No matter how hard I try I always have a panic attack if I have to go into hospital ! Is there anything I can do so I can stop it from happening ?
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Last Updated: 11/22/2021 at 2:03am
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I have been through a lot in life too, which helps me to be able to empathize with situations, thoughts and feelings that we have. Sometimes, it's not easy just being human.
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First of all, you must focus on your breathing. Concentrate on how much air you inhale and exale and count it, calm and slow. When you feel a little better, try to focus on things you like and do not think of going there. Once you are able to do it more easly, try to think of good things that happen there so you can break the traumatic experience you once had and see how good it can be for you.
Hospitals are an inherently stressful place. They are filled with noise, activity, illness and for many they are associated with either personal pain and suffering or the pain and suffering of the ones we love. And that's before you even consider the reason why you might be needing to go into one. I've spent my own fair share of time in an emergency room and honestly everytime I walk into one now whether it's for me or someone else I can't help to remember all the times I've been in there. But, the important part to realize is why we're going there in the present time, which is ultimately to give or receive help. Hospitals may not be a nice place to be in but they are the hub of activity for all the talented, skilled and incredibly kind souls who have chosen to be nurses and doctors (I won't forget to mention all the hospital's staff here too) so that they can give that help. Looked at in that way hospitals seem like a much more friendly and inviting place.
When I used to panic at the thought of going to the hospital there were a few things that helped me get through it.
Thoughts: "I've been here before and made it through." "I'm in great hands here." "It will be over before I know it" "Better to get some reassurance now so Im not constantly bothered by intrusive thoughts."
Focus on Something: Feeling a little panicky? Nothing like focusing on a good mobile game, or popping in some headphones and jamming out to your favorite or relaxing tunes. If youre a reader, try taking a book with you. If not try taking it with you anyway, you might just find a new hobby.
Practice Deep Breathing: I say "practice" because it takes time for deep breathing to work effective for us in a way that will be calming. It doesnt work for everyone but it doesnt hurt to practice it.
You can work your way through it with "intentional" desensitization techniques. Meaning you go to a hospital with the intention of being able to cope better with each visit. Have a goal statement with you, something you say before, during and after. "I choose to be more comfortable while in hospitals" "I choose to be calm and feel safe in hospitals" "I can do this, I can overcome my panic attacks" You have to mean it. Everything in life works by intention, or you're wasting your time. and doing this may take a lot of tries. Should get better over time.
Meditation has been proven to release negativity and clear the mind. This will enable you to a higher sense of peace as well as a feeling of tranquility.
Anonymous
November 9th, 2015 6:22pm
The best way is if you face this situation again and again. Tell yourself that you know you will have a panic attack (before you are in the situation). And also tell yourself, that you can handle everything, although the feelings are overwhelming. Just leave that situation if your anxiety decreased. Or maybe there is a special reason for your panic attacks. Try to find it and work on it ;) Best wishes
There is a way to get over it yes, first you need to think about what it is that makes you feel anxious about hospitals and once that has been discovered you need to deal with those fears and id suggest getting help to deal with them :) that should stop the panic attacks .
Anonymous
June 7th, 2016 11:23pm
There is nothing you can do to end it in general, but you can gradually make it bearable, anxiety never goes away. All you can do is find coping skills :)
Yes there sure is something you could do for you to stop a panic attack what you need to do is distract yourself from what gave you a panic attack in the beginning and distract drink some chamomile or lavender tea they're good teas not just for anxiety but also for tension,stress, etc. You should distract it by doing what you like color a coloring book or do a word search :)
Mindfulness techniques can be very good for staying in the moment and not letting your thoughts spiral out of control. If you feel yourself getting anxious, simply acknowledge that you're anxious and allow yourself to feel that way. Notice the things around you, notice any physical sensations, any visual details, any sounds in the background. If you have any worried thoughts, acknowledge them and let them pass on their own. You can close your eyes and take deep breaths if you need to. Even though it may be hard to believe in the moment, remember that you're alright and you're not in any danger.
Something that has helped me with situations like this is trying to do breathing exercises and trying to take each moment in small steps. I also try and assess what makes me feel this way and what is currently making me feel that way of the certain thing that is making me panic at the moment. When I identify what is scaring me, it helps me to control it better. Even when I don't know what's bothering me, I look to other people for support and I also try grounding techniques so I know that I'm safe and aware of my surroundings.
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