Guy Dates A Girl Who Suffers From Anxiety And Panic Attacks, Writes 7 Tricks How To Deal With It
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)
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
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.
The worst thing about panic attacks for me is the fear of having them in front of strangers.
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...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.
where do i find guys that will be patient with my anxiety disorder?! i appreciate the hell outta this.
My husband is awesome I need to be alone in a dark room with no noise. Noise and talking make things worse for me.
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
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.
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...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.
My friends suffers from panic attacks when walking alone in the hall way. One happened today during lunch. THANK YOU for the tips!!!
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...Well, probably it also helps to realize that a panic disorder is a special form of anxiety disorder, which is a serious mental illness. Postings like this sometimes sounds like it would be a trivial thing, occasionally happening. I guess suffering from an anxiety disorder must be quite a burden, and you do not need other people to add to that, particularly not loved ones.
I suffer from heavy anxiety and when I wake up everyday in the morning I have crazy panic attacks and restlessness through out the whole day. I only get piece when I fall asleep. Having read through most of this comments here am glad there are people who are understanding out there
You don't tell someone with anxiety to calm down in the hope that they'll calm down - as someone who has anxiety it simply doesn't work, never in the history of calming down has anyone ever really calmed down when being told to calm down.
Having someone in your life with whom you trust completely (as much as a PTSD survivor can trust anyone) is key to being able to get through the attacks. Personally, I'm still learning things that work for me, recently incorporating smells into the calming down periods of an attack, I've learned, for myself a smell can aid in calming, it can be perfume, essential oil etc. like everything else with panic attacks / high anxiety its all very personal, many things will work for you that do not help others, having someone who cares enough to really help is priceless.
As an Air Force Veteran with high anxiety, panic attacks and severe depression, I totally agree with this post. Unfortunately I live alone and usually have to deal with my attacks by myself. I have found that having a pet (cat or dog) usually helps me come back from my fears faster than without a pet. A properly trained dog can help tremendously in calming someone with anxieties.
Try and beat your demons at all cost - dont let them win - they dont actually exist
Load More Replies...I didnt always have panic and anxiety attacks but I myself am still learning how to deal with them and so are my closest friends. It is a topic I am still getting comfortable to soeak about personally. Thank you for putting it in words that explains the process so well.
Wow. I'm not sure I know what to say. I feel like this is all common sense and it's kinda patronising to spell it out but maybe there are some people out there that didn't know this.. scary thought.
I get these too. Started before the Navy. My grandma, thank god, knew what was happening to me. I hear stories from even relatives that diagnosis can take years to get. I'm not one that thinks I'm dying. I feel like I'm in a bubble and I want to run. I've had these while sitting with my boss. My go tops when out in public is to drink ice cold water really fast or pop a rubber band onto my wrist. And also try to get outside to calm down.
There is much to be said for anxiety tapping. An important technique with many good training videos by competent professionals on YouTube...
"DEAL" with? That's a little rude. How about 7 Tips for Supporting a SO with Anxiety and Panic Attacks. Some of us can't help that we have an Anxiety disorder.
I only had a panic attack in my life and it lead to alopecia. My hair fell out and I am bald. I can't imagine going through this constantly.
As one that has panic attacks, luckily controlled through medication at this time, as well as being married to someone with severe anxiety, PTSD, and a TBI. I love this post!
I have Narcolepsy with Cataplexy. I sleep and I drop to the ground. Every point you made applies to my attacks. I lay for hours, listening to the world, unable to move anything but a finger(if I'm lucky that time). Interesting to see that others suffer from that for another reason. Maybe there's a connection?
I have panic attacks as well, and nobody really knows how to deal with them. I went into a full-blown hyperventilating shaking twitching panic attack. I like to call it the tornado version because it seems like the room is spinning and all I see is the number of people. I feel like everyone's staring and laughing at me and I have PTSD from a few different things.
The first thing a person with anxiety needs is understanding. Written here I see many people offering their support to those anxiety ridden by their friends, significant others and family members through different ways that work for them, and that's what is most important...working it out.
It isnt the way to deal with panic attacs. Huge ammounts of sympathy wont work. The only remedy (tell me if am wrong) as a long -term sufferer. Is understanding that it is physical - not mental. huge amounts of hormones flooding around your body "the fight or flight" syndrome are just overwhelming - so you either freeze or run away. I really have learned this - from experience. Very hard thing to do. If you run away every single time - is just going to reinforce that running away works. Believe me sympathy and understanding is not going to help anyone get over anxiety.
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.
The worst thing about panic attacks for me is the fear of having them in front of strangers.
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...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.
where do i find guys that will be patient with my anxiety disorder?! i appreciate the hell outta this.
My husband is awesome I need to be alone in a dark room with no noise. Noise and talking make things worse for me.
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
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.
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...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.
My friends suffers from panic attacks when walking alone in the hall way. One happened today during lunch. THANK YOU for the tips!!!
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...Well, probably it also helps to realize that a panic disorder is a special form of anxiety disorder, which is a serious mental illness. Postings like this sometimes sounds like it would be a trivial thing, occasionally happening. I guess suffering from an anxiety disorder must be quite a burden, and you do not need other people to add to that, particularly not loved ones.
I suffer from heavy anxiety and when I wake up everyday in the morning I have crazy panic attacks and restlessness through out the whole day. I only get piece when I fall asleep. Having read through most of this comments here am glad there are people who are understanding out there
You don't tell someone with anxiety to calm down in the hope that they'll calm down - as someone who has anxiety it simply doesn't work, never in the history of calming down has anyone ever really calmed down when being told to calm down.
Having someone in your life with whom you trust completely (as much as a PTSD survivor can trust anyone) is key to being able to get through the attacks. Personally, I'm still learning things that work for me, recently incorporating smells into the calming down periods of an attack, I've learned, for myself a smell can aid in calming, it can be perfume, essential oil etc. like everything else with panic attacks / high anxiety its all very personal, many things will work for you that do not help others, having someone who cares enough to really help is priceless.
As an Air Force Veteran with high anxiety, panic attacks and severe depression, I totally agree with this post. Unfortunately I live alone and usually have to deal with my attacks by myself. I have found that having a pet (cat or dog) usually helps me come back from my fears faster than without a pet. A properly trained dog can help tremendously in calming someone with anxieties.
Try and beat your demons at all cost - dont let them win - they dont actually exist
Load More Replies...I didnt always have panic and anxiety attacks but I myself am still learning how to deal with them and so are my closest friends. It is a topic I am still getting comfortable to soeak about personally. Thank you for putting it in words that explains the process so well.
Wow. I'm not sure I know what to say. I feel like this is all common sense and it's kinda patronising to spell it out but maybe there are some people out there that didn't know this.. scary thought.
I get these too. Started before the Navy. My grandma, thank god, knew what was happening to me. I hear stories from even relatives that diagnosis can take years to get. I'm not one that thinks I'm dying. I feel like I'm in a bubble and I want to run. I've had these while sitting with my boss. My go tops when out in public is to drink ice cold water really fast or pop a rubber band onto my wrist. And also try to get outside to calm down.
There is much to be said for anxiety tapping. An important technique with many good training videos by competent professionals on YouTube...
"DEAL" with? That's a little rude. How about 7 Tips for Supporting a SO with Anxiety and Panic Attacks. Some of us can't help that we have an Anxiety disorder.
I only had a panic attack in my life and it lead to alopecia. My hair fell out and I am bald. I can't imagine going through this constantly.
As one that has panic attacks, luckily controlled through medication at this time, as well as being married to someone with severe anxiety, PTSD, and a TBI. I love this post!
I have Narcolepsy with Cataplexy. I sleep and I drop to the ground. Every point you made applies to my attacks. I lay for hours, listening to the world, unable to move anything but a finger(if I'm lucky that time). Interesting to see that others suffer from that for another reason. Maybe there's a connection?
I have panic attacks as well, and nobody really knows how to deal with them. I went into a full-blown hyperventilating shaking twitching panic attack. I like to call it the tornado version because it seems like the room is spinning and all I see is the number of people. I feel like everyone's staring and laughing at me and I have PTSD from a few different things.
The first thing a person with anxiety needs is understanding. Written here I see many people offering their support to those anxiety ridden by their friends, significant others and family members through different ways that work for them, and that's what is most important...working it out.
It isnt the way to deal with panic attacs. Huge ammounts of sympathy wont work. The only remedy (tell me if am wrong) as a long -term sufferer. Is understanding that it is physical - not mental. huge amounts of hormones flooding around your body "the fight or flight" syndrome are just overwhelming - so you either freeze or run away. I really have learned this - from experience. Very hard thing to do. If you run away every single time - is just going to reinforce that running away works. Believe me sympathy and understanding is not going to help anyone get over anxiety.
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