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Anxiety & Panic Disorders
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Posted 6/26/2009 4:43 AM (GMT 0)
hello everyone. :) im brand new here and would first like to say how comforting it is to find a community of people who share my situation and are so willing to offer advice, support, and even just a kind word.

now to my question. i work in a small restaurant where there are only two of us on the floor a night. this means that i have 7 tables at a time, two of them are usually parties of 6 or more. the place also turns into a bar at night, which usually means standing room only and lots of squeezing through to deliver drinks. needless to say, its a pretty high stress job. i've worked there for almost a year and have never really had a problem, even though i've had anxiety issues for the past four years or so. tonight i had a panic attack while i was working and had to go home. it wasn't the worst one i've had but it lasted a lot longer (still feeling numbness in my arm and my heart's beating faster than usual). i really love this job (the money is great, the coworkers are fantastic, etc etc), but now i fear that i may begin to associate the anxiety with it. does anyone have any suggestions on how to make sure that this doesn't happen? i would hate to have to leave a job i liked so much because of this disorder. thanks so much for reading and for any advice anyone has.
Posted 6/26/2009 11:32 AM (GMT 0)
langfoec

Hello and welcome to HealingWell.  I am sorry to hear you are having panic attacks and you are  worried about having another one at work. Here are a few tips for you to stop the panic attack.

Tell yourself in your mind that you have gone through a panic attack before and you lived, and this attack is no different. Laugh out loud at it and do reverse psychology on it. When you lapse, immediately get involved in something to keep your mind instantly busy to take your mind off the immediate thoughts until your manifested thoughts subside. Start to talk with the people around you, hum a tune in your head.  Think of anything that will occupy your mind and keep you busy.

Take a deep breath and concentrate on your breathing.   

Try drinking cold water telling yourself in your mind that it cools you down and makes you feel better.

Remember panic attacks are self limiting and will pass.

If you continue to have problems with anxiety perhaps therapy would be something you should look into.

Again a warm welcome and I know the members will have great advice for you today.

Gentle Hugs

Kitt

Posted 6/26/2009 8:14 PM (GMT 0)
hi,
I'm new too and glad i found this board.
i got control of my panic attacks by learning the really early warning signs of one. Now when i feel that surge from the pit of my stomach i take a deep breath and tell myself to slow down and see it for what it is. I also got out a biology book and when i saw the science behind it i now know it's just a series of actions in the body. Starting with the quickening of breath and heart beat, if for that split second you can breathe deep and slow it stops your heart beating faster.
Slow breaths = slow heart beat. If you don't breathe fast, the heart can't speed up. This means the attack can't gain ground on you and chase you down. It's what works for me but we are all different.
Also, don't allow your mind to connect an attack to a place, just say no and laughing at yourself works too.
I'm just coming out of a rough time now so i can promise you it passes and you will gain control.
Posted 6/28/2009 8:16 AM (GMT 0)

Hi,

I am another newbie to this site and understand your concern with the stress related to your job.

Work stress can cause panic/anxiety attacks. I have had this happen to me from time to time. This can be worse when I am run down (healthwise) . Know that the panic attack is about your reaction to being stressed not about your workplace/environment.

 It may assist to manage this by calming yourself using breathing and relaxation techniques. Focus on being in tune with your body and feelings.

It may also be helpful to cut down or eliminate all caffeine from your diet. Drink water throughout your work hours and make a conscious effort to get plenty of sleep and rest. Be kind to yourself and be fair. You are working hard and I bet you are doing a great job!

Also make sure that you relax in your free time and take the opportunity to spend time doing things you enjoy!

I will follow this message thread as I am interested to hear what other helpful advice others have. Addressing stress in the workplace is something that I need to work on too.

I hope some of these tips are of some help to you. wink  

Jenni.

Posted 6/28/2009 8:29 AM (GMT 0)
Read my thread on panic attacks bro i think it will help you.
Posted 6/28/2009 9:03 AM (GMT 0)
Hi

Welcome to healingwell you have had some great advice so I just wanted to say hi and keep posting to let us know how you are getting on.
Posted 6/29/2009 8:04 AM (GMT 0)
hello!

just want to welcome you.... panic attacks really drives me nuts.... our mind is constantly working... the best thing to do is ignore it.. and you'll realize panic attacks doesn't done anything to you... encourage yourself that you can deal with it..

hope this help...
Posted 6/29/2009 6:24 PM (GMT 0)
thanks everyone for your input! i had to work last night after a long drive home from atlanta and was really tired. the whole time at work i felt anxious and on the brink of having an attack, but i used your advice and tips and managed to control it. i think the reason i was so anxious was due to a lack of sleep and me attempting to nap until right before i had to be there.

i have another question. i've been experiencing a lot of trouble sleeping lately (thinking i'm not breathing, scared that i won't wake up, etc... all silly things that still manage to not let my mind rest enough for sleep until the sun comes up). until i can get a doctor's appointment, does anyone have any natural tips for calming the mind before bed? thanks so much guys.
Posted 6/29/2009 7:43 PM (GMT 0)
Hi langfoec,

And welcome to Healingwell. You have already received some great advice, I just wanted to add that yes lack of sleep can really cause the anxiety to ramp up. As for something natural to help you sleep have you tried either Melatonin or Valerian. I have used both and they have helped some. Good luck!

Hugs
Gail *Nanners*
Posted 7/3/2009 6:37 PM (GMT 0)
just thought i'd drop by to let you guys know that ive been four shift strong without an attack! i was a little anxious the first day back but after that ive been great. thanks for all your help!
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