Trying To Stop Panic Attacks Out In Public

[samuraisam]

If you feel like you really want a panic attack you will never get it.If you don't want it then you will get one automatically.

 

[4L150N]

I have avoided panic attacks in public by not going out in public :cP
I shut down completely when I go out. I get so overwhelmed I can't even pay attention to where I am or what I'm out in public for!

 

[timetorecover]

I learnt this Meditation in a Mindfulness CBT Group. It takes practice I suffer with Panic attacks and this really helps:

The Anchor Breath
Imagine a triangular area from the Nostrils to the two ends of the top lip. Focus the attention on the breath. Breath in and out through the nose. Feel the sensation of the air coming in and out.
Acknowledging the thoughts that come in to the mind, they are thoughts! Focus the mind back to the breath.

Adele - Rolling in the deep

Recently, Meditation has been brought in to Main stream Medication by Jon Kabit-Zin. He has a book called Mindfulnes for Chronic Depression, It comes with a CD and is really helpful.

His video on u tube is:

I hope that it helps.

 

[Srain]

Medication is great if someone else is doing the driving but here it amounts to a DUI and so for me it's been a matter of having to do much of what Bloom spoke of...pay attention to what, when, and why.

I go through periods of time when getting out seems to be no big deal and wham! it's a HUGE issue where I am shaking, in tears, unable to catch my breath, and quite literally unable to step out that door - a day, days, weeks, more???

Mindful activities are extremely helpful in getting back to the here and now but will not prevent or give me understanding of where these are coming from and (for me) there's a pattern to why these suddenly come up and smack me in the face.

I have found, like SimplekindofGirl, those all night stores work the best for me...less stimuli going on so I don't end up becoming overwhelmed and easily confused.

You seem to be pinpointing the source, keep going at it and posting. You are far from alone on this. Taking the fear out of the unknown goes a long way to helping resolve the problem.

Peace,
Rain

 

[Venusian]

Thank you all for the suggestions, I know that what works for one person may not work for another so I will be remembering all of these suggestions for the next time I may need them. I hope that everyone who reads these can find something they may not have tried before.

I have been off the medication for five days now and I feel a lot better but I haven't had to put it to the test yet. I have only been out to visit my daughter and been out shopping with her and my grandson. Maybe it was the distraction of looking after a 2 year old but I didn't feel anxious at all in the crowded stores. The real test will come tomorrow, I just got an interview for a job and I have to go downtown by myself in the morning. I am hoping that I can handle it with all these suggestions.

 

[Serophin]

Warm wishes to you Venusain. I hope your interview goes well.

 

[timetorecover]

Well done, I am sure that the interview will be good. If not, don't worry, there will be another. Remember to focus on your breathing if you get panicky.

 

[Jezzryn]

I know a little about to be afraid to go outside. It helps me, to have like tie to prepare. shedule the trips outside so I have time enough to work up the courage. Like, the day after toworrow I need to go buy groceries, I write the list, the day before and I do things, that help make me feel comfortable. I also cary my mp3 player with me, when I leave and when I start feeling bad, I trun it on, songs I like, that pick up my mood, or help me think of something cheerful or good. Or just something else to concentrate on. that helps me a lot. Maybe it helps you a little too.