Mitigating Panic Attacks

Zeromus

Hey guys,

Two nights ago I had a very severe panic attack at work -- numb, shaking, etc. Some very kind coworkers helped me, but the incident left me a bit shaken.

I've had some problems with anxiety before, most notably last year right around this time. I've never had an attack as severe as this. In any event, when it happened I knew how to control my breathing and eventually calm down, though it (and its after effects) lasted for what felt like forever.

I have a small dosage of Xanax to take when such attacks hit (it, unfortunately, was not on me on Tuesday), and it helps my body feel a bit better though the mental effects can linger. I always do my best to distract myself and though I feel like I've come close, I've been attack-free since Tuesday.

For some background, I work out fairly regularly and don't drink very much these days due to my very hectic work schedule. I think I'd been hitting the caffeine a bit hard, but have cut it out completely since Tuesday. I've also been working to maintain hydration.

My main problem right now is this: I am flying to Chicago from New York on Saturday morning and am very, very concerned that I'll have another serious attack on the flight despite my Xanax. I've never had a problem flying before, but I've also never felt anxious in line at Subway, as I did today.

Sorry if this was a bit tl;dr, but does anyone have advice as to how I can keep myself calm until I see my doctor next week? It's awful to feel this way, especially this time of year, and I would appreciate all advice.

Thank you!

DrAllecon

Do you still have the small doses of Xanax available to you? If you do, and are concerned about an attack while flying, a good way to avoid one is to take a tablet a little while before you board the flight. I know you normally take them only when you have an attack, but they can be very effective in helping to prevent one if you know you're about to enter a situation which is likely to induce anxiety. You may also wish to take one the night before you fly so you don't wind up sitting up all night worried about it.

If you don't have any more, even though you will likely have trouble seeing your doctor in between now and Saturday (ie tomorrow), you can call their office if they're open and explain the situation. Most offices will call in a small, emergency supply and then see you when you've returned from your trip.

With this short a period of time in between now and your flight, I would only recommend you continue to avoid caffeine (including chocolate, which contains more than most people think), use the Xanax and your breathing exercises.

Good luck!

Artereis

Xanax 1 hour before the flight. My wife does the same thing.

Nappuccino

I suffered some anxiety throughout grade/highschool (and still do on occasion). I got through it just by keeping my breathing controlled as soon as I realized I was starting to get an attack. If I kept my breathing even, my anxiety never got away from me. Just slow and deep in through the nostrils, hold it till 10 seconds or so, and then slowly exhale through your mouth.

However, I may have had much more mild attacks as something like Xanax was never necessary for what I was going through.

bowen

Yeah typically long deep breaths is a good way to control it if you have no extra medication, practice it until you're good enough to know what is a relaxing way to do it.

Zeromus

Hey guys, thanks for the advice. I've been doing better since the panic attack, so I'm sure I'll be just fine on the flight, but you never know. I'll definitely take a Xanax as I board to make sure it all goes smoothly. It's also a 6 a.m. flight, so I'm sure I'll be ready to pass out right away.

Edit: didn't want to double post, but I thought I would let you guys know that I did just fine on the flight.
Passed out right away and didn't even need the pill. Thanks for the help.