Anxiety Attacks
Anxiety Attacks questions and answers
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Q: Anxiety Attacks?
I have anxiety attacks when i even feel a little sick but only before i go to bed. I know there is absolutely nothing to worry about because God is with me 100% but is there any way to get them under control without anti-depressants...maybe something like home remedies you guys have done or heard of. Thank You
A: i used to have this exact problem only at nights though sometimes it would help me when i would get out and go for a drive but i dealt with this for 15 years thought i was having heart attacks couldn't breath sometimes it was aw full meds didn't work for me i just finally came to the conclusion i wasn't going to die from them and the actual worring about having them is actually what was causing them not so bad today i feel for u though its terrible to go through and you cant explain what they are like to anyone else
Q: How do I stop having anxiety attacks while sleeping?
Recently, I have begun to experience anxiety attacks that take place while I'm sleeping. I am not having them during waking hours, and they don't seem to be inspired by nightmares. I just wake up with my heart racing, my chest tight, feelings of anxiety that force me to fully wake, etc. I have to stay awake for about an hour to feel better before I can go back to sleep. Why is this happening, and what can I do about it?
A: I get that sometimes. I hate when you almost feel like your on the verge of sleep and it feel slike someone shakes you awake.
I know its kinda weird but my counselor taught me something called EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique) and it has helped me calm down and get back to sleep when I wake up in a panic.
It has to do with tapping different acupressure points on your body while saying a phrase like "Even though I feel very scared because my heart is pounding I deeply love and accept myself."
I know it sounds retarded but I was so desperate for relief I was trying anything that might help. I always get horrible side effects from pills but this calmed me down without side effects. Might not want to do it in the presence of others though, I imagine embarrassment might be a side effect then ;)
Check out this youtube clip. there are alot of others around the web too. I think these clips give you enough information for it to be effective without having to buy or sign up for anything. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aQp0kA5a5OI
There are a whole lot of different ones on youtube and around the web.
Good luck.
Q: What are the best ways of treating anxiety and panic attacks besides exercising or using any drugs?
I want to know if there are any other "cures" for anxiety attacks besides exercising, and using drugs. I know therapy is supposed to help too, but anything else besides those things?
A: Anxiety is self-created.
Nobody imposes anxiety. It is neither inherited.
It is you, who have loaded heavy anxiety on your small head. Unknowingly you must have added the weight slowly. Now the weight is more and unbearable. You should now know how to unload that weight of anxiety. Unloading is also to be done slowly and steadily. It cannot be done overnight.
Analyze how you have loaded this anxiety on your body. This anxiety comes due to unnecessary, unwanted and undeserving desires which we start developing. When the desire is not getting fulfilled, one gets frustration. Frustration leads to worry. Worry leads to anger. Anger leads to indecision or wrong decisions. One becomes restless. Mind becomes stressed. One does not get proper sleep. Then we try several methods to come out of it. We commit more mistakes by thinking that drugs and alcoholic drinks may reduce the tension. Sleeplessness leads to mental functioning getting affected. Mental upset, mental disorder. Our efficiency goes down. Our effectiveness goes down. Our memory weakens. More and more anxiety comes. We become a laughing stock before others. We take loans and we are not able to pay back in proper time. Family is worried and affected.
Can you now please see what is the origin of this anxiety. Cut the source now itself. Then only you can come out of this trouble.
Q: How do you handle panic or anxiety attacks?
I just recently started getting panic/anxiety attacks when i was pregnant.I had a several of them the last few months of pregnancy.After i had my son (5 months ago), i stopped getting them.But this week i started getting attacks again for some reason.I want to kno how do u handle it when ur in that situation, or make them go away.Any suggestions?
A: Believe it or not but just a simple drink of water gets rid of the attacks...I never go to bed without a glass of water on my night stand.
Q: How can I make these anxiety attacks stop?
I've never had panic/anxiety attacks before until this morning and so far I am on my third one today. My heart starts pounding so bad I feel like it is going to explode, I cant breathe, I cant think, I start crying I just dont know what to do!?! I am Effexor as it is for depression. I know alot has to do with the severe stress I am under, bills mounting, bill collectors calling left and right, possible divorce, my oldest daughter started kindergarten this week, I just dont know what to do anymore! How do I make this stop? I feel like I am going insane!
A: firth things first...calm down by doing something you like to do...next talk to your doctor...you may be on the wrong drug to treat your depression...go to a company that deals with dept management and have him/her create a custom payment plan to help you get out of dept
Q: What can I do to stop my panic/anxiety attacks? And to relax while getting them?
I get severe panic/anxiety attacks sometimes. It's happened a lot more recently, and I've went to the doctors to check everything but they said it was okay. Usually I get a slight anxiety attack during school, but it's not as bad as my severe ones. Anyone know anything I can do to relax myself while getting these? I usually start breathing really fast and somewhat lose breath, I get very hot, and my heart RACES. Anyone know anything that I can do or use to relax myself? Thanks.
A: Lifestyle and home remedies
Although social anxiety disorder generally requires help from a medical expert or qualified psychotherapist, you can try some self-help techniques to handle situations likely to trigger social anxiety disorder symptoms.
First, assess your fears to identify what situations cause the most anxiety. Apply these techniques to those situations. Practicing these techniques regularly can help you manage or reduce your anxiety. You may need to begin with small steps in situations that aren’t overwhelming.
These techniques include:
Eating with a close relative, friend or acquaintance in a public setting.
Making eye contact and returning greetings from others, or being the first to say hello.
Preparing for conversation. For instance, read the newspaper to identify an interesting story you can talk about.
Giving someone a compliment.
Focusing on personal qualities you like about yourself.
Showing an interest in others. Ask about their homes, children, grandchildren, hobbies or travels, for instance.
Asking a retail clerk to help you find an item.
Getting directions from a stranger.
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Coping and support
Coping with social anxiety disorder can be challenging. Having social anxiety disorder can make it difficult for you to go to work or school, to interact with other people, or even to visit the doctor. But maintaining connections and building relationships are key ways to help cope with any mental disorder.
Over time, treatment can help you feel more comfortable, relaxed and confident in the presence of others. In the meantime, don’t use alcohol or illicit drugs to try to get through an event or situation that makes you anxious.
Some positive coping methods include:
Banishing negative thoughts about yourself
Practicing relaxation exercises
Adopting stress management techniques
Reaching out to people you do feel comfortable around
Joining a support group
Engaging in pleasurable activities, such as exercise or hobbies, when you feel anxious
Getting enough sleep
Eating a well-balanced diet
Setting realistic goals
As difficult or painful as it may seem initially, don’t avoid situations that trigger your symptoms. By regularly facing these kinds of situations, you’ll continue to build and reinforce your coping skills.
Over time, doing this can help control your symptoms and prevent a relapse of your condition. Remind yourself that you can get through anxious moments, that your anxiety is short-lived, and that the negative consequences you worry about so much rarely come to pass.
Q: Any suggestions for a non-prescription way to treat anxiety attacks and claustrophobia?
I've already cut down on coffee, but noticed that my anxiety attacks are happening more and more often. I also get really claustrophobic and tense in weird situations, like waiting on a check-out line or when people stand too close. I'd prefer not to take a prescription pill for any of it, but may have to look into it in the future. Are there any suggestions to lessen the problem? Like, any herbal remedies, or breathing techniques, or dietary change? And is this common with others?
A: Smelling salts or lavendar (I carried a little bag round in my pocket and took it out to smell if I felt stressed) - makes you feel less dizzy. Also deep breathing and concentrate on your breathing - close your eyes and try to forget your surroundings until you feel more relaxed. Cutting down on caffeine is a good way to go, and also sugary foods.
Q: Why do I get anxiety attacks when reading?
I have anxiety disorder which sometimes border on panic attacks. I seem to get them more so when I am reading or studying, especially if I am at the library. I get these rushes of anxiety and sometimes feel that my mind is disconnecting with my body. In any case, why does this seem to happen when I am reading or studying? Anyone have any good tips on how to control anxiety attacks?
A: Hi agua,
in my experience anxiety can sometimes be triggered when there is too much mental stimulation... reading or studying might be mentally stimulating enough for you to trigger anxiety feelings... when you are reading or in a library, it is hard to distract yourself from the sensations that you are experiencing, and so you probably find it hard to ignore them, then worry about them and so they increase... they increase and so you start to panic about what might happen... its a bit of a visious circle!
That disconnecting thing that you experience... thats perfectly normal for people who suffer from anxiety... its a self-protective way for the brain to decrease the experience of fear, by removing itself from the situation... this might be helpful in a place where having fear is appropriate (like being attacked by a lion), but it doesnt help us, of course, when we are just having panic attacks for no reason! You are not alone with these experiences!
The best way i know how to control these experiences is by not trying to control them, but doing the opposite... encourage them! That sounds stupid? let me explain...
If you try to stop these sensations, you imediately focus in on them and so they intensify... its like telling someone not to spill a drink... imediately they tense up and watch the cup, and start shaking etc... instead, say to yourself "i'm going to allow myself to have anxiety"... give yourself permission to be anxious... allow it to happen... relax and allow yourself to fully experience your sensations, and your worries, and your thoughts... allow it all to happen... let it wash over you... you'll find that it carries on briefly and then it loses its energy and fizzles out... you'll start to relax and the tension will subside...
if this all sounds crazy to you, then i encourage you to give it a try at home first, where you are in a totally safe environment... it takes a bit of courage to allow yourself to experience your feelings, especially if they are feelings that you dont like...
its not a case of 'resigning' yourself to having anxiety, its just a case of 'accepting' things as they are... accepting yourself for who you are and what you are experiencing... only then, when you accept it for what it is, can you start to work on addressing the anxiety and reducing your symptoms.
give it a go,
and always try to relax... breath slowly, relax...
jtnccc (above) has some good tips...
he says:
you could use relaxing music with an mp3 player...
take regular breaks from your studying (every 15 mins?): to have a walk around, distract yourself, relax and breath slowly and deeply
best of luck and take care
zag
BTW, i recomend CBT therapy... its very effective for anxiety. i'm still looking for a good book on the subject tho.
give me an email thro my profile if you'd like any more tips
Q: Can you develop anxiety attacks or is it something you are born with?
And are anxiety attacks a disease? Can it be cured? How? What happens when you have an anxiety attack?
A: Anxiety attacks are not something you are born with. They usually strike in adulthood. When I had my first one, i thought I was having a heart attack. The doc accused me of being on cocaine, because my heart rate was 130 or so. I was clean as could be, but scared to death. My husband I had argued most of the day that day. It just came on me so suddenly without warning. I had trouble breathing, my hands went numb and tingly, my heart was pounding, and I had a sense of impending doom, like I was gonna die.
I finally got back to "normal", the docs never really did tell me what was wrong, as this was before "anxiety attacks" were recognized as a real problem. I did my own research over the years. I learned when one was coming on, and I can pretty much control them now with deep breathing exercises. What's so odd about anxiety attacks is that they can strike at the oddest time. I have laid down to go to bed, and had an attack. Sometimes, if they're severe and frequent, I'll take valium for a couple days.
I've never really learned what causes anxiety attacks, just ways of coping with them. I've never really learned what triggers them, as they occur with me at the most odd times.
Good luck to you. You can live with anxiety attacks. If you find they're debilitating, see a doctor and find a good therapist. I've been fortunate that I've learned to control mine mostly on my own, with a little help from a sympathetic doctor.
Q: Is it possible to have anxiety and panic attacks without depression?
I swear I don't feel depressed, but I do suffer from panic and anxiety attacks when I'm in public. People accuse me of being depressed though because they say they go hand-in-hand. But I truly do not feel depressed. Is that possible?
A: Hi, sorry to hear you are feeling so bad. Yes, it is perfectly normal to have anxiety without depression. The following steps will eliminate (or at least significantly reduce) your panic attacks:
1.Breathe properly - if you control your breathing, you control panic. As soon as you notice the signs of anxiety, check your breathing: breathe in slowly through your nose pushing your tummy out (to the count of 5 or so). Breathe out slowly and for a bit longer (to the count of 7 or so) through your mouth. Do not breathe rapidly or shallowly (in the chest area). This will soon restore the balance of oxygen and you will feel a lot better.
2. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy! CBT is proven to be the most effective thing for panic attacks, OCD and anxiety etc. It takes a bit of work, but it is super effective. (After 15 years of panic attacks, mine stopped completely). You can speak to your doctor about taking a course or you can take a course for free online at: www.livinglifetothefull.com
3. Try relaxation exercise tapes (progressive muscular relaxation). They really make a difference if you practise often enough (i.e. twice a day). They will also help you sleep better if done at bedtime. You can get free downloads online. E.g.: http://www.studentservices.utas.edu.au/counselling/audio_resources/index.html
With each step practise makes perfect. (i.e. practise the steps every day, not just when you are feeling bad). I hope you feel better soon. Best of luck!
Q: How can you relieve anxiety and panic attacks?
Sometimes I get them but I would also like to know if other people get them too. I know that people do but very few people are ever candid about it. I also get mild anxiety attacks when I'm in a very large crowd of people. Not that I am scared of people but I just feel very closed in around a bunch of people. I would like not hear about taking medication or seeing a doctor. Because what if there were no doctors or medications that you can take for it, Thank you and good advice is helpful.
A: Rigorous exercise. I had panic attacks into my early teenage years. Weightlifting and track helped get rid of them. It didn't happen overnight though.
Q: What can i do to stop my anxiety attacks?
I have severe panic attacks when people throw up. seeing htem throw up, hearing them, hearing about someone puking, anything.
everywhere i go, especially crowded places, im terrified someone is going to puke.
I know they say the best way to stop anxiety is to over come it and face it. but i really dont feel like going and watching someone puke. thats gross beyond gross.
what should i do? im sick of feeling like this.
A: You should really speak to your doctor about this!... Do you see a therapist?... If not then you should start seeing one on a regular basis, they can teach you some really great life strategies and skills on how to cope better with your anxiety attacks! Just try to relax when you can... When you're home maybe try listening to some relaxation music, close your eyes and just focus on the peace full music, it's kinda like meditating! If you have faith in god or even if you are a spiritual person then praying or meditating in the spirit while doing this can really help! But you should get therapy for this as well!... I hope that helps...Hang in there!
Q: What is the best way to control anxiety attacks?
I have very irrational anxiety attacks that make it more and more difficult to for me to drive my car. I never have them anywhere else... only when i drive... ANY ADVISE IS TREMENDOUSLY APPRECIATED! Thank you
A: The car is where I had my first one, blacked out in fact. You need to see a counselor, they will give you some meds that you use when you feel one coming on, the car is one of the most common places for this to happen, especially on overpasses, bridges, and in traffic.
First rule is, get off the freeway and drive through town if you need to, because anxiety makes you feel trapped, know on city streets there is always somewhere to turn, and head in another direction, keep your windows down or AC on, and air will usually reduce the level of intensity of the attack.
Limit caffeine and other stimulants, niccotine, and stuff like that, as they will set attacks off.
Breathe, this important, this is why I blacked out, the feeling of helplessness, and death swarmed me so fast I stopped breathing, and lost consciousness wound up three lanes over dont know how I did not wreck. So breathe, a panic attack in the car is dangerous to you and everyone around you.
Overtime you will learn to talk yourself through the attack, and you will understand that anxiety/panic attacks are all mental, therapy will help you, and over time you will be able to cope.
Good Luck
If you want more info got to www.mebmd.com and look up anxiety disorders
Q: Does anyone have any tips on handling anxiety attacks on planes/cruises?
I get anxiety attacks when I feel trapped, so I am nervous about a cruise I'm taking in a couple weeks & the plan ride to get there. Does anyone have any tips for handling anxiety attacks while traveling? Medication doesn't really agree with me, so that's probably not an option.
A: I had suffer from anxiety attacks a while ago, the best thing to do is not to think of them, if before u go on the plane or the cruise u are already thinking that u are gonna have an anxiety attack, u are programming yourself.....just be optimistic about it, dont think about them...if u have one..the best thing to do, that works with me...think that it will soon pass....just dont loose ur head....it will pass it will pass....and if u have a partner, couple....try to talk about anything....anything at all...the worts thing is to be left alone with yourself and your nervous mind. Talk to the guy next to you..sing a song...anything...to distract for a moment your mind.
Q: What can I do to stop from getting anxiety attacks?
I get anxiety attacks for the simplest things, like thinking I have school tomorrow. What can I do to stop that and enjoy myself?
A: Stress comes from knowing what is right and doing what is wrong. just calm down I also have anxiety, everybody does, just remember that you can't take back days that have passed you only have now not yesterday or tomorrow but now.