If you suffer from an anxiety attack, how do you cope with it?

Question

I make myself go to sleep or I cannot function. And the next day I have to take off and try and relax as I'm still coming off the attack.

Answer 1

I can so relate to you. I have GAD (Generalized Anxiety Disorder) with panic attacks and used to be agoraphobic because of them. Going to sleep is not going to help them...the best thing you can do is face the attacks. As frightening as it may be to do this, it is the ONLY way. Unless of course you plan on sedating yourself with some sort of med that's only going to hide the problem.

You conditioned yourself to be this way, you can condition yourself to not be this way. Grocery stores were a major problem, I couldn't shop. Hubby had to do all of our shopping. However, one day I made myself go in and I bought one item...got through the line and left. Full of panic....felt like I was going to pass out but instead of the normal "What if..." self talk, I replaced it with "So what..." self talk. Then the next day, I went back in and I walked down as many aisles as I could...and purposefully brought on an attack and made myself go through it. OMG, how freeing was it to remain, facing that attack, and NOTHING horrible happened. I didn't pass out, I didn't have a heart attack, I didn't lose control or make a fool of myself. I continued this for about 2 weeks..sometimes buying something, sometimes just browsing...and finally after years of a self imposed prison..I went out grocery shopping all by myself.

While shopping may not be the issue for you......facing any of your fears or what causes the panic is what will set you free. If you need to talk, email me. Good luck.

Answer 2

This is very difficult problem. I try and talk myself down to a more relaxed start. If that does work then I remove myself from the cause. It would be also to try and identify the causes
You say you try and sleep it off so get a relaxation cd and play it when you go to bed.
You may also need to see a doctor for help, as I did.
The last you don't want to do is give in to anxiety.

Answer 3

Ello,

Start to identify what brings on the attack....not to diagnose yourself (that's your doc's job) but to inform yourself. Know that anxiety attacks can affect actions like breathing, circulation and digestion. And you can start by taking cues from the way you feel physically to relieve some of the symptoms.

Here is something worth trying...

http://www.therapy-now.com/TherapyNowANXADV.htm

If you have a chaotic lifestyle - high stress. Home is your sanctuary to get away from the buzz in the world! Home is for you and your family - Get rid of the clutter in your home and decorate each room to add life. Reserve one room for you, somewhere that you can retreat, relax, unwind!

Bedrooms are for sleeping! Get the television out of there, remove the computor and move in lamps that give off a warm glow, cozy comforters and light decorative pieces.

Last bit of advice - Practice not worrying! There are circumstances in your life that you cannot control & cannot be fixed immediatly. These things will get worked out eventually but incessant worrying is wasted energy! Instead, focus on taking care of your health and needs...eating right, getting sufficient rest, getting out & spending times with friends and loved ones, shopping for yourself (that amazing shirt that will go with everything, the manicure you have been putting off).

Good Luck!

Answer 4

When I am having an anxiety attack I need to stop what ever I am doing. I walk away to get away from what ever it is that is bringing it on. I eather lay down or sit some where to do breathing exersizes to reduce all the stress I am feeling at that moment.
I agree with you. If you go to bed that way you will still wake up with the feelings you feel asleep with. You need to try to clear your mind before going to sleep . maby take a few slow breaths in and slowly release them to be more in control of the moment.Good luck. I feel for you........

Answer 5

I suffered for many years with anxiety attacks, and I realize just how bad one can be. I'd recommend you go to a doctor, explain to him how you're feeling, and he can write you a prescription for something that can help you. Trust me....it worked for me!

Answer 6

I usually suck on something(mints) or drink some water and then just relax.

Answer 7

this happens to me in public, so I focus on controlling my breathing and telling myself that everything is ok. that usually calms me down enough to do whatever it is that I have to do. then I get in my car and turn the music on and then I'm ok.

Answer 8

Dont try dealing with heroine thats for sure