-- Posted by dee3314 at 5:15 pm on July 29, 2008 three years ago, i was sexually assaulted and because of it, I have panic attacks that cause me to not be able to function throughout the day at times.  i'll wake up having a nightmare and panicking.  i'll be at band camp, panicking.  how do I stop this from affecting my life so much?  i've already been in counseling, but it didn't stop the panic attacks. Monica  <3 -- Posted by DJ Josh at 5:16 pm on July 29, 2008 Just calm down... Ahhhhhh that was easy. Seriously though... talk to your doctor and get drugged up. -- Posted by MushroomSatsujin at 5:17 pm on July 29, 2008 Xanax -- Posted by MushroomSatsujin at 5:17 pm on July 29, 2008 Quote: from DJ Josh at 5:16 pm on July 29, 2008 Just calm down... Ahhhhhh that was easy. Seriously though... talk to your doctor and get drugged up. Hypocrite much? -- Posted by Disposition at 5:54 pm on July 29, 2008 Hey, I used to have severe panic attacks, like you, which caused me to be unable to function throughout the day. There are several methods to calm yourself down. I know what a terrible feeling it is to feel so hyped up and scared all the time. - Relaxation techniques: In my opinion, this is the easiest and most reliable option. I always rely on this. When I sense a panic attack coming along, I do my best to immediately remove myself from a chaotic situation. Even if I'm in class, I'll leave the room, so I can relax. I go to a quiet space to practice deep breathing. In addition to this, I practice cold/hot imagery. When I'm panicing, my body gets really cold, so i imagine myself on the warm beach or lying in the sun. It really does lift your body temperature. Also, if you can, try lying down on the ground and picturing your body slowly disappearing, starting with your toes, then to the top of your head. I'd also reccomend that you buy soothing music, like nature sounds, monk chantings, ocean waves to listen to when you're freaking out. If you're in a place where you can't practice these techniques, just sit down, cover your ears, close your eyes, and focus on slow, deep breaths. - BioFeedback Therapy: They say that when a mental disorder gets in the way of living your daily life, it's time for a doctor to intervene. I understand that you've been to therapy before, but what kind was it? Cognitive behavior? That didn't help me with my panic attacks, either. I also went to biofeedback therapy, which helped me a lot. Basically, you're attached to a computer by little sticky wires, [it doesn't hurt or anything] and it checks the level of tension tnat you feel, and your body temperature. Throughout the session, you'll talk about whatever you want to talk about, like CB therapy. At the end, you'll probably do a meditation session. Hopefully, you'll learn new relaxation techniques, too. At the very end of the session, the therapist will discuss what topics made you bcome more nervous. Thoughout your time in biofeedback, you'll practIce becoming more comfortable with those frightening topics that may be setting off your panic attacks. - Medication: You could speak with your parens and your doctor about trying medication to take specifically for panic disorder. Xanax is an option, depending on how your parents feel about that. [Mine said no.] I know you'll make it past this. If you want to talk more, please feel free to PM me. Be well, Rachel -- Posted by Daleacus at 4:05 am on July 30, 2008 Disposition pretty much said everything I would have and to a much better degree. I still wanted to reply just to say... read her post, take it on board, and know that you can get through this. It doesn't have to limit your life, there's tonnes of help out there and with the right support it can be very manageable and conquerable - lots of people have done it and you're strong enough to get it sorted too. Best of luck. =) -- Posted by VirtusInternus at 9:07 am on July 30, 2008 check you diet too-eat less sugary foods, exercise, meditate and take deep breaths. seeing a doctor would be best as it is treatable. good luck :) and try not to panic!