Panic Attacks

[simmobc]

Hi all,

I am just after some advice, recommendations.

I am 36 and currently in the middle of a pretty hectic bout of regular panic attacks. My doctor has given me some medication as an emergency parachute in times of need and I have had one sessions with a psychologist, next session coming up soon.

I have the classic panic attack symptoms and am now tending to avoid certain situations. My panic attacks seem to be driven by anticipatory situations, business meeting et al. I try at all costs to avoid medication and tend to give in when the panic attack and anxiety becomes unbearable.

Whilst I have read a lot of literature about panic attacks, the one thing I struggle with during a panic attacks is diverting my mind to a different place to circumvent the episode. Does anyone have anything they can share that works for them? I try to focus on deep breathing, music helps too.

With my panic attacks at the moment, and I'm sure it is/has been the same with everyone, is that once the panic attack starts, it is a pretty slippery slope to get off! It is intense.. 

Anyway, any advice would be appreciated and have a great sunday.

Cheers

[Pounce]

Actually, only yesterday, when I was having a bad day, very anxious and couldn't get out the door, I discovered that the smell of cumin was an effective calming and distracting tool! My nephew wanted to grind something while I was preparing dinner, so I gave him cumin seeds, and ended up with a little bag of cumin. And I found smelling it instantly turned down the panic. Maybe because it's so strong and overpowers the senses

[frosty67]

Hiya...I agree...not sure whether what I do will help you because we are all unique and different things help different people...but I have an evidence log of all the good things in my life and the evidence I have of all the positives I have...for instance, if I get anxious about my kids visiting, I try and go to the evidence I have of being a good dad and how they love me etc...it may not stop me being anxious but it gets me off the slippery spiralling slope...