Panic Attacks Support Group

A panic attack is a period of intense fear or discomfort, typically with an abrupt onset and usually lasting no more than thirty minutes. Symptoms include trembling, shortness of breath, heart palpitations, sweating, nausea, dizziness, hyperventilation, and sensations of choking or smothering. Panic attacks can be very sudden, appear to be unprovoked, and are often...

6,157 Members
6,394 Posts
0 Online
Anxiety Disorders
/ Panic Attacks Support Group

what's your tension headache like?

kiki2
kiki2
Anyone find that with chronic anxiety/panic attacks they get tension headaches? Mine feels like I've been crying for about a week straight - the muscles in my neck/face and head feel sooo tight, and it hurts to shake my head back and forth (across my forehead) - can anyone else relate? and if so, what do you do to help?
Thanks!
ladykate
ladykate
Hi, kiki;
What helps for me is first taking an ibuprofen (600-800 mgs.), then closing my eyes and opening my mouth. Not wide but just let your jaw drop slightly open so that your top n bottom teeth are not touching each other.Go someplace quiet where you won't be interrupted for at least an hour.Try not to concentrate on the tightness; put on your favorite soft music and focus on that instead. It helps.
deleted_user
deleted_user
ladykate's got it - relaxation/meditation. It also helps to chew gum during an attack - as soon as you feel one coming, pop some gum in your mouth, and chew, chew, chew... it helps keep the muscles in the jaw and neck from tightening up. Of course, massage is monumentally helpful. As well as gentle stretching. And you can do face stretches too... scrunch your face up, open your mouth wide, smile real big, purse your lips... just make all kinds of faces. Feels silly, but it also feels gooooood. ;o)