Anxiety attacks aren’t fun, but they are real, and something that a lot of people go through. The first time I had one, my parents literally thought I was dying, and they took me to the emergency room. They are the scariest things I and so many people I know have to go through. If you don’t know what an anxiety attack is or feels like, I want you to imagine it for me. It won’t come close to the actual feeling, but it might give you a better understanding.
Imagine your body collapsing. No, literally collapsing. You can't breathe. You can't move. Your mind is racing, and you feel like you are dying. Nothing is killing you, but your anxiety and mind are making you think otherwise. You feel like you are trapped in your own body. When I had mine, and when I have mine, I often feel like I am having a heart attack or stroke. On top of all of the physical things, comes the mental part. Your mind feels like it can't escape its thoughts, but all the overthinking you already do is multiplied by 1000. And on top of this, you are so lost in yourself, you don’t know how to control it.
Over the years now, I have had many anxiety and panic attacks. So here are the things that I do, that tend to help me usually.
- Cry. Let it all out. Scream (if you can). Don’t hold this back. Holding these feelings back will make it worse.
- Accept you are having one. Let yourself feel these feelings, but know you are having a panic/anxiety attack. You are not dying. This is your illness trying to close in on you. Don’t let it. Accept this, and it will help you get over this episode.
- If you are physically able to, drive around and blare music. Try not to make it sad music, empowering music usually works best.
- Take a shower or a bath. Whichever you prefer, get yourself in water. Make your body feel something. Let it help you wash these thoughts away.
- Text someone you can trust. Or call them. Contact them in any way. Make sure you know they will be there for you, and make sure it is someone who you know is good at helping you come down from these.
- Honestly, breathe. I know everyone says that, but seriously. Deep breaths will help a bit. Listen to yourself breathing. Make it steady. Keep track of your heartbeats. Listen to your body. You are alive. You will be OK. You are OK.
Everyone has different ways they personally deal with their anxiety and panic attacks, but these are the ways I found that worked. Anxiety attacks are scary. They aren’t fun. Nothing is funny about them. It is a part of some people's everyday lives, and if you are struggling to find a way to get past them, I hope my six ways of doing so may help you.
