hi - i had anxiety & panic attack for over 25 years. one of the things that i found that really did help me was to do "reality" checks. i would ask myself questions that i could easily answer - things like - where am i what am i wearing (if out) - where am i going and what do i want/need to do? also acknowledge that this is real to you and that you've had it before and "survived" - you will this time too. some other things that helped me deal with the feelings & even the frustration of feeling trapped: 1. pray. i don't know if you are a christian or have some other belief system - but praying does help! 2. practice breathing techniques - one of my favorites that helped me feel like i had control over my body was to hold my breath - even if only for a second or two - and then release it slowly. it can be powerful to take back control over what your system is doing. 3. i also found it was very useful to do something physical to get rid of the chemical build-up that occurs when we are in stressful situations. i don't think it makes any difference if the stress is caused by something that is actually occurring or if it's just my body acting like it's in a real-life real-time situation. the results are the same and our actions and reactions are the same. i did get over the anxiety & panic attacks - so if i can i know and believe you can too! just remember you are not alone. and it isn't "just you. " please don't let anyone tell you to "just get over it. " been there/done that - if i could just get over it i wouldn't suffer with it. i really hope these things will help you. take care!
what do i do when my anxiety causes me mental and physical pain? . ive had anxiety since i was a kid. i dont take medications for it. i cant afford them. ive been trying to live with it and until recently ive done nothing about it. im tired of feeling like this its causing me emotional and physical pain. my relationships with friends and family members have been suffering. it often causes me to "wig out". when this occurs i have trouble breathing and chest pain. my whole mood just sours. i need help and i dont know whats wrong. what can i do?