What is the best method of curing anxiety/panic attacks?

Question

When I have been to the doctor they always recommend anti-depressants but I am reluctant to take these as I am not depressed and they make me feel sick.

I have tried yoga, hypnotherapy and counselling to no avail.

Any advice? Thank you

Answer 1

I have anxiety attacks. I take an anti anxiety drug when I am having the attacks. But, now that I know what they are, I don't have to take them as often. When I feel one coming on, then I just have to remind myself that I am safe and not in danger, relax, breath deep, get away from people and noise. That usually helps - if not, then the medication. I don't like the anti-depressants either. I would rather take (Xanax) when I needed it. Good luck!

Answer 2

I have found these things help:

cut out the caffeine. Watch for other meds that jack up anxiety - sudafed and other cold remedies, diet pills.

Turn up the heat in the house so you are almost too warm. Put on a sweater. Take a hot bath. Run hot water over your hands and wrists if you are at work. Anxiety makes your blood vessels constrict, if you prevent this, you're stopping that positive feedback mechanism and you just find it real hard to get that physical feeling of anxiety. It is quite a relief!! sounds dumb, but it works great, and cheaper than pills!

use passive muscle relaxation/guided imagery type tapes & use them maybe a couple times a day.

I dont' get panic attacks, but my understanding is that if you cut back on general anxiety, you'll get them less. Good luck! Oh, there is also the anxiety and phobia workbook, that was helpful for me.

Answer 3

I used to suffer severely with deprssion and panic attacks - to the extent I couldn't breathe and was hospitalised.

I would recommend:

Cut out caffeine - I believe it's the root of all evil, it makes me palpitate.

Change your diet.
Walk lots and generally exercise.

If you think too much and start to mull over past this can trigger anxiety. Try and occupy yourself.

Seek therapy, either thru the NHS (beware there is up to 9 month waiting list...) or go private, google some psychotherapists who can help you understand the reasons behind your anxiety. It will help I promise. I find those better than counselling.

I wish you the very best in your swift recovery - this isn't something pleasant. Good luck. x

Answer 4

Hello I sympathise with you as I suffer anxiety/panic attacks, I,ve tried all different remedies like you. I find if I go out for a walk it helps, avoid situations that bring these attacks on. I take anti-depressants and have also found that these help they aren,t only prescribed for depression the newer ones can help many symptoms. I hope this helps you a little, take care A

Answer 5

Hey, have you ever heard of benzodiazapines? like xanax, ativan(lorazapam) klonazapam? these are PRNS (as needed) and are highly effective in "taking the edge off" your panic/anxiety attacks. some anti depressants really are helpful and you dont have to be depressed to take them however they can have some annoying side effects. do some research on paxil, celexa, zoloft, or effexor and talk with the doc and see what he thinks. these are all common ssri's that are used to treat many anxiety disorders.

as for non-med coping, i would suggest EXCERSISE of some form, breathing techniques, and trying to avoid people and places that trigger the attacks as much as possible. make a place somewhere at home or out that you feel upmost relaxed in. do more relaxing things like calming music or walks or baths.

see what you think

Answer 6

I suffered with anxiety/panic attacks, although they seem to have died down alot through time. I told my Doctor I was getting palpitations (which I was) rather than saying I was anxious. My Doctor prescribed me a drug called Propranolol (small dosage), it helps alot, it slowed my heart rate down and made me feel a bit calmer. I don't take them all the time, only when I feel a anxiety coming on me.

I wouldn't take anti-depressants, ask your Doctor for Propranolol, you also might find that your anxiety attacks may disappear through time, so sack the anti-depressants.

Answer 7

I think most anti-depressants only mask the problem like a band aid. A real solution is to get to the root of the problem. Journal, asking your self where did this fear come from? It may go all the way back to childhood, who knows, but be truthful with yourself. Hypnotherapy does work. I am a Clinical Hypnotherapist. You may want to try some alternative ways of dealing with this. Sometimes Eastern and Western(traditional) when combined work wonders! Good luck.

Answer 8

There are multiple kinds of disorders that deal with anxiety. Although most can manifest in similar ways, these disorders generally occur due to different events in your life. Natural home remedies for anxiety https://tr.im/GeoNd
Generalized anxiety disorder includes persistent and unnecessary worries about everyday, common events or activities, which can disrupt concentration and lead to other issues, such as depression.

Answer 9

I haven't heard of that Method before, but I'm gunna keep checking this post, cos I think I suffer that too. I think tbh, all you need is some really good friends who you feel you can say anythng to, cos that's helped me a bit. I have (lots of) moments but everythng should get better, it depends which situation you're in. Don't do anything you don't want to. Sorry if that's not any help, just appealed to me. x

Answer 10

you can check out this site:

http://www.cureanxietydisorder.com/cure.html

It has helped many people stop panic/anxiety attacks....

All the best...