Hi,
My name is Lorlee and I have endured panic attacks for over 30 years. For many of those years I was able to cope quite well but in the last year feel I have taken a huge step backwards. I seem unable to control my thoughts like I used to. Maybe I am just out of practice of the tools I used to use. Along with this site and reading up again on the disorder I hope to get my life back again. One thing I noticed on alot of the postings is that many of us deal with heart palpitations which we all know is very scary. A friend going through menopause suggested that when experiencing palpitations that I hold my breath for a count of five. I have tried this method and it does seem to work. You may have to do it more than once but keep trying and I believe you will notice a difference. Another method that might work is creative visualization. When I feel an attack coming on I imagine myself walking in the desert, in the distance is a sandstorm slowly coming towards me. On my back is knapsack filled with tools to protect me. I pull out a tent and begin to set it up. (You can put in as many details you need to help you cope) I have tent pegs, a lantern, sleeping bag, etc. When everything is set up to my satisfaction I enter the tent and zip it up and wait for the storm (panic) to pass over me. This exercise can take some time to learn but can be helpful to some. I hope these ideas are helpful.
