Anxiety and panic attacks

Posted , 8 users are following.

Hi all 

Am just wondering if any of you can share how you calm yourself down when your having a panic attack.

I don't know how to control mine and it's really scaring me! Am a 32yr old man and I break down in tears to my mum and even my boss I just feel like a wimp

Just want my life back I want to get drunk with pals and go out and enjoy life instead of living in my bedroom 

Sorry for moaning this site the only place I can vent my frustrations! 

Wish we could all meet and exchange stories and help one another!

Take care all

2 likes, 9 replies

9 Replies

  • Posted

    Hey kev i have panic/anxiety attacks and i was strugglng like you for a start but when it happens now i have take myself away from anything im doing, lay down on the floor, close my eyes and take deep breathes and try to remind myself its just another attack.

    I try and focus my mind on something else and for a start it didn't really work but i did it every time i have one and i can usually calm down in a few minutes or so now. There are probably better ways but i found that works well for me smile

  • Posted

    Hi Kevin, i used to have panic attacks, now just extreme anxiety. I used to do all sorts, like phone helplines whilst i was having one etc but as Jake said I found kind of stretching out was good. Just putting the car seat back so my tummy was stretched out (mine was usually when i was driving - scary!!.  Although it seems impossible and a bit artificial, a few deep breaths from your tummy and maybe listening to the radio so you don't feel as surreal - this helped me  Also KNOW that it always passes - maybe 20 mins or so?? Once you stop fearing them as much they will become less severe and go away.  Good luck, take care. xx
    • Posted

      This is spot on to what I have is when am driving it so bad as I feel trapped and I want to get out! And like you say I try and lay the seat back cos my tummy feels all knotted and makes me feel like I need the toilet and then I panic for the nearest loo! It's all in ur head I swear 
  • Posted

    I had one whilst i was driving, but i often feel one coming on when im driving... I think alot of it is down to the head movements of looking left and right quickly😭 apart from that time, most of my attacks are at home or in the supermarket! At home i usually sit on the couch, close my eyes, do 10 mins of deep breathing and telling myself over and over  " i am not in any danger, this is just my body reacting to stress, i am safe and this will pass" it does, then i usually have to rush to the loo, sorry to be graphic. If i am in the supermarket, usually i am able to finish my shopping.  occassionally i have asked to sit down as i dont feel well, im not ashamed, people dont have to know why, just fib and say you havent eaten and feel faint and people wont know any different!
    • Posted

      Ah tracie my god u sound exact like myself!  Im dreadful at gettin tbem while shopping i do get a feeling of hotness go thru my body and very weak like i could just drop to the ground its awful and really affect your life. My gp or sny other dr hasn officially said its anxiety but my aunt who is snurse thinks its acute anxiety disorder. It jusr hit mr out of blue for no reason how did yours start?? 
    • Posted

      No doctor has said to me either! My father suffered in the 70's with what called then "nerves" and he was addicted to valium and although my family won't admit it, it looks like i take after him. I have even seen a few signs in my children that it could rear its head there too! Anyway, mine got worse since march 2013 when i was rushed to hospital and almost died... I haven't been the same since😟
  • Posted

    Hiya Kevin, for a start your not moaning, this forum is great for venting our frustrations, ive been suffering this nightmare for almost a year and still haven't worked out how to calm myself down, I do quite often go on you tube and find a quiet place and listen to meditation audios and they can sometimes work, like you and so many others I just want my life back and have fun with friends and family, we will at some point of that I am sure, just keep trying everything that you think might work for you, hang on in there and stay strong, take care smile xx
  • Posted

    A really good technique thats helped me, my counsellor told me was to everyday try and write down at least 3 positive things, they can be something small such as enjoying a sun rise/set, or having a good dinner, anything you can think off aslong as its positive.

    Also, if you can feel yourself going to have an anxiety or panic attack, just go take a seat or lie down if you are at home, and think of a happy place or memory, try to think how you felt at the moment. Mine used to be thinking of a holiday location where I was with my Nanny who is no longer with us.

    Hope any of that helps at all! smile 

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