I take a step back and pause listen to music or walk if I start to feel tense. During my major attacks I really can't control them the best I can do is call a hot line or a family member and try to have them walk me through it as I cry my anxiety away. My major anxiety attacks I feel like a balloon ready to pop. I get a slight sore throat, a low almost fever, chills, stomach issues like diarrhoea or nausea, pins and needles in my fingers and feet, my legs get warm, and racing thoughts thatI cant stop. This kind of attacks will just happen and lasts for 2 days. I thought I was crazy the first time this happened but after the third time I realized I'm not its just my body over reacting.

Anxiety and panic attacks present completely different with each person. The important thing is how to handle the ongoing challenges. First, therapy/counseling. Find yourself one you feel comfortable with and commit to going consistently. Second would coping skills. There are an enormously wide range of coping skills. I highly recommend you find as many as possible for your "toolbox" of skills that you can draw from in the moment. Anything from yoga and meditation, to coloring/art, devotions and affirmations, to fidget toys, and the list goes on. And finally, if all else fails consider the many, many medications to help you through this season. It does not have to be a lifetime of meds. I'm praying for you.

It is different for everyone.

Once you become aware of the changing balance, then it becomes checking out your toolkit and pulling out what works best in the moment.

When a series of changing balance happens, it feels overwhelming. By distracting what you are able to, it brings the anxiety into a different level, and reduces the residual effects of overwhelming anxiety.

Writing it out in a journal helps you sort through the thoughts, feelings, emotions, and find ways to move through the moment.

That's a tough one. My anxiety feels like so many different things.

Sometimes I'll get lightheaded, my breathing gets shallow, and fire shoots across my chest and down my arms.

Sometimes I let my eyes relax and I start to dissociate and convince myself I'm going crazy.

Sometimes I'm so exhausted I don't think I'll be able to make it through the day.

Some times it's all of this at once.

For me the only true coping mechanism is knowing that the anxiety will eventually end.

For me, my anxiety comes on with a tight chest, tingles in my head, stomach flips and I get butterflies, and an overall sense of fear. When this is happening, depending on where I am, I like to curl up in a ball and cover myself with tight blankets. If I can not be near home I will need to feel fresh air on my face o try other grounding techniques. Sometimes the attack lasts all the way until I can get home. Then I curl up next to my hubby and breathe deeply.