Panic Attacks at Work
I experience panic attacks at work, almost daily. Most of the time I just put up with them or wait them out until they pass. Lately these attacks have been getting very debilitating. I almost passed out at work the other day, and my head was so tight I could've had a psychotic break.
It's really difficult to focus or even socialize at work with the constant fear of these attacks flaring up. Does anyone have any suggestions for coping with or addressing these panic attacks while at work? There's not really anywhere I can go that is away from people. I would just go sit in my car for a few but it can be as hot as 90 degrees Fahrenheit during the daytime right now.
Any help would really be appreciated...I can't keep living like this.
Hm I only struggled with that once and there was a freezer room I could go in to avoid everyone.
Maybe find the cause of the attacks?
If you have anything that helps keep you calm bring that to work?
I don't know other than that but I hope it gets better!
@TheWanderer89
Hi,
There are a lot of things that come to mind in helping you manage these panic attacks, but it does take time and there's no real quick fix unfortunately.
I understand the need to get away from people so that they don't see you having one, but have you ever talked to anyone about what you're going through? You may find that there's a colleague at work with anxiety or even a place that you can go that's cooler and safer then sitting in your car.
7 Cups made up a self-help guide which you can view here -
https://www.7cups.com/panic-attacks-help-online/
I always tried to hide my anxiety in front of people, and I always suffered for it. But, I had my first anxiety attack at work not too long ago. I couldn't breathe or control the tears, and I knew I was about to throw up. I had to ask an associate to take care of my customer, and it was very embarrassing- at the time.
After I recovered, she was very kind and talked with me about what happened. She told me that it's important to go ahead and take a break like I did (I actually ran to the bathroom to puke, but I didn't tell her that...). It is, actually, essential to give yourself time to recover, to stop thinking about work. You can't focus when having an attack, and it isn't fair to try.
I always have the slow recovery, meaning it returns in waves after the initial attack. Just being patient with myself, breathing, drinking water, and making sure my coworkers understand that I'm going to be okay. Establishing some kind of solid ground like that for yourself can be really helpful (: you will get through it!
Good luck to you <3
