When your brain decides that going to a coffee shop on a Tuesday is as dangerous as wading through an alligator swamp. When you are standing in the grocery store and your body starts going into sweats and your heart feels like it’s under attack while you are picking the right bunch of bananas.

You might be having a panic attack. And this is new to you (or not). Either way, you need to know what to do during a panic attack. So let’s get to it.

What to Do During a Panic Attack

Figuring out how to act during a panic attack is tough, one reason is because there is no magic bullet to get everyone out of it. It’s not like a rainstorm, where you can just grab an umbrella, and you’re good.

I mean, in a panic attack you are actually asking, “Am I dying right now?”

And the more you think about it, the worse it gets.

However, there is some good new here. Even though there is no panic attack umbrella equivalent, there are some things you can do.

Things you can do in the moment, and things you can do for the long term. Even people who have lived with them for years often experience tremendous improvement with the right support.

What to Do:

If you’re wondering what to do during a panic attack, the first goal is not to force the panic to disappear.

Which is counterintuitive.

Desperately trying to stop the panic makes your body think something really wrong is happening here. Your brain and body are like an excitable puppy here. If you get all excited or fearful, they will go right along with it.

Instead, the goal is to teach your brain that you are safe.

For that to be the case, you yourself have to understand that you are safe during a panic attack. It is always a good idea to name what you are experiencing: “This is a panic attack. I am safe.” Then try these things.

Some strategies that can help include:

• Breathe. Slow your breathing without forcing huge deep breaths. Gentle, steady breathing often works better than dramatic inhaling.
• Grounding. Look around and name five things you can see, four you can touch, three you can hear, two you can smell, and one you can taste. This grounding exercise reminds your brain where you actually are.
• Name it. Tell yourself what is true. “This is panic. It feels overwhelming, but it is temporary.”
• Relax. Loosen tight muscles in your shoulders, jaw, and hands.
• Stay still. Stay where you are if it is safe. Running away every time panic appears can accidentally teach your brain that ordinary places are dangerous.

These things are all acts of courage. And they are based on real evidence that not only help you get out of a panic moment, they have real physical effects on your body and mind.

Remember, sometimes courage is simply remaining seated on the couch while your nervous system learns that it doesn’t need to keep pulling the fire alarm. This takes consistency, but eventually it makes all the difference.

What Not to Do During a Panic Attack

When panic shows up, people naturally try to escape it.

It makes sense.

Unfortunately, some common coping strategies make panic more stubborn over time. The things we do to try to stop the attack make matters worse.

Things like avoiding every place where panic has happened, constantly checking your pulse or blood pressure, repeatedly asking others if you’re okay, using alcohol or drugs to calm yourself, or convincing yourself that every physical sensation must be a medical emergency despite repeated reassurance from healthcare providers.

Do you do these things? Maybe. Are you over reacting? No; you are doing what makes sense to you. Does it help? Probably not.

Your brain is trying very hard to protect you.

It’s just using outdated instructions.

Along with what you can do during the panic attack, you may want to consider ongoing therapy. Therapy often helps people rewrite those instructions with ones that actually fit their lives today.

What if I Have Panic Attacks All the Time?

If panic attacks happen repeatedly, it’s easy to start organizing your entire life around avoiding them.

People stop driving.

They avoid airplanes.

Restaurants become stressful.

Crowds feel impossible.

Eventually, life begins shrinking one decision at a time.

Here’s the encouraging part.

Treatment often includes understanding the nervous system, identifying anxiety patterns, learning practical coping skills, gradually reducing avoidance, processing underlying stress or trauma when appropriate, and helping your brain regain confidence in situations that once felt overwhelming.

Many people don’t simply learn to manage panic attack symptoms.

They eventually stop fearing panic itself.

That distinction matters.

Because when panic loses its power to terrify you, it often loses much of its power to control you.

Can Therapy Really Help Panic Attacks?

Yes.

Not because therapists possess magical calming powers hidden inside expensive coffee mugs.

Because panic follows understandable patterns.

When those patterns become clearer, they become treatable.

At Lido Wellness Center, therapy is tailored to you. Some people benefit from cognitive behavioral approaches that help change fearful thinking patterns. Others need trauma-informed care. Some discover that long-standing stress, depression, grief, perfectionism, or substance use has quietly been fueling the panic all along.

Our PHP and IOP programs provide structured support while allowing many clients to remain connected to their daily responsibilities. Treatment isn’t about convincing you that your symptoms aren’t real.

They’re very real.

It’s about helping your nervous system stop mistaking discomfort for danger.

That may sound like a small difference.

In practice, it can change an entire life.

You Don’t Have to Keep Living in Fear

If you’re ready to learn what to do during a panic attack, understand why they keep happening, and discover lasting ways to manage panic attack symptoms, we’re here to help.

Call Lido Wellness Center today at 949-541-8466 to learn more about our programs and take the first step toward feeling safe in your own mind again.

Xanax is one of the most common medications prescribed for anxiety. It can bring quick relief, but it’s rarely the full answer. Understanding how Xanax works—and its risks—can help you make informed choices about treatment and long-term wellness.

Understanding Xanax for Anxiety and Its Treatment

You might feel alone in your anxiety, constant fears, and overthinking. But the reality is anxiety is one of the most common mental health issues around the world. This is not to make light of anxiety. It should make us look at it with more gravity.

Anxiety is a worldwide issue that is causing anguish around the world every single day.

The symptoms mostly feel like excessive worry, tension, and nervousness, but it is incessant. There seems to be no reprieve, and for some people, it becomes debilitating. It’s tough to even get out of bed and take on life’s daily tasks.

Types of Medications for Anxiety

There are several classes of medications used to treat anxiety:

• Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs): These medications help increase serotonin levels, and they are often the first line of treatment.
• Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs): These also affect serotonin and norepinephrine levels to alleviate anxiety symptoms.
• Benzodiazepines: These are fast-acting medications used for short-term relief. This is where Xanax for anxiety falls.
• Buspirone: A non-benzodiazepine that can be used for generalized anxiety disorder.
• Beta-Blockers: Often used to manage physical symptoms of anxiety, such as rapid heart rate.

Xanax for Anxiety: Long-term Results

Xanax is a benzodiazepine that enhances the effect of a neurotransmitter called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain, which helps to produce a calming effect. It is often prescribed for Short-Term Relief. Xanax is effective in providing immediate relief from severe anxiety symptoms.

People still use it for the long haul, but again, it is to help with immediate symptoms. In the list above, medications such as SSRIs are often preferred. However, how helpful short-term relief can be in a person’s life shouldn’t be understated.

That moment of being able to calm yourself and take your thoughts back can turn your entire aspect around.

The Drawbacks of Long-Term Xanax Use

While Xanax can be a lifesaver during acute anxiety episodes, long-term use can lead to several issues:

• Dependence and Tolerance: Over time, your body may become dependent on Xanax, requiring higher doses to achieve the same effect.
• Withdrawal Symptoms: Stopping Xanax abruptly can lead to severe withdrawal symptoms, including increased anxiety, insomnia, and seizures.
• Cognitive Impairment: Long-term use of Xanax can affect memory and cognitive function.
• Sedation and Coordination Issues: Xanax can cause drowsiness and impair motor skills, increasing the risk of accidents.

Alternatives to Xanax

For those seeking long-term solutions for anxiety, consider these alternatives:

• Therapy: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and other forms of therapy can provide lasting strategies for managing anxiety.
• Lifestyle Changes: Regular exercise, a healthy diet, and adequate sleep can significantly reduce anxiety.
• Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques: Practices like meditation, yoga, and deep-breathing exercises can help manage stress and anxiety.
• SSRIs and SNRIs: These medications can be more suitable for long-term anxiety management.
• Herbal Supplements: Some find relief with supplements like valerian root, kava, and chamomile, though it’s essential to consult a healthcare provider before use.

A Holistic Approach to Anxiety Treatment

Treating anxiety effectively often requires a combination of strategies. A holistic program might include:

• Medication: For immediate relief and as needed.
• Therapy: To address underlying issues and develop coping mechanisms.
• Lifestyle Modifications: Incorporating exercise, healthy eating, and sleep hygiene.
• Mindfulness Practices: Engaging in activities that promote relaxation and mental well-being.

Getting Help with Anxiety’s Root Issues

Anxiety does result from chemical imbalances in your brain. This is why medication can help. But there is more. Certain types of talk therapy and groups are proven to make a difference in people with anxiety.

Real treatment is multifaceted and understands this holistic approach to mental health wellness.

At Lido Wellness Center in Newport Beach, our clinical team helps clients understand when medication is appropriate and when therapy may be the better path. We offer holistic programs designed to reduce anxiety safely and build lasting emotional stability.

If this approach sounds like it could work for you or someone you love, call Lido Wellness in Newport Beach, California, today at 949-541-8466.

Frequently Asked Questions about Xanax for Anxiety

Q: Is Xanax good for anxiety?
A: Xanax can offer quick relief for severe anxiety or panic attacks, but it’s usually intended for short-term use. Long-term anxiety management often involves therapy and lifestyle changes rather than medication alone.

Q: What are the risks of taking Xanax long-term?
A: Extended use of Xanax can lead to dependence, tolerance, and withdrawal symptoms. It may also affect memory, coordination, and sleep quality.

Q: Are there natural or therapy-based alternatives to Xanax?
A: Yes. Treatments such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), DBT, EMDR, mindfulness, and holistic care can help address the root causes of anxiety without relying on medication.

Q: When should I seek help for anxiety?
A: If anxiety affects your sleep, work, or relationships, professional help can make a difference. Lido Wellness Center in Newport Beach offers evidence-based programs that promote lasting calm and emotional balance.

Last Updated: November 2025

Anxiety disorders are all around us. It might be that we are finally beginning to recognize and name the issue, or it could be brought on by the state of the world—and its breakneck pace and expectations. Whatever it is, amid this high-speed digital hustle, an ancient practice is making a quiet comeback. Welcome to the world of Reiki for anxiety– a holistic treatment that’s intriguing people around the world.

Understanding Reiki for Anxiety

Before we dive into the serene waters of Reiki, let’s talk about anxiety. At the heart of anxiety disorders lies a complex interplay of biology and environment. Imagine the brain as a sophisticated command center, constantly processing signals from the world around us. In those with anxiety disorders, this command center is on high alert, interpreting a multitude of situations as threats, even when they’re not.

This heightened state of alert is often the result of a delicate balance of neurotransmitters gone awry, combined with genetic predispositions and life experiences.

Holistic Healing: Treating Mind, Body, and Spirit

Enter holistic treatment – an approach that treats the person as a whole, rather than just focusing on the symptoms. Holistic therapies, such as meditation, yoga, and acupuncture, are gaining popularity in managing anxiety, providing a much-needed breath of fresh air away from conventional treatments.

What is Reiki for Anxiety? Not Your Average Energy Drink

So, what exactly is Reiki for anxiety? Originating from Japan, Reiki is a form of energy healing that involves a practitioner placing their hands lightly on or over a person’s body to facilitate the individual’s process of healing.

It’s like having a human charger for your body and soul – no cables required. The idea is that by channeling universal energy, Reiki can balance the body’s energy flow, leading to emotional and physical healing.

The Roots of Reiki: A Brief History Lesson

Tracing back to the early 20th century, Reiki was developed by Mikao Usui, a Japanese Buddhist. It’s said that Usui attained the knowledge and spiritual power of Reiki during a profound mystical experience on Mount Kurama. Since then, Reiki has traveled across oceans and cultures, evolving into various forms but always retaining its core principle of healing through energy.

Reiki and Anxiety: How Does It Help?

So, how does Reiki help with anxiety? Imagine anxiety as a chaotic storm in your mind. Reiki acts like a gentle breeze, helping to calm the turbulent thoughts and emotions. By promoting relaxation and reducing stress, Reiki can create an environment within the body that encourages healing.

While it may not be a magic cure, many individuals report feeling more centered, calm, and less anxious following Reiki sessions.

A Safe Space for Healing

One of the most appealing aspects of using Reiki for anxiety is its ability to provide a safe, non-invasive form of healing. In a Reiki session, there’s no need for talking or analysis – helpful for those who might feel ‘talked out’ after numerous therapy sessions.

This silent, supportive environment allows individuals to let their guard down, which can be incredibly therapeutic for those who are constantly battling the whirlwinds of anxious thoughts.

Beyond the Session

The benefits of Reiki often extend far beyond the session itself. Many report an increased sense of self-awareness and mindfulness, finding it easier to recognize the onset of anxiety symptoms and apply other coping mechanisms more effectively. It’s like learning to ride the waves of your internal ocean, rather than being tossed around by them.

Empowerment in Your Healing Journey

Reiki can also be empowering. It encourages a proactive approach to personal health and well-being. In a world where we often feel at the mercy of our mental health struggles, taking an active role in a practice like Reiki can be a powerful step towards reclaiming control.

Complementing Traditional Therapies

It’s important to remember that using Reiki for anxiety is most effective when used in conjunction with traditional therapies for anxiety, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and medication. Think of it as part of a broader, integrative approach to managing anxiety—a piece of the puzzle that fits into your unique mental health picture.

Further Help for Anxiety Disorders

If you’re reading this and thinking, “I could use some of that zen magic in my life,” remember, Reiki and anxiety is best used as a complementary therapy. It’s important to consult with healthcare professionals for anxiety disorders. There are numerous paths to managing anxiety, from therapy and medication to lifestyle changes and support groups.

A Step Towards Healing

Reiki, with its gentle touch and profound simplicity, offers a unique path to wellness. It reminds us that sometimes, the best way to quiet the mind is to simply let go and trust in the healing power of our own bodies.

For more information or to explore treatment options for anxiety disorders, feel free to contact our mental health facility and counseling center at Lido Wellness in Newport Beach, CA. Our doors (and minds) are always open!

Anxiety is commonly associated with feelings of helplessness. Fear and the constant analyzing of life and its circumstances, even choosing to stop engaging with activities and people, are all common with anxiety. People struggling with anxiety can feel like they can’t control their feelings and emotions.

Anxiety is pervasive. One in four people in the US has some form of anxiety. But very few people with anxiety disorders actually get mental health treatment for anxiety.

One reason? People think you should toughen up. Or you should “Just calm down and stop being so dramatic.” Maybe you have heard them too? “You’re too sensitive.” “It’s all in your head.”

Whatever it is you have heard or even said, anxiety stigma exists. And it is important to confront it.

When there is an anxiety disorder stigma, it can make matters worse. If being singled out and made to feel abnormal triggers panic attacks, the fear of being stigmatized can create a cycle of anxiety that perpetuates increasingly worse, intense feelings.

What Is Anxiety Disorder Stigma?

First, we should take a second to understand what stigmatization is. A stigma is something that people perceive as a mark of shame. Stigmas, as they relate to mental health, are generally categorized in three ways:

1.  Social Stigmas:These social norms cause individuals to discriminate against those they feel are disgraceful in some capacity. This can be split into two categories:

• Actual: What people actually believe about a disorder
• Perceived: What a person believes others think about their disorders

2.  Structural Stigmas:These are the social norms as they relate to systems of power, the actual laws, rules, and regulations that may affect the day-to-day lives of stigmatized groups. These are generally the leading factors that deny stigmatized individuals and groups the services, resources, and opportunities they may need.
3.  Self Stigmas:Relating to Perceived Social Stigmas, this is the negative self-awareness that stigmatized individuals may have about themselves, the person’s own beliefs in how their disorder is a sign of their failures rather than a consequence of a treatable disorder.

Consequences of Anxiety Disorder Stigma

Even though there are numerous treatments and therapies for anxiety, and despite anxiety being one of the most common psychological disorders, only around 36% of those suffering from an anxiety disorder receive treatment.

This is likely due to the high rate of individuals with the Perceived Stigma that anxiety disorders don’t exist. Many individuals perceive anxiety as a personal weakness, something they must ‘deal with’ as opposed to something that must be treated.

This is particularly troublesome when people with anxiety disorders are 6 times as likely to be hospitalized than those without anxiety for psychiatric disorders. Untreated anxiety can also be a pipeline to depression and increases the likelihood of suicidal thoughts. Those with anxiety who suffer from stigmatization are likely to perceive themselves as weak and suffer from low-self esteem, doubt, and internalized shame.

The Importance of Anxiety Education

Anxiety is the most common psychiatric disorder and is treatable through therapy and medication. Still, as long as stigmas against anxiety disorders exist, people will continue to feel isolated and ashamed and won’t seek readily available help that is out there.

Common Treatments of Anxiety Disorders:

1. Exercise: Regular exercise is an effective way to manage anxiety. It helps reduce stress and releases endorphins, improving mood and reducing anxiety.
2. Relaxation techniques: Relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, and guided imagery, can help you manage anxiety by reducing tension and promoting relaxation.
3. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT): CBT is a type of psychotherapy that focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns and behaviors contributing to anxiety. It’s a highly effective treatment for anxiety and can be done in an outpatient mental health program.
4. Psychotherapy: Psychotherapy is a type of talk therapy that involves meeting with a mental health professional to discuss your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. It can be an effective way to treat anxiety because it helps you identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors contributing to your anxiety.

Getting Help for Anxiety in Newport Beach

It is important that people understand that suffering from an anxiety disorder is not a sign of weakness or a personal failure but rather a mental health issue that is not only common but treatable. The more people are educated on the facts of anxiety disorders, the more likely we are to see an increase in treatment and an improvement in the overall quality of people’s lives.

Lido Wellness Center offers a complete treatment program for anxiety disorders in Newport Beach. If you or someone you know is struggling with anxiety, it’s important to remember that help is available.

The first step is understanding that anxiety is a common and treatable mental health issue. Don’t let the stigma surrounding anxiety prevent you from seeking the treatment you need. The next step is to seek help from a mental health professional who can provide the support and guidance you need to manage your symptoms and improve your quality of life.

At Lido Wellness Center in Newport Beach, we offer a full treatment program for anxiety disorders. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you or your loved one confront the stigma of anxiety and begin the journey toward healing and recovery.

Sarah had always been a shy person, but as she grew older, her shyness turned into something much more intense. She found herself avoiding social situations at all costs, skipping family gatherings and even turning down invitations to hang out with her closest friends if they were going out to see other people.

She would worry for days before an event, imagining all the ways she could embarrass herself or say something wrong. This is the beginnings of social anxiety disorder. It might seem like an intense shyness to some, but it can be a debilitating disorder creates isolation and loneliness.

Sarah has symptoms of social anxiety.

On the other hand, meet John. John was always a bit of a worrier, but in recent years, his worries had gotten out of control. He found himself constantly overthinking everything—from his health to his job to the state of the world. He had trouble sleeping, had frequent panic attacks, and John was constantly in a state of neurosis.

John has symptoms of generalized anxiety.

Beyond Feeling Nervous

While some anxiety is normal in people, it is when you have constant and overwhelming emotions that they are characterized as anxiety disorders.

Anxiety disorders affect 19.1% of people in the U.S. according to this report. Social anxiety disorder (SAD) and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) are two anxiety disorders. Social anxiety disorder often makes people feel self-conscious, anxious, and they may experience physical symptoms such as sweating, trembling, and an increased heart rate when they are in or about to be in a social situation.

Generalized anxiety disorder occurs when you are constantly worried about everything including health, money, relationship, lifestyle, education, or even things that are not under your control.

Understanding Social Anxiety Disorder

If you are anxious to the degree that it is affecting your life in a negative way in any kind of social situation whether, at work or a social engagement, you may well have SAD.

Symptoms of social anxiety disorder include fear of meeting people, fear of embarrassment and ridicule, blanking out, not registering anything mentally, and more. These can manifest as physical symptoms like sweating, rapid heartbeat (even palpitations), blushing, feeling breathless, and others.

Any kind of social situation may be a trigger for social anxiety disorder. Whenever you are meeting anyone you may feel anxious about talking, eating, or even your appearance in front of them.

Understanding Generalized Anxiety Disorder

When you feel unreasonable fear and anxiety about things that you may not even have any control over, and this feeling is constant, that is likely generalized anxiety disorder.

Symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder include persistent worry about everything, unable to relax and being constantly on an edge, muscle tension, sweating, sleep disturbances, a feeling of panic, aches, pains, and the like.

Triggers for generalized anxiety disorder include health, medical, financial, work, and other issues that may or may not be real since the worry is disproportionate to the actual issues.

Differences between Social Anxiety Disorder and Generalized Anxiety Disorder

The main difference between SAD and GAD is the focus of the anxiety. Social anxiety disorder is characterized by fear in such places as public speaking, meeting new people, or being observed by others. In contrast, generalized anxiety disorder involves excessive worry and anxiety about a wide range of everyday situations, including health, finances, work, and relationships.

The other big difference is in the way they are treated. For example, cognitive-behavioral therapy is often used to treat both disorders, but the focus of the therapy may be different. In SAD, the focus may be on improving social skills and reducing avoidance behaviors, while in GAD, the focus may be on identifying and changing negative thought patterns.

Getting Help for Anxiety Disorders

No matter what, anxiety disorders are tough to live with. They will disrupt your life and could lead to isolation and depression. If you are experiencing excessive worry, fear, panic, avoidance behaviors, and physical symptoms such as sweating, trembling, or heart palpitations, it may be a good idea to reach out for help. Mental heath issues don’t typically just go away. But, with help, they can be managed to the point where they have little ability to cause harm.

Remember, getting help for anxiety disorders is a process, and it may take time to find the right treatment for you. If you want to talk to someone about GAD or SAD, call Lido Wellness Center in Newport Beach today. Our mental health services in Newport Beach are designed to help individuals with anxiety and other disorders that affect millions of people across the country.