I've been experiencing panic attacks with I guess the only way to describe it would be a head rush along with sudden fear. I was wondering if anyone had any advice.
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Kristen.NewCreation and FreeinChrist
I have panic attacks too. I have suffered from them off and on since my freshman year of high school, I am now 29 years old. Just recently I had panic attacks and I ended up in the ER because I didn't realize I was having a panic attack. I am now on low dose of anti-anxiety medication.I've been experiencing panic attacks with I guess the only way to describe it would be a head rush along with sudden fear. I was wondering if anyone had any advice.
I've been experiencing panic attacks with I guess the only way to describe it would be a head rush along with sudden fear. I was wondering if anyone had any advice.
I've been experiencing panic attacks with I guess the only way to describe it would be a head rush along with sudden fear. I was wondering if anyone had any advice.
what books do you recommend?I began suffering from depression and panic attacks perhaps 15 years ago but looking back on my life, I now recognize that I have struggled with panic attacks at least since high school. I won't give you the long version, but my life basically fell apart very quickly. I sought help from my doctor, he recommended counseling which helped immensely. I no longer see my regular doctor for this issue nor a counselor but in fact saw my psychiatrist today. She keeps tabs on my medication and how I'm doing. I rarely have serious panic attacks (still have some moments) and still deal with depression (minor) but today I have plenty of tools to help me.
Here's my advice.
First-you are not alone. Millions deal with depression, panic and anxiety disorders.
*Get help from a qualified counselor and/or psychiatrist. I am on a prosaic generic drug and it's helped me. I also have anti anxiety meds but rarely need them.
*Take charge of your life. Learn about depression and anxiety. I can recommend some good books.
*Establish boundaries. Don't let people force you to do things that are uncomfortable. For example I switched dentists because the old one was not sympathetic to my situation. I set my boundaries if I'm feeling anxious and I say no a lot (in those circumstances).
*Let others know about your depression/panics (if you're comfortable with that) because for me it was helpful so people would know if I had an "episode." When it first hit me I'd cry all the time. Especially at work (I teach art in an elementary school). The principal would let me come into her office and just cry. I haven't done that for years but the new principal knows my mental health history as do my fellow teachers.
*Drink lots of water and make sure you get proper exercise. That's a must. Get plenty of sleep too and if you can't sleep, get medication to help you adjust. My only caution is that you don't become dependent on drugs. That would be bad.
*Find things that soothe you (for me it's listening to classical music as I go to sleep - I have a pillow speaker and it's great). I also love to read.
*Take a Sabbath every week. No work, no worries. Take a day off from the pressures of life.
* Learn relaxing breathing. I can offer suggestions. The body can't be anxious if it's relaxed. Breathing properly helps.
*Read the Psalms but be choosy.
*Don't listen to people who mean well but offer poor advice (like those who told me not to think about it or to stop dwelling on things or a list of other terrible advice - only a person who's been there can fully understand how difficult it is (during the depths of depression or during a full blown panic attack)). It's horrible (was for me).
*Find someone that loves you and is willing to listen to you and help you through the rough spots. For me it was my wonder daughter (even while she had two kids to deal with). She listened, never judged, always reassured me and said, "I know" a lot. She always had time for me. She was a big part of my recovery (which I'll probably be in for the rest of my life but I have tons of skills now to deal with any situation). And things are way way better.
*Finally, remember this: When we're in a dark valley, the only place we can look is up. Learn to look up (to God) daily and especially when you are strong.
I hope this is helpful.
God bless!
what books do you recommend?