How do you deal with anxiety attacks in a social setting?
By Sonadora
@Sonadora (356)
United States
April 14, 2008 12:38pm CST
I'm sure I'm not the only one that suffers from anxiety attacks. I get them quite often. Sometimes they happen at home when I am alone, and they are easier to control because I can distance myself from the source and refocus my energy. But sometimes, like today, they occur in public, like a classroom for instance. This is a class where I cannot just get up and pace the halls until I calm down. It is very difficult and I can't afford to miss any of the lecture material. It is so hard for me to regain control in this kind of situation. And sometimes I have found that if I do not control it at the onset, these episodes will continue throughout the day. Any advice?????
1 person likes this
2 responses
@snovamp (55)
• Kabul, Afghanistan
16 Apr 08
I know the feeling you get when an attack strikes. I can tell you that I also have panic disorder or anxiety disorder. I have a tactic I use that has been helping me cope in social settings for years. I spell big words in my head, or do spelling. It takes my mind from paying attention to the attack to something else. And it does work. It's also helpful to do math in your head during an attack. Anything to take your mind off the attack works. I have found in the past that sitting in front of the boob tube did nothing more than flip me out worse than I was already. I had issues with what I was watching so I changed the channel constantly, which did nothing for the attack I was suffering through. In lecture, try to take notes, paying attention to the words you're writing. It takes practice but is possible to direct your attention away from the attack..
@Sonadora (356)
• United States
16 Apr 08
Thank you for the advice. I will have to try out what you suggested. Of course, I'm hoping I won't get the chance. I'm with you on the boob tube. It does nothing to help and just seems to make things worse. Usually I do breathing exercises to redirect my attention, but that would look silly if I did that in the middle of class. Anywho, thanks for your advice.
