panic attacks when working out

Sara,

If they are few and far between, then I would just try to push through them, as I would not think that taking a Xanax would be advisable before strenous exercise. (I am not a medical professional, so ask your doctor for sure on this.)

Are you able to just slow down, but continue your running...or is this a complete shut down?

Whan I had this issue, I would definitely ease up on my activity, but would not stop.

This helps the body and mind get in the same place so to speak...and you eventually learn to not be triggered by the signals that your brain is receiving from the physiological act of exercise.

Remember to practice your coping skills everyday, and especially on days when you plan to run.:) All of this should help.

Wishing you the best!

S.C.

These are all great, natural anxiety reducing exercises that could help you to lower your overall stress levels and therefore, your symptoms/attacks.  Also have you considered therapy?  Talking with someone about your traumatic situation with your boyfriend may be something that you want to consider. 

I hope this is helpful...keep posting!

S.C.

Self Help sites with breathing/relaxation exercises instructions

Panic attack relief exercises:

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

 

Meditation Video ( 7 minutes) :

http://www.youtube.com/user/healthealingnetwork?feature=pyv&ad=4342564202&kw=meditation&v=yHYKSYPoNg4&lr=1

Self Help Treatment for Anxiety:

http://www.netplaces.com/controlling-anxiety/self-help-treatment-for-anxiety/

Sara14

I am sorry to read of your panic attacks but I am wondering if you have PTSD which was caused by the trauma of performing CPR on your boyfriend ?  You may want to check with your Dr. and even consider therapy for awhile.

The person who develops PTSD may have been the one who was harmed, the harm may have happened to a loved one, or the person may have witnessed a harmful event that happened to loved ones or strangers

PTSD triggers may be all around you. Even though it may sometimes feel like PTSD symptoms come out-of-the-blue, PTSD symptoms rarely spontaneously occur. Instead, whether you are aware of it not, PTSD symptoms are often triggered or cued by something in our internal (anything that happens within your body, such as thoughts or feelings) or external (anything that happens outside your body, such as a stressful situation) environment.

Because certain thoughts, feelings, or situations can bring up uncomfortable PTSD symptoms, such as memories of a traumatic event or feelings of being on edge and anxious, one way of coping with these symptoms is by increasing your awareness of these triggers. You can prevent or lessen the impact of certain PTSD symptoms by identifying what specific types of thoughts, feelings, and situations trigger them, and then, take steps to limit the occurrence or impact of those triggers.

Internal triggers are things that you feel or experience inside your body. Internal triggers include thoughts or memories, emotions, and bodily sensations (for example, your heart racing). This may be what is happening to you.

Because we often cannot avoid triggers, it is important to learn ways of coping with triggers. SC has included in her response to you effective, healthy coping strategies for lessening the impact of triggers.

Talking with others whom you trust about your feelings is another way to help you as letting out your fears will decrease your anxiety. I have PTSD also and I occasionally will have a panic attack that just strikes out of the blue.  All I can do is stop and let the panic move through me.  If I am walking or out in public, I do just as SC said - I slow down and if I have to find a chair to sit down I will tell the person that is with me, "I need to sit down for a bit". 

Having to admit that I am having high anxiety or a panic  used to steal my self-confidence but not anymore.  I have a reason for why I have PTSD and it is much easier to live with if I don't accuse myself of being weak.

I may be miles off base in thinking this is what is causing your panic attacks and please remember I am not a physician, just a peer who understands where you are coming from and what you are going through.

My email is available if you want to contact me re any questions or if your just looking to vent and have somebody to listen to you.

Kindly,

Kitt