Really helpful, thank you
I think the most important part for me during a panic attack is the telling myself it will be OK. The NOT being scared bit is a hurdle. I have found lots of what I call 'tricks' to help me out, the best ones are distraction methods. I have to find 5 things I can hear, 4 things I can see, 3 things I can touch, 2 things I can smell, 1 thing I can taste etc. I find this really helpful.
Putting on my earphones and going for a brisk walk helps but this took a long time as the anxiety caused me to isolate and become quite agoraphobic.
The dropping your shoulders thing is so true! I would get home from town or a meeting and my whole neck and shoulders would be burning because I'd been so tense, it's something that I have to conciously say to myself- relax your shoulders!
I phone the no panic helpline when there is no one else to talk to and have even called samaritans when it's been 2/3 o clock I the morning and I must sat they have been so supportive. I think when you're having a panic attack the thing you need most is REASSURANCE that everything really is GOING TO BE OK.
Thank you for sharing your tips. I don't feel I can say I'm in recovery right now but I can say that anxiety does Not rule my life anymore...Things can only get better.
To all....Have HOPE