How to calm down

[Anonymous]

I'm posting this here because there's no mental health forum, so here goes. We had a crazy event this morning with one of our neighbors that only involved us indirectly but was nonetheless really disturbing. A lot of screaming that went on forever, the police came, someone was arrested and someone else was taken away in an ambulance. This was a couple of hours ago and I can't stop thinking about it, and feel really jangled up inside, nervous, on the verge of tears and unable to stay focused. I know all that's normal, but what can I do to calm down? I would have a beer but I have to work today, so I can't.

Any tips or techniques? Also, my kids seem unphased but I'm sure they're not. Should I talk to them about it or just leave it alone?

[Anonymous]

Slow breathing - count four to breath in, hold for 4 and let out for 4

that or jumping jacks to work off the adrenaline

both work for me in different circs.

[Anonymous]

Talk to the kids about it.

Do you have access to a therapist? If yes, make an appt.

Write about what happened and how you felt and feel in a journal.

Try using a guided meditation or other way to focus and calm your mind.

[Anonymous]

It's mild ptsd-- I witnessed a violent event many years ago, and had a similar reaction, but because I saw it first hand, I felt on edge for several weeks.
I agree that if you have a therapist, it's worth discussing just to work out the feelings--in the meantime, here a website describing specific deep breathing exercises that helps alleviate anxiety. I've used it- it will help:

https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/proper-breathing-brings-better-health/

[Anonymous]

Can you leave the house for a few hours - maybe go to an uplifting movie.

[Anonymous]

Thank you for the responses. We don't have a therapist but I may encourage my kids to see their school counselors on Monday (doubt they'll go...).

Also the breathing techniques are pretty amazing. I had no faith at all that breathing exercises would help but they really did. I'm going to keep this in my back pocket.

[Anonymous]

Eat several bananas. Take 2 regular strength aspirin. Drink lots of water (this is all going to lower your blood pressure) Try to nap

[Anonymous]

This is OP again. I wonder if there is just no way around feeling bad. My MO is to power through things but I keep feeling like I'm about to cry. Which I guess isn't the end of the world. I'm going to try the aspirin and the bananas. Thanks.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Thank you for the responses. We don't have a therapist but I may encourage my kids to see their school counselors on Monday (doubt they'll go...).

Also the breathing techniques are pretty amazing. I had no faith at all that breathing exercises would help but they really did. I'm going to keep this in my back pocket.

I'm so glad to hear that. The 4 in, 4 hold and 4 out which I suggested is used by the Marines. If they use it you know its going to work.