Grabbing Some Floor
I had terrible anxiety starting in middle school and going into my late twenties. It was so severe, I actually developed a fear of fainting during 9th grade. Once, during health class, the nurse had to come up to our classroom to wheel me out in a wheelchair. Naturally, the class clown thought this was great fodder for jokes in years to come. Looking back on it, I actually think it’s kind of funny, but I also know how awful it was to experience that, and as a mental health professional, I’ve realized that it isn’t actually that unusual. I feel so bad for all those kiddos in their teens who end up on the floor wondering if they have cancer or are just some melodramatic weirdo.
In my mid to late twenties, I just embraced lying on the carpet under my desk when the room started spinning or filling with stars. I remember how relieved I felt when I took my first yoga nidra class and realized that we spent the whole time on the floor. Finally, I didn’t need to worry about passing out and hitting my head on something.
I share this in the hope that if this sounds familiar you take some comfort in the knowledge that this is often a temporary problem and not a symptom of a fatal illness. Feeling lightheaded is often caused by anxiety, but if you’re concerned, it never hurts to check with your doctor to make sure something low blow blood pressure or anemia aren’t the culprits. Other things such as prescription medications can also cause lightheadedness.
For panicky feelings, cognitive-behavioral strategies are often helpful, especially techniques like square breathing and progressive relaxation.
Quick fixes for times when you’re stuck somewhere (like work or school) and think the floor looks sketchy (hello ancient gum) include:
Sitting down and putting your head between your knees
Avoid locking your knees when standing
Be mindful of your breathing—focus on taking deep breaths into your abdomen, not your chest
Go to the restroom and dab some cold water on the back of your neck'
If you have a paper sandwich bag and some privacy, put the opening against your mouth (loosely) and breath in and out. You can also use your t-shirt or a blanket in a pinch. Trapping some of your exhaled breath will help you get more carbon dioxide so you stop hyperventilating.
Remember that the feeling will pass and you might not feel like running a marathon after, but even though it feels like forever, panic attacks only last for about 10 minutes.
