Commander Gren

Disclaimer: I’m not a professional–just someone who’s lived with this stuff for a while and has been to therapy and has a psychiatrist, but there are some home remedies that they don’t always mention that help in a pinch.

1. Cold Water

This is by far my most battle-tested strategy, and it works almost every time. I don’t know the exact science of it, but it goes something like this: 

If you press something cool to your face when you’re really freaking out, it forces your brain to notice something other than your panic, which sort of resets your body’s reaction and helps you calm down. It also gives you something tangible to focus on.

Now, my favorite strategy is to use a cold washcloth. It’s easy to carry around, quick and you can use it on more than just your face if your face isn’t enough. Often, when I’m having a panic attack, I start to overheat, too, which just makes it worse. The washcloth has saved me more times than I can count by now.

Use it on your face first. Hold it there until it gets warm, and then flip it over to the cool side. Carry it around with you if you have to. Keep doing this until you feel better.

If that doesn’t work, use it on your neck. Heat escapes through your neck (it’s why scarves work so well in the winter!) and cooling this part of you will help bring you down a few notches, too.

If you are really really overheating badly, it might sound a little funny, but one of the places that people are supposed to put something cool when someone is having heat exhaustion is under the arms. Use the washcloth there, if you need to. On your arms, too, and your legs. Fan yourself where the skin is wet and you should be cooling down.

If you don’t want to use a washcloth/can’t get to one, there are some other strategies you can use.

Got a cold drink? Press it to your face and neck. It’ll help.

Ice water is great for panic attacks. Anxiety often comes with tears, so remember to stay hydrated.

Dunk your face in a bowl of cold water. Just do it. (This was the recommendation to me from my therapist–I dunno if it works because I thought it was weird. Maybe try running the cold water and splashing your face with it instead.)

If you’re in a classroom, sometimes the desks have metal connecting the desk to the chair. That’s usually colder than the rest of the room. Squeeze it with your hand, press your leg against it if you’re wearing shorts, count to ten and breathe. Keep breathing and counting. It’ll pass.

Fan yourself, if you’ve got nothing else. Just try to cool yourself down.

(I’m putting the rest of this under the cut for length so I don’t clog anyone’s dashes!)

- drink some water

- take ur medication

- have something to eat (even if it’s only small)

You are important in someone’s life.

There is always someone who needs your hugs.

This too will pass.

you are the sun, making rainy days brighter and spreading warmth to everyone. keep on shining.