Panic Attacks

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I suffer from daily panic attacks that range from mild (about 30 seconds), to severe (hours at a time). I don't know how many of you guys have panic attacks, but it always feels comforting to have someone to talk to during an attack. Do any of you guys also suffer from these hellish episodes?

If you don't get enough exercise, you need to start getting some. You also need to think about your breathing. When you breath, do you breath with your chest more than your diaphragm and stomach? What is doing most of the contracting?

I am actually getting back into my daily workout regimen, and I hope that will help. As for the breathing, I normally breath with my chest more then my stomach. I had talked to my doctor and she helped me learn breathing lessons for during the attacks. They do somewhat help with the hyperventilating, but the panic still remains.

I have panic attacks...and freak outs, seems to have gotten more frequent so I certainly know how horrible that is. Not really sure what to do about it other than self medicate...but I don't recommend that. If you have access to a doctor maybe talk to them about the panic attacks if they are interfering too much with your life.

I've had periods where I suffer up to thirty panic attacks in a day. What has helped me break out of those anxiety cycles is medication (Citalopram), but I can only tolerate medication in the short term. There is some literature that suggests people on the spectrum are more sensitive to psychiatric medication. Long term coping mechanisms that I use involve reducing stimulation (ear plugs in public spaces, giving myself plenty of alone time, etc.). I don't know what your situation is, obviously, but sometimes, regardless of whatever stressful circumstances emerge in my life, controlling the amount of external stimulation that I receive can reduce anxiety. Otherwise, try to take deep breaths and talk to yourself. Sylvia Boorstein, a teacher and writer on Buddhism, has written that she speaks to herself in soothing tones when she is anxious or stressed saying things such as, "I know you're stressed, sweetie, but this will pass." It is kind of silly, but sometimes you can try and talk yourself out of a panic episode or at least imagine that you are supporting yourself through it from an external perspective. I hope this helps! Good luck and feel better!

Thanks guys.

I do take medications to help with the panic, but they are somewhat unreliable. I have taken Zoloft everyday since I was about 10, but that only affects the panic if I ever forget to take a dose. I take Lorazepam for sleeping and to help with the anxiety, but it does not make a noticeable difference in the anxiety. I also have Ativan, but I only take one if things get out of hand.

I'll be sure to try the speaking to yourself method as it sounds promising. As for getting alone time, my room is the smokers lounge of my house, so I never get any alone time in there until night!

I don't' think breathing with your chest is that good of a habit, whether you have panic attacks or not.

I used to have panic attacks the best way to beat them well for me was is to expect that having freak outs is just apart of who you are I still get them but they dont phase me any more.

I take paxil and do deep breathing for them, also doing relaxation visualization things, like the guided relaxation things you can download

I get awful, awful panic attacks. Often.


Not sure what else to say except: to all those who suffer the same, hang in there.

I have panic attacks, and my psychiatrist is helping me learn to cope with them.
I've made cards that say:

"I'm having a panic attack
I know I won't die
If I can breathe slower it will help"

He says by acknowledging that it is happening it means staying in the moment and that is important. I count my breaths and that slows my breathing down and slows the panic attack down too. I agree, it is more comforting to have someone to talk to during an attack.