Waves of anxiety/panic

@IrelandsMomma sometimes it's just... Like the ocean. Repetitive and unstoppable. 

Yes, I can relate. I had crippling panic attacks on and off for about 7+ years. I didn't want to take meds for it although I was close to doing so at the start. I ended up learning about ways I could improve my daily lifestyle and went the holistic route. I too tried some of the things you had mentioned Meditation, breathing and visualization techniques, walking in nature, qi gong, exercise, supplementation, positive thinking, dietary changes etc. But at the time I was struggling quite hard financially and that was where the source of the stress was coming from. So until that started to ease up and get better I was a bit of a mess.

Over time it got better slowly but surely. They became less and less frequent now I don't have them anymore. I used to get the rarer sort of panic attacks too. The ones that would last for hours at a time. So to say it was frightening and very taxing is an understatement that some of you on here may understand all too well.

Learning about the vagus nerve and vagal toning massage was a total game changer for me though. The exercises can be found on YouTube and are simple fast and really effective in bringing the nervous system back into balance. Out of all the things I tried to do in the beginning none of that ended up being as effective as doing vagal toning exercises. I highly recommend adding that to your anti anxiety tool belt!

Yup sometimes it comes in waves and sometimes it’s constant

@IrelandsMomma 

I feel the same way a lot 

@IrelandsMomma, I understand it comes to me too. I can get a long time feeling pretty good, and then bam. Sometimes, I try to figure out why, and often, I can't, and it is best to accept and move on. It always passes. Sometimes, I find it is from being tired. I guess my point in sharing is your not alone. 

@IrelandsMomma Absolutely. In addition to all the other things, something that sometimes helps is I just ride the wave of anxiety and say “f it. I’m anxious and uncomfortable and this sucks. I am not okay.” I sit with that and just acknowledge how bad I feel lol And then I remind myself “but I have come out of this before and I will again.” I wish we had a magic wand to make these intense attacks less debilitating. You are not alone!

@IrelandsMomma

Hey there, I totally get what you're going through. Anxiety can be incredibly tough, especially when it hits in waves like that. It's great that you're trying different techniques like breathing exercises, journaling, and mindfulness. Sometimes just acknowledging that you're not alone in feeling this way can help a bit

Here are some practical things I use to help manage anxiety during those waves:

1. Deep Breathing: Practice slow, deep breaths to calm the nervous system. Inhale deeply through your nose, hold for a few seconds, and exhale slowly through your mouth.

2. Progressive Muscle Relaxation: Tense and then relax each muscle group in your body, starting from your toes up to your head. This can help release physical tension associated with anxiety.

3. Grounding Techniques: Focus on your senses to bring yourself back to the present moment. For example, describe objects around you in detail or notice the sensation of your feet on the ground.

4. Mindfulness Meditation: Practice mindfulness by paying attention to your thoughts and sensations without judgment. Apps like Headspace or Calm can guide you through meditation exercises.

5. Physical Activity: Engage in gentle exercise like walking, yoga, or stretching to release endorphins and reduce anxiety.

6. Reach Out: Connect with supportive friends, family, or communities like 7 Cups for reassurance and understanding.

7. Limit Stimulants: Reduce caffeine and alcohol intake, as they can exacerbate anxiety symptoms.

8. Self-Compassion: Be kind to yourself during these moments. Understand that anxiety is a normal human response and give yourself permission to feel what you're feeling without judgment.

@IrelandsMomma totally understand. Really appreciate you as you have tried a lot of means to help yourself. 

I definitely know how you feel. Honestly for me recently I take a nap. I listen to audiobooks about anxiety. I do my breathing. Medication has helped me tremendously in the past. I always try and remember the anxiety will pass, even when im in it and don’t think it will.