Panic Attacks When I'm Alone

[Seeka]

Lately I've been having crippling panic attacks when I get left alone. When my boyfriend leaves for work I'm terrified and whenever I spend time with someone and they finally drop me off back home I'm scared as soon as the door closes behind me. It's like I don't want to face myself and my thoughts. I panic. At the same time I want solitude though. It's a strange sensation. Any tips on how to deal with these panic attacks when I no longer have the distraction of other people?

 

[Deleted member 12723]

Hi- Do you have a therapist you could discuss this with? The only thing I can think of is deep breathing and trying to ground yourself in your environment. And mabe some journaling to figure out what is triggering you. Sorry if I'm not too much help, mabe someone will be around soon to assist you. Take gentle care of yourself, cyber hug.

 

[Overwhelmed]

Hi Seeka,
Im sorry to hear this...try and exercise some of the stress away with a workout that gets a good heart rate going. Follow up with a nice bath or shower. Uplifting music and deep breathing will help. You can rent a yoga or pilates DVD for relaxation and go for a nice walk. Keeping a journal like gizmo said will help also.

Best of luck to you!

 

[Meadowsweet]

Although solitude is frightening. I think your need for it speaks for itself.

It is horrible to re-live trauma. But it is horrible to avoid it too.

From what I understand, the mind tries to bring trauma up all the time, because it want's to process it.

That processing is difficult, but it's also healing. Like others have said here, if you have a trauma therapist, they will be able to help you to practise techniques such as grounding and finding a safe place in your mind, that will help you to be better prepared for facing your traumas.

 

[Lysndan]

Any tips on how to deal with these panic attacks when I no longer have the distraction of other people?

Hi Seeka,

I'm currently asking the same question, a friend actually suggested finding a hobby that captures your attention, or read, write a journal. Go for a walk? The main thing is to keep busy and know your triggers I guess.

Mine are ambulance sirens and hospitals. I freeze up. Can't breathe. Panic Attack, like, get me out of here!

just recently I had to go back to the hospital I nearly died in. My mum was with me and counted me through my breathing, that's another good tactic, counting your breaths.

 

[piratelady]

Hi Seeka, I can relate to your situation. I have found that distractions help. Whether it be TV (although choose the show wisely), some sort of hobby, reading. Basically, anything to keep your mind busy. Lately, I've been using this site and chatting online until I can calm down enough. You just have to try different things out until you find what works for you.

 

[Sheer Force of Will]

Hi Seeka, I have the exact same problem. I even start to panic when I know that the separation is coming. I have found that having my dog around really helps. Journaling is not particularly helpful to me because I can find it very triggering. Its a lot of relieving my trauma, which I know is helpful long term, but short term it sucks. I find that certain smells can calm me down. Have you tried anything like that?

 

[Sjp]

I just found out that my husband has a job interview tomorrow and I am already dreading being alone. I know that I should be able to change my thoughts but it just seems like to much. I just found this website and I love it. I'm still scared to death but I hope the few techniques that I have written down will work. This site is all free which make me love it more. I hate looking for help to find out I have to pay to get it.

But since you posted this on May 8 I hope your are doing better.