Anxiety people - how do you handle the "Panic Hangover"?

[bocaburger]

So, I had a bit of an anxiety attack this afternoon. Long story short, I have a major fear of car accidents and we were driving and it started to downpour and I thought we were going to die. Anyway, it wasn't too serious, but since then (probably 5-6 hours ago) I have been feeling down and anxious and just "off". I've noticed that this happens to me fairly frequently - I have a really hard time bouncing back after I panic. I think part of it is that I get light-headed and nauseous from hyperventilating.

Anyway, do any of you experience these "hangovers" after panic, and if so, do you have any tips for how to handle them and move on?

[somebirdswalk]

bocaburger,So with you...

I haven't been doing well with this lately and have been stuck in a near-constant state of anxiety but the part of me that remembers how to cope says, "I like to take a bubble bath or watch some Golden Girls, something to really initiate relaxation and resume a sense of safety. For me the anxiety is rooted in fear, fear of not being lovable/good enough/safe etc., so it's all about restoring the safety net or faith that everything will be all right. Loving-kindness meditation or connecting with nature (closest thing to faith for me) also helps a lot."

Although right now I wish I could just pop a Xanax and sleep it all off.

Bear in mind I have about a 3-day recovery period from my episodes, recovering any quicker can be considered a bonus or suspicious rebound (feeling up too soon=setting me up for another fall), the DH and I usually force me to slow down for a good few days just to make sure I don't double dip. Not sure if I could make things recover faster with more practice, maybe someday, for now I just focus on stopping a complete mood mudslide from occurring.


Sorry you had to experience that, you're not alone with the accident anxiety! It comes on so fast sometimes! The hangovers suck... I like to imagine that my circuits were fried and need time to cool off and reboot. Feel better soon

[somebirdswalk]

Oh, and massages are wonderful I get really bad aches and pains after mine, so massages or yoga or swimmming really help

[yoshijo28]

bocaburger ((hugs)) my anxiety over something typically last several days and I'll have chest pain, fatigue, lack motivation, and feel really shaky. It's tough to get out of but I find that exercise does help.

To try to relax ill color or listen to some Colbie Caillat radio on spotify which has calming songs(artists like John Mayer, the Script, Sara Barailles).

I agree with somebirdswalk. I was just getting over a bad week of anxiety and got a massage on Monday to help with the aches associated with it. I get really bad knots in my back and get pins and needles feelings In my arms so a massage helps.

I hope you're feeling better!

[icequeen]

bocaburger, it always helps me to get outside in the fresh air and do some deep breathing exercises. I also like to read because then my mind is focused on the words I am reading instead of thinking about my recent panic attack.

[Deleted]

bocaburger - icequeen is my soulmate in terms of techniques. Maintaining a calm breathing pattern will help you return to "normal" more than any other technique.

[Ray]

Hi! I'm not going to tell you what I do to deal with it because I never seem to deal with it properly but I'll give you some ideas my old counsellor gave me that in a perfect world id remember to do when dealing with it lol

Take a walk outside
Play with the dogs (if you have any)
Have a hot shower or bath.
Deep breathing
Exercise.

HTH!!

[Deleted]

I also do deep breathing and I'll rub my hands on my legs. Helps bring me into the moment for some reason - back to reality and that everything is okay. I started yoga several months ago and now that's my go to as well - the focus and breathing helps me get out of my head and there's nothing like restorative flow.

I think you really just have to try to find how you relax and get out of your thoughts... and some things will work part of the time and something totally different will help another time. Just have a few things in your pocket.

I hope you find your relaxation! Hugs!