Do you ever hyperventilate? What do you do if so? Any tips for others who may need a little wisdom?

LOL

One thing I try to do when I am starting to hyperventilate is just STOP breathing and hold my breath for as long as possible!

My body's own survival system will then FORCE me to start breathing. And the longer I hold my breath, the harder I will breathe once I start again

You know what? I had no clue what to do. I was breathing deep and wondered why it wasn't helping but making it worse! I was looking it up just now actually, and it said to exactly what you mention and that deep breaths should be avoided! Crazy!

I will have you know that this helped me just now. I instantly recalled what you said here and used it. Thank you for sharing this!

Well, Oscar may not be as thrilled as we'd like him to be, but I'm glad it's working. Just make sure to have yourself checked out to see if there's an underlying problem

I have had panic attacks for years. It usually goes along with that. I have considered being seen for it though. I feel it is wearing me down.

Occasional massages will help. Praying. Involving yourself in social activities, such as Bingo, volunteering and/or inter-gender nude wrestling (I'll explain more when you get here), and laughter! All of these are good to PREVENT panic attacks, although nothing is full-proof.

I think hypnotism and FERVENT Prayer probably come the closest!

I used to run several miles each day I NEVER had panic attacks when I was doing that. After my husband changed jobs and I no longer had the chance to go out for a run because I had no one to watch the kids everything slowly went down hill for my physical and mental state. I am now working on getting myself back in gear. But I have some hurdles, so it's gonna be a project. I can't go running now because of my knee, but I am finding other things. I was going for the nude wrestling but had no one to wrestle with! You are a MIND READER! LOLOLOL!!

I have never done hypnotism, though I am not above trying it! But I automatically go to prayer because that goes a very long way for me! :)

Speaking of running, I should also tell you some KIND OF good news. The reason you weren't having panic attacks while running is because it takes ENERGY to have a panic attack. I once read that --in the event of a panic attack, or an onsetting one-- you should do a sprint somewhere. Anywhere. Even up and down the stairs until you're worn out.

In your case, because of your knee, you could quickly take a seat and start punching the air in front of you at a rapid pace. That'll use the energy your body needs to keep up the panic attack!

Hmmm. Maybe that is why when I panic I default to pacing wildly all over the house! I bet it's just hard wired into me to do that. I am going to try what you say. I have a huge balance ball. I bet I could just hold it in place with my knees while hammering away at it. That way I won't be in some disorganized panic pacing frenzy, it will be planned out and with a purpose! See now, you and all your good methods! ((HUGS))

I repeatedly clench and open my fists, not sure how effective it is but I think it help to concentrate on something ither than the fact I can't breath.

*other

Makes sense. I tend to irrationally think something is happening when it isn't, but when I panic over it It really feels as though it is happening. So distraction seems like a solid step to pulling out of it.

I usually can't stop it, at all. If I'm already at that point I will just basically wait it out. It sucks, but it's ok

Have you ever tried doing anything to help it? I was reading about the best way to handle it. I think the panic that comes along with it makes it very difficult. Because once you panic it just runs away with you.

Well, my dad would help me if he was around, he'd make me hold my breath for three seconds and breath out slowly, it usually worked. But only when he was around, I tried it once on my own and ended up speeding it up.

Yeah, because if you don't exhale the right way it can mess you a little more. What may help you is drinking water. Because you do not breathe when you are drinking. I discovered that helped me. When I have a panic attack I tend to drink a lot of water anyway. I also use a straw which helps. So maybe try that next time. You may end up drinking a glass or two, but if it helps it's all good.

Ok! I'll keep that in mind... by the way, Is the tingling natural? and the lightheadedness? Or the legs shaking?

Yes. When you hyperventilate your carbon dioxide levels drop very low. This causes your blood vessels to constrict. You then have too much oxygen in your system. The goal is to get the carbon dioxide up, than your body will level out. That is why when you exhale too much it makes the attack worse. Inhale, hold it and slowly exhale. If you understand what is happening, you will be less afraid and therefor more able to help yourself. Try to notice what you are doing when you hyperventilate. a lot of yawning or heavy sighing? These can lead to an attack in some people. This article gives a good explanation. https://www.healthline.com/health/hyperventilation

Thank you

It's happened to me, the leg thing and a weird stomach feeling before I get a panic attack, it's almost like a warning.

Next time try to talk yourself down. Be determined to beat it. Tell yourself that it's okay. Try to feel your body relax and remember that it is not going to kill you. Because we often feel that we are about to die when a panic attack hits. But it hasn't killed us so far has it?

Nope it hasn't, And sorrym had to go offline yesterday

No big deal. When someone disappears I assume they either didn't have anymore to add to the conversation, or they had other things t do! LOL

XD

and I was usually hugging him for stability.

I think the bag is the key. Low carbon dioxide levels lead to narrowing of the blood vessels that supply blood to the brain. As you breathe the bag collects the co2 that you exhaled and you breathe it back in which will raise its level in your blood.
P.s. don't keep the bag on your face lol.

Take albuterol

What is that and what does it do?

It helps my asthma

Okay, for asthma. See, I was referring to hyperventilating during a panic.

Pooh. Well I dont hyperventilate

I guess it can't be very different from a bad asthma attack. Though I have never had asthma so I can't say for sure. Funny too because I did smoke for 15 years.

They stink, are expensive, are a big inconvenience, and oh yeah. They STINK. I can't even be around the nasty smoke anymore.

I have coworkers that reek of it its awful standing next to them. I was waiting outside for my mom to pick me up. Some dude stood next to me and started smoking. I was like come on man. In my head.

I do not have a poker face at all. I usually give them the big wrinkly nose and fan the smoke away. Maybe next time try to find a place where the wind won't blow it right to you. I hate it when people stand near doorways and smoke.

Uggh

Poor that's not cool.