What can i do when i'm having a panic attack/anxiety attack? any advice from your personal experience?

Question

i've been taking meds for anxiety for about 3 1/2 weeks but i still get panic attacks...please help.

Answer 1

if you take a panic attack make sure you sit down...if you hyperventilate you could fall and hurt yourself...the best way to stop panic attacks is to identify them before they strike...try wearing rubber band round your wrist...if you feel the panic raising twang the rubber band against your wrist...the pain should take your mind off the attack and focus on the wrist pain...deep breathing is the best way to get rid of one if you are having an attack...it's a vicious circle that you are going through...you have the attacks and you feel like your going to die...your body produces adrenalin to cope with the shock...in turn the heart beats faster because it thinks it needs to because of the increased adrenalin...you need to break the cycle...slow down your breathing...breath in slowly counting up to 6 and then exhale again counting to 6...keep doing this...distract your mind by counting things...words on a page is good...it is important to distract your mind to help stop the attack...take care...been where you have on and off for 18 years

Answer 2

Breathe like this:

In, 2, 3, 4
Out 2, 3, 4
In, 2, 3
Out, 2, 3
In, 2, 3
Out, 2, 3
In, 2, 3
Out, 2, 3

And keep going ...


When you are having a panic attack you are hyperventilating (even though it may not be that severe or obvious)

Your body needs to reciece regular oxygen and only release a small ammound of carbon dioxide.

This breathing exercise regulates your breathing!

Answer 3

your medicine is not good enough. strong ones block them completely. I was taking tranquilizers for 10 days and never had any attacs during that time. change your doctor. when you have an attack you should take a big dose of a special medicine that calms you down. you can use herbal ones like persen or Novo-passit but... you need not only medicines. you need to solve your problems. a good doctor can define what's your problem by the description of what you feel during a panic attatck. find the reason that is making you feel annoyed or under pressure. often it's your relationship with parents, boyfriend.... something in your life is not satisfying you and your body tells you it's enough to tolerate it, start fighting. it's like a cry for help, not just an illness. don't take it so easy. till you change your life or your attitude to it you'll never cure.

Answer 4

Hi there, I just laugh about my past 3 years of panic now. I was not able to go anywhere without carrying xanax. Fear of having another attack was the most important subject of my days.When i first found joe barry's web site i started to cry because of my happiness.

Free audio to end anxiety and panic attacks fast?

Answer 5

You may be taking a drug that takes a while to work. Zoloff, for example, takes 4-6 weeks to be affective and that was too long for me
When I feel like I'm going to have an attack I use Xanax (.5) and thay work very well, usually within 20-30 min. You should ask your Dr. if he will give you a script for some. Do not abuse them as they can be habit forming. Good luck

Answer 6

Boy do I have experience! First off, I am sorry you get them. They can be scary sometimes. Do you live alone or have a SO? If you have a SO or with a good friend when this happens, get them to gentlely rub your back in a calm manner with the palm of their hand and while doing this talk to you in a calm manner about something you both love. eg pets or the outdoors.If you are in a public place go somewhere private (bathroom stall). Always keep a small supply of small paper bags in your purse so if the occassion arises, pull out a bag and breathe in and out of it til you feel calmer. Try and find what's causing them so you can work on the problem. But first, go back to your dr. tell him you are still getting them. It may be a case of adjustment of your meds or you might need something different. Good Luck!

Answer 7

I'm taking medication for my panic attacks too and I still get them, they just aren't as bad. What I usually do is go outside as fast as i can when i feel one coming on and get some fresh air and just sit for a while until i feel like it's passed over. I could never learn the proper breathing techniques but fresh air does the trick for me.

What are you taking? It may not be doing the trick or you may need a higher dosage.

Answer 8

Read, write, listen to music, play games or sing. Singing is a very good way to calm yourself. Do things that calm you, meditation is another option as with sitting out side or talking with someone, maybe spend time with a pet?. Do you have a pet?, sometime an animal can help. There are so many different solutions, I personally never go the medicine route, because it doesn't really work, and when it does it hurts your body.

Answer 9

I have panic disorder too. It is hard to stop the ball rolling once it starts, but I do a cycle of breaths. Breath in for a count of 4, hold for a count of 4 and release in a count of four, do it four times, then try to just focus on breathing slow and calm.

Know that you are not alone too. So many people go through this and it sucks because it is real pain and fear that you are feeling, but you can control it. Be tough.

Answer 10

Having anxiety attacks myself, and taking medication, sometimes when it sneaks up on me I have to block out everything going on around me, breathe deep and slow, and try to be alone and not talk for a few moments. Anxiety attacks are never fun, but realize they only last for a few minutes.