If one more person says...

"just take a deep breath and think calm thoughts" I will rip their head off...(ok, only in imagination, but you get it)

Lately, my anxiety/depression/panic attacks have gone to a whole other level. I am now getting heart palpitations, dizzy/lightheadeness with them and terrible migraine headaches. Which of course throws me into a panic attack-full force. I have tried mindfulness, meditation (some reason I can't stop the over thinking), medication (which helps but I am now out of and can't get to dr due to $ issues at moment, my own fault there) therapist who suggests watching youtube videos, and exercise which gets my heart really racing.

but I am now getting to the point to where I am almost afraid to go anyplace in fear I will get dizzy, then panic attack. I have also tried herbal supplements. IDK at this point other than going back on meds.

But a couple other family members tell me to take a deep breath, and basically think happy thoughts. I don't know about you, but I can't breathe when I am hyperventilating, let alone think straight. If this certain someone would have an experience like panic or even hard core anxiety issues, they'd understand. I know they mean well, but others just don't truly understand. But of course, I certainly DO NOT wish this on anyone!

Has anyone ever tried something that seems to work or at least minimize panic attacks? I am at a loss right now and going back on meds (celexa and anti-anxiety meds) is my last choice .... but I do know it's a bandaid.

and so it goes....

**sorry, just needed to vent here. :idontknow:

i feel like there is a cause to your anxiety perhaps. something is bothering you in your life that you may or may not be comfortable addressing.

Maybe you should try taking a deep breath... Just kidding, I couldnt resist.

It drives me nuts when people say just breath or just let it go, like its that simple for everybody. Generally when I have breathing issues from anxiety it develops into an asthma attack so I tend to have to take deep breaths with a symbicort to get some control over it. It sometimes helps in that the asthma attack takes priority over the anxiety and its enough for it to pass.

Otherwise I find blasting music is the only thing that helps ease it, even though it only works some of the time.

While meds may be a bandaid of sorts, sometimes you need the bandaid to control the situation until you are able to fix the issue another way

The things that helped me beat panic

1. ruling out other life threatening conditions

2. exposing the lie in my mind that the panic could kill me

3. Challenging and embracing the panic. Fighting panic only makes it worse.

4. Finding answers from doctors, by getting second and third opinions.

5. Seeking counselling.