Panic/anxiety attacks..... I am really worried....

**EsSjAy** · 15-10-2008 21:24

Please.....

I want to know from anyone out there. What is a full on panic attack.... what happens to you?....
Also... can you be completely clam and doing nothing or seemingly unstressed about something and it happen.....

This is apparently what i suffered from last night and it scared the hell out of me.... My doctor says it's an anxiety disorder... I'm worried that it is my heart.... I don't' understand how i can be relaxed watching television one minute to being in full on distress the next.... heart pounding, light headed, feeling as though i can breath etc....

Anyone?

**~Temet Nosce~** · 15-10-2008 21:27

are you ok sammy.. jeezz that sounds scary
I would say they can come on out of the blue like that, especially if you having been going through a stressful time (which you have been)..

I would ask the dr to check that everything is ok with your heart just to be sure. Not saying thats what it is but it may help you from worrying about it more.

**NibbleCurlynBub** · 15-10-2008 21:29

They're called heart palpitations. At least I think that is what you are describing.

As far as I know, they are a side-effect of stress.
When it happens just withdraw into yourself and breathe deep. It helps me.

**EsSjAy** · 15-10-2008 21:41

I just find it really odd that i can be doing 'nothing'.... Happy watching television and then bam..... heart races as thought is going to burst out of my chest, feeling as though i cant breath (even though i know i can) shaking, light headed and just feel a though i'm fading away.....
I've never had this before.... I mean every one has a little anxiety and the odd panic attack but this was just 'major'.... I hate to say it but i thought i was going to die. My mum rang the ambulance and they said my heart rate was strong and regular. My blood pressure was thought the roof and my pulse was too but they assured me that i was having some type of anxiety turn and to ride it through.... which with their help i did.... they left and it came back. it took me 3 hours to calm down enough to fall asleep. I still have been quite 'strange' today also.... on and off... I am going back to my doctor tomorrow if i am not feeling any better. My doctor prescribed me a mild relaxant to help me if it happens again but wants to review my BP in 3 days but he said that he will see me tomorrow if i still feel like this or to ring the ambulance if i am really worried....

It's the most horrible thing i've ever encountered....

**NibbleCurlynBub** · 15-10-2008 21:46

You do get used to it. First time I thought I was having a heart attack!

I have not found anything other than relaxing on a regular basis and sleeping well to help.

**neostudded** · 15-10-2008 21:48

wow how scary for you!

I am so sorry this has happened to you, I really hope it is not serious. By the way, I don't know what it is, it could be either of them, I just really really hope your okay and it NEVER happen's again to you.

**Mathermy** · 15-10-2008 21:48

Unfortunately yes, that's exactly how they happen-particularly the first one.

All those symptoms you describe are very normal, and very common-though the experience of panic attacks and an anxiety disorder are different for everyone.It is very common for a person first diagnosed to be in disbelief that such horrendous physical symptoms could be attributed to a psychological cause.

The important thing is if you accept the symptoms for what they are right now-you already are on the right track to health and recovery. Many people feed into their disorder by attributing their symptoms to various illnesses, and get temporary relief from seeking out diagnosis from health professionals, tests etc. This really just makes it worse.

I would get a second opinion if you are really concerned but after that I would suggest accepting your illness and becoming proactive in your recovery.

Do some research,there are some really great resources on the net, forums, chat rooms etc.Plenty of books, videos etc. You are not alone, you are not crazy, you aren't dying (even though it can feel that way

) and you can live a normal, happy life.

I wish you speedy wellness and want togive you a big hug.Panic attacks are awful and I wouldn't wish them upon anyone.

When I am in the middle of a bad attack (and they really only happen every now and again these days) it helps me toremember that I hae survived them before and every single time I have felt like ity was "the one" and that this time I really was dying,or illor simply going crazy. One of the interesting things for me that makes me able to distinguish panic attacksfrom other illness is that I have this intense urge to escape. Whether it be to a medicalfacility or away from wherever I am. It's the "fight or flight" mechanism kicking in,it makes you literally want to flee.

http://www.panicattacks.com.au/index.html

http://www.ada.mentalhealth.asn.au/panic.html

http://www.anxietynetwork.com.au/panic_attacks.htm
http://www.anxietyaustralia.com.au/a...disorder.shtml

**Mathermy** · 15-10-2008 21:57

just bumping this up, I found some links for you

**PinkBinkie** · 15-10-2008 22:03

Hi,
Sorry this has happened, I can understand how scary it can be as I have two members of my family who suffer from panic attacks. It can happen out of the blue, it may feel like your heart is going to burst, you may feel dizzy or light-hearted, you may feel choked and short of breath. For a detailed checklist beyond blue is a great website. Good on you for seeking medical help straight away.

**EsSjAy** · 15-10-2008 22:05

I can accept this, but i don't know what to do....
How do i cope with it when it happens....
I try to focus on breathing but i seem to feel i want to pass out..... What can help me when i go to bed and it happens.... I dont want to pop a pill and become reliant on it.... Are there triggers i can watch out for?..... does that happen?....