Hey, so I have a bit of health anxiety that flares up from time to time, and today it came after I ate takeout at work for the first time since learning of my serious allergy to a particular fruit. I felt a prickle on the skin of my arm, saw a mark and immediately panicked that I’d need to use my epi pen (btw it was confirmed before and after that my allergen was not in the food but I panicked anyway lol). As well, our office is usually empty between noon - 2, so I went to a nearby pharmacy. The pharmacist was very kind, and told me to sit in the waiting area until I felt safe again, and that she had adrenaline if I needed it (here in Canada, we have an unfortunate epi pen shortage currently). If you’re ever having a panic alone and unsure of where to find a “safe space”, I highly recommend your local pharmacy (24h ones for those having a night panic).
Hi Paige,
I suffered Panic attacks,
Best advice I had was from my psychotherapust, when you feel an attack coming on focus on anything nearby and think as many thoughts about it as you can..
Eg.. You see picture nearby, its a picture of a boat on the sea for example. You think 'the sea looks calm, bet its cold, look at the boat, its painted blue, it has a white sail, I can see a person on deck, I wonder where he's going?
Its a type of distraction to ground your mind.
Also breath slowly
All the best