Will anxiety treatment stop my panic attacks?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am a 19-year-old dealing with anxiety and panic attacks for three to four years, impacting my relationships. The issues began in 9th grade.

While with family, I suddenly had difficulty breathing and shivering, requiring a hospital visit. Furthermore, due to my boyfriend, more severe attacks were triggered, leading to emotional turmoil, suicidal thoughts, and self-harm. This lasted for six months. Now, after two years, the anxiety has resurfaced with some variations.

Kindly guide.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your query and can understand your concern.

It seems you may be dealing with an anxiety disorder (excessive worry, fear, or nervousness). There are non-pharmacological approaches to manage it, and I suggest trying the following guidelines:

Engage in daily exercises for 30 to 45 minutes, such as taking a brisk walk.
Practice meditation for 20 minutes daily. Find a comfortable position, concentrate on your breathing, and allow your thoughts to flow without forcing them to stop.
Consume healthy, home-cooked meals, and avoid junk foods.
Ensure you stay well-hydrated by drinking enough water.
Spend quality time with friends and family daily, or utilize video calls if you are separated from your family.
Cultivate creative hobbies like reading, journaling, painting, drawing, or learning new skills, languages, or musical instruments.
Aim for seven to eight hours of sleep each night.
Steer clear of tobacco, alcohol, or any substance abuse.
Embrace life fully; do not merely go through the motions.
Be bold and confident in your actions.

If your symptoms persist despite adhering to these recommendations for four to six weeks, it may be prudent to consider short-term medication.

I hope this helps.

Please revert in case of further queries.

Thank you.