Post by Rustyk on Jul 19, 2012 4:40:35 GMT -6
Coping with Panic/Anxiety Attacks
These methods have NOT been proven as actual methods to help deal with panic or anxiety.
Not everyone is the same so these methods may not help you, but they are worth giving a try. The following ideas have come from all over the Internet. Just do a search for: “How to survive a Panic Attack” and you will get a slew of results.
I have taken it upon myself to share some of the most common responses/ideas found in these searches and from my own experience.
Before trying any of the following methods, talk with your doctor or health care provider and see what they think is appropriate for you.
First thing: If you use caffeine—STOP! I have found that when I abstain from caffeine, I find that my anxiety is greatly reduced. Try cutting back and watch for any reduction in severity or frequency. If you see that they become less or less intense, cut it out completely and see if your attacks go away altogether.
Second thing. Breathe! Take long DEEP breaths to help tell your brain and body that the "fight or flight" response is no longer needed. It will help regulate heart rate and will feed your brain oxygen.
Next (Consult primary health care provider before considering trying this one): If you don't have any problems taking Diphenhydramine (Benadryl), one E.R. Doctor said that 50mg is helpful in some people. Conversely, it can cause anxiety to increase and has the opposite effect than desired.
Some people recommend looking into a mirror at yourself until you have that odd feeling that its YOU in the mirror and disassociate from your environment. This has a flip side effect as well. In some victims of sexual abuse, it is strongly discouraged (you should speak to a professional as to the legitimacy of this claim, but heed it until a professional is consulted.
For now, that is all I have. If you have methods you use to overcome or help yourself “survive” a panic attack, please share [them].
These methods have NOT been proven as actual methods to help deal with panic or anxiety.
Not everyone is the same so these methods may not help you, but they are worth giving a try. The following ideas have come from all over the Internet. Just do a search for: “How to survive a Panic Attack” and you will get a slew of results.
I have taken it upon myself to share some of the most common responses/ideas found in these searches and from my own experience.
Before trying any of the following methods, talk with your doctor or health care provider and see what they think is appropriate for you.
First thing: If you use caffeine—STOP! I have found that when I abstain from caffeine, I find that my anxiety is greatly reduced. Try cutting back and watch for any reduction in severity or frequency. If you see that they become less or less intense, cut it out completely and see if your attacks go away altogether.
Second thing. Breathe! Take long DEEP breaths to help tell your brain and body that the "fight or flight" response is no longer needed. It will help regulate heart rate and will feed your brain oxygen.
Next (Consult primary health care provider before considering trying this one): If you don't have any problems taking Diphenhydramine (Benadryl), one E.R. Doctor said that 50mg is helpful in some people. Conversely, it can cause anxiety to increase and has the opposite effect than desired.
Some people recommend looking into a mirror at yourself until you have that odd feeling that its YOU in the mirror and disassociate from your environment. This has a flip side effect as well. In some victims of sexual abuse, it is strongly discouraged (you should speak to a professional as to the legitimacy of this claim, but heed it until a professional is consulted.
For now, that is all I have. If you have methods you use to overcome or help yourself “survive” a panic attack, please share [them].