My anxiety friends: How do you deal with panic attacks? What usually works for you? I usually disassociate on TikTok/YT or eat a sour candy. - ThreadSky

seratcha.bsky.social • 19 days ago

My anxiety friends:
How do you deal with panic attacks? What usually works for you?

I usually disassociate on TikTok/YT or eat a sour candy.

Comments

apesnake3.bsky.social•19 days ago

No joke: racing games. Especially those with a big open world map (Burnout Paradise, my beloved). I'll just disassociate and drive aimless for an hour or two.

abilenec.bsky.social•19 days ago

Ice in my armpits

worsethan.bsky.social•19 days ago

I try to break the thought patterns by taking a breath to think about what I can physically do in that moment to make the next day better for me. If it's starting a load of laundry, wiping down the kitchen table, laying out my clothes for the next day, etc. and then I force myself do that thing.

yraceauntie.bsky.social•19 days ago

I can’t do anything other than lay in bed and hope my brain wears itself out and resets with some sleep sooner than later.

xchloe.bsky.social•19 days ago

I've learned that anything that stimulates your senses it can help bring you out of a panic attack. Ex eating a sour candy, hot/cold shower, breathing techniques, etc. The hardest part is utilizing these coping skills instead of just wallowing (which is what I tend to do.) You got this 🫶🏻

avmera.edm.blue•19 days ago

Depends on how bad the panic attack & your preference. If really bad & you’re already in the middle of one, breathing exercises make sure you count bc your body will want to rush, regular light meditation is also good, if you have ADHD you can do a repetitive motion meditation.

avmera.edm.blue•19 days ago

Music/silence or body pressure (whatever makes you feel better). I also recommend designating an area that makes you feel safe.

thepinkkobold.bsky.social•19 days ago

No one thing works for me, so I just endlessly scroll through my arsenal of techniques to find the one that works
Sometimes I can get by with some measured breathing and playing some video games or reading, other times it's doomscrolling, or creating new characters for ttrpgs (anything that- cont.)

thepinkkobold.bsky.social•19 days ago

(distracts my mind). Sometimes I have to use a logic wall. Just keep hitting it with logic from an outside source I trust until it stops. When all of those don't work I just cry it out. I let it go and ride it to the end, then I take a nap or go to bed and hope the next morning is better.

alv1966.bsky.social•19 days ago

I do tasks that I don’t enjoy or walk on my treadmill. That helps with immediate anxiety. Then I paint. I’m using canvas now, but I’m about to start mural on a large wall in my art room. In nice weather I garden.

queenofthesky.bsky.social•19 days ago

I have no advice. I doom scroll like it's a lifeline

simplykelseypage.bsky.social•19 days ago

Strong flavors help me too! Usually chewing mint gum and doing some movement, even if it’s just anxious dancing from foot to foot hahaha

stevenhi.bsky.social•19 days ago

A heavy af weighted blanket on my chest

uhitswhit.bsky.social•19 days ago

I use my 5 senses. I usually try and find an object around the room to stare at, Smell what's around me, get something to drink, Listen to what's around me. Other times I will change my environment up and step outside.

rachelfirebird.bsky.social•19 days ago

Grounding (5 things you can see, 4 you can hear, 3 you can touch, 2 you can smell, 1 you can tell).

Also movement (gets rid of the cortisol) and splashing cold water on the face. @autconnect.bsky.social told me that, something to do with whales.

s0urwhermies.bsky.social•19 days ago

engage your senses! Sometimes I hold ice in my hand over the sink or have a warm drink

candicekbrathwaite.bsky.social•19 days ago

Lexapro

owynchandler.bsky.social•19 days ago

I carry my headphones with me everywhere. Music has always been my biggest was I moderate my anxiety. Helps to block out any kind of stimulation so I can just focus on breathing

miaofdoom.bsky.social•19 days ago

You can trick your brain into exiting fight/flight:

- Lean forward and splash water on your face (mimicking a diving motion)
- Run as hard as you can in bursts
- Dance really hard, allowing your limbs to make striking/pushing motions
- Swing on some swings in a playground fast and high

1/2

miaofdoom.bsky.social•19 days ago

Once you’ve cleared the fight/flight response, settle your body by:

- Name what you are feeling and why (I am scared because I feel like I’m out of control)
- Cry it out
- Focus on your breathing.
Slow inhale through nose (count to 4)
Slow exhale from mouth (count 4)
Repeat x4

2/2

tavreth.bsky.social•19 days ago

I do my best to focus on my breathing. Steady and even breaths usually do the trick.

cephilis.bsky.social•19 days ago

Cold cold water on my face or down my back! I get so hot when I panic that reducing my temperature can bring it to a nice stop.
Or if you don't trust the water or sink, I started using cooling wipes and fan combo, it's very soothing!

kieftness.starts.quest•19 days ago

Took my entire 20’s to learn I had to physically ground myself to get out of severe panic attacks. You can’t always think your way out, so you shock your body back to reality that you’re not in danger. Sour candy is great if you are out in public or at work, but at home cold showers worked for me.

picklemickle.bsky.social•19 days ago

Take deep breaths then take action, usually by sewing or gardening, sometimes just talking with others face to face about anxieties

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