Coping with panic attacks

Kathy Parker, about 1 year

I get on really well with lavender and also frankincense. I put them both on a hanky before I go anywhere. I have tried councilling, hypnotherapy and medication. They have all worked to a point but I think that you have to try as much as you can and not give up hope until you find what works for you. I also carry a palm stone with me and when it starts i squeeze it in my hand. Personally I use several different things and sometimes i need them all and sometimes I only need one thing. You just have to find a way and carry on.

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Sarbjit kaur, about 1 year

It says when you feel a panic attack comming on breath in the smell of lavender, i suffer from panic attacks aswell & have no warning what do i do then? I do take a daily dose of vitamin B tablets i've been taking them for six months but still no use

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Kelbel, over 2 years

Having sufffered with anxiety, depression and PTSD for over a decade, I've got a few tips that may help other people: a "Safe Place" When you are relaxed, think of somewhere you feel safe in eg your grandmother's kitchen, your own bed etc. When you feel a Panic Attack coming on, close your eyes, sit down if you can and imagine you are in this Safe Place - try to recall as much detail as possible - colours, textures, sounds, pictures - and this should help bring on the sense of calm you would feel if you were actually there. Once you have 'grounded' yourself in this way, you may be able to get a sense and a hold of your panic. b "Grounding Yourself" If you are in a convinient location - is when you are esconsed by panic or a traumatic memory - stamp your feet to help yourself remeber where you are and to gain a sense of self - helps bring you back to the moment. Not a good way to cope in the middle of an interview though! c Five Things for Each Sense Again dependant on a convinient location, look around you and list in your mind 5 things you can see, five things you can hear and five things you can feel. Eg TV, sofa, table, chair and clock; Ticking clock, traffic outside, your own breathing, buzz of electricity, neighbour's music; my back against the chair, my shoes around my feet etc etc This focuses your mind on your surroundings in a sensible way and away from imagined threats, panic, worry or anxiety. It can be modified to a good way to fall asleep too if you count five of each, thn four then three, two and one. By focusing your mind you stop dwelling on the anxiety build up IF this helps someone I'm glad.

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lea, over 2 years

I dont find lavender ever does the job, if I have a panic the last thing i want is to smell is my Nan.... I realise it helps alot of people but I need something alot more plausable please..... options are open

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