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I have had anxiety for almost 7 years. I still remember my first panic attack. It wasn't as bad until the end of August or beginning of September 2014 when I was dealing with high amounts of stress from college, finances, and personal life issues. I had a panic attack just about everyday, sometimes multiple attacks for a few months. I started seeing a therapist before using medications. The more I talked about my issues with people I trusted, the less anxiety I would have. I didn't have an attack for a while, and my last attack was May 2020, and that was a minor one compared to ones I have had in the past.
When my anxiety arises, it is brought on by stress and feeling like I am losing control of things. I start hyperventilating, become restless, and have major anger issues. Some ways I have calmed myself down is using my senses, usually feeling something around me or chewing on peppermint gum. I have a friend who is also a calming person, and I think about them when anxiety starts to rise.
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@Hayleigh1493, I appreciate your post. I haven't been able to figure out how to start a new discussion. I've been having anxiety & panic attacks since 2007. They are awful & debilitating. If not for my pets, I'd be in bad shape now. But even they don't take the anxiety away. There is medication available that helps me function, but doctor won't prescribe it. I wish you all the best. Take care.
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@haleigh1493 Good to see you over on this thread, too! I know you posted talking about the value of animals in your life. Something came to mind while you were talking about dealing with your panic attacks and anxiety issues. On another thread a member had talked about using our senses, like you did. So, I have been trying when very anxious, to use my eyes and notice 5 things. Around here, many times it is looking at all the shades of green or the patterns on tree bark. Then using my ears to hear listen to five different things. [Sometimes that's hard because it is usually very quiet around here.] If needed I will look for 5 different textures to touch. Refocusing my senses seems to help the level of anxiety. And after a bit I can take a step back and see that indeed my anxiety has gone down. Would you try that and see how it works for you?
Ginger