Tips for Managing Panic Attacks

I use Xanax when they are really bad. Plus I’ve started Effexor (daily) to try and cut down on the constant anxiety, I think it’s helping. One thing that helps when I have panic attacks is to either do something to distract myself (read, watch something interesting, etc) and reduce other stimulation. The other thing is like is senses grounding, it’s where you take a few deep breaths and find 5 things you can see, 4 things you can touch, 3 things you can hear, 2 things you and smell, and 1 you can taste. Helps me get out of my brain and back into my body. Stretching can help too.

My doctor gave me Metoprolol and it has worked wonders. It's technically for hypertension, but if you take it right when you feel a panic attack coming on, it doesn't allow your body to feel the physical symptoms of the attack.