Anxiety/Panic attacks...

[Shanti]

Lately i've been experiencing, what I think, is a panic attack or anxiety attack and it can be over something so small.... I get really really worked up and very very stressed and feel like I'm going to have a heart attack or something it's really awful I've had probably 3 of these over the last 6weeks...

I don't want to see a Dr about it because they will only prescribe drugs that don't do your body any good.... I am more interested in natural medicine.... I've just started seeing an Acupuncturist/Herbalist/Kinesiologist and I forgot to tell her about it... I'm seeing her about conceiving mainly and of course overall health. I will tell her about this anxiety when I see her Monday. Until then, what do I do to calm myself down if I feel one coming on??

I don't even know how or why I am having these 'attacks'? I do feel if anything, it is the stress from TTC and it's all just come over me the last few weeks.....
could that bring them on do you think? I don't think I've ever suffered from anxiety before it's all new to me.....

I do have a stressful business that we operate and manage and my hours are long
(50+ per week) and perhaps the demands of the business bring on my anxiety also? Not sure

Anyone here get anxiety and how do you 'turn it off'??

TIA,
ren

[kirsty_lee]

I've suffered Anxiety/Depression/Agorophobia for about 2 years now. Im sorry your going through it. unfortuneately if there was a way to "turn it off" i think all of us suffering it would be lining up at the door for that quick fix. Unfortuneatly I was placed on Medication which has helped me, but as with anything natural/meds you will still have your down days. My advice or technique for dealing with this is I spose just taking deep deep breaths.. from your stomach though rather than from your chest iykwim and just try and think positive thoughts. When you feel a panic attack coming on, breathe and think "what is it do i think that caused this attack" and just try and positively work through it until you can calm down. The easiest i find for me is just learning when i can feel an attack coming on and dealing with it before it happens cause i know as well as you how bloody awful they are Hopefully it gets better for you. Try and research the condition as much as possible as well as techniques on how to better cope.

[Shanti]

Thank you for your post Kirsty. I'm not even exactly sure if it is anxiety but I would say so, DH thinks it might be from seeing me in that state a few times!!
I get so worked up over something so small....

Can an attack only last say 3-5mins?? ikwym about breathing from the belly upwards and that does seem to help I've noticed.... and i find just being on my own even for 3mins to calm down does help.

[Arimeh]

Ren I suffer from panic attacks too, specially if I am in a new area and don't know where the toilets are, or if its too crowded..mine can last from anywhere from 5 minutes to 45 minutes (worse on planes!!)
I use the breathing techniques that a friend told me about.. breathe in for one, two three four,.. and then breathe out.. one.. two ... three .. four.
And for a natural herb thing - I use Rescue Remedy spray.

[Shanti]

Kajolo - that's what i was going to say 'choking inside' thats how it feels, all tight inside my chest and body... its awful... as if i could explode.... thank you i will use your exercise technique.

AM - yes if it's too crowded i get a bit anxious for sure... its not really bad but enough to make me certainly feel on edge and uncomfortable like i can't breathe that well and i just look for the nearest exit!!! I will use your breathing method too i like that idea.

Fionas - yes i've been told exercise is wonderful to help... but being in a work situation i can't just leave and say 'be back later' so unfortuately i could only go for a walk or run if it happens to me at home... its a good thing and i will have to try it next time it happens if it does again at home (usually work it does). & yes you made sense thanks

[Caramello]

Snap Aricyn's mum - I was about to say the same thing!

The only other things I can suggest (and they are all activities which short circuit the panic/anxiety):

1. If you can, go outside, take your shoes off and walk in the grass. I believe that this makes you feel 'grounded', because your thought processes move away from your head down to the sensations in your feet. I have even done this at work - the kids thought I was nuts but it made me feel much better.

2. Go for a walk.

3. Sit with an animal - the act of patting them calms you down.

4. Write in a diary/journal to figure out what's going on.

5. Get a good meditation/affirmation and use it.

I've used all these to different success rates - depends on how anxious you have become.

[kajolo]

Gargy- I will have to try taking my shoes off and walking in the grass, i have never tried this, will be intresting to see how it works for me as i have over sensitive feet.

[kajolo]

You are welcome renstar, we all know what you are going through and it is a horrid experience.

After four years i am still finding new ways to try and calm my self down, some work some dont, some work sometimes and not tohers.

I find that i have most of my attacks when i am in a crowded place like a shopping center, when i am in a hospital.

I also find that is i am overly stressing out about something weather it be my children or myself or studies thats when the attack really hits and they are a llot bigger and longer then the ones in the shopping centers.

However my anxiety got that bad that i have to medicated, i hope that your's does not come to this and that your herbalist can help you.

[kajolo]

Hi Renstar,I suffer from Anxiety, i have for the last 4 years.I find that there is no magic way to turn it off for me, but each and every person is different.
My anxiety got that bad it started to control my life the things i did or more to the point the things i could NOT do with out having a anxiety attack.I do have several things i do to try and calm myself down, heartrate breathing.I sit down somewhere weather it be on chair,floor ect.I place my arms out hand place them on my legs, so that my hands are hanging over my knees ( i hope thi is making sense) and i take slow deep breaths in through my nose and out through my mouth, once my heart rate calms down and i dont feel like i am choking inside anymore, i then ususally move on and do something to keep my mind active/busy.
I think you should certainly talk to your herbalist about this, is there somewhere you could make a note of this, maybe a reminder on your mobile phone could go off, whilst you are in your appointment with her next and that way you wont forget?

Goodluck with it, Anxiety is a horriable thing to live with but can be less resticting if you seek help with it :hugs:

[fionas]

Hi Renstar

I find that exercise helps me because it raises my heartrate while I'm exercising but lowers it when I'm not exercising meaning that if I have a panic attack, my heart doesn't beat as fast as it would normally.

I have explained that atrociously but hopefully you know what I mean.

Breathing slowly also help as does telling myself that I've got through them before.

Good luck- hope you find something that works for you.

Fiona