I don't really want to go into detail about my anxiety, because it's a complicated and personal story, but I feel like after years of counselling, I have racked up quite a few tips for trying to handle panic. Obviously I am not great at doing it, but I think I can handle more than I used to be able to, and if there is someone, who reads my blog, who's just starting to get symptoms of panic attacks and doesn't know what to do about it, I think it's important for me to share a few tips that could help somebody.


  1. Know that it is not real, you will not die. Just keep saying that to yourself.
  2. When you feel yourself getting all edged up and fidgety, I don't know if everyone does this, but I certainly do, just stop. Breathe. Tell yourself you are ok.
  3. Never underestimate breathing, it's such an obvious thing that people tell you, but it can really help, just concentrate on it, big deep breaths in and out, it wont help instantly, but just keep going.
  4. Distraction. This is one that I used to do a lot, and I think it may have helped me dodge a few panic attacks. Count backwards in 3's, count a colour in the room, try and do a times table pattern, put some hand cream on, or do something with your hands to keep you busy. 
  5. Know that it will pass, even though it doesn't feel like it, it will, it has passed before and it will again. Your anxiety can only get so high before it has to come back down.
  6. Think about something happy, your pet, flowers, painting, buying a new lipstick, anything you like, just concentrate on it, and smile.
  7. Learn about how panic works, do some googling, it will help you understand what is happening to your body, and maybe you wont be as afraid.
  8. Know that, a lot of people feel anxiety, or have panic attacks, more than you know. That's something I've realised as I have got older, I felt like I was the only person having these feelings, but there will be others around you that get anxious or have had/have panic attacks. You are not alone.

Also here's a picture of a nice cup of afternoon tea, because it makes me happy.

Kirsty x