I've suffered from panic/anxiety attacks for about a year now. They are brought on by aches and pain, or stress at work (I'm a retail manager). Those who have suffered from attacks before understand that even though you know you are fine, your body tells you something different and it's so hard to calm down. I want some natural alternatives, rather than taking medication. I don't have money to go to a pyschologist, so I'm searching for other methods of keeping calm. Any suggestions/sources, especially from those who have personal experience, would be great. I need ideas to prevent them, and ideas to treat them when I have them. Thanks for your help. Serious answers only please.
2006-12-20 05:27:56 · 21 answers · asked by shannon 2 in Health ➔ Mental Health
BTW- I was on lexapro for 6+ months and took klonopin when needed, but I don't want to go that route again. I don't want to be on medication ;)
2006-12-20 05:34:53 · update #1
You should get the program by Charles Linden
http://www.panic-anxiety.com
Natural supplements (kava-kava, chamomile, passionflower) are a temporary fix, you'd be better with self hypnosis; you'd be done with panic/anxiety in about 4 weeks and not need to keep taking herbs or supplements or even thinking about it. Eradicate it forever and be normal again.
The reason it's hard to calm down is because your conscious mind isn't in charge of your emotions or bodily sensations- that's the job of your subconscious mind. You and all your friends could tell you to relax for 3 hours but it wouldn't change the pounding heart, sweaty hands or overwhelming fear.
I believe taking drugs because you're scared to change your thoughts is extreme, but everyone wants a quick fix. It's literally all in your mind, and you can change it with some time and effort.
2006-12-20 06:30:02 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I am so sorry for your panic attacks, they feel like heart attacks.
I've not had a heart attack but that's what you here they're like, so it makes it worse cause you go to the Hosp. and they do Thousands of dollars worth of test and send you home with nothing. Your primary doctor will do similar if not the same. They'll give you some new meds. on the market, cause those company's hook up those doctors. Now you are left with going to a clinic for pain management. They know they're the only help out there so it will cost you a lot to get what you need, the oldest med. on the market. Valium, if you don't want that then get Xanax. The only thing that works. This is serious, no bullsh!t here, plain and simple. Good luck. I promise you those other meds, like lorazapam, chlorazapam, it's all for the med. company's and their pushers. Not for your well being.
2006-12-20 05:41:46 · answer #2 · answered by lee f 5 · 0⤊ 2⤋
If you are a natural person you should try cognitive behavioral therapy. It was the only thing that has helped me with my horrible health anxiety. Read here https://tr.im/3IxVu
Your thinking determines your quality of life. Your thinking is what causes you these feelings:
Anxious, fearful, stressed or depressed
Constantly worried, or angry about something that is happening in your life
Struggling to overcome obsessive and negative thoughts.
If you change your thinking, you will change your life. This is the basic idea behind CBT for anxiety. The Cognitive part is where you learn nee methods and ways to change your same old habits and thinking patterns. If you keep thinking and expecting the worst – You will continue to suffer.
2016-02-12 08:21:40 · answer #3 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I suffered from panic attacks after the death of my mother, so I can definitely relate. What I do when I feel one coming on is stop and try to concentrate on my breathing. Make yourself take deep breathes rather than short, choppy ones. I know its hard, but the more you recognize the signs that bring on your specific panic attacks then the more you will be able to control it. Also, keep a small paper bag around. This also helps to control your breathing and calm you down. If you can try to find a place to sit down and put your head in between your legs. That's never worked for me, but it might for you. Scents of Lavender are also helpful. You can buy dried lavender at most stores like Walmart in the crafts section and keep in your purse or near by. Good luck.
2006-12-20 05:40:26 · answer #4 · answered by LISA F 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Going to see a Cognitive Behavioral Therapist
is VERY Expensive.
But Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is VERY Effective. Buy and practice the techniques in the book: "Coming to Our Senses" BY: Dr. Jon Kabat-Zinn PhD. He is a Medical Doctor and a Cognitive Behavioral Therapist. He also has a successful Stress Reduction clinic in Mass.
And buy and also put into practice the successful techniques in the book:
"Working with Anger" By: Thubten Chodron
We all get angry at times in life. Some people do a bit more than others in life. The book provides many excellent strategies and alternatives to anger, impatience, anxiety, irra-
tibility, and even depression, which we all experience to one degree or another in life.
She, the author, is a successful Psychologist, and author, who also travels alot all around the world giving talks to people from all walks of life.
You can buy those 2 books on Amazon.com for almost half the price of what you'd have to pay at Barnes and Noble, or any other book store.
Keep your mind open also, it might help some to go back on a very low milligram strength of a medication which your doctor would prescribe you. But that is only an option for you.
From an R.N. - with a Master's Degree.
Take care of yourself. Be kind to yourself.
Take time alone for yourself. Please be Very Patient with yourself, and always forgive yourself for any past, present, or future mistakes you will make. Happy Holidays to You.
YOU ASKED AN EXCELLENT QUESTION !!
2006-12-20 06:01:43 · answer #5 · answered by Thomas 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Just incase you do have a physical problem; get your self checked out without mentioning anxiety so that the doctors will listen and test you.
If not, then I would suggest seeing if there is a way to get to a psychologist without paying. (I am not from the USA so I do not know how health there work, you might be able to get health cost support).
It does not sond like you have a nice job.
Before quiting your job, look for another. Fix it so that you quite this job as you commence the next, hopefully a nice more relaxed job.
DO NOT take medicine without medical advice because of possible reactions to them, bad non-qualified medicines are taken or incase they interact with any other medicine you are taking.
There are many things to consider and doing so may kill you if your not careful.
2006-12-20 05:31:58 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
When you feel an attack coming... acknowledge it. Remind yourself that it is just that... a panic attack. Try to calm yourself before it gets bad... continually reminding yourself as you go through all the stages of a panic attack.
It works for me... might take some time, but it helps you feel like you still have some control over it.
2006-12-20 05:36:09 · answer #7 · answered by naenae0011 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Hello!
I have Panic/Anxiety Disorders as well, so I understand. But I HAD to go with the meds... no choice.
But this link will give you info on how to deal with this disorder.
http://panicdisorder.about.com/
I hope the link helps.
Good Luck & Take Care! :)
2006-12-20 05:35:37 · answer #8 · answered by Sandra Dee 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Rread " The power of your subconscious mind" by Dr. Joseph Murphy!
Believe me, it has helped me and thousands more.
The reason people get these attacks is, your subconscious reacts to your fears and other negative thoughts!
And often your body reacts with panic attacks and illness.
Here is a website where you can check it out:
www.revbates.com/josephmurphy.htm
Good luck!
2006-12-20 05:38:47 · answer #9 · answered by Lady Jasmin 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
You may just need some short term medication for your attacks. Try breathing exercises and walking. Your diet may even cause symptoms. You will need to see the doctor for meds and blood test so call asap.
2016-03-13 08:57:00 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋