Alternative Therapies for Agoraphobia and Panic Attacks

@coolj Other than those skills, I got this short grounding mantra from mintfaery on YouTube that I say in two ways: Original - Mother Earth, the strength within me meets the strength within you. We are bound, unbreakable. My roots reside in your core. I am safe, I am home. I am safe, I am home. I am safe, I am home. My version - Vast universe, the strength within me meets the strength within you. We are bound, unbreakable. My quarks emerged from your core. I am safe, I am home. Etc.

@coolj I like to do box breathing, I think it's called. It's usually pretty subtle and no one notices. I breathe in let's say for 4-6 seconds, hold breath for the same amount of time, breathe out the same, hold breath again and repeat the cycle. I also will tap each toe or thumb and fingers and say "I. Am. Here. Right. Now." with each tap. I also try to notice and name different colors in the room/area in my head to help me focus on something else when I'm feeling panicked. So like green cup, pink hat, blue couch or whatever else is around.

@sleepswithsixpillows I'm in favor of cannabis use if it's helpful or fun for folks. It's not my thing but I'm glad it helps you! I've tried it before and it made me feel like time was cut into pieces so I couldn't remember what happened 5 minutes ago. At a lower dose, I felt a bit off as well, not like myself. So I'd probably urge folks to be cautious but I know there are plenty of cases where it's been a great help. I definitely feel like it's got a stigma it doesn't deserve despite the fact that it didn't work for me.

@sleepswithsixpillows is it addictive