anyone have tips for coping with panic attacks at work?

[SASKRS]

Does anyone have good tips for managing panic attacks at work? How does you keep going to work?

[stacy24]

I get panic attacks at work often and its scary because i know i could never go up to my boss and tell her my problem because well there not very nice so that alone gives me panic attacks knowing I'm actually stuck there and cant go home if it gets bad but i do bring tranquillizers just in case.
the only thing i can do is try to stay as busy as possible that keeps me from thinking
if i feel I'm having one i talk myself out of it some way some how .. I'm like oh Stacy there is nothing wrong with you why r u doing this right now and such may sound stupid but it works for me hopefully some thing will work for u too ..

good luck and stay positive :)

[marshmellow]

Well, for me...there are two different ways I cope; I either go to a coworker and just talk about the day...and that gets my mind off things...Because usually my panic attacks are me not feeling like I am there (out of body). If my anxiety is WAY too high, I get a glass of cold water and take a walk around my building. Or if possible step outside and call a friend who knows you have panic disorder and have them talk you down.

[tigerpaw]

I have small doses of lorazapam that kills the panic anxiety mood.  It gives me a chance to settle down and function normally.

[mankind63]

Work attacks are a toughy 'cuz you can't just go for a 100 yard sprint,which is basically what your body is telling you to do,and having unsympathetic bosses/co-workers is no help either,so the answer for me has been meds.I don't like the idea,but until I can get a handle on the root cause then meds it is.Don't have a choice.But they do work,for me at least.Good luck,your'e not alone.

[wolfspirt1]

Hi there

I was working for a long time in a small office with a severe panic and worry problem

What I found was that they did'nt actally notice and you know what --If they did I think they would of been supportive
my girlfriends boss was when she was paniced all the time

I'd say keep going to work and just do the best you can

let the sensations happen

[Bama21]

let the sensations happen

I'd at least try this a time or two.  When you feel the panic coming on, try as best as you can to physically and mentally relax and just let it happen.  Don't fight the sensations or get tense and try to distract yourself.  "Float" with the feelings...as Claire Weekes suggests.  You might be surprised and find that the sensations pass relatively quickly.  Also, if you can do this and make it through even the first panic attack this way, that's a big step toward recovery.  Once you face it and beat it, then comes confidence. 

 

[jenniferharper]

I actually had to get on medicine because every time I had an attack at work I flipped out and started crying.  Went into the bathroom for long periods of time.  I work up front, so that wasn't a good thing.  I'm a hypochondriac so any pain or anything I felt would send me into panic and anxiety.  OR I would look online at symptoms at work like an idiot and freak out.