There are lots of lifestyle changes you can make which may be useful for you to consider if you live on your own and suffer with panic or anxiety attacks.
In terms of helping to reduce anxiety symptoms, you could consider getting a cat or dog. Studies have shown the beneficial effect having a pet can have on people. I know myself that it is certainly very soothing and comforting to have my cat climb up, nuzzle against my cheek, curl round and fall asleep, purring, in my lap as I stroke her and give her a good scratch behind the ears. You might like to think about whether a pet might be something for you to consider. They don’t suit everyone, and dogs especially need a lot more exercising and looking after than cats do. But it might be effective in distracting your attention away from yourself and helping reduce your anxiety levels.
When asked for suggestions which he might give to others who have panic attacks and who live on their own. Jimmy quite simply answered ‘consider living with others’. I would agree with this, but with a proviso. Just as the negative way of dealing with an attack is to escape from or avoid the situation, so deciding to look for someone to live with could be for negative reasons. Think it through. Do you really want to lose all those opportunities which have just been outlined and which could positively help you with your panic attacks?
Would sharing your life make more problems than it would solve? Would you expect sharing to cure your panic attacks? Be aware of what sharing might mean. However, if you decide from a position of strength and sure inner knowledge that you are positively happy to share with others and that is what you really want in life, then why deny yourself that enjoyment? So long as you don’t expect it to be The Answer.
Theresa suggested ‘keep active; have friends around, go out and do things. Try not to feel sorry for yourself by sitting alone pondering on it,’ while Brian suggested ‘visit friends often. Find an absorbing hobby,’ and then added ‘don’t sit indoors worrying’.
It is important for everyone to develop outside interests. Think about whether you could happily incorporate some new activities into your life. It might be something which takes you outside your home, or you might prefer a home-based hobby, like Brian suggested.
When you are totally absorbed in an activity you enjoy, you can experience an altered state of consciousness, similar to what happens during meditation. Meditating reduces anxiety. Sitting on the floor in a lotus position isn’t the only way to do it.
However, developing interests outside the home has additional benefits. You are more likely to widen your experiences and expand your range of social contacts. It may be worth your while considering what you could take up, and the very positive effect it might have on your life. A trip to your local library should enable you to find out about local classes, clubs and activities you could join. Pay them a visit. A browse among their bookshelves could also give you some ideas for a new hobby or interest to take up.
What To Do During A Panic or Anxiety Attack
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