Last year, actress Alisha Boe thought she was about to have a heart attack because of her constant heart palpitations. Turns out, the palpitations were from anxiety. The 24-year-old is opening up about the recent scare—and how she copes with her anxiety struggles—in a new Instagram post.
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As Health previously reported, thinking you're having a heart attack could actually be a sign of anxiety. That's because palpitations, or feelings that your heart is pounding or racing, is a common symptom of a panic attack. Boe, who assured everyone that she is "completely fine and healthy," posted about her experience "to normalize the conversation around anxiety/panic attacks and have an open conversation."
RELATED: 13 Things That Can Cause Anxiety—And What You Can Do About Them
Her candid post definitely did help normalize the topic. The comments were filled with people sharing their own similar experiences: "First day of fourth grade wearing a heart monitor because you just have so much anxiety-I love this for us," The Baby-Sitters Club actress Malia Baker wrote. "IM HAVING THEM RN," All American actress Samantha Logan commented. "alisha i 100% feel you, i've taken myself to the hospital and countless doctors because i have thought i was dying. ekgs bc i thought i was having a heart attack so many times," photographer Taylor Giavasis wrote.
In response, Boe posted a note to her Instagram Story, saying "Love reading all these comments – ✨anxiety✨ sucks, especially when it manifests physically, but it is so validating to know so many others go through similar things. Tysm for sharing your experiences. 💞"
RELATED: It Took 2 Years of Suffering Panic Attacks Before I Finally Sought Help for My Anxiety
On top of sharing about her need to wear a heart monitor for two weeks, Boe also posted about what's been working for her lately when she feels a panic attack coming on or when she has anxiety. She listed these 4 steps:
1.) a deep inhale on the count of 5, hold for two seconds at the top, then exhaling for 5 seconds.
2.) Calling someone immediately when I feel panic setting in and talking about literally anything else. (More of a distraction tactic lol)
3.) yoga, especially yin yoga (which requires you hold poses for 3-5 minutes) has been a powerful tool for me the past year. Helps me release a lot of tension/trauma I hold in my body.
4.) when I’m already experiencing a heavy panic attack I jump in a ice cold shower lmao, it helps – ya can google the science.
People shared what's helped ease their anxiety and panic attacks in the comments, too. "I have a small group of people that I can call at any time to just talk to me and distract me or talk through my panic attacks," one person wrote. "Deep breaths, drink water, and tell myself it's just a panic attack," someone else shared.
Overall, people were thankful for Boe for revealing her experiences and creating a space for people to share, including fellow actress Kerris Dorsey, who commented, "this is so beautiful and helpful ❤️"
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