Panic Attacks - coping without SI

Enola · Post by **Enola** » Mon Feb 12, 2007 3:07 pm

Any suggestions or things you have found that work to get through panic attacks other than SI?

I'm already on medication - but I can't go through my day zoned on xanax so I need some other tips.

beachgirl · Post by **beachgirl** » Mon Feb 12, 2007 5:35 pm

Full-blown panic attacks can be tough. First, for the long term, are you on anti-anxiety meds, in addition to antidepressants. I have to have both and it might be worth talking to your doctor about.

For the short term, though. Taking deep breaths really does help panic and can even prevent a panic attack. When you feel it coming on, start taking very slow, deep breaths. It helps to count as you breath in and then take twice as many counts to breathe out. Make sure that you are filling your lungs as completely as possible.

If you are in a crowd, then it might help to find a quiet place. Excusing yourself to go to the restroom can work or even just finding a quiet spot.

Visualization helps me as well. When I feel the panic start to rise, I try to clear my mind and imagine that I am on a roller coaster ride. Now, I really don't like roller coasters and don't ride them in real life, so that is a good analogy for me. I don't like panic attacks, either! But, I know it's going to build, like riding to the top of the hill, then scare me for a bit, like flying back down the hill, but that then the ride will end.

If you feel like you just have to SI, then get up and walk around. The act of moving can distract you enough to let the urge (and the panic attack) pass.

It take some experimentation and practice to find what works for you, but it is definitely possible.

Susie

Neviah · Post by **Neviah** » Mon Feb 12, 2007 8:50 pm

I've been trying to do the same thing Enola. I have found that singing through it helps, find a song that boosts your good moods and stuff and be determined to get through, or, go to your happy place. Close your eyes, imagine you are in your happy place. This could be anywhere, somewhere you feel safe, imagine you're there with all the people you feel safe with doing something nice, I used to do this in class when I got them.

Licentia Poetica · Post by **Licentia Poetica** » Thu Feb 15, 2007 1:40 am

http://buslist.org/phpBB/viewtopic.php? ... 61#2469161

Just posted this.

Candy · Post by **Candy** » Wed Feb 21, 2007 5:15 am

I have the same problem,my panic attacks,cause me to do SI,and it happen to me today,I am taking Clonazepam 1 mg 4 times a day and I am having a rough time with it. If you want you can check out my Candys
Coping Thread on this board,but I do understand how you feel and it is soo scary. I feel like I am going to have a heart attack,when it is a panic attack. I am feeling alone right now and crying

trying to keep myself safe,I just wanted to let you know that I do understand how you feel. take care of yourself.

Scatterbrain · Post by **Scatterbrain** » Wed Feb 21, 2007 5:52 am

I had a really bad panic attack yesterday, actually. I usually SI when they happen, but I was able to aviod that yesterday. I got on bus and IM a couple people and basically they had to talk me down and get me to stop panicking... It eventually worked, but it wasnt pleasant (but then again, are panic attacks ever pleasant

) There is a post here that has some suggestions to help with panic attacks. Also, Anactoria posted this link in my place and it has some good tips too. I hope this helps.

~Megan

WalkingStick · Post by **WalkingStick** » Wed Feb 21, 2007 11:39 pm

last week when i felt one coming on, i went running and ran 8 miles as fast as i could, and by the time i was done, i felt calmer (and tired!!)
maybe 8 miles is a bit extreme, but i think being active helps a lot.

Panic Attacks - coping without SI

Panic Attacks - coping without SI

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