2006-08-09 11:52:59 · 11 answers · asked by jennifer 1 in Health ➔ Mental Health
Hello Jen, My Mother and I both have panic attacks. She told me to start with the letter A and think of every word you can that begins with A, when you can't think of another word for A then go to B and continue this game through the alphabet until your panic attack goes away. Believe me it works, you can't focus on yourself and your attack at the same time your focusing on words. This may take some practice. but don't despair, everytime you feel yourself starting to slip back into your feelings from your attack, force yourself to think of words for whatever letter your on. If you can't think of a word for a particular letter, don't stress over this, just move onto the next letter. I know this sounds silly, but it works for her and myself. God Bless!!
2006-08-09 14:29:13 · answer #1 · answered by Annie Red Head 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I used to have panic attacks, especially in the car, but I researched them and read that panic attacks occur when our "reptilian brain" (the part of the brain that controls the fight or flight reflex) goes into overdrive and our rational brain shuts down. It seemed reasonable to me that if I could purposefully engage my rational mind, it would then override that powerful "reptilian" fear reflex.
So I would talk to myself kind of Spock-like. "Oh, it seems that my breathing is getting shallow. I will breathe more deeply. I notice that my hands are tingling. I feel as if I am very afraid, but the truth is that I am in my car and I am in no immediate danger. I am going to be all right. There is nothing threatening me right now. This song on the radio sounds nice."
Then (as a Christian I believe in the power of the Word) I would repeat a verse from Phillipians to myself, "Be anxious for nothing but in everything, in prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God, and the peace that passes all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus." Then I would ask God to calm me down and help me through it.
I had panic attacks on and off for about 6 months to a year, but I have had very few since (that was about 5 years ago) and this approach has worked very well for me.
2006-08-09 19:34:02 · answer #2 · answered by Amie 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Personally, I try to get to a quiet area and close my eyes and take some deep slow breaths! I get panic attacks alot at work and have actually had to leave because they are so bad. If you happen to be at home lay down relax your muscles as best you can ...also...i find that if i can make my room dark, that helps too!
2006-08-09 19:09:53 · answer #3 · answered by medusasdilemma 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
try and get ur mind off of it with going online or calling someone... drink water that helps a little...i know its a terrible feeling but dont take too many drugs! its not healthy!
try this site: http://www.stresscenter.com/lucinda.htm
u will find urself in lots of it! and maybe it even helps u a little!
good luck!
2006-08-09 19:00:05 · answer #4 · answered by simi1808 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
i think of good things that will happen after, usually there is gonna be someting good after i have the panic, or something fun will happen or i think well at least i'm gonna be done with this and then i will be relaxed
2006-08-09 18:57:04 · answer #5 · answered by Ledzeppelin324 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A cold glass of water.
2006-08-09 18:56:19 · answer #6 · answered by Lulu 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Take xanax
2006-08-09 18:57:06 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
you could get family friends to talk to you? if you havent got them around maybe go for walk
2006-08-09 19:00:22 · answer #8 · answered by jackie_36_2005 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
short breaths
2006-08-09 18:56:31 · answer #9 · answered by dishwasher67 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Breath in...Breath Out.....Breath in....Breath Out......
2006-08-09 18:58:40 · answer #10 · answered by morningwoman14 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋