When I have a panic attack

Katie_Lee18 · Post by **Katie_Lee18** » Sat Mar 13, 2010 8:56 am

When I have a panic attack, it's usually because I'm having some sort of body symptom. If my heart is beating really fast, I get anxiety. If I feel like I can't breathe for some reason, I get anxiety. If I have a bad headache or stomachache, I freak out. I hate this! How can I just "not feel good" without having anxiety?

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sat Mar 13, 2010 9:43 am

Hi. It *does* take a lot of practice to be able to float through a panic attack. I have found that if I tell myself that "these feelings can't hurt me, there is no danger", that has helped me quite a bit. Even if you don't totally believe it as you are repeating it to yourself, continue to repeat it. Soon you will start to believe it a little bit, then more, then even more. I've also found the breathing exercise to be very helpful (inhale 2, exhale 4, for 60 seconds). Be as kind and patient as you can with yourself. Try hard *not* to beat yourself up if you don't get the results that you would like right away. I found that I was trying sooooo hard with everything in the program, that what I really ended up doing was putting way too much pressure on myself. I was expecting to absorb everything right away, trying to be too perfect. The phone coach that I talked to said that I should just LET GO, do, and not think so hard about it. It does take time and patience and lots of positive self talk, but it is possible to break these bad habits. I am just finishing session 9 and I can tell there is a huge difference in the way I feel. Be diligent with the program CDs, DVDs and workbook, but don't be a slave to the program and try to have realistic expectations of yourself. Taking that approach has made a big difference for me. YOU CAN DO THIS, keep at it and good luck.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Tue Mar 16, 2010 3:57 am

I feel the same way. It happens to me everyday at work. i am just working then i will start to get some symptom and then start feeling sick and then here comes the anxiety. i am trying to remember to read the cards they give us with each session and do my breathing exercise and it does help. i just started session 2 on sunday so i am new to all of this but i am staying hopeful. positive thoughts are helpful too. i am trying to get rid of all the negative.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sat Mar 20, 2010 5:11 am

thank you

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Sun Mar 21, 2010 1:41 pm

I currently don't work because of it. I would get so sick and run away then I would be too afraid to go back to work because I didnt want to have a panic attack there... or get sick there. I totally know how you feel with the ill feeling though. Like a cramp turns into, a stomach ache and every other symptom you can think of, then you think your gonna die because of something that's wrong with you. When I was younger I was schizophrenic/bipolar/depressed and I can tell you panic/anxiety attacks are a billion times worse.