Panic attacks

Did you ever felt like you were out of breath without doing a thing? Or that you had a lot of stress? That your heart was going very fast? Maybe you were shaking too or felt dizzy? Well, it could be that you had a panic attack.

I had already different panic attacks the last couple of months. Why are you probably asking? Well, because I have a lot that stays in my mind. It never gets out of my mind. Especially the negative thoughts and things that happened stay in there. I'm also someone who is stressing a lot. I'm always thinking about the worst case scenario. These things cause a panic attack.

When I have a panic attac I'm not having a lot of air. For me that's not good at all because I have asthma. So when I have a panic attack most of the time I need to take my inhaler before it's getting much worser. 

Another symptom I have is dizziness. I can't stay up for to long. So it's better that I sit. But one thing about me and certainly at that moment is that I'm very stubborn. When I have a panic attack and I'm busy with something I want to finish it first. Most of the time I can't finish it. I need to look first to stop my panic attack and then finish it. 

When I have a big panic attack I also get chest pain. It's like someone is stabbing a knife in my heart. Like I said I have this only if it's a big attack. I hadn't have this symptom for a long time now. I think it's a good thing. Sometimes I also have it very warm and sometimes I'm very cold.

Having a panic attack isn't nice or anything I'm happy with. When I have one I really want to hide it. Stopping the panic attack is something very difficult for me. Sometimes it can lest 5 minutes but sometimes it can go on for 1 hour or even longer. What I also already have had is a panic attack which stopped and after a few minutes it began again.

So what do you need to do when you have a panic attack? First of all don't think negative. It's easier to say then to do. I can speak for myself. Like I already said. The negative things and thoughts stay in my mind. I can't get it out. What helps me is writing it down. In a notebook or maybe online like I do. Writing blogpost or if you don't want to start a blog you can also write a post on Facebook or Instagram. If you don't want to do this you can call or message a friend. 

But what when you have a panic attack? First of all sit down and stop with what you were doing. After that pay attention how you're breathing. Is your breathing faster then normally? Make a bowl out of your hands and breath inside of your hands. You can also use a plastic bag to breath in it. Sometimes it's better when someone is around he or she can help you. If there isn't anyone nearby try to focus on your own breathing. In your head you can say very slow: "Breathing in ... breathing out". Again it's easier to say then to do. Wen I'm alone it always takes more time then when somebody's around to help me. 

If you're feeling nauseous and your breathing is better then you can lay down. What I also have is that I'm getting very thirsty. So after a panic attack I need to drink.

Once you had a panic attack yourself it's easier to help others when they have a panic attack. You know how they feel and what they are going through. I already helped a kid when she had a panic attack. I tried to let her focus on her breathing and after a few minutes her panic attack was almost over. 

I will also say that everyone reacts in a different way when they have a panic attack. When you see someone who has a panic attack stay calm and help him or her. If you have a panic attack yourself try to stay calm. 

Toinon