Terrible Panic Attack

[Sandoval]

On Saturday I had the worst panic attack I have ever had. I never want to experience anything like that again.

It started with the usual.... heart beating, hands tingling.......

I lay on my bed breathing into a bag for about 40 minutes. It didn't help. I stood up and tried to walk but fell to the floor.

My eyes went puffy, and felt like they were pulsating which was alarming and my hands and feet were almost numb.

I was in hell - no one was in and I was so scared.

After 2 hours of trying to breathe properly I started to wonder whether this was a panic attack... the feelings of 'doom' that surface were racing in my head and I really did think I was going to die... I mean since when did panic attacks cause your eyes to swell?

After about another hour I started to feel better, I was shaking uncontrollably but I managed to walk again and breathe.

I really can't cope with this stuff happening to me - for years I've lived infear of these attacks happening.

I mentioned it to my GP but he didn't say anything. I guess I should have made it more clear how much it bothers me.

[Barebones]

i used to be the same sand. i normaly go for the window and breath in some air and make sure i have company to try make it pass.

sry im not much of help but i do understand about how bad panic attacks can be..

((((hugs))))

here to listen and talk anytime hun.

[Sandoval]

Thanks.. I think what made the attack worse was my Mum leaving.. she knew I was having an attack, but she doesn't know what they're like and it made me panic more when she went out for the night as I was alone.

The funny thing is, I spend so much time wanting to die - but when I'm having an attack and I'm thinking I'm about to die I desperately don't want to. :huh:

[xxshamrockxx]

hi hun,

hope that your now feeling better

i always carry a bottle of

BACH

RESCUE REMEDY

it helps me

hope this helps you too

its herbal remedy

take care

xx jac xx

[spaghetti]

yeah , i suffer from those as well

its horrible when it happens and its very difficult to control

I think i am dying where it happens.

sorry i am not much use

i might try the bach rescue remedy though - thanks shamrock

[Sandoval]

Thanks - I've never heard of that stuff, where would I get it from? X

[Athas]

You have my sympathies, sandoval. I get them more and more often now and they get worse. On Saturday I had one in the call center where I work and it was so bad my boss almost called the doctor. I had a terrible migraine for several days after that.

Unfortunately, I don't have any advice. I just hope you'll find some solution or something that will make them less bad.

[Stephanana]

Dear Sand,

I totally understand...I have suffered quite a few attacks, although mine are mostly anxiety bubbling into a full blown panic, paranoia...normally when I am in a busy place, with lots of people or just attempting to interact in some way. I used to use the mini spray bottle of Bachs and it kinda soothes the tension, so it is worthy of purchasing:) I believe you can buy it in most chemists. My mum suffers with panic too, but she has relied on her 'slurp' for a few years...a mini bottle of tonic and vodka cleverly disguised as, well, just a bottle of tonic water kept on her at all times...like a security blanket. She hasn't got the addiction issues and substance abuse, so she can get by, but for those of us who will spiral, I'd say Bachs...(yes, it has an alcoholic base, but it is a tiny amount), I also attempt selftherapy(speaking to yourself as you would a dear friend) and slow deep breaths when I'm freaking out, and I am slowly learning to take control, but it is not easy and takes time.

I hope you find a little comfort in these words,

Hugs as always

Stephxx

[strat]

Re Bach's remedy: it is alcohol-based for those that are worried, though I thought it seemed to work in a mild sort of way.

strat

[Rew]

I know exactly how you feel, it feels like your having a heart attack or something. I always worry that im goin to die. My biggest sympathies go out to you and all other that suffer this xx xx

[CyberGenesis]

I used to be in your exact board in regards to panic.

Avoid excessive cathiene. In fact avoid tea, coffee, cola all together is good.

If you smoke, reduce smoking when anxious.

As hard as it is try to force yourself to relax tensing muscles.

Try and concentrate on something very hard like thinking the alphabet backwards skipping every second letter.. Counting backwards from a thousand starting with 20 then subtracting 19, etc etc

Fear of future panic attacks (potentially causing further panic attacks) is called Panic Disorder.

Sometimes a hot, hot bath helped me. Or pacing up and down to burn off the jittery energy.

Yes people with panic attacks tend to think "its not really anxiety- ITS SOMETHING DANGEROUS- I AM GOING TO DIE!" and even after, you wonder. Thats normal. Yes a full blown anxiety attack probably feels simular to the level of fear someone experiences when they are about to be executed. It is HORRIBLE. But be tough and dont dwell on it afterwards. To a degree, try and ignore it.

Benzodiazepines can be VERY effective at stopping at attack but have very high abuse potential. Probably better not to even try them.

Some medications can make anxiety worst. All antidepressants can increase anxiety (especially when you first go on them).

When I quitesmoking and got into jogging 5 k's a day (this was a while back)- well since then i have never had any massive problem with them.

Get fit- REALLY FIT. After a while it seems that your body can just tolerate adrenalin more or something.

Anything else? Lack of sleep seems to aggrivate anxiety with me. If you have just had 2-3 hours sleep the night before you are likely to feel more anxious at times.

Oh and STRONGLY RESIST letting anxiety rule your life or significantly interfere with what you do. This is a known cycle where it tends to get worst. Think of it as a monster- dont feed it.