Is there a natural way to relieve panic attacks?

Question

I get short of breath, pains in my chest, stomachache, dizziness and sweating over the slightest things. If I go to the Dr., I'm told it's depression, not anxiety and I'm put on anti- deps. I know I'm not depressed, I just get myself wound up easily.

Is there either a natural way to help, or something I can buy off prescription? (I'm in the UK)

Eva x

Answer 1

I get really bad panic attacks too! My b/f's normally there to help me calm down but I find the bes thing to do is to sit crossed legged on the floor with your arms backwards so your stretching in a sense! Breath like you would if you were having a baby! It looks stupid but it really helps me!

Also... hot drinks have really helped me coz I used to get them just before I went to bed... they slow your heartrate down so it relaxes you! Also... stay awake from energy drinks! There's an acidic flavouring in them that causes friction with your heartrate so apparently works you up!

Hope i've helped a little :-)

Answer 2

If you really are suffering a panic attack, the easiest way to relieve this is to take several deep breaths into a paper bag at your mouth, slowly breathing in and out. DON'T use a plastic bag. This method is used by first-aiders to quickly relieve symptoms.

To stop yourself 'getting wound up easily', take deep breaths (without the aid of a bag) when you feel yourself getting under pressure.

Really you are your best doctor. Try and control your situation, or avoid situations which you know will cause you stress. Learn to walk away.

Hope you soon feel better.

Regards Jo.
www.save-money-guide.com

Answer 3

If I were you I would go back to your doctor and DEMAND to be referred to a cognitive behaviour therapist. Exaggerate your symptoms if you have to.

You may have to wait a bit, but cognitive behaviour therapy is very good for treating panic attacks.

In the meantime, exercise and a healthy diet can work wonders.

Also, avoid caffeine - it makes anxiety worse.

I'd say avoid alcohol as well, cos that also makes anxiety worse, but that's easier said than done if you go out Friday / Saturday nights.

Definitely avoid caffeine though.

Maybe think about trying yoga and meditation too - they can help you feel more relaxed generally, and so may reduce the amount of panic attacks you have.

Answer 4

I am single mum. I have been suffering for panic attacks for some 15 years now, though it was not until recently I understood what they were. They were progressively getting stronger and more frequent, stopping me from some days even leaving my house. I read this book and it all made perfect sense.

I am not saying I was not terrified of putting theory to action, I was more scared of that than the next attack! But I decided to view it as a game, one I had control of and could therefore not lose!

Answer 5

Eva,

Those are the same things I felt when I had major anxiety problems.

If you want something natural to take for your anxiety, try taking a daily dose of fish oil. I suffered with anxiety and depression when I was in my twenties. I am 100% convinced that the fish oil is responsible for my relief. I started by taking just one capsule per day. After about 2 weeks I could feel it working. I started taking more every day. After a number of months, my symptoms were completely gone. I am on a mission to tell everyone about this. The stuff is relatively cheap and very effective. If you want to you can read my whole story at http://www.finallysomethingworked.com

Best wishes

Answer 6

Who on earth told you that is is depression and not anxiety?????

They often both go hand in hand.
The best thing for anxiety and panic attacks to ward them off forever is Cognitive Behaviour Therapy - which teached you to reassure yourself. It works exceptionally well.
It is just a matter of retraining your thinking - it takes a few weeks to get under control but research shows that it is the most effective. It is even more effective for anxiety and panic if it is used in conjunction with the SSRI antidpressant group.

Goodliuck

Answer 7

docs are useless in this area and always overprescribe.

i used to be on a cocktail of drugs for anxiety and depression but I take nothing now as I learnt to overcome it mentally. I believe anyone can do this and you can use a variety of techniques from breathing techniques to neuro linguistic therapy to cognitive behaviour therapy. I recommend you do some research and try a few things until you find osmething you feel would be worth committing to. You CAN do this, if I can do it anyone can. now i rarely get them and if i feel them coming on i can stop them in their tracks. i flushed the drugs down the loo 15 years ago and although it took time to take charge, i did it. you can too
the kalms and rescue remedy are only good for mild attacks, not the sort you're experienceing, you actually need to reprogramme yourself.

Answer 8

Slow down your breathing.If that is not affective cover your nose and mouth with a paper bag and breath in and out for a while.It will stop you over ventilating reducing the oxygen in your bloodstream and take you out of the spiral which keeps the panic attack going.

Answer 9

I went to an anxiety management course years ago through my doctors and it learned inside and out the causes and what do about them, what triggers them and how to stop it. I was sceptical about going and didnt think it would stop me panicking but it has done the world of good. I dont let panic take over me now. See if there are similar thing your doctor can refer you too. Good luck.

Answer 10

yes you need to think positive.

every time you have a panic attack as anything bad ever happened to you your self...NO

so you need to know that nothing bad will happen or ever will.
just remember this and in time your attacks will go

just remember they is nothing going to happen and act normal
and after it passes look around and you will see people would not even a noticed you had one.

kind regards x Kitti x