Comments on: How To Stop A Panic Attack Now

By: Alicia H. Clark, PsyD

Alicia H. Clark, PsyD — Mon, 27 May 2019 02:14:29 +0000

In reply to Jalynn.

Dear Jalynn,
Gosh, thanks so much for taking the time to post, and let me know how helpful this is, especially the 54321. I’m so glad to hear you are getting control of your panic, even though it is happening far too often than you’d like. Keep up the good work, and know that panic — as uncomfortable and inconvenient as it is — will never own you.
Keep up the great work!
Alicia

By: Jalynn

Jalynn — Fri, 24 May 2019 22:51:31 +0000

hi, i’m 16 years old and i suffer from severe anxiety & panic attacks. the 54321 thing helps me so much. i also like to repeat “smell in the sunflowers, blow out the candles” the quote itself said roses, but i love sunflowers, so it’s calming to say that. i have panic attacks, a lot, sometimes way too often. i have this bookmarked and i want you to know i thank you everyday for this. so thank you.

By: Rachel

Rachel — Tue, 12 Feb 2019 02:59:16 +0000

Thank you so much for this. I will check out the book for sure! You’re really amazing for helping us all out. Thank you so much

By: Alicia H. Clark, PsyD

Alicia H. Clark, PsyD — Mon, 04 Feb 2019 20:06:56 +0000

In reply to Rachel.

Hi Rachel,

Thanks for taking the time to comment and for sharing your story. It sounds like you are experiencing a great deal of anxiety and managing it is getting more difficult. I’m sorry to hear the 54321 isn’t working as well as it used to. sometimes anxiety is simply not willing to take a back seat, and really wants to be understood. From what you shared, it sounds like you are processing a lot of scary thoughts and emotions related to your rape this past summer. I’m so sorry to learn this happened to you.

You may consider asking your school counselor, or parents to help you find a counselor or psychologist, who can help you learn more anxiety management tools. It may also be helpful to have some professional assistance in processing the trauma that is getting triggered.

You may also want to check out my book on managing anxiety, Hack Your Anxiety, which includes a chapter on soothing techniques as well as a complete toolkit at the end that helps walk you through managing anxiety.

If I can help in any further way, please let me know.

All my best,

Alicia

By: Rachel

Rachel — Mon, 04 Feb 2019 03:16:55 +0000

I have panic attacks a lot and 54321 is starting to not work anymore. I’m in 10th grade and I get a lot in class. I got raped in the summer and when i’m with my current boyfriend I get a lot of these flash backs and I just really want to forget about everything. I takes over me and I don’t know what to do anymore.

By: Alicia H. Clark, PsyD

Alicia H. Clark, PsyD — Mon, 13 Aug 2018 16:09:09 +0000

In reply to Kenneth A Harris.

Hi Kenneth,
Not sure exactly what to suggest beyond trying to get clearer on what about driving frightens and triggers you… Additionally, I would suggest monitoring your secondary anxiety about driving – your fear that you will panic. Here is an article I wrote that might help. https://aliciaclarkpsyd.com/anxiety-about-anxiety-every-worrier-know/
All my best,
Alicia

By: Kenneth A Harris

Kenneth A Harris — Thu, 02 Aug 2018 17:38:03 +0000

Mine only happens usually when I drive any suggestions.

By: Kairi Gainsborough

Kairi Gainsborough — Fri, 18 May 2018 03:36:55 +0000

Thanks for the advice on how to stop a panic attack. My husband gets them from time to time, and I want to be able to help. The 54321 “game” sounds like an interesting way to clam your thoughts down. I would love to find some more idea like this. Maybe I can look around online for more material about anxiety.

By: Alicia H. Clark, PsyD

Alicia H. Clark, PsyD — Thu, 22 Mar 2018 14:05:12 +0000

In reply to Ursula.

Hi Ursula,

Thanks for taking the time to comment. I’m glad to hear the 54321 game was helpful as well as breathing. Calming the breath is one of the most effective ways to trigger the part of our brain that signals things are ok. And even if it feels like things aren’t, when it comes to panic, our body simply thinks things are more dangerous than they actually are. Knowing what is happening and that you have choices is one of the most powerful ways you can tolerate panic when it flares, and take control of what you can to calm yourself.

Hoping your panic attacks continue to become more manageable.

All the best,
Alicia

By: Ursula

Ursula — Tue, 20 Mar 2018 15:20:20 +0000

Thanks so much for this. I just found this page as I was having a panic attack and I really liked the 54321 game, it helped, plus the breathing. I feel calmer now. It also helps to read about others’ experiences. I really related to Jack’s ‘pit’ in his stomach. With me, it’s either a cold, heavy, doomy feeling in the pit of my stomach or a fluttering, rising feeling in my chest flying up towards my throat.