Panic Attack!!?

Question

Hello,

People sometimes I suffer from panic/anxiety attacks, especially when I'm about to play a gig, they have bothered me for years, I try and ignore them so they will go away, but sometimes it don't work any tips or things I can do?

Thank-you
Much appreciated!!

Answer 1

These people don't know what the heck they're talking about. I have suffered from panic attacks, anxiety for like 20 years now. There is medication also that can help. I talke Zoloft and there is another pill called Paxil. They work wonders. If this is something that occurs only when you perform then I would take something called Xanax or Ativan these work right away unlike the others where you take one a day and it takes a couple of weeks to start working. You need to see a therapist or psychiatrist the psychiatrist will prescribe for you. It's nothing to be embarrased about. Good Luck!!

Answer 2

When I used to perform solos for my gospel choir, I used to get the same way. I found that if I psych myself out the day before by telling myself that I will blow people away with my voice and give myself the inner confidence that the show is going to be an overall success, the anxiety attacks ended up turning into excitment!

It also helps to practice alot with an audience, that way you get used to performing infront of people... Try having a informal practice at a small park or open your garage door so that the neighborhood could here you (just make sure you neighbors are not the type to complain!!)

Answer 3

If you know when you are going to have a panic attack (e.g. before a gig). Then I would suggest you plan to do some work/activities in those last 10 minutes before the start.

something simple like cleaning your shoes. That should take your mind off it until the moment when you go on stage.

Answer 4

I too suffer panic attacks. I would suggest trying what I use
Meditation
Counselling : talking through your fears and why you possess those fears and ways in which you can conquer them (as above meditation)
During a panic attack put your mind in a cool calm place ie a comfy room which only you are there
Normally when I focus my mind on that I usally come round.
I hope this helps

Answer 5

Hi.I feel so sorry for you,I know how you feel.
Sometimes there is no easy way around it,you just have to go through it and hope you can clam down after the attacks.
The best thing i have found(and you are going to think I'm mad but here go's)Make funny faces and sounds, try hard to make yourself laugh out loud i know it will be hard at first but give it a go
You have nothing to loose.The first time i gave it ago i felt so crazy...but it did help a bit.I hope it helps you.Take care.

Answer 6

No need to panic, unless of course your not terribly good at what you do then panicking is understandable. but if your good and everybody who watches agrees then you're being irrational. main thing you need to do is just be calm.as soon as you feel it coming just relax, the more you intercept the panic thought the less it will control you, break the memory neural net.

Answer 7

I know it's hard. I get them too.

I'm on Betablockers and there's loads of properly prescribed medication you can take.

Failing that, try breathing slowly in and out of a paper bag, or put your head down between your legs!

Good Luck.... You've no need to be worried,,, your good.

D*

Answer 8

beta blockers

or better still, find a shrink friend who has access to relaxation CDs. That's what I do. Works a TREAT. doc wouldn't give me the meds. They might take the edge off the gig anyway.

Answer 9

Why not seek medical advice from your doctor and see if they can prescribe something for you. I think it may just be down to nerves even the best artists in the world suffer from stage fright before they go on stage.

Answer 10

Breathing into a paper bag, or sitting down & putting your head between your knees, both help regulate your breathing, which allows the attack to pass