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There is an abundance of myths and miseducation when it comes to mental health disorders. Unless you have studied the topic or know someone with one of these illnesses knowing how to identify and understand people that suffer from them might be difficult. Recently someone took to Imgur to write out the things he’s learned about dealing with panic attacks and anxiety from dating his girlfriend, who experiences both. (Facebook cover image: Britt-knee | Cover image: Britt-knee)
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According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness in the U.S and highly treatable, yet only 36.9% of people suffering receive treatment. People who battle/ have loved ones who battle anxiety and depression are sharing their stories more, helping to educate others. Scroll down below to read what he’s learned and wants others to know.
The online user later added that because each person is unique, they might have different calming strategies
People appreciated his honesty and shared their own experiences along with strategies they had learned
What do you think ?
Alexandru Bucur 7 years ago
Yup, 100% agree with this post. My girlfriend has anxiety attacks stemming from PTSD, and that that's exactly the way to deal with them. Luckily, she's been getting a lot better in the last few years, courtesy of her hard work with her therapist. But still, her brain will occasional just freak out, no matter how innocuous the setting., so it's a good idea as the to always be on your toes.
diane a 7 years ago
The worst thing about panic attacks for me is the fear of having them in front of strangers.
diane a 7 years ago
When you really need to go into a shop to buy a couple of essentials - and you walk past the window several times til you know there are no other customers in there before you dare go in. Because you you worry you may have an attack at the checkout and the less people around the safer you feel.
Load More Replies...
Alia G. 7 years ago
My close friend has frequent panic attacks. The breathing thing really does help, it also helps her to sort of hum a melody. If someone doesn't like being hugged, offer to hold their hand. It's human contact that's not to invasive or restraining, and you can apply gentle pressure to help focus. Not for everyone obviously, some don't want contact at all. The only thing you can really do is be there for them.
athornedrose 7 years ago
where do i find guys that will be patient with my anxiety disorder?! i appreciate the hell outta this.
k boettcher 7 years ago
My husband is awesome I need to be alone in a dark room with no noise. Noise and talking make things worse for me.
Diamond Zelina 7 years ago
Reading this was really meaningful and important. I suffer from many mental health issues that many have no idea I have because I hide them. However, my husband sees a lot and doesn't always know what to say or do and sometimes thinks I'm mad or not talking to him or doesn't understand why I just had a panic attack or what triggered a seizure but simply things can be the cause and patience, support and love can go along way. Not everyone can handle someone with all these types of "issues" or whatever people like to call them but it does take a strong person and circle of people to understand and help each other <3 not an easy bath for anyone. The person with the illness and the person wanting to help. Thank you Thank you again
Joana Tavares 7 years ago
The other day i was on my friend's house. I was ok, having fun and stuff. We start listening to xmas songs and i had a panic attack. I lost my great-aunt some days ago and I'm really in a bad shape. She was like a Mother to me and she always helped me setting the house for xmas. I was trying not to show that i was about to start crying. Didn't want to scare my friend. I layed on the bed and start crying. He came to my side, sat down and start talking to me slowly and gently. He only touch my leg and my arm gently and then just stood there, next to me while i did my grounding exercise. I start saying out loud the things i could saw, feel and listen. He repeated after me in a calm form and stroke my leg gently. After a while i start making sense and he huged me. I told him i miss her so much and i start crying softly. He never ever left my side and was calm the whole time. 1st time seeing a panic attack and he was awesome. He told me everything was ok and i shouldn't be embaress.
Joana Tavares 7 years ago
We are starting to date so this makes me so happy. He stood by my side and we slept cuddling. Best guy i ever met. And he helps me a lot with my depression. I was too afraid of driving alone. I never ever was hable to do it. One day he was like "wanna come and sleep at my house?" I was like "i dont know. It's dar away and i'll leave work late at night" he start telling me everything i start doing since i manage to fight my depression. So i took my car and drove to his house. Now is a routine. I always visit him in my free days. And everytime i do something new or win a battle (no matter how small it was) he just says i rock and i'm the best and i should be proud of everything. So yes he is amazing and caring 😊
Load More Replies...
Russian Valkyrie 7 years ago
I have a lot of trauma and would disassociate completely at the worst times like in a meeting or at the grocery store. I'd just stop doing anything at all like I was frozen in ice. My ex boyfriend would hold my hand or put a small stuffed animal in my hands or on my lap and quietly talk to me until I came out of it.
Raheel Ahmad 7 years ago
My friends suffers from panic attacks when walking alone in the hall way. One happened today during lunch. THANK YOU for the tips!!!
diane a 7 years ago (edited)
What I have learned from 30 yrs experience of panic attacks is --- just remind yourself it is a massive flood of a hormone racing through your system. You are not going mad. It is a physical thing - not a mental thing. You are not going mad. the fear and physical symptoms are telling your brain you are in real danger and your anxious thoughts just release more floods of adrenaline and noradrenaline to make youself feel more anxious. Break it down rationalise it - it is a hormone and adrenaline flood. breathe more slowly. If you can do it go into the situation which is making you panic. If you avoid it - then feel better. will simply reinforce the idea that avoiding an anxiety inducing situation is the best option. I really did work this out for myself 30 years ago. Panic attacks are hormones flooding your body, caused by your thoughts and making it shut down. Take a moment - think yourself out of it
Load More Replies...
Alexandru Bucur 7 years ago
Yup, 100% agree with this post. My girlfriend has anxiety attacks stemming from PTSD, and that that's exactly the way to deal with them. Luckily, she's been getting a lot better in the last few years, courtesy of her hard work with her therapist. But still, her brain will occasional just freak out, no matter how innocuous the setting., so it's a good idea as the to always be on your toes.
diane a 7 years ago
The worst thing about panic attacks for me is the fear of having them in front of strangers.
diane a 7 years ago
When you really need to go into a shop to buy a couple of essentials - and you walk past the window several times til you know there are no other customers in there before you dare go in. Because you you worry you may have an attack at the checkout and the less people around the safer you feel.
Load More Replies... Alia G. 7 years ago
My close friend has frequent panic attacks. The breathing thing really does help, it also helps her to sort of hum a melody. If someone doesn't like being hugged, offer to hold their hand. It's human contact that's not to invasive or restraining, and you can apply gentle pressure to help focus. Not for everyone obviously, some don't want contact at all. The only thing you can really do is be there for them.
athornedrose 7 years ago
where do i find guys that will be patient with my anxiety disorder?! i appreciate the hell outta this.
k boettcher 7 years ago
My husband is awesome I need to be alone in a dark room with no noise. Noise and talking make things worse for me.
Diamond Zelina 7 years ago
Reading this was really meaningful and important. I suffer from many mental health issues that many have no idea I have because I hide them. However, my husband sees a lot and doesn't always know what to say or do and sometimes thinks I'm mad or not talking to him or doesn't understand why I just had a panic attack or what triggered a seizure but simply things can be the cause and patience, support and love can go along way. Not everyone can handle someone with all these types of "issues" or whatever people like to call them but it does take a strong person and circle of people to understand and help each other <3 not an easy bath for anyone. The person with the illness and the person wanting to help. Thank you Thank you again
Joana Tavares 7 years ago
The other day i was on my friend's house. I was ok, having fun and stuff. We start listening to xmas songs and i had a panic attack. I lost my great-aunt some days ago and I'm really in a bad shape. She was like a Mother to me and she always helped me setting the house for xmas. I was trying not to show that i was about to start crying. Didn't want to scare my friend. I layed on the bed and start crying. He came to my side, sat down and start talking to me slowly and gently. He only touch my leg and my arm gently and then just stood there, next to me while i did my grounding exercise. I start saying out loud the things i could saw, feel and listen. He repeated after me in a calm form and stroke my leg gently. After a while i start making sense and he huged me. I told him i miss her so much and i start crying softly. He never ever left my side and was calm the whole time. 1st time seeing a panic attack and he was awesome. He told me everything was ok and i shouldn't be embaress.
Joana Tavares 7 years ago
We are starting to date so this makes me so happy. He stood by my side and we slept cuddling. Best guy i ever met. And he helps me a lot with my depression. I was too afraid of driving alone. I never ever was hable to do it. One day he was like "wanna come and sleep at my house?" I was like "i dont know. It's dar away and i'll leave work late at night" he start telling me everything i start doing since i manage to fight my depression. So i took my car and drove to his house. Now is a routine. I always visit him in my free days. And everytime i do something new or win a battle (no matter how small it was) he just says i rock and i'm the best and i should be proud of everything. So yes he is amazing and caring 😊
Load More Replies... Russian Valkyrie 7 years ago
I have a lot of trauma and would disassociate completely at the worst times like in a meeting or at the grocery store. I'd just stop doing anything at all like I was frozen in ice. My ex boyfriend would hold my hand or put a small stuffed animal in my hands or on my lap and quietly talk to me until I came out of it.
Raheel Ahmad 7 years ago
My friends suffers from panic attacks when walking alone in the hall way. One happened today during lunch. THANK YOU for the tips!!!
diane a 7 years ago (edited)
What I have learned from 30 yrs experience of panic attacks is --- just remind yourself it is a massive flood of a hormone racing through your system. You are not going mad. It is a physical thing - not a mental thing. You are not going mad. the fear and physical symptoms are telling your brain you are in real danger and your anxious thoughts just release more floods of adrenaline and noradrenaline to make youself feel more anxious. Break it down rationalise it - it is a hormone and adrenaline flood. breathe more slowly. If you can do it go into the situation which is making you panic. If you avoid it - then feel better. will simply reinforce the idea that avoiding an anxiety inducing situation is the best option. I really did work this out for myself 30 years ago. Panic attacks are hormones flooding your body, caused by your thoughts and making it shut down. Take a moment - think yourself out of it
Load More Replies... You May Like “Works Surprisingly Well”: 45 Psychological ‘Cheat Codes’ People Use In Social Situations And Swear They Work 199 Anxiety Quotes And Messages To Help A Struggling Friend
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