I tend to go for really long meditative walks. Sometimes I prepare a good music playlist and other times I just try to concentrate on the birds chirping and nature.

Thank you so much! For so many years I thought I was broken or going through depressive relapse. It helps to have a name associated with what is going on in my head and tools. Counting backwards...I like that!

I had tried meditation, walks, and yoga just to calm the thoughts without success.
For some reason my mind likes to 'find things' to get out of my headspace. I figured this out at the lake this summer with my daughter. We found a rock that was whiter and smoother than the rest and took turns throwing it into the lake and having to find it. It took us several minutes a few times. There are a lot of rocks, but we were looking for a specific one. I realized how calm my mind was focused on finding that rock.
I am trying to figure out ways to do this to clear out my mind outside of the water. Finding answers to questions (as long as it is not medical), looking for things to sell at a garage sell, anything that just completely focuses my mind for a few minutes seems to work. I feel more calm afterwards. At least for awhile.

I'm researching my family tree on the internet and it can keep me absorbed for hours, and has a flow on effect for a while after. Finding an absorbing hobby is a great interest and refuge.

Hello. I am new to this online support group. Last night I had the one of the worst panic attacks I have ever had. I couldn't sleep. I felt restless and my heart seemed to be racing. This went on off and on all night until about 4am. The last time this happened I went to the ER thinking I was having a heart attack (for the third time). I was recently diagnosed with PTSD and GAD. The sleepless night had me feeling down this morning and not wanting to get out of bed. When I finally got up, I sat on the front porch and listened to a uplifting you-tube video, still feeling anxious. It wasn't until I started cleaning my house with the music really LOUD that I was able to get out of my head. The moment I sat down, I had a crying fit wishing the pain of these feelings and thoughts away.

I like the idea of new conditioning. I have started to go to psychotherapy. I was offered paxil but refused it due to the potential side effects. I have a playlist on my cell and will try to start using mental tools. It's just really hard when you are in the moment of a panic attack to think of those things.