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1. 

   *Big Gentle Hugs* Panic attacks are so hard to cope with! Oh, Ash I’m so sorry they’re hanging around at the moment.

   When I was getting them really regularly I did 8 sessions of intensive CBT for them, and it really helped - immensely. I’m not usually a huge fan of CBT but concentrating on dealing with the one very specific issue brought them back to a manageable level. Bloody miracle that was. May be worth a try for you and should be covered by insurance?

   The other thing that helped was finding one relaxation exercise I could record and put on loop and play and play throughout an attack. It doesn’t help immediately but once you make the association, even a small one between the relaxation theme and the panic then you can begin to build on that foundation. It really helps me because it’s like having a cut-off switch as I can turn on the recording in my head when I feel an attack starting and often that prevents a full scale panic attack. Not always but oh boy, often enough that’s for sure!

   Comment by CK — August 28, 2008 @ 8:26 pm

2. 

   Heeeey, Thanks CK!!!
   I’ve had a few classes on CBT.
   At the time, I really dug Ellis’ style of therapy. Unfortunately it’s been years since I’ve read about it, and now might be a great time to revisit it.
   I do have a girlfriend who specializes in DBT, which I guess is a subshoot from it, and I know I could get tips (and have before) from her for free!!
   I’m also seeing a faaaabulous counselor– one whom I respect dearly. She is basically a sounding board. What’s funny, and I have seen it in many people, including CC, is that often even those of us who are well educated in the field of mental wellness sometimes forget enough of what we’re trained in when it comes to applying it to ourselves!!!

   I realize that it’s going to be a struggle for me to change those basic core behaviors that are most likely exacerbating my symptoms… and I’m a little bummed that I’m going to have to “give up” the very moderate (if not minimal) guilty pleasures in my life, but I figure if I’m really going to give myself the best opportunity for working through this without the use of drugs, then I’m going to have to at least TRY.
   *sigh*
   At the same time, I’ve conquered a whole number of mental “disorders” in myself this lifetime through discipline and steadfastness. If I can overcome anorexia and social anxiety, if I can overcome depression and variations of mood disorders, then I can do this.

   Comment by POHA — August 29, 2008 @ 4:48 am

3. 

   Just replace your moderate guilty pleasures with new ones ones that don’t include ‘ines’ and ‘enes’ - you know, caffiene, nicotine, etc. first ting that comes to MY mind is SEX. But then, that’s ALWAYS the first thing that comes to my mind.

   Comment by lceel — August 29, 2008 @ 7:10 am

4. 

   Yunno, that was the first thing that came to my mind, too!

   Comment by POHA — August 29, 2008 @ 7:11 am

5. 

   Hey Ash! I found a really great description of one way to get through a panic attack and immediately thought you might like the way he puts it. I’m sure you’ve technically heard the process before though. He ends up talking a bit about mindfulness/meditation in motion, which I have found really useful. Anyways, you can read it for yourself ‘eh

   http://www.patrickriley.ca/gaining-control-of-a-panic-attack/#more-33

   Comment by CK — August 30, 2008 @ 12:41 am

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