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Madbones
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24 Oct 2011, 5:43 pm

What helps you in a panic attack?
I used to (I g them from time to time but not too often) find thinking ahead helps along with music I suppose.
Something to pre occupy yourself (Like a games console) also helps.



glider18
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24 Oct 2011, 5:52 pm

For me I try to get someplace somewhat dark and very quiet---like in bed in my bedroom. Then, I try to engage in something somewhat repetitive like computer solitaire or some other game that I find relaxing---nothing with time limits or where I'm competing with someone else. If I haven't gotten sleepy by about an hour, I will then work on some project on my laptop computer like my novel. Often times these activities will help me. Then I might either lie down and go to sleep, or rejoin the family for something relaxing on television.


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24 Oct 2011, 6:03 pm

I find it best to find something to occupy yourself, but when you go over the threshold where it's really got ahold of you, I take half a dose of benedryl.



Tambourine-Man
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24 Oct 2011, 6:33 pm

If it is a mild one I just take a benedryl. But if I'm having a major, life-threatening meltdown, I go to the ER for 2mg of Ativan and 50mg of Seroquel.


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24 Oct 2011, 6:37 pm

Nothing lately and I've been getting them more often and worse lately.

If I can get it valium helps. Sometimes when I had a panic attack I used to clean house to burn of extra energy and try to distract myself until it was over.



KemoreJ
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24 Oct 2011, 8:14 pm

Until the last few years it was enough to just avoid or leave situations which I knew would make me anxious. I have always been ok with that. But now! Sheesh! I can't go into town without music. Even then I still carry massive amounts of anxiety.

So music. Avoidance. Warm water in a flask or chamomile or a nice sweet creamy beverage (I plan to try Dandelion Root soon).
I have discovered wearing warm shades of red and orange and yellow helps. Keeping my neck warm (warmth generally). If I have to eat in town I choose soups if possible, otherwise I make sure I have my water to drink with whatever I eat.

Walking through town I try to take the most scenic natural route. If possible I take time to get my bare feet on wet grass. This is very soothing.

Generally though I find it nearly impossible to stop and be calm so I just try to slow myself down as much as possible. I force myself to walk slowly.

:D


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24 Oct 2011, 9:07 pm

Sitting in a dark room and counting to 10. Thinking about the things that make my happy helps me, as well.


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Angel_ryan
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24 Oct 2011, 9:57 pm

I like to hop in bed curl up in a ball and turn off the lights.



GreatSphinx
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25 Oct 2011, 12:03 am

If I am having a full blown "OMG what the hell is this" panic attack, as opposed to a melt down, it helps to have someone calmly talking to me to work me out of it. I may not like what they are saying, but their voice helps snap me back into reality. Then taking a nap is good, if I am able. If not, I may sing.


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25 Oct 2011, 7:11 am

I'm not sure I know what exactly a panic attack is, but sometimes I get panicked in the swimming pool I attend regularly, due to my mild phobia. It's worse when I'm almost alone in it. Nothing helps but thinking of how stupid I am panicking for nothing... :?


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25 Oct 2011, 7:57 am

The only thing that truly helps me avoid one is to walk away from whatever situation is causing it, find a calm quiet (preferably dark) spot, close my eyes and breathe.

Luckily, the one person whose opinion I care about has learned to just let me walk away when I need to. And I've gotten pretty good at avoiding situations that cause it (crowds mostly).

I've been prescribed Ativan. I hated it. A panic attack might incapacitate me for an hour or so, but the Ativan I'd take to fix it would leave me zombified all day.


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b9
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25 Oct 2011, 8:13 am

Madbones wrote:
What helps you in a panic attack?


nothing would be able to help me if i had a panic attack. i have never had a panic attack, and if i suddenly had one, i would panic about having a panic attack.



wavefreak58
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25 Oct 2011, 8:15 am

A towel.





Thanks for the fish ...


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mds_02
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25 Oct 2011, 8:19 am

b9 wrote:
if i suddenly had one, i would panic about having a panic attack.


What's funny is sometimes that's exactly what happens. Often, it is the fear of having one that triggers a panic attack. At least for me.


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Madbones
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25 Oct 2011, 8:25 am

mds_02 wrote:
b9 wrote:
if i suddenly had one, i would panic about having a panic attack.


What's funny is sometimes that's exactly what happens. Often, it is the fear of having one that triggers a panic attack. At least for me.

Yeah, me too.



LunaUlysses
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25 Oct 2011, 8:45 am

wavefreak58 wrote:
A towel.





Thanks for the fish ...


"Don't forget to bring a towel!" "Run away, 'e's got a towel!"

Panic attacks. It's hard to think about anything to calm yourself when you panic. I find breathing excersizes help out some, or thinking or something funny.