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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
heatherishere64
November 26th, 2015 4:34pm
I think that the best thing that you can do is to consult a doctor about this. Drink some liquids and try calming down. Try laying down as well and breathe slowly. If anybody is nearby get someone to help you get through it.
Anonymous
November 27th, 2015 5:03am
Tanuki
November 27th, 2015 12:45pm
Anxiety can spiral out of control, noticing when it is just starting and stopping it there by focusing on something else, like deep breathing, can fight so much of the battle for you. Just a small tip, not a complete answer. Hope it helps!
Anonymous
November 28th, 2015 2:00am
Hello! I may have a suggestion that may help. Try laying down put your hand on your stomach and breathe. Watch your hand rise and fall with every breath.
elodiee
November 28th, 2015 9:30pm
When I get anxious, I talk to myself. I try to remember some positive things and after I focus on my breathing . This the key !
AlwaysAndForever1
November 29th, 2015 8:04am
Take deep breaths... Inhale and exhale slowly. And keep up a positive state of mind "I can do this!"
OhSoLovely
November 29th, 2015 12:00pm
try to control your breathing during this time, look around you and try to ground yourself, remember where you are and what you're there for. I would also suggest seeing someone such as a doctor or counsellor as thats how I got in control of my anxiety x
Anonymous
November 29th, 2015 1:17pm
Take slow deep breaths, close you eyes and just sit there for a moment. When you feel less like throwing up start to open your eyes slowly and keep taking the deep breaths. When you can get your eyes fully opened then work on moving to a area where you feel less anxious
WhisperingPiano
December 3rd, 2015 8:46pm
This is an incredibly scary thing to go through. And this sounds like an anxiety attack or panic attack. If you are at home or a friends/familys house where you feel safe, this can be a good place to let it pass but I know at work or in public, this can add to the terror. When I go through these experiences, I try to excuse myself and find a quiet place. I then focus on my breathing. I put my hand on my stomach and I focus on the air lifting my stomach and the air leaving it. It can take a few minutes but feeling the air going in and out and realising that air is flowing, makes me feel a bit better.
bbrenner13
December 4th, 2015 4:04am
This exact same feeling happens to me at times. What seems to help is to get in a comfortable, cool area and simply watch television. Surround yourself with other people immediately and don't try to distract yourself, instead have a normal conversation with someone else and trust me, you'll begin to feel better.
Anonymous
December 5th, 2015 9:40am
This sounds a lot like an anxiety attack. You should talk to your doctor. Try taking deep breaths and focusing on one object. I suggest the moon at night
Anonymous
December 5th, 2015 7:31pm
Have a cuppa tea, get a fan on you, sit down, close your eyes and focus on your breathing. In and out,slow breaths.
Anonymous
December 6th, 2015 2:46am
Anxiety is something common in many people today, and I've been through the same thing. When I get anxious, I try to count to ten, allowing myself to focus on something other than the task at hand.
Anonymous
December 6th, 2015 8:05pm
First of all keep in mind that it will pass and you won't die - there's nothing dangerous in this. It's just an affection, a moment which may last for some period. Try to focus on the idea that it will eventually pass and try not to be scared of it or panic. Be stronger than this :)
SilentSerenityy
December 7th, 2015 1:58pm
It can be debilitating having such terrible anxiety. When I tried medication, I felt myself relax soon after and I haven't had an attack since so I highly recommend medication if it's available to you. If not, seeing a therapist or a doctor about it is best.
Winter41
March 1st, 2016 9:58pm
Whenever you feel like there is something that might cause you to be nervous , take a moment to transport yourself into a hapoy memory or a happy place or start singing a song that means to you and calms you down :)
Anonymous
March 13th, 2016 11:55pm
You can seek a professional to put you on a medication if it gets worse or else trying to deep breathe and release tension.
Anonymous
March 16th, 2016 7:13am
Anxiety , as a mental issue , also has physical symptoms ,A person through anxiety periods can try to go rest or lay alone , listen to a relaxing music , or doing progressive muscle relaxation , If they had an accompany , their support would be greatly effective , ..Also taking a shower might tranquil them , or eating , depending on the person.
serene63
March 16th, 2016 8:56pm
speak to a dr as it seems as if your having panic attacks i might be wrong so my advice would see you dr on this one
Anonymous
March 18th, 2016 4:22am
That sounds a lot like anxiety. Could be the onset of a anxiety or panic attack. When you find yourself feeling like this try to focus on your breathing, sometimes closing your eyes will help with this or walk outside for some fresh air.
peacefulwaves24
March 18th, 2016 5:08pm
Anxiety is notorious for manifesting itself in physical sensations, like shaking and sweating. Fighting the anxiety just ends up fueling it, and making it worse. I've found that when I get to a point where I feel like I'm being swept away by anxiety, I utilize the relaxation training and self-assuring self talk that I practice. Anxiety doesn't last forever, the feelings will pass.
tranquilBerry61
March 19th, 2016 8:46am
You can try some deep breathing exercises such as breathing in for 4 and out for 7. Or if that's not your thing you could list what you can see, smell, touch, hear and taste
meghelps
March 19th, 2016 12:49pm
There are many breathing methods you can do that send calming messages to your brain. Thinking of other things can also help, I tend to have some silly little games on my phones that really distract me from my thoughts and shift my focus so I calm down a bit more. Take care and good luck.
JenniferC
March 19th, 2016 5:37pm
try to take a deep breathe and blow it from your mouth and do this for a couple time until you feel better
MyGlassIsHalfFull
March 19th, 2016 6:48pm
Think of happy times, think of yourself wherever you feel most comfortable and happy and slow your breathing down. Remember there are others like you. You are not alone when you feel like this.
Hussy15
March 23rd, 2016 11:01am
While you live in moment and realize that all the thoughts in your head become a horrible person and comes to scare you without any reason. Its just of no use. Let it be as it is and face whatever is coming. The best remedy is to look for good even if you know that everything is going to be bad and believe, with every hardship is ease.
Anonymous
March 24th, 2016 1:03am
It depends on the situation and person what works the best. For me it helps to focus on my breathing to calm down a bit. I also try to search for distraction, like a movie or drawing. If i get the feeling I don't have controle at all and the panic attacks won't stop I text a friend about it, so I don't have to feel alone.
Anonymous
March 25th, 2016 9:53pm
I think you need professional help. Dealing with anxiety is difficult and many people cannot do it on their own. You should consider seeing a specialist in order to manage your anxiety.
Griffen193
April 1st, 2016 7:53pm
When your are anxious it is beneficial to just step back, breath, and clear your head. This may be hard
Redeemer
April 2nd, 2016 2:09am
The mind and body is related. What ever that goes through your mind manifests itself in different ways on the body. The vice versa is true too. The body can effect the mind to make it calm. Breathing slowly and conciously and feeling each breath as it goes in and out relaxes the running and agitated mind and helps calming things out.