How Sour Candy Helped Me Take Back Control During Panic Attacks

In the summer of 2021, my life came to a crashing halt. I was 19 years old, and what should have been a fun, carefree time in my life was instead consumed by something invisible, terrifying, and exhausting. I began having multiple panic attacks a day, out of no-where, and completely convinced myself that I was having a heart attack or dying.

They didn’t just come and go. They would truly last for hours. Sometimes up to four at a time, and would often leave me feeling completely drained, confused, and alone. My heart would race out of nowhere. I’d get dizzy, shaky, and completely detached from reality. One day, it got so bad I had to call an ambulance. My heart rate was close to 200 beats per minute, and I genuinely thought I was dying. That hospital visit changed everything.

Why I Decided I Didn't Want Medication

After that experience, I knew I needed help, but I also knew I didn’t want to rely on prescription meds. I’ve always been someone who leans toward natural solutions, so I tried everything including breathing exercises, yoga, herbal teas, meditation, journaling, ice packs. Some things helped a little. Some didn’t help at all.

But the biggest shift came from therapy, specifically learning to stop resisting my panic attacks. The more panic attacks I had, the more I realized… I wasn’t dying. My body just thought I was. Once I stopped trying to “fix” them and instead started feeling them and letting them pass, they became less scary and less frequent.

Today, three years later, I only get panic attacks about once or twice a month. That alone feels like a miracle.

The Surprisingly Simple Tool That Helped Me Cope in the Moment

One of the most unexpectedly helpful tools is hard sour candy. No, really. Not like gummy worms or chewy candy, but hard sour candy like a warhead. I started keeping sour candy in my car, in my bag, even in my nightstand. My therapist told me that sensory stimulation (like a strong sour taste) can help shock your nervous system back to the present moment. It interrupts the panic just enough to give you a few seconds of relief, which is sometimes all you need. I noticed that when I tried to chew on something while panicking, it actually made it worse, which is why the hard format was helpful as well.

Over time, I made it part of my anxiety toolkit. I’d pop one in my mouth while driving, during work, or anytime I felt a wave of panic starting to build. It gave me something physical to focus on while I felt through the attack.

Why I Created Re-Route Wellness

After years of trial, error, and healing, I realized I wasn’t the only one who needed this. So, I created my brand, Re-Route, starting with our first product In Its Tracks, which is a hard sour candy made with clean, natural ingredients to help stop anxiety in its tracks.

It’s not just about the candy. It’s about giving people the tools to feel empowered during their darkest moments. It’s about creating something I wish I had when I was scared, panicked, and searching for relief.

If You Struggle with Anxiety, You're Not Alone

Whether you’ve had panic attacks for years or just recently started experiencing them, I want you to know that they are common. Your brain is trying to protect you. And with the right tools, you can take back control. I personally never thought mine would subside, but they truly did. 

If you’re looking for a natural way to ground yourself when anxiety hits, check out In Its Tracks. I made it for people just like us.

Have you ever tried using sour candy for anxiety? What’s in your own toolkit? Drop a comment below, I’d love to hear your story as well.
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