Panic Attacks!!!!

[xCubicZirconia]

I'm havin a panic attack for some odd reason and I dunno what 2 do...help? Anybody wanna tell me how to ccalm down?

[Night-Hunter]

read a book or have a cookie.

[xCubicZirconia]

I tried and I can't concentrate then almost threw the cookie back up *sighs* I don't know why I'm having them.

[Nurann]

Here's a quick fix that might help get your breathing back under control:

Hold your wrist (either one) palm up. Flex your wrist up until you see the crease at the base at the heel of your palm. Press lightly right in the middle of your wrist on the line of the crease, between the tendons. You can also go two thumb-widths directly up from the crease, and again right in the middle of the two tendons. Press lightly on either or both points for as long as you feel neccessary.

This will only help short-term. You might also want to try progressive muscle relaxation; I can give you some more information on the subject if you're interested.

Is this the first time you've had a panic attack?

Some other longer-term options you can consider are scullcap or valerian, or B vitamins and/or a 5-htp supplement if panic attacks become a reccuring problem for you. If you want to try a supplement, send me an email at nurannoniel@yahoo.com and I can help you find the right one for you.

[Sapphire]

Nurann's given good advice and here's some of mine, since I too suffer from panic attacks.

Firstly, it's good to know what a panic attack is. When you're feeling stressed or anxious (consciously or unconsciously, hence why sometimes you don't know what is causing it) it can sometimes trigger your Fight or Flight response. In olden times, when we happened upon a Sabre Tooth tiger, we'd get this same response, and then we'd either tussle with the tiger or, more likely, run away. Nowadays, though, it's the modern world's stresses that have replaced the tiger, only we cannot physically fight or run away from it. Part of the response to this stress is a sudden increase in adrenaline. With nowhere for the adrenaline to go (as in, you're not fighting/running to burn it up) it just courses through your veins and you begin to feel very weird and start freaking out. Common side-effects include breathing rapidly (which increases carbon dioxide in the blue and promotes adrenaline, therefore worsening the attack) and a sense of foreboding, like you're going to die (which probably is tied in with those "run from tigers" instincts). Here's what to do if some beta blockers (calming pills) ) are not available:

Step 1: Realize what's happening. If you're panicking suddenly, think about all the physical things occurring in your body. This means you're rationalizing, and this is a good step to fighting off an irrational fear/response to fear.

Step 2: Breath deeply, or slowly, or hold your breath for 20 second counts. This will slow your heart rate down and decrease adrenaline production.

Step 3: Wherever you are, find somewhere to sit down and if you can close your eyes and compose yourself. If you flail about on the spot it's not going to help. However, what might help (although this is not always possible for social reasons!) is to simply SPRINT somewhere (obviously somewhere safe, like not across a busy road) as this will burn out your adrenaline and can flush out some of the toxins in your bloodstream.

I hope these are useful.

[xCubicZirconia]

Thanks ya'll!

When I have them, though, it feels like I'm going to lose my mind and just start randomly screaming or something. That feeling makes me freak out even more ^^;;;;

[Nurann]

So what I'm hearing you say is that this has happened before? How long ago did the panic attacks first start? What do you see, feel, and hear right before an attack happens?

Finding potential triggers can help you control the situation in your favour.

I don't suffer from panic attacks myself, but I've been working a lot with my brother lately; he suffers from general social anxiety disorder. There are both natural and pharmaceutical options that can help control the neuro-chemical aspects of the panic attacks, as well as other complimentary-alternative practices that can help you learn to both avoid attacks and control them once they start. Sapphire and I have given you some places to start, however as a health care practitioner, I feel that it is important that since this is a recurring problem for you that you should see a medical professional for an official diagnosis. This goes for anyone with a serious recurring health concern – knowing and understanding what your body is doing gives you power over the situation. The human body has an amazing ability to heal itself, but sometimes it needs a hand to get started. There's no shame in asking for that help – that's why there are so many types of health care practitioners out there. We're here to help you get what you need to have the healthiest life that you can.

[xCubicZirconia]

My cousin mentioned meditating. I tried that and it seemed to help. I still need to figure out whats causing them, though..

Maybe it's because I stay on the computer a lot? That's what my nana seems to think.