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Is there a way to control Panic Attacks naturally?

By Anonymous September 13, 2009 - 9:03am
 
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My boyfriend of 6 months has anxiety. I am not originally from the State I live in now and I am trying to get him to spend a weekend in my hometown but his anxiety gets so bad even thinking about it, he doesn't end up going.

Does anyone have any suggestions? He will not take prescriptions medication so I am trying to find a natural solution.

Thanks for any suggestions!

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Getting down to the specific reason of the attack is one way of getting to a good solution.

I have had panic attacks before as well and I would not go 5 miles away from home or from a hospital of my preference. Getting hit with the wind would give me the chills and hyperventilate ASAP. I had to take medications for a couple of years or two up until I finally decided to stop medications when I strongly decided that I can not continue living a life dependent of medication.

Now, I am free from my medication although I ALWAYS bring one with me just in case life becomes too intense to handle. So what cured me? Self-esteem and courage. But it took time and the medications I had to take during those times helped a lot.

Best of luck!

September 16, 2009 - 8:36pm
EmpowHER Guest
Anonymous

i have panic disorder...and i have to take lots of meds every day...but i found a web page and i like to give to you..i hope that answer what you looking for found there...page is http://tinyurl.com/okddmj
all the best to you...

mr panic attack

September 16, 2009 - 12:55pm

Miscortes,

Is your boyfriend fearing the actual journey? The flying or driving?

Or is he fearing what might happen there?

Or is he fearing the leaving of his routine and familiar surroundings?

Is he able to list specifically what he is afraid of? Is he aware of what has caused him to panic in the past?

I have an anxiety disorder and got much needed relief from learning how to breathe and how to "watch the right movie" in my head. People with panic disorders are often very creative, and they can "see" all the things that might happen in their head as though it were almost a movie, with color, pictures, sound effects and emotional reactions. For instance, if you're on a plane when turbulence starts, it's very easy to "see" the entire story -- the flight is bumpy, it gets chaotic, it starts to go down, you're trapped, people are screaming and praying, you're killed, your family is grieving -- and so on. And all the chemical reactions -- adrenaline, cortisol -- kick in, which only seem to reinforce the appropriateness of our panic.

However, once the turbulence stops, we don't make ourselves "watch" the CORRECT movie in our heads -- the plane is flying well, all systems work, the landing gear touches down, we hear it and feel it, the plane rolls to a stop, we have landed safely and exit easily and go on about our lives.

In other words, we need to use our creative skills to watch the movie that is actually likely to happen, rather than just watching the movie we fear.

Breathing and mental relaxation and control are key to this. There are wonderful audio CDs that can help with panic, as well as biofeedback. Would your boyfriend be willing to see someone (a counselor or therapist) on a short-term basis to talk about this? Would he be willing to see a naturopath for suggestions? (For instance, the Bach's Flower Remedies?) Or would he be more likely to read a book?

It takes a little while to learn to control a panic or anxiety disorder, but it can totally be accomplished, and life becomes a lot easier when you can.

September 15, 2009 - 9:12am

Hi Melissa,

I'm so sorry to hear about your boyfriend. Panic attacks can be a very scary, intense experience for someone. Does your boyfriend have Panic attacks (has happened once or twice) or Panic Disorder (happens any time he is significantly stressed, leaves his house, etc.)

Panic attacks tend to get worse over time if no medication or treatment is seeked. This is one of those medical conditions that you would WANT to get professional help from, even if it is just therapy and no actual medication.

Here are some lifestyle modifications and home remedies:
*Stick to your treatment plan. Facing your fears can be difficult, but treatment can help you feel like you're not a hostage in your own home.
*Join a support group for people with panic attacks or anxiety disorders so that you can connect with others facing the same problems.
*Avoid caffeine, alcohol and illicit drugs, all of which can trigger or worsen panic attacks.
*Practice stress management and relaxation techniques. Meditation, yoga and guided imagery may be good options.
*Get physically active, since aerobic activity may have a calming effect on your mood.
*Get sufficient sleep — enough so that you don't feel drowsy during the day.

Source: Mayoclinic.com

I hope this helps!

September 13, 2009 - 12:25pm
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