Tips when in professional setting

I suffer from PTSD. I'm in the process of a gradual return to work for pain, energy, and PTSD symptoms/healing from a MVA I was in 3 years ago.

Last week I was in a meeting, within the first 5 minutes there was a discussion that triggered a panic attack. I don't think anyone noticed that I went pale, got dizzy, and had trouble swallowing and breathing. I managed to regain control by biting my lip, focusing on my breathing, using positive imagery, and distracting myself from my thoughts. It was not easy and later that morning I ended up crying in the bathroom.

Since then my OT and PT have given me a few ideas/tips of how to handle it in the future: excuse myself and watch a funny youtube video/look at a file on my phone created for this, listen to a brief meditation/mindfulness audio file, use acupuncture points to help relieve the anxiety/panic.

Does anyone else have any tips of how to manage triggers in a professional setting? I am willing to try anything!

Much appreciated, thanks!

Is there a co-worker that you would feel comfortable sharing with?

Were you able to isolate the cause of the panic attack? Anything you can prevent in the future?

In the meantime, though you my not have felt strong after you had the panic attack at work, I am impressed that you were able to maintain composure during it. Certainly it is not ideal to feel so drained after having a panic attack at work, but you used strategies to get yourself through it and that is awesome.

Here are a bunch of suggested stress relief/anxiety/panic attack exersises from our Resources...that can be done just about anytime/where without anyone being the wiser! :)

 

Self Help sites with breathing/relaxation exercises instructions

Panic attack relief exercises:

 

http://www.healthcentral.com/anxiety/c/73076/34334/breathing-lessons/

http://www.healthyplace.com/

http://www.stress-relief-exercises.com/

http://www.ehow.com/video_4405003_breathing-exercises-panic-attacks.html

http://www.psybersquare.com/anxiety/panic_relax_I

S.C.

SKYoung

My heart goes out to you as I know you have been fighting a long battle to get to where you are today.  Know your feelings are normal as well as your reactions at work.

 

Your first times back at work will most likely feel  strained. Your friends may not know what to say to you. Those you don’t know well may avoid you. Don’t assume this means people don’t care. They may not know what to say, or  they may be fearful of saying the wrong thing. You can help by setting boundaries re what you do or do not wish to talk about. Then be patient. It can take some time before your interactions with your co-workers get back to normal.

I think you handled yourself extremely well in getting up and leaving the situation that was triggering your panic.  I am guessing that your immediate supervisors know what your going through so do use this person as a sounding board if you have a good relationship with him/her.

There are days when you will feel good and other days when the anxiety takes over. Let the anxiety move through and don't try to fight it so much; don't give it more power than it is worth.  You are a person with PTSD and with time things do become easier but we never know what might trigger us.

Glad to read you are easing yourself back into your work.

Gentle Hugs,

Kitt