patentcad

Don't be so friggin vituperative.

doctor j

I've found cycling to be therapeutic, physically and emotionally. Do it.

Monkey Face

The whole thing about anxiety is that it's intangible and that's what's scary - you feel like you've lost control of your body (and mind) and that causes fear and panic.

I had panic attacks in my 20's from a build-up of stress, loss of my father, and low self-esteem - seeing others in London making money when I was broke, single and renting a pokey little room. I also suffered a loss of confidence in my body and badly hyperventilated - a kind of panic - after a marathon.

I had no real help at the time (1980's) from doctors - just pills - but I wish I'd had some therapy to help and reassure me. Of course cycling will help, but I'd suggest some cognitive therapy if you can get it.

The good news is it's quite common - in younger men especially - and I 'grew' out of it within a couple of years. Also, since giving up alcohol a few years ago I feel better now than I did 30 years ago... honestly.

Good luck.

tspek

I don't get panic attacks but I can get some pretty significant bouts of anxiety. I think it's probably related to an inherent tendency towards that in addition to an addiction to coffee and a wandering mind.

Few things fix me up right away like a hard workout, cycling in particular.

khatfull

IMHO, ANY sustained cardio exercise will help out...cure? Certainly not, but it's proven, and I believe it wholeheartedly, that moderate exercise improves mood. Asking whether or not cycling would help in here is like asking crack addicts if they like crack.

But seriously, try a bike for a while. If I were you I'd find a therapist or counselor to talk to...doesn't have to be deep or heavy, just someone to explain your issues to who can lend an ear and maybe provide unbiased suggestions, ideas, and/or support.

Hang in there, and if you keep on the bike long enough, c'mon back and join us loonies here...we all have 'flictions of a different sort .

joe_5700

Biking keeps me sane. After a 50 mile ride, you really don't have a care in the world for a while. I think there are anxieties you have to battle for a little while if you are new to biking such as high speed descents, traffic and cross winds.

Biking has also helped me give up alcohol and tobacco all together. I am also removing caffeine as well.

beaus pete

Riding is the reason that I have no need for perscription meds. If I skip my rides it builds and I can tell a huge difference and it dosent seem to matter if I ride outside or on the rollers. FWIW.

rumrunn6

cycling is good for everything.

datlas 

Except my marriage. YMMV.

Dtuns

I had it when my dad past away and was going threw a divorce took pills for about six months which helped but started to exercise and ride and I dont take pills or have anxiety anymore good stress reliever

pdedes

my obsession with cycling is a whole other kind of insanity.

SlowSpinner

Sanity is over rated.

Cactuskid

I get that feeling before rides , is it too cold? am I forgetting something? will i get a flat? should I wait till tomorrow? GAAAAAAAARRRRR

Then I go ride and feel great LOL

FlaMike

BINGO! I have suffered from panic attacks for years. The advice above is dead on correct. In the past I have usually resorted to weight lifting to induce the exhaustion, but recently I have found that cycling is just as effective. Work yourself to exhaustion. It is only a short term solution, but as someone that has had panic attacks, I know you realized how valuable any reduction of the anxiety can be, even if short term. In the long run, you will have to focus on stress relief, breathing exercises help. Rx meds if nothing else. But sometimes the best thing is to just physically exhaust your body.