Breathing

I just recently started suffering from panic attacks. I am sure all of you know exactly how scary these can be, especially before you've been diagnosed. I read of some breathing excercises that are suppose to help you when these attacks come on. Well, last night I had an episode and tried to practice breathing. That is about the worst thing I could have done. I made things so much worse, and then I felt like I could not swallow and caught myself actually holding my breath. I wanted to ask you guys when these attacks happen, and you try to console yourself, what do you do. I put America's funniest home videos on and tried to take my mind off of the sensations I was going through by laughing. Unfortunately, the happy and laughy thoughts made the attack worse. Any advice?
Thanks

Hi roburtade,

Hows about an "other" option. Hoepfully people might put anything else they do/use? If you want me to, I can edit the poll to add this as an option.

Yes, please edit the poll I did not know what the hell I was doing in terms of knowing how to create it. I've spent the last several moments trying to see how to delete it. What I am trying to do with this poll is see how others respond, and perhaps I could try what works for others in finding some sort of relief....thank you!

OK, add an "other" option.

Dont worry about it - the forums are sometimes too clever, but its all good fun :)

Look forward to some replied to the poll.

...Yeah, difficult one. I once used to get them regularly. The attacks hit hard and peaked fast (hyperventilating). I've not had that sort of anxiety attack for a long time but I still suffer tremendously but in a different way.

I gotta say nothing worked for me and I went through half a year of it without any medical/professional...any help at all. A brown bag helps if you hyperventilate (breath in and out of it). I started drinking (a couple of cans here and there) and that takes the edge off. Although i didn't try any suggested methods I wish I had because now, i've read (and it makes sense), that i've retrained my behaviour inadvertently(??) and my reactions have become 'sensitised'.. so now, to cut a boring story short, i've gotta work hard to recover.

Hope more people start replying (instead of just looking!) to help you deal with your problem

thanks for your response Booby. I am really worried. I really think this could be cured w/out medication (as I reach for my xanax). I think when it happens, my mind really takes it to the max. I have been having smaller episodes about 1 to 2 times a day....By retraining yourself, did you just know how to recognize the onset of an attack and work to keep your mind off it happening? If you don't mind me being personal, could you share your way of dealing w/it w/out meds...thanks

..well, i've not yet recovered so I couldn't say what the best way to deal with it is.

The initial attacks lasted about six months before they became a little less regular. I withdrew from everything (work, friends, any social happenings, etc) during that time which looking back made things worse because, like I say it's best to properly deal with it straight away. Once you start withdrawing it's hard to get back to what/who you originally were...what you once found so easy, etc.

If you decide to take some time off, by all means do so but use your time wisely don't spend too much time looking and waiting for the next attack and keep yourself occupied.

Anyway.. thats what I would have done looking back. I really don't know if it would've worked but it's better than doing nothing.

well i try and distract myself as much as possible i feel that helps alot !!!!

Okay, last night as I was watching some murder documentry, all of a sudden I felt this tremendous surge of energy run up my neck and the sensations began. I started practicing my breathing and felt like my throad was closing and I could not get enough air. So, I went and smeared some vix vapor rub under my nose and the soothing smell of the ecaluptus ( I know I spelled that wrong, and there is no spell check....nuts!) told my brain I could breath, and in fact, breath easier for the rest of the attack. I just breathed normally and was able to deal with it. As far as the pressure that seemed to nestle in the back part of my head, well, I tried advil, and eventually I took the xanax because I could not make the pressure go away. but hey, breathing is important, so If you guys have trouble breathing with the onset of an attack, give it a try. However, I am not a medical doctor, nor anything close, I am a marketing director thus leaving me a title with the initials M.D., but not to be confused with the white coats.

lol @ you

well there is some truth in that its mind over matter really isnt it cos u feel it working or at least doing something its comforting !!!!

ill give that a go :) :)