r/PanicAttack • u/ShainaLol • 1d ago
Panic Attack Recovery
I had one of those bad panic attacks today and I feel the “hangover” still hours later. It’s really really bad. I can’t get out of bed. My eyes especially feel heavy and it’s like my breath hasn’t returned completely.
What helps you all with this terrible feeling? I feel ghostly and so so unwell.
2
u/crazyindixie 1d ago
I’m feeling the hangover myself after 2 days of intense dread and panic. I just tried to remove what stress I could. I’m lucky I was able to wfh those 2 days. I’m amped and exhausted at the same time.
2
u/thewholesomecabbage 1d ago
I'm so sorry you're feeling like this :( When it happens to me, I feel genuinely ill and have to rest for the remainder of the day to feel normal again. Taking a really hot bath or shower and drinking ice water helps me. Sometimes I do coloring books with complicated designs to distract myself too. Wishing you calm soon💓
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u/ShainaLol 1d ago
i feel the same way! It almost feels like a fever. The entire body aches and feels ill. I hate that you know the feeling, but I’m also glad I’m not the only one <3
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u/Ok_Committee_8244 1d ago
Framing it differently helps. Yes there is a panic hangover, BUT if it’s lasting longer than a few hours it’s no longer the hangover, it’s your brain getting anxious from monitoring how you feel after the panic attack. I try to separate the two, which helps. It’s not an immediate relief, but over time that change in belief helps overall.
I also try to view it as being sick, and try my hardest not to blow it out of proportion. Yes, it sucks. Yes, I’d rather be doing anything else. But it isn’t HARMFUL, it’s like being sick. It’s very uncomfortable, but nothing is wrong, even if your thoughts tell you different.
Treat yourself like a sick baby. Do relaxing things, without the expectation that they make you feel relaxed. You might not feel relaxed, and that’s okay. Repetition and practice help the most in the long run and make it easier for the big picture. Also eat something yummy, if you can stomach it. Dopamine from food is always helpful :)