Help For Severe Panic Attacks?

[Kathleen Foss]

Hi! Sitting here trying to calm down, took a trazadone, my heart and mind are still in panic mode. Any advice???

 

[untiltoday]

I was dealing with my own issues earlier and took a warm bath with epsom salts (with magnesium) and it helped way more than I expected. I'm pretty sure you could also try soaking your feet/legs in a epsom salt bath, because the magnesium is absorbed through skin and helps de-stress.

Just make sure you set an alarm to not fall asleep.

 

[Lost Pup]

Lay on your back on the floor and press your body into the ground. Feel all the places you connect with the ground.

 

[Seasounds]

One exercise I like:

1. Turn lights low, turn off all media, lie on your back, with a blanket cover.
2. Close your eyes.
3. With gentle awareness, and a slow pace, start 'noticing' 'any sensation'-like the rhythm of your pulse (to the degree it appears) in each part of your body (head, neck, shoulders, chest, arms, finger tips, all the way to your toes, etc.).
4. Rest in each station for about 1-2 minutes or until you feel your pulse beat for at least 60 beats. ( you don't need to count.)
5. Start at your head, work your way down to your toes.
6. As your breathing may naturally slow, you can remind yourself to allow your breathing to slow, soften, and deepen.
7. The above exercise works by itself, or after a hot bath or shower.
8. The above exercise works well when going to bed and while waiting for anti-anxiety meds to work.

Other things that help:

1. Spending time with a safe friend.
2. Getting a Craniosacral Therapy session.

 

[franciemarnie]

When I am in panic mode, I cannot meditate, etc., but if I walk back and forth watching my feet, I calm down. It sends a message to the survival brain that I am not trapped anymore. After that I can meditate, etc. if I want to. Just something to try.

But if you have any concerns and fear re your health, do not hesitate to go to Emergency.

I hope you feel better.

 

[ill]

Going for a walk outside really helps me. The change of scenery, the fresh air, the burning off of all that panicky energy (we need to discharge it somehow).

 

[Promicarus]

You haven't said that much re your symptoms, or what caused the attack...but I understand...if you're in the middle of a panic attack, typing/thinking clearly are obviously among the problems. I'd have to ask a) how often do you experience them b) do you notice that anything specific triggers them? c) Do you have racing pulse, shortness of breath? (more common in actual panic attacks, proper, than just anxiety, and therefore more likely to warrant a benzodiazepine) d) have you tried herbs/supplements, yet?

I can't meditate when I'm extremely anxious, either...it just makes it worse. I have to stay busy. Often doing something routine, but physically engaging can take your mind off of it, and help...ie cleaning the house, etc. Somehow, feeling as though I'm accomplishing something that makes me fee like I'm acting responsibly and productively helps my mood immensely.

I too suffer from anxiety...and I've found that pets help, immensely. There are even "rescue animals" for PTSD/anxiety related issues, now...you can take them anywhere in public with you. Do you have a pet? Have you considered asking you pdoc/tdoc for a "prescription" for a rescue animal. Just some suggestions. Be well

 

[bell]

Another thing to do which may sound too simplistic, but it works. Breathe. Deeply. In for 4 counts. Out for 6. (Or whatever feels comfortable, leaving the exhale longer than the inhale.) Focus on the breath. And only the breath.

 

[keifer]

I have two types. Well as far as I can count, there could be more so I'll add that after I stated a fact as I'm always caught off guard.

1 type is just plain anxiety and I just get hyper after a trigger or no trigger. I just embrace my anger. I don't care, I'll put up with the shakes and urge to punch the nearest threat.

2 type. This is my darkest flashback. I'm scared, defensive, maybe violent, depressed, crying, the world is just shadows. If I catch it early, listening to a song I really like helps. If I can do sword strikes with my cane, that helps too. Meditation doesn't help. If I do slow intense martial arts forums with slow breathing, it helps. I just vibrate but I feel better after, sometimes a crash feeling of tiredness. If I dont catch it, I'm just a ball on the floor in pain to where I can't move.

 

[keifer]

Number 3 today. Listening to music after I just came unglued dealing with my biggest event trigger.