How to handle panic attacks at work?

Question

Have had panic attacks since 4 yrs ago. Lately, it has been ok as I am on medication. Two days ago, I started feeling the attacks when I am at work even though I've taken the medication. I felt like choking, my body went cold, felt giddy and just felt like running out of the office. Whatz happening? I made appointment to see my psychologist next wk - hvn't seen her in 6 mths as I was okay but now till then, my fears are that I will break down at work & that's the last thing I want to happen. Any advise how to handle this? I have alot of negative tots in my mind.....is that the reason?

At times its hard to tell my boss what i'm suffering from becos I did and now everyone in my office knows. Great when she tells everyone in a subtle way like " hey, who has been freaking..... out today, she's feeling stress" Tough rite?

Answer 1

Oh yeh been there...When I feel one coming on I do a few things; I pat my lips (they are sensative and the sensation sometimes redirects my thoughts)
and if that doesn't do it I chant that old nursery rhyme
"Mareseedotesendoseetdotesnlittleamseadivy"
(Translation: Mares eat oats, and Does eat oats and little lambs eat ivy)..saying it correctly really pulls you into focus. (oh, don't do it out loud)
And a really good pinch on the forearm does it too but that hurts.

Answer 2

In an emergency, if the person cant breath, USE A VENTOLIN asthma puffa. four puffs, four minute wait, four etc. Also get them to breath into a paper bag, it prevents hyperventilation. I went through a bad time when a panic attack was pretty much a constant occurence. I was shaking n dropping everything and i had constant asthma, could hardly breath. I was using my puffa, trying calming methods and even took calmative medication, but honestly nothing really worked until I took care of the actual CAUSE of the anxiety. As soon as I delt with the problem and came to terms, I could move on and all the symptoms stopped. but this is for long term problem obviously. some people have a condition and need to take medication to calm them down. some people take low dosage sleeping pills (on prescription) for this purpose. Short term you need to know emergency proceedures, especially just getting the person to breath!! (but not hyperventilate) slow calm breaths. Also getting them to lay down, decrease heart rate. putting them in a warm bath can relax the muscles.

Answer 3

Suggestions on how to cope with a panic attack include:
Breathe into a paper bag. Inhaling your exhaled carbon dioxide can quickly balance your blood gases and ease the symptoms.
If you don’t have a paper bag, hold your breath for the count of 10, then take slow and deep breaths using your abdomen rather than your chest.

Avoid ‘self-talk’ that focuses your attention on your symptoms – don’t tell yourself ‘Stop panicking!’ or ‘Relax!’
Remind yourself that the symptoms of a panic attack are uncomfortable, but not life threatening. Reassure yourself that you’ve felt these feelings before and nothing bad happened to you.

Focus your attention on something outside your own body and symptoms. For example, distract yourself by counting backwards in threes from 100, recall the words from a favourite song or concentrate on the sights and sounds around you.
Fleeing from the situation will only reinforce the perception that your panic attacks are unbearable. If you sit and allow the symptoms to pass, you gain confidence in your ability to cope.
Medical treatment options

If the physical anxiety symptoms are caused by physical illnesses, such as diabetes or hyperthyroidism, proper treatment for these illnesses should stop the panic-like symptoms from recurring. If the panic attacks are due to anxiety, treatment
options can include:

Medications
Psychotherapy, including cognitive behaviour therapy
Biofeedback therapy
Stress management techniques
Proper breathing techniques
Relaxation techniques
Learning problem-solving skills
Lifestyle adjustments, such as attention to diet, exercise and sleep.

Answer 4

I've had this fear too! I was always so scared of having an attack at work or school that it made me almost have them! But just try to keep calm and if a really bad attack does happen the people around you will probably try to help you.

Answer 5

I would keep an ample supply of ice water and orange juice on my desk. I've found that they help distract me right at that moment. Also, if you're not too embarassed, and you shouldn't be, telling your supervisor about your condition make be helpful. They can't fire you for having this disability and you might worry less about it. One thing I know for sure -- you will be fine. Panic is just in our heads. I know it's easy to say and to think, but to actually feel...Good luck!

Answer 6

You poor dear ... I feel your pain.

If you're on an antidepressant for a long period of time, you may need to switch to a different one for a while. The same thing happened to me ... I went on another antidepressant for about two years, granted, it didn't work as well as the previous one ... but it did give my body the break it needed. I'm now back on Elivil ... and doing not too bad.

I hope you feel better soon ... ((hugs))

Answer 7

i know how painful that is.

i have very helpful colleagues who will give me warm water and pat me on the back, and talk to me when i have my attacks.

and of course, deep breathing really helps.