I had my first anxiety attack when my husband was in the ICU after quadruple bypass surgery. I didn't know what it was but my mother did. So, she helped me breathe through it, but I ended up getting checked out at the ER anyway, because, as one of the doctor's said, if I had any undiagnosed heart issues, with the stress of the situation it could be problematic.
I now can tell if the symptoms start, and using breathing techniques I keep it under control.
I do think that possibly, since you do have complicated responses, it might not hurt to see if acupuncture could help. And I think that there are many practices that can help, especially if we front load it, meaning use it to increase our equanimity daily, so our baseline is less reactive, and then also use it when a situation arises that tests us. Wow, that sentence needs editing.
Sorry your therapist is on vacation. Maybe try practices like an experiment to see what helps you. Even 3-5 minutes once or twice a day can have an impact. It doesn't have to be something that you have to drive somewhere to learn, and spend lots of time.
Journaling, reading/memorizing certain poems, breathing, etc. A simple mantra to remind yourself that while you are having ____ reaction, you are not that reaction. Any other mantra. Singing a certain song to yourself. Imagining yourself at the beach, or wherever is a healing spot.
Yoga, meditation, Tai Chi,
I can have a hard time getting started in the morning.
I have a children's picture book I read to myself and it helps get me pumped for the day. Whatever works, as they say.
Good luck to you. I'd suggest that if you can, let go of the label, look at the suggestion and see if there is any validity to it, and appreciate that the person cared enough to suggest it.
