The National Institute of Mental Health describes panic disorder as an anxiety disorder that is characterized by unexpected and repeated episodes of an intense sense of fear that seem to occur out of nowhere. These episodes can be accompanied by physical symptoms that may include chest pain, heart palpitations, shortness of breath, dizziness, or even abdominal distress.

While psychotherapy and medications can certainly help with the issue, not all people decide to voice their problems to a doctor and choose to rely on themselves to deal with panic attacks when they come. This Tumblr user shared a brilliant way her boyfriend came up with to calm her down and prevent a surging panic attack.

This person recently shared a simple yet brilliant tip her boyfriend came up with to prevent a panic attack

Turns out, as many as 4.7% of adults in the US experience panic attacks at some time in their lives. According to the statistics, panic disorder is more likely to affect women than men, but some argue that men don’t like to admit having mental health issues and therefore avoid seeking help.

Turns out, a simple ice cube could do the trick

Image credits: Marco Verch

Apparently, the cold distracted his girlfriend and distanced her thoughts from the incoming anxiety

However, not all is lost even for those who would rather keep their mental health issues to themselves. This Tumblr user who goes by the nickname “thesigilwitch” shared a brilliant yet very simple tip for how to overcome the incoming surge of panic.

Thankfully, it all turned out just as he had hoped it would

Image credits: Beatrice Murch

Another Tumblr user shared some knowledge and explained why “the ice cube method” actually worked

Turns out, one time, her boyfriend suggested for her to put an ice cube in her mouth. Despite feeling unsure about it, she gave in to his pleas, and, to her surprise, it worked!

Turns out, it kept the non-crucial body functions working when they would usually shut down during a panic attack

Image credits: rawdonfox

People who tried “the ice cube method” after reading her post confirmed that it worked for them, too

Others said that chewing on a slice of lemon could work as well

Image credits: Chemiu

Someone explained that these kinds of distractions work not only with panic attacks

Furthermore, eating some spicy food could help as well

Image credits: Paul Bratcher

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