Coping with general anxiety and panic attacks without medication?

November 23rd, 2009

I’m already familiar with medication (which I highly dislike), breathing exercises, a few herbal methods and a few other alternative approaches. There are probably a lot of things I’m missing though. I’d like to know how other people cope with general anxiety and panic attacks. Do you have any tips and tricks? Do share them, please.

Thank you for reading.

Hmm…Is this some kind of disease you are having or it is same like other people also face….well whatever.
The best way is to take deep breaths and try to talk with your best friend.

powered by Yahoo Answers

Leave a Reply

13 Responses to “Coping with general anxiety and panic attacks without medication?”

  1. Comment by Divyanshu

    Hmm…Is this some kind of disease you are having or it is same like other people also face….well whatever.
    The best way is to take deep breaths and try to talk with your best friend.
    References :

  2. Comment by Luka

    Self-hypnosis means you close your eyes and just relax while imagining certain things if you do that every day, you might start feeling better.
    Remove all stress factors from your life if something annoys you just try and get over it or take it out of your life.
    References :
    http://www.cubebird.org

  3. Comment by bumble thru the jungle

    initially i tried a beta blocker the doctor gave to me and lordy that wasn’t good, and in fact i think it made it worse. Stopped taking them after a couple of days so you’re definitely doing the right thing. Have you tried valerian? it’s also good for just relaxing. I think its imprtant to look at your diet too. Cut out caffeine, smoking and all of the obvious things that are bad, try more green veg. I also agree with the self hypnosis and visualisation techniques.

    It’s really tricky, I’ve also tried indian head massage, which is amazing, and I’ve heard acupuncture is really good too.

    Hope that helps and good luck
    References :

  4. Comment by Catalina

    Hey, I understand how you feel…

    The uncomfortable symptoms like sweaty palms, "jelly" legs, extreme alertness, "impending doom" feeling and the fight-or-flight response.
    I’ve been there. I’m an ex-victim. Sometimes the deep breathing or distraction techniques doesn’t work - a full-blown panic or anxiety attack happens later.
    Sometimes you experience panic attack out of the blue and such.

    Do NOT buy Panic Away, Linden Method, EasyCalm or the Panic Puzzle. They do NOT work - I’ve tried them and their solutions are similar - it DOESN’T WORK.
    Medications do NOT work - I was under many antidepressants (Prozac, Lexapro, Paxil and Zoloft) and anti-anxiety medications (Ativan, Klonopin, and Xanax) but my condition was the same - no improvement at all.

    The only program that really work is The Panic Attack Solution. It’s found by an ex-victim. You can check out his old blog in his official website to read up some useful tips.
    But the package is the best - it teaches 17 powerful techniques and the real solution to panic attacks. I’ve bought it and it really helped me - it’s the BEST anti-anxiety package or book I’ve read.
    His theory really makes sense and it works effectively!

    You will learn why your panic attacks can happen without warning sometimes; why having stimulant causes panic attacks; and many-many other useful tips!

    Check out his official website:
    http://www.ThePanicAttackSolution.com
    References :

  5. Comment by Bobi

    drinking herbal teas such as lavender, chamomile, jasmine or thyme helps you reduce
    tension. if you didn’t try it yet - you should give it a try.
    References :
    http://great-home-remedies.info/anxiety-natural-remedies/

  6. Comment by Jenna

    This is a great product which helped me basically CURE myself of anxiety/panic attacks and stop them for good, check it out below:

    http://saim.notlong.com

    I highly recommend it, good luck.
    References :

  7. Comment by Kristen B

    Hey, I’m 14 and I had a Generalized Anxiety Disorder. I, too, hated medication, though they put me on a low dose of Ativan. I was HORRIFIED of going to school my 8th grade year, I’d do anything to get out of it. But I realized through therapy that when you feel trapped, and have that Fight or Flight moment, don’t flight. never flight. You have to face your anxiety head on. I know, "that’s crazy, why would I put myself through that?" Just do it. If you get attacks at school/work while in classroom, stay there. Distract yourself. Don’t dread on the fact that youre having an attack.
    Long story short, don’t cower from your fear. Face it. Say "Anxiety will NOT win today. I will." Don’t think "ohh no im having a panic attack! Ive gotta get out!" With a panic attack, remember, NOTHING EVER HAPPENS. You may get dizzy, but you don’t pass out. You may have nausea, but you won’t vomit. I’ve never heard of it occurring.
    The quote that got me through MY anxiety was this: "Fear can make you miss out on so many wonderful things in life, that’s why I go for the things I’m scared of and worry afterward." -Leanne Rhymes
    References :
    Been there, done that. I’ll never go back.

  8. Comment by Sha Sha

    A lot of people telling me how their anxiety
    makes them feel very cut off or removed from the
    world around them. This sensation can be distressing
    as people fear that they will never be
    able to feel normal again.

    Stress or Anxiety AND DEPRESSION can often feel like a thick fog has surrounded
    your mind. Nothing really seems enjoyable as you are
    always looking out at the world through this haze of
    anxious thoughts and feelings. This fog steals the joy
    out of life and can make you feel removed
    or cut off from the world.

    When someone is very caught up in anxious thoughts
    they are top heavy so to speak. The constant mental
    activity they are engaged in has caused an imbalance
    where all of their focus is on their mental anxieties.

    A powerful way to move out of this anxious
    mental fog is to switch your focus from your head
    to your heart.

    By simply making a deliberate shift of attention to your heart
    you will find the anxious thoughts dissipate more easily
    and the mental fog starts to gradually clear.

    What makes your heart happy?
    What makes you feel good?
    What good things do you currently have in your life?

    By getting control of what makes your heart happy and taking
    attention away from your general mind, you are on your way to
    calming your forth coming panic or anxiety attack.

    http://www.stoppingpanicattack.com
    References :
    http://www.stoppingpanicattack.com

  9. Comment by Adelita

    I can understand how hard having anxiety is and how scary it might be to experience it.
    The fact that you’re asking for help is the first step to getting help. Yes, there is something you can do. Here are a few tips:

    Steps to deep breathing

    1. Lie down on a flat surface.
    2. Place one hand on your stomach, just above your navel. Place the other hand on your chest.
    3. Breathe in slowly and try to make your stomach rise a little.
    4. Hold your breath for a second.
    5. Breathe out slowly and let your stomach go back down.

    Learn to relax:

    Muscle relaxation is simple. Start by choosing a muscle and holding it tight for a few seconds. Then relax the muscle. Do this with all of your muscles. Try starting with your feet muscles and working your way up your body.

    I’ve also heard that this natural method works, try it out and hopefully it can work for you. Best of luck.

    http://budurl.com/h9wu
    References :
    http://budurl.com/h9wu

  10. Comment by Julia B

    In Chinese medicine, anxiety and panic attacks are attributed to Kidney Deficiency typically. When the “Kidney energy” is out of balance we tend to have irrational fears. You can avoid a lifetime of medications by rebuilding the Kidney energy with tonic herbs, qi gong meditations, and acupuncture. Here is an article that explains:
    http://www.agelessherbs.com/NaturalAnxietyHerbs.html
    References :

  11. Comment by Dr Raff

    I’ve heard that some people have used certain foods to control their anxiety. The following foods have been known to have a calming effect:
    Chicken, tuna, salmon or mushrooms. These are rich in Niacin or Vitamin B3, which is important for energy production and neurotransmission within the brain. Deficiencies may cause anxiety or depression.
    Tuna, sunflower seeds, black beans or yellow corn. These foods provide energy. They are rich in Thiamin or Vitamin B1, which coordinates the activity of nerves and muscles to support proper heart function. Deficiencies may cause restlessness or irritability.
    Bell peppers, spinach, bananas or tuna. These are great sources of Vitamin B6, which supports the nervous system. Deficiencies may cause anxiety or depression.
    Venison, baked snapper, scallops or yogurt. These contain Vitamin B12, which promotes proper development of nerve cells. It helps cells to metabolize protein, carbohydrate and fat. Deficiencies may cause clinical depression, memory loss, heart palpitations or fatigue.
    Calf’s liver, beans or sunflower seeds. These contain a wide variety of B vitamins.
    Turkey, shrimp, fish, beans, spinach or greens. These are high in tryptophan, which enhances mood, improves sleep or regulates appetite.
    Dried pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, sesame seeds, spinach, soybeans, navy beans or lentils. These are high in magnesium, which relaxes nerves and muscles. Deficiencies may cause an irregular heart rhythm, high blood pressure or excitability.

    On a side note i’ve also heard some great success stories of people using this technique to help with their anxiety. You can check it out here: http://tinyurl.com/ybh87hf
    References :

  12. Comment by mrbigshot

    Have you tried reading self help books? Books can sometimes help our minds and medication is really something which we cannot trust every time. Medication can drive our minds crazy. Books is a safe haven for some us and I think it can be a great tool for coping with anxiety. I have a link to a book where it talks about Panic Attacks and how to prevent them without using any medication. Give it a shot.
    References :
    http://www.selfmadeeasy.com/pd_panic_attacks.cfm

  13. Comment by Greg S

    Here are some suggestions ….

    Meditation, exercise, good nutrition, sufficient sleep and avoid caffeine and nicotine. Vitamin B complex for a healthy nervous system, magnesium and calcium tablets help to calm, also Valerian, Hops, Chamomile, and Magnolia Bark are good supplements to relieve anxiety.

    Plus there are other mental factors that need to be looked at.

    You Must Learn To Break The Fear Of Having Another Panic Attack Or You Will Never Experience Complete Freedom From Anxiety

    The ANTICIPATION of another panic attack starts the wave cycle of anxiety in motion.

    Hope this helps, I put a link below if you want to read more
    References :
    http://www.natural-home-cures.com/