support

[DJ873]

as a long time sufferer i have been using something that has helped me more than meds or anything. it is a mindfulness practice. When I feel an attack coming or am in one, i do an inventory, the truth at that moment. the trees or the sky or the stop sign, the computer screen, anything that is actual, then i focus on my breathing watching it rise and fall in my belly then gently begin to breath in to what is bothering me, my heart, my chest, even my head. I begin naming what i am doing in my mind, worrying, exhagerating, obsessing, etc then, and this is a biggy, i have learned that I have the power to focus my awareness, not fight the thoughts but let them float around while I refocus whereever I choose. for some reason I never knew I had the power to focus my awareness. understanding, really really understanding this has been pivitol in reducing the power length and depth of an attack. They only have the power I give them. While I can't say I dont sometimes loose track and sometimes get in pretty deep I have stopped more than have been allowed. there are some great books on mindfulness practice, in fact i got it from this site, by Jon Kabit-Zin not sure i am spelling that right. Anyway it is one option that may work for someone

[AmyLC]

Thank you!  That was very insightful.  :)

[mammo]

What you write is so very true and kudos to you for accomplishing this!!  I learned this by accident and it's a great feeling!  Thanks for sharing.