If you suffer from an anxiety attack, how do you cope with it?

I make myself go to sleep or I cannot function. And the next day I have to take off and try and relax as I’m still coming off the attack.

I can so relate to you. I have GAD (Generalized Anxiety Disorder) with panic attacks and used to be agoraphobic because of them. Going to sleep is not going to help them…the best thing you can do is face the attacks. As frightening as it may be to do this, it is the ONLY way. Unless of course you plan on sedating yourself with some sort of med that’s only going to hide the problem.

You conditioned yourself to be this way, you can condition yourself to not be this way. Grocery stores were a major problem, I couldn’t shop. Hubby had to do all of our shopping. However, one day I made myself go in and I bought one item…got through the line and left. Full of panic….felt like I was going to pass out but instead of the normal “What if…” self talk, I replaced it with “So what…” self talk. Then the next day, I went back in and I walked down as many aisles as I could…and purposefully brought on an attack and made myself go through it. OMG, how freeing was it to remain, facing that attack, and NOTHING horrible happened. I didn’t pass out, I didn’t have a heart attack, I didn’t lose control or make a fool of myself. I continued this for about 2 weeks..sometimes buying something, sometimes just browsing…and finally after years of a self imposed prison..I went out grocery shopping all by myself.

While shopping may not be the issue for you……facing any of your fears or what causes the panic is what will set you free. If you need to talk, email me. Good luck.

Coping With Panic Attacks and Anxiety

Abbie Jaye $1.99 …

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