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Ups and downs with Benzo's
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Psalmist88 posted:
I've had panic attacks/anxiety since 1996. At this time it hit me so hard that I had to stay home (out of work for 1 1/2 months), it caused me to be agoraphobic because I couldn't predict when I'd have an attack. I got some help cognitively and with medications (benzo's).

For me the best strategies where mostly cognitive and using Tai Chi and other breathing techniques. I still take Benzo's as they are helpful at times, but I don't take them regularly. I have to keep fighting the cognitive distortions of "I'm going to die" or "I'm having a heart attack" or "People are gonna think I'm weird" or that "I know others can tell I'm having an attack". It is very important for me to figure out what messages I tell myself during these attacks and set them right. For example: "I'm not going to die, that's not credible" "What others think of me is not my problem", etc... Finding the Tan tien in Tai Chi, or taking cleansing breathes have been very helpful as well as it takes my focus off the panic feelings and helps me to focus. Somethings getting a hug, or touching something with an unusual texture, or just telling someone that is privy to my condition is helpful.

I pray that all that use this forum find effective ways to deal with anxiety and panic. Life will go on, and we will fight this successfully! Keep the faith

Psalmist.
1 Replies |Watch This Discussion | Report This| Share this:Ups and downs with Benzo'sI've had panic attacks/anxiety since 1996. At this time it hit me so hard that I had to stay home (out of work for 1 1/2 months), it caused me to be agoraphobic because I couldn't predict when I'd have an attack. I got some help cognitively and with medications (benzo's). <br /> <br />For me the best strategies where mostly cognitive and using Tai Chi and other breathing techniques. I still take Benzo's as they are helpful at times, but I don't take them regularly. I have to keep fighting the cognitive distortions of "I'm going to die" or "I'm having a heart attack" or "People are gonna think I'm weird" or that "I know others can tell I'm having an attack". It is very important for me to figure out what messages I tell myself during these attacks and set them right. For example: "I'm not going to die, that's not credible" "What others think of me is not my problem", etc... Finding the Tan tien in Tai Chi, or taking cleansing breathes have been very helpful as well as it takes my focus off the panic feelings and helps me to focus. Somethings getting a hug, or touching something with an unusual texture, or just telling someone that is privy to my condition is helpful. <br /> <br />I pray that all that use this forum find effective ways to deal with anxiety and panic. Life will go on, and we will fight this successfully! Keep the faith <img src="http://img.webmd.com/community/images/smile.gif" align="top" border="0"><br /> <br />Psalmist.
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Patricia Farrell, PhD responded:
Thanks for posting. It sounds like you've found what works for you and it may be helpful to many others on this board.
Report This| Share this:Ups and downs with Benzo'sThanks for posting. It sounds like you've found what works for you and it may be helpful to many others on this board.
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