Panic attack - anyone awake?!

[pianomum2]

Is anyone up to chat to? My DH is away with work and my 2 DC are asleep. I'm having a panic attack and feel so awful!

What are you worrying about?

Get up, make a brew, put the radio / tv on for company.

Really stupid things like getting the washing and ironing done and the kids ready for school and the housework done. Completely irrational I know. Thanks for replying.

Try some slow breathing. Breathe In for the count of 6 (through your nose) hold for 3, breathe out for 6 through your mouth. Try to breathe into your tummy not your chest.

The other trick is to imagine your panic as a dial, right now it’s up too high, visualise yourself very gently, slowly turning it down.

You will be fine getting the kids to school/ironing done, you’ve done it a thousand times before. You CAN do it.

Thanks for the advice. I'm concentrating on my breathing and going to go downstairs. I'm not going to get anymore sleep now so may as well stop panicking about that!

Stop and breath.

Inhale for 4 seconds, exhale for 8 seconds. Do this until calm.

I have anxiety and panic disorder and when I’ve got nothing to distract myself I do my breathing exercises and they work really well, but make sure you’re counting the seconds.

How old are your DC? I’ve just had my first baby 4 weeks ago and I’m already worrying about which local school is the best one to send her to lol!

Anxiety and panic attacks are so awful aren't they? My DC are 6 and 8. Thanks so much, the breathing exercises are helping.

And congrats on your new baby!

Woke up at 4.30 this morning and lay there for about half an hour trying to get back to sleep, thinking about what I have to do today. I finally decided I might as well get up and make a start instead of worrying, so I've put a wash on, emptied the dishwasher, fed the cats, tidied up and am now having a coffee. If I get tired later on I'll have a quick nap on the sofa.
Hope you're feeling ok now. Anxiety is the pits. Have you tried making a list when you've got in bed at night? That way you don't lie there worrying that you might forget to do something.

They are awful. I find it helpful knowing that it’s not just a ‘in your head’ thing either, panic attacks are physical, your palms get sweaty as your body’s natural ‘lubricant’ in reaction to the fight or flight sensation, so if you needed to ‘flight’ from a ‘predator’ then our bodies sweat so that if a predator caught us we are slippery and can get away easier.
The stomach cramping or gurgling and the sudden need to nervous wee is your body attempting to get rid of fluid to make us lighter so we can run away faster.

It’s all in connection to the fight or flight reaction. Very interesting to read into and makes me feel a little less bonkers when I have an attack.

Aw that’s lovely ages.. I can imagine their Christmas wish lists are getting more interesting as they grow?

It's gradually passing. Going to do a few jobs before I get the kids up. Thanks so much for your help. Panic attacks are awful!

I’m glad it’s starting to ease.

Go pop the kettle on and enjoy your day (except the ironing and housework