad. We can't change tomorrow...
Anonymous
November 19th, 2015 11:18am
When I am anxious to the point of shaking, loss of breath and profuse sweating, I tend to remove myself from the situation, focus on my breathing, have a sip of water and practice mindfulness.
Anonymous
November 20th, 2015 2:35am
I've found the 5 senses method to work very well. It helps you find your ground because you have to touch 5 things. See 4 things. Hear 3 things. Smell 2 things and taste 1 things and by the time I've gotten to 3 in already calming down.
Anonymous
November 20th, 2015 11:38pm
Breathe in and out slowly and close your eyes. Clear your mind and calm down. Then walk away and calm down in a quiet place and think.
Seek professional help through your doctor or other help care professional to address the cause and treatment of your anxiety.
Anonymous
November 21st, 2015 11:05pm
see a doctor, they can either refer you for anxiety tips or give you anti-anxiety meds. Try see a doctor as soon as possible
It is normal to go through that. From my experience it is due to stress, anxiety,madness and sadness. Drink some cold water it can help you feel refreshed. Don't think about the subject that is causing you all this pain so you need to find a distraction i suggest you read a book, listen to music or even watch a show. However you can talk about the subject that is causing you all this stress and anxiey with someone you trust. I also suggest you take long deep breaths, hum and jog in place.
Close your eyes, think of something relaxing, go outside where it is quiet. There are many ways to deal with anxiety, learn them and see what works for you. A paper bag to breath in?
The way you are feeling doesnt seem very nice .well done for coming to talk to someone on this site .The listeners are here to support ,listen and care alot about other people.
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