It's 6:30 am I'm in a bad panic attack

[samplegirl]

Anyone to talk me down? Feel like I’m drowning in a sea of worry. This has gotten worse with Covid.

[NanceGreggs]

1. I'm here.

Talk to me.

[samplegirl]

6. Just feel like I'm on overload

[raccoon]

2. There's an app called Insight Timer. It has lots of

There’s an app called Insight Timer. It has lots ofRelaxing sound files, meditations. There may be other apps that do the same thing. I suggest you look into those.

[RVN VET71]

27. Yep. Works well, too, especially with headphones!

[samplegirl]

39. Thanks

I’m willing to try anything. Constant anxiety is taking a toll.

[gademocrat7]

3. I am here too.

Please talk to us.

[Rhiannon12866]

4. You're not alone, just remember to breathe

Back in the day, I also had panic attacks and I carried a small paper bag with me for years. Breathing into a small paper bag would stop the panic attack.

[Cetacea]

9. Yes. This worked for me too.

Also any kind of distraction to stop the cycle.

[JI7]

5. Get away from the news and focus on something else

[Ohiogal]

7. I'm up early, too

Worrying about everything

You are not alone!

[DonaldsRump]

8. Breathe and meditate...and talk to anyone of us

Close your eyes while breathing and let go of your thoughts. Try counting backwards from 20 to zero, and think about the noise of one hand clapping.

Let go just for a minute or two, and you might feel better.

[In_The_Wind]

10. Watch the sunrise. Have the birds come to visit this morning?

We are here for you.

[CTyankee]

75. Oh, yes. I have been welcoming my morning visitors every day at dawn...

"Good morning, Ms. Squirrel, how's the hunting going? Hello, Sly!" Sly is a male robin who visits my lilac bush often in the a.m. I call him Sly because he has a family (I think) like the singer. He's really handsome! I feed the birds and squirrels little red grapes so their friends and neighbors know there are GOOD EATS at our house!

My husband thinks I am dotty.

[Squinch]

11. I am here too. This was such a horrible week in such a horrible time.

I know this is silly, but this song has actually saved me more than once. It reminds me that nothing is permanent and the bad things don't last. Everything changes, and soon a new wave will come in and it will be better.

This terrible feeling will not last. "Wait in your corner until that breeze blows in."

And PS, thank you for this post that made me remind MYSELF of this fact.

[samplegirl]

43. Thank you

Everything makes me cry! Everything!

[Squinch]

44. It's a release, and if that's how your release comes, lean into it. Have the best cry

of your life. It's a good thing to do. You may find that when you are done, you are exhausted and some of the energy of the panic is gone. And then find a quiet place and regroup.

We will get there. This will not last forever. Things always change. Things will get better.

[PCIntern]

12. I understand utterly and totally...

I used to get these when I was the proprietor of my business, and it was failing catastrophically. I would wake up with terrible anxiety and distress. The way I managed it was to make a cup of coffee, sit down watch some thing entertaining for a few minutes to break the cycle of angst, and then gently consider ways To manage the individual issue. Some days are easier than others. Whatever you do don’t do anything rash or destructive. Things will eventually right themselves, they always do. I’m not saying that to be dismissive or trite, it’s just that as human beings we are very adaptive. You just take good care of yourself.

[bigtree]

13. I had severe panic attacks as a young man

...acknowledging that it's anxiety is the first step out of it.

Try some tuna, chocolate, or some other comfort food, then busy yourself with something other than worry. Try writing out how you feel.

I know it's not as easy as punching it out on a computer, but it really does help to tell yourself it's likely just panic, and nothing is actually coming at you as hard as your own active mind.

Hang out and talk to folks.

[Blue_playwright]

23. Mashed potatoes...

I swear we go through 5 pounds a week - I make them for nearly every dinner. But, oddly, they do help.

[Trueblue Texan]

29. I have been craving potatoes lately...

I've never been much on potatoes, but now I keep a bowl of boiled potatoes in the refrigerator for throwing together a fast dish every day. I eat them for breakfast and supper...I never considered they might be a neuro strategy. I've never eaten so many potatoes in my entire life. The good news is, they do not make me gain weight. I'll keep eating them!

[samplegirl]

48. I love potaoes

Any kind guess it’s the Irish in me!
This is what I love about D. U. Lot of answers to everything.

[samplegirl]

58. Thank you bigtree

[bigtree]

74. so not a problem, samplegirl

...looking out into the garden:



...sending you good garden thoughts!

[samplegirl]

78. Thank you

bigtree for your Zen.

[In_The_Wind]

89. I love your garden.

[niyad]

96. How utterly lovely. Thank you so much for sharing.

[peacefreak2.0]

14. (Samplegirl)

We’re all going through all sorts of shit. You’re not alone. I had a pretty bad one a couple of weeks ago. Try to find what gives you comfort. Sending love to you.

[samplegirl]

50. I need everyone

here right now. I’m not a strong girl but I know how to treat people. Everything hurts me right now.

[Vinca]

15. Everyone is here for you. This is a really bad time and it's not surprising you're

feeling the way you. Make yourself a cup of coffee or whatever you have in the morning, don't turn on the television and go somewhere peaceful if you can - backyard, favorite chair - and hold onto something that makes you happy. Trite as it sounds, think happy thoughts until you calm yourself down. Call someone to be with you if you think it's necessary. You'll get through it. Stay on DU if it helps.

[samplegirl]

52. I usually call Johnnyringo (Bob)

But he’s in the hospital again as he had his thyroid out yesterday. He’s been my strongest friend my entire life and when He is down I’m down.
I worried about this all week on top if a million other things not in my control.
Thank you for just responding. I appreciate it.

[KY_EnviroGuy]

16. Fight off every thought that comes into you mind as if they're the enemy.

I had to do that early in sobriety just to get through the day because I had lots to worry about from my bad days. Get off in a dead-quiet space and tell each though to "get thee hence".

Insight meditation is another thing that helps to clear the mind. Just change you focus to each little thing your body is doing. Focus your mind on every foot step and every movement and action for a while and that helps to avoid your mind going to bad places.

Another trick is to write down each thing that's bugging you. There's something magic about seeing our troubles on paper, as it helps to get things in perspective.

Best of luck and thanks for sharing.

We're all under a lot of mental and emotional stress and sharing helps.

KY.........

[samplegirl]

56. Writing them down

would be the lyrics to a country western song.

[niyad]

63. Well, then write them down, and send them to Dolly Parton! Who knows? You might have a hit.

And I am not saying this to be dismissive. One never knows!

[samplegirl]

67. My cat is sick, I got a nervous tic, my best friends sick

Need to get rid of trump real quick

[niyad]

71. SEE! Number one on the charts!

I know you are worried about Bob. Continued energy and healing for him.

[samplegirl]

82. I'm never good when he's

sick. He calls me the worrywart!

[niyad]

84. Just remember that we are here for both of you. Please let us know how both of you are doing.

[MFM008]

17. Welcome to my world

Daily rolling panic.
They're working on my medications
But its slow going.
Try to find some repetitive task
Like coloring adult style.
I use expensive pencils and adult books.
Or sift through junk drawers...i stack books.
Go through jewelry
Anything to keep my mind focused.

[scarletlib]

18. You can download Yoga Nidri meditations to your phone

This meditation is very relaxing and can range in time from 15 minutes to 45 minutes. I get most of mine from Apple Music but obviously you can them elsewhere. I do them 2-3 times a day. The whole point is deep relaxation. Try it.

[samplegirl]

59. Thank you

[scarletlib]

73. I find yoga nidri to be deeply relaxing. It helps me a lot.

Best of wishes for you. It’s tough out there for thinking, feeling people.

[jaxexpat]

19. Up since 4:30, past the panic stage and into the mad as hell stage.

Expect to glide into seething mode by 9:00 am. Deep breathing aided revenge plotting by noon. Watch 'This Old House' (it's pledge month) reruns on interwebs until bed time, 10:00 or so. Rinse and repeat until November 4th.

Meanwhile, accept that you are strong enough to persevere. After all, we are all eternally blameless.

[democrank]

20. Sending a hug to you

I understand

[samplegirl]

60. Thank you

feeling so much stress. Was at the vet last night with my cat thought I was going to have to put him down.
My dear friend Bob in the hospital again and feeling so keyed up.
Been just crying trying to regroup.

[niyad]

72. Sending healing vibes for your kitteh as well.

[irisblue]

21. Hey! How ya doing ?

[samplegirl]

61. Trying to hang in there

People need me. My cat needs me! I’m just stressed out.
Tired of Covid, the lies, the election shit! The trump signs everywhere I drive!
🤯🤯🤯🤯

[Blue_playwright]

22. I'm here with you

Just woke up. Are you breathing better?

I had a good anxiety attack yesterday. My dad had an appointment about his prostate. (No news, no tests, apparently when you are 88, they just tell you to “enjoy life.”)

But I feel you. I’m about at the end of my rope with 2020.

Direct message me anytime.

[samplegirl]

70. Been getting these for

years now but when I’m really stressed I can’t control them. Today was one of those days.
Most awful things ever.
They say you can’t have two emotions at once during panic so usually if I cry my breathing gets better.

I’m over all this election lies and uncertainty. That doesn’t help. Then the worries.

[tavernier]

24. Ok, I'm up and listening

Have to pee first, though... I’ll be back.


Can you go for a walk? If so, your homework is to pick up ten pretty stones on the way.

We will still be here when you return.

[samplegirl]

64. Hi Tavernier

Woke to gunshots as they must be hunting here close by.
Everything went downhill from that waking.
I need a good day of decompressing!

At 6:30 called two friends neither answered my texts.

My dear friend and confident for 26 years Johnnyringo in the hospital as I type this answered me like lightening.
Trying his best to humor my panic. That’s why I will always love him and take care of him in whatever way I can. He is my bestest ever most loved friend.
He’s coming home today and that’s one less worry off my list.

[tavernier]

68. Counting your blessings is a very positive exercise.

I think you’ve got this.

And p.s. - Don’t go for that walk while hunters are shooting. Humans are too grisly for a proper meal, lol.

[samplegirl]

76. I don't even like the sound

of gun shots. I need to find a way to just relax a little this weekend. Cook something easy for a change. Is it to early for just some chili?

I need my cat my best friend home and a good movie or book today but I have errands.

[jcboon]

25. I have the same panic attacks.

I listen to Bach or Handel and take fish oil. They help.

[Trueblue Texan]

26. I know exactly what you're talking about...

I go to work in the morning, full of anxiety. I get lost in my work for a couple of hours and get more calmed down, then when I'm headed home, I feel the buzz of anxiety again. I have a peaceful, calm home full of loving suportive people, but I too am constantly fighting the increasing anxiety brought on by the turmoil in our lives right now. I remind myself that a lot of this angst was planned and is serving those who benefit from disruption. I make myself breathe deeply. If it's really bad I put on youtube beach videos or surf soundtracks. I remind myself it's all temporary and that I can make our national and global situation better by allowing myself to feel peace. That's the best I can do, samplegirl, but I feel your pain. Remember it's temporary.

[samplegirl]

66. Thank you

Everyone’s concern helps. I’m running out of tissues but have lost the panic and gained a stuffy nose.

[pazzyanne]

28. I have anxiety and panic attacks as well, so I understand.

The best advice I have gotten over the years was/ and is "When things get tough, bake cookies". Doesn't have to be cookies, anything that engages your mind in an activity you enjoy. I do news and social media vacations when anxiety gets bad. At those times I engage in light reading, my kindle has been a life saver for the last 7 months. I live in a fairly rural area, so getting in my car and going for a ride to get out of the house does a reset, especially when paired with the other suggestions. (Listen to music on your car radio, not news stations.) I have a lake near my house that is not overused by others, so I often go there to get in touch with nature, and I take care of a group of feral cats. The cats have a schedule that I have to do every day which also helps. There are a lot of other suggestions in the above posts. Make a list of things that speak to you, and then choose something off the list to reset yourself. Good luck, and remember: You are not alone. Many of us here understand and are willing to help.

[NJCher]

57. That reminds me

I have to go serve my masters....RIGHT NOW.😼

[pazzyanne]

86. What? nt

[NJCher]

95. --

The cats have a schedule that I have to do every day which also helps.

My masters, the cats.

[pazzyanne]

100. Absolutely.

They are my sanity now.

[Illumination]

30. Have an idea that works for me & a friend. Go to You Tube & search for Maryann (Weston) with

Revealing Light. I was never into tarot readings until I found Maryanne. She is anti-Trump & lives in Australia. She has had some very positive & accurate readings & advice. This is not some quack. She is a very nice woman with positive reviews. She has really helped my friend & I with anxieties. Please do me a favor & check out her free videos. Especially look @ one from 9/7/20. The title is: Tarot Reading: Election update...ending cycles & new starts. I take notes to check her accuracy. Would love to know what you think samplegirl!...

[TBA]

41. I am so going to do this!

[Illumination]

45. GREAT! Let me know what you think after you view it. It would be wonderful if someone would

post her videos on DU! Love her! Enjoy!...

[TBA]

94. Well I watched the sept 9th reading

about the Nov election. All I have to say is I hope she is right! I liked her. Interestingly, I’m an avid follower of The Lincoln Project and Rick Wilson was just talking about how Trump’s campaign has spent over 800 million and they cannot figure out where it went. Apparently the campaign is going broke from all of the grift.

So it looks like she was right about that.

Thanks for sharing.

[Illumination]

98. Glad you like Maryann TBA. Taking notes really helps to go back & check for accuracy. She is

usually spot on. I'm a fan of The Lincoln Project also. Yes~Maryann was right about the missing campaign $. Also on 9/3/20, Maryann said in her video that Biden would be focusing on community. On 9/10/20 there was an article on DU that read: "Kamala Harris set to hold community conversations in FL Thursday". WOW! Right or wrong she's really helped to calm my nerves during this stressful time! Make sure you check for more of her videos...

[NJCher]

99. did you know that

Kimberley Guilfoyle (sp?) is paid $15g a month for her "services." Like screaming at people for a convention is a "service."

[samplegirl]

77. Ok will do so

here later today.

[Illumination]

80. EXCELLENT! Maryann also gives words of inspiration as well. You really received lots of

feedback on this issue. Hope it's been helpful...

[mecherosegarden]

31. I am here

If you need to talk. Breathe, hold it, count slowly:1,2,3 , exhale slowly, 3,2,1 and repeat. As many times as you can and if possible ,sitting down as one can get dizzy. I don't know where you live ( state), but if you could avoid any negative news , tv show or whatever negative today it could also help. Maybe some nature shows with sound of water? Best to you!

[samplegirl]

79. Needed this so

bad this morning!

[OrlandoDem2]

32. Go volunteer if you're in a swing state.

[mfcorey1]

33. Try listening to some smooth jazz with a saxophone lead. It helps me. Turn off the

news that repeats doom and gloom all day. I have been in your situation and it can be frightening. Hoping for your peace of mind. This is the low depression that Michelle Obama says she has.

[EveDibb]

34. Be kind to yourself

I had COVID in early March, which sent my anxiety through the roof. I started having panic attacks and have been diagnosed with PTSD. My experience would have been so different if the Orange thing hadn’t hidden the information. I developed symptoms 4 days after he said it was contained which my doctor believed. I am not nice to trumpers or people who do not wear masks. Overall I am pissed off. I do have meds that help.

However I have 4 cats and 1 dog and they have really helped me. 5 animals is a lot but if you are not allergic an animal will always be there for you.

Be kind to yourself and take things a day or minute at a time. I watch less news and have completed 2 1000 piece puzzles. We will make it through this together. You are not alone.

[samplegirl]

93. Hope your feeling better

I’m trying today has been a crying meltdown!

[Sherman A1]

35. Hope it resolves itself quickly

The advice above is good so I will not add anything beyond good wishes.

[The Genealogist]

36. I wish I could help you more, but I can offer you mental exercises that work for me

I have had bad attacks this year, one ended up with me in the ER thinking I was dying. I hate that anyone else ever has to go through these attacks.

Try this: pick an object in the room, anything. Deconstruct its appearance, slowly and methodically. Note the textures, the colors, the size, etc. Everything about it. This has arrested numerous attacks for me.

Another that helps me: review exactly where you are. The address, the township, the county, the state, the country, the continent. Think of what the building looks like, its style of architecture, the materials from which it is built. This not only shifts your brain's focus from panicking, it also helps ground you in material reality.

I hope this helps. I wouldn't wish panic attacks on anyone. They're horrid. Hope that they will end soon for you.

[samplegirl]

81. Thank you

[TBA]

37. I've been thinking

I need to write a letter to myself in case Trump wins.

I want to tell myself life is still precious and there are many things that will remain the same. I will still have the love of my family, my pets, music, art, my long walks and so many other things that bring me joy.

I think about people who live in Russia. We Americans have really been the exception. So many live in countries where the government is corrupt and evil. Hell, if you are AA, Native or a member of other "others" you've been feeling this about our government for your whole life. We white folks have been getting our taste of what it is like to live under a government that does not care about us.

America may continue her decline. But there is something on the other side. History teaches us this. I may not live to see it but I take comfort in the fact that the pendulum will swing back in the other direction. Maybe not now, maybe we have not bottomed out yet.

When all else fails I think about the time when we humans have gone extinct and mother earth and the animals are left to rejuvenate and I oddly find comfort.

On edit: I'm also thinking about taking up smoking pot again. Just sayin'.

[Illumination]

53. No TBA please don't take up pot again! Our lungs are going through enough with the fires &

polluted air we breathe! Thinking doing that might weaken your immune system & make you
more susceptible to C-19? Also, smoking it again makes you dependent on it. Myself, I have
had no vices in 20 years! It's a good feeling to not be dependent... Just sayin'...

[samplegirl]

83. Xanax if

I have to but no smoking!

[Aussie105]

38. The feeling of panic and helplessness is natural.

The human brain can only cope with so many things to worry about.

But, cynical me, I'm thinking that this is all by design - Trump and his horde of Evildoers do it deliberately, to create a sense of hopelessness and inactivity, making us easier to manipulate.

How about:
1. Identifying the things that freak you out. Write them down, one item per piece of paper.
2. Sort them out into groups - ones you can't control, and ones you can.
3. The ones you can do something about - spread them out on a table, and try to think of strategies for coping with them.
Write those down. If you can't think of a strategy for a particular problem don't worry, it will come to you.
The others? Into an envelope, stash it somewhere.

And, from personal experience, a good dose of hate and anger towards those who have gone out of their way to stuff up what was once a nice country, helps a lot.

[BlueJac]

40. You are in the club of dread,

It has engulfed many people the last 4 years!

[samplegirl]

85. I sure am

I can’t even read posts without crying😭 Nothing good from any of this. Neighbors who no longer speak. Covid, wildfires and one lie after the next!
Family even my own not speaking over trump!

🤯🤯🤯

[Evolve Dammit]

42. This is a never-ending dumpster fire. Take some space and breathe. Turn off the news. Reach out

to a friend, loved one, therapist. Anyone who can commiserate and offer comfort. Stay away from triggers or folks who you can't talk to without being upset. Take good care and hug yourself. We're doing the best we can in an insane time. Take good care, K? Very sorry and hope you can find some comfort. Do you have any furry critters?

[matelize]

46. Stress overload

I try to just disengage from any political news whether by cable, radio, or written word. I live in Florida, and in a very red county. Even seeing the signs on my neighbor's lawns can send me into high stress. I read yesterday that many people are suffering from PTSD just from the constant barrage of Trump's negative words and actions. Never have I felt so disillusioned with so many people who support this amoral and cruel man. I think those feelings along with dealing with COVID have taken a toll on so many emotionally.

[Aussie105]

47. Do you have any furry critters?

Hugging one of the dogs or the cat works for me.

[tiredtoo]

49. Music is calming for me

find some of your favorite songs from childhood and sing along with youtube renditions.

[pwb]

51. I am close to turning off cable news until the election.

They create the fake closeness in the election about this time that makes me sick. Fear does not add to your life it takes from it. Cheer yourself up however you can. Peace.

[a kennedy]

55. Yup, I watch Brianna on CNN, Nichole, and Rachel.......

That’s four hours and even that is to much, but I love these women, and they really are helping me get through this nightmare that is the orange piece of shit.

[hamsterjill]

54. Are you okay now?

I read your post and realized that so many of us here are in the same situation. The never ending stress. The unknowns. The fear.

I haven’t slept much the last couple of nights. That alone increases my own angst.

Let us know how you are when you can, please.

[niyad]

62. Sending virtual hugs, SG. You are such a strong, loving person, and I know your burdens are heavy.

Always know that your DU family is here for you.

I hope you are doing better now.

[samplegirl]

91. Why can't I just know more

normal people like you? Maybe I wouldn’t feel so isolated.
Johnnyringo is always good and keeping me in check but sometimes I have to be the strong one instead.

[North Shore Chicago]

65. Many of us

are on your boat of despair. Fresh hell awaits each and every day.

DoDo videos of beautiful wildlife and domesticated animals lower my BP in a profound way.

https://www.simplysmashingrageroom.com Now I don't know if there is one close to you, but if smashing things may help, check it out. Wear goggles.

[panader0]

69. Go for a walk, in the woods if possible, or a park.

Being in nature is soothing. Listen to the water in a stream. Just the act of walking is calming.

[Hotler]

87. Maybe some comedy will help take your mind off of the negitve.

https://www.radio.com/comedy-now/listen find some comedy you like and go to youtube and watch longer sets.
Be well friend.

[samplegirl]

92. Thank you

[Solly Mack]

88. You and B. have been through so much lately. He's your bedrock. It's good

to have a person like that in your life. Mutual love and respect and caring. A deep friendship.

You've carried a load of worry and I wish I could make it better. Make it less.

You and B have my thoughts and well wishes. Please know I'm here for you both.

[samplegirl]

90. Oh Solly Mack

Your just to perceptive and I can only be strong for so long and then I cave... today was that day.
I’ve said a few times to B. Prof that good people do exist and Solly is one of them. Most of the good people I’ve met have been here on D.U.
My trumper next door neighbor moved out and left his trump flag flying for the new neighbors.
Why can’t I just have a neighbor like you or or any of the other caring people on this post?
Who wants to be my neighbor????
The other side is a trumper too.
Thanks for all your love and support.