Is it normal to depression and bipolar disorder?

You know that feeling when dealing with panic attacks is like trying to text with oven mitts on. Here's what actually works (not the sanitized version). ## Step 1: Stop Fighting It Fighting panic attacks is like arguing with a smoke alarm. It just gets louder. Instead: - Notice what's happening without judgment - Name it: "Oh, panic attacks is here" - Remember it's temporary (even when it doesn't feel like it) ## Step 2: Get Practical Your brain needs concrete actions when it's overwhelmed: - **Immediate relief**: Ground yourself (5 things you can see, 4 you can hear, etc.) - **Short-term**: Have a go-to comfort activity ready - **Long-term**: Build daily practices that support your nervous system ## Step 3: Build Your Toolkit Different days need different tools: - **Bad days**: Survival mode (basic needs, gentle movement) - **Okay days**: Maintenance (routine, small steps forward) - **Good days**: Building (planning, preparing for harder times) ## Step 4: Get Your People panic attacks thrives in isolation. Find: - One person who gets it (doesn't have to be family) - Professional support if possible - Online communities that feel safe ## The Real Talk Some days you'll nail this. Other days you'll feel like you're starting over. That's not failure - that's being human. Your feelings make perfect sense. Progress with panic attacks looks like a drunk person walking home: lots of zigzagging, but generally moving in the right direction.