Panic attacks

[jebnz]

Hi, I've just signed up here. I've had anxiety since high school that I'm aware of, and had some episodes of panic attacks over the last 20 or so years. For some reason they have just started again and seem worse than ever this time. They nearly always start in the evening, and sometimes they come on because I anticipate them! But sometimes, like tonight, they just come out of the blue. I am seeing a psychologist, which I think will be good in the long term, but wondered what tactics people use to deal with these attacks when they start? I am taking Prozac (3 weeks now) and was hoping it had started to work, as I have just had a whole week with no attacks. My symptoms tonight, like the ones over the last 2 weeks are tense muscles and shaking and an inability to relax or stop focussing on what my body is doing or how this is going to mess up my day tomorrow or impact on my work. I have taken 5 mg diazepam, but don't want to be overly reliant on drugs. Any helpful suggestions or comment would be much appreciated. My poor husband has been suffering with me and has been a great support but is also getting stressed as he doesn't know how to help.

Thanks, Janet

[rubyslippers]

I normally put on a song that I know all the words to or something really mellow to try and take my mind off things are relax. I haven't really got anymore advice as that is why I am here myself and it different things work for different people. But I hope it gets better for you Janet :D

[Schatmeisje]

Hi and welcome !! i get bad attacks at night too, the only thing that helps me (and the only meds i take is diazepam too- but only very rarely) is to get an ice pack and put in on my forehead and then try some meditation while i am laying in bed. I dont know why the cold ice pack helps though???? but it definitely helps me and i concentrate on the coldness instead of the panic more.