Panic attacks

[shelbysmiles]

I'm sober right now but I really feel like I'm falling apart. The panic attacks are so brutal right now. I'm not thinking about drinking. I'm trying to find a way to get through this horrible feeling. No one really goes to chat anymore so I thought I would post in this section to see if I can get some advise. I'm on day one again. No serious withdrawals, just the crushing feeling of being a horrible person.

[Alky]

Panic attacks

Is there anything you can do to occupy your mind? Get engrossed in a tv show, book or movie? I watched a lot of movies after my dad died last month to keep myself from drinking.

[shelbysmiles]

Panic attacks

Thanks Alky. I'll try to do that as soon as I get the kids to bed :-) Right now I'm sitting here reading old threads. The wave is beginning to pass for now.

[SKendall]

Panic attacks

Shelby, I posted a reply under subs.

[TheSunFlower]

Panic attacks

Panic attacks the life out of you. I know. However....they are awful...but they do pass.

I ususally will use...kuduz/l-g-lute. Usually helps....and I only buy the cheap stuff:_:welcome:

[YouKayBee]

Panic attacks

How close are you to your last drink?reason I ask is that I know alcohol affects you for a long time and panic attacks are a common symptom of the withdrawl/getting sober process.

[shelbysmiles]

Panic attacks

The panic has passed and I'm feeling much better this morning.

Thanks for the advice. :-)

[Snapdragon]

Panic attacks

Hello Shelby - glad you're feeling much better this morning. I know how scary panic attacks can be as I suffered from them too in the past.

There is a breathing technique which is really useful for anyone who is suffering a panic attack, feeling very stressed or having a massive craving. It has really helped me and I've been using it for a long time now - and you can do it anywhere (although be careful if you're driving as it can make you feel light headed and dizzy).

Take a really deep breath right down into your stomach until you can't take in any more air and then let it out really, really slowly. Do this two or three times and you will get a feeling of complete relaxation. It just gives you a time to re-group and get a grip of yourself.

Hope this helps - and good luck with being AF.

Snap x

[shelbysmiles]

Panic attacks

Thanks Snap, I'll remember that for next time.
Thanks for all the tips/advice!

[whitemarshmom]

Panic attacks

I too have had those types of panic attacks. i felt like i was having a heart attack and that it would never end, so down would go a couple glasses of chardonnay.. and a couple cigarettes to self medicate myself. The wellabutrin is helping

[lvn122900]

Panic attacks

Could you take meds to help the attacks? Some are really good I hear.
I agree it's a great shame chat is always empty. I try myself every day and am the only one in there....
Good luck.

[hart]

Panic attacks

Hang in there. I had to get medication when the panic attacks were bad. It does help. They weren't even very expensive. I had them combined with the beginning of the change of life. They did subside after about a week, but it was tough, especially not letting my employer know what was going on. Hang in there.

[MonaCat]

Panic attacks

Yup, we tend to self medicate ourselves with booze !

[nancy]

Panic attacks

panic attacks

What do you mean by panic attack? You mean literally or just that you feel horrible about yourself. I have had feelings of being overwhelmed but I don't think that's a panic attack in the classic sense of the word. Doesn't a panic attack include certain physical effects?
Just wondering what you mean because if it's not a physical kind I could offer advice.

[shelbysmiles]

Panic attacks

Nancy, when I have them, there are physical signs. My heart races, I'm SOB, dizzy, disoriented, and I usually begin to sob. On top of the mental (feeling something horrible is about to happen) they can be debilitating. I have Klonipin, but sometimes that doesn't help. Luckily, I haven't I had one in a few weeks.