I just had a panic attack.

[Sannum]

And now I am freaked because I have no idea what it was about. I was fine, posting on DU, and returning e-mails when I just couldn't breathe. It lasted about 2 mins, and I felt I wasn't going to make it. I hope to god that 2005 is better than 2004. I can't take any more stress:(.

[lonestarnot]

1. Sure you don't have a heart problem?

[Sannum]

3. Yes.

Heart problems run in my family and a few years ago to make sure I had a bunch of tests done. The ticker is fine. I think it is my brain that is the problem.

[lonestarnot]

26. Gosh I'm sorry, I hope they go away.

[derbstyron]

2. I'm so sorry

I know about those things.

I will think kind thoughts on your behalf.

:pals:

[no_hypocrisy]

4. Sorry it happened. Go to the kitchen and make a cup of tea, something

soothing like camomille or linden flower tea (a/k/a "Cuban Valium").

I understand between the holiday and the impending coronation of the false president it's possible to be overcome with stress.

But it's over and your're with friends. We'll get through all this together. You aren't alone.

[Bouncy Ball]

5. Those SUCK

the last time I had one was 1999. I guess I was anticipating what was to come.

So sorry sweetie. Deep slow breaths. Breathe into a paper bag if you need to. Do you have someone you can call or someone there you can talk to?

:hug:

[RevolutionaryActs]

6. Awwww Sannum, I'm sorry!

Here are some :hug:'s for you!

[flamingyouth]

7. I get them too

I blame the holidays. Hope you're feeling better now. :hug:

[StopTheMorans]

8. i'm sorry; hope you feel better

:hug:

[Floogeldy]

9. Probably low blood sugar

You were not in a panic attack situation, depending upon what the E-mail was about, unless your body is physically run down for some reason.

[derbstyron]

12. Thanks for continuing to spread thoughts that mental illness is secondary

There is not always a "panic attack" situation. While certain instances can trigger a panic attack, they can also happen, like "low blood sugar," for no reason.

I should know. I've had them in a car driving, walking in a mall, or sitting at home reading a book.

It is certainly possible that (s)he was just overstressed or suffering from low blood sugar but it would be nicer if we didn't disavow mental "sickness" (which is what mental illness is: a "sickness" of the "brain") and relegate it to certain "situations."

Edit: add the words "not always a"

[Floogeldy]

15. In my opinion, panic attacks begin as a physical condition . . .

. . . the body's inability to handle stress. This is based on personal experience. After that happens, the fear of panic attacks can take its toll on one's mental health. The emotional fear can feed the attack. Then, the mental can take over and become primary. It is a vicious circle.

The problem can be treated and it will pass.

And thanks for spreading the thought that mental illness is the primary cause of every fucking problem in the universe.

[derbstyron]

16. Well, perhaps then *you* should do some research

I did not say *all* panic attacks were mental.

In fact, I agreed with you that low blood pressure, or other physical ailments could be the cause.

I dont think that mental illness is the "primary cause" of every problem in the "fucking universe"

But before you spout off answers, perhaps you can do some research that will point out that panic attacks can happen for "no reason".

I would be happy to give you numerous sites (including the association for anxiety disorders) that state MY POINT ON THEIR WEBSITE

BTW, 40% of the people in this country believe that Depression is a "weakness" not a mental illness.

Thank you for showing ignorance and contributing to the problem by limiting it to certain "situations" and spreading misinformation.

[Floogeldy]

18. Don't try to lecture me, friend

You know nothing about me.

[derbstyron]

19. I didn't say that I did (know anything about you).

But I note that you didn't respond to any of the *information* offered in my previous post.

Enough said.

I do wish you well, though.

[REP]

24. Low Blood Sugar Does Not Spontaneously Resolve

Symptoms of low blood sugar are sweating, shaking, irritability, clumsiness, headache, coma and death. They are markedly different than a panic attack in that they come on more slowly and usually resolve within 15 minutes of ingesting glucose. Panic attacks are rarely resolved by ingesting glucose, and symptoms tend to come on suddenly, without headache, and do not progress to coma and death.

[MissBrooks]

10. If I were you...

I would call my doctor tomorrow and make an appointment for a physical ASAP. Just in case.

[Floogeldy]

11. Agreed

Panic attacks are grounded in the body's inability to handle stress. The mental part can kick in after that, but it is physically-based, in my experience.

[REP]

22. The Plural of "Anecdote" Is Not "Data"

Panic attacks are not grounded in the body's inability to handle stress, whatever that means. It's always interesting to see people trot out their pet opinions on medical subjects, especially when they have so little to do with reality. Whatever you may experience yourself is merely anecdotal.

The best advice is to see a real doctor for diagnosis and treatment.

[arwalden]

29. Thank YOU!! The Anecdotal Medical Advice Offered On DU Are Dangerous...

... It's not difficult to find advice being offered and 'cures' being recommended. Whether it's homeopathic or "alterrnative" or magnet therapy or any OTHER form of quackery, or even if it's 2nd hand advice that someone got from a REAL physician... I'll never cease to be amazed at how many people are willing to accept the advice of anonymous strangers when it comes to their health, or the health of their loved ones.

[Cadence]

13. Try to remember what you were thinking about

right before it started. It might have just been a quick flash...something you read perhaps? It might have been something that triggered a stress response and because your mind went on to other things like writing the emails, maybe you didn't notice what the thought was.

[yellowdawgdem]

14. sorry about your panic attack

and I hope you are able to get some relief, plus figure out what caused it. It is so complicated, and there are many reasons physical/mental/stress related- that cause them. I think they can also serve as a warning, a means of protection as well. I have panic attacks now and then, and know how frightening they are. But around a week after the episode passes, I just forget the whole thing. Often mine are triggered by the political landscape, and having the most pessimistic ever outlook on what is happening. Usually if I can replace even 10% of that negativity with positive future options, it goes away. Also sitting in the sun for awhile esp in the morning, but anytime takes the paralysis away. Good luck, and don't feel alone.

[OldLeftieLawyer]

17. You were at your computer.

Were you slouching in your chair?

Because if you crouch, and have your shoulders bent forward, you're compressing your upper chest, and you're forcing your diaphragm up against your lungs, and that will sometimes cut off just enough blood flow to the lungs for you to get light-headed and start to gasp for breathe.

When you do that - gasp for breathe - you sit up straight, normal blood flow resumes, and the attack passes.

My recommendation: yoga. I've done it for 37 years, and it's just marvelous for physical and mental well-being. Plus, all the stretching involved in the asanas is wonderful - I mean, WONDERFUL - for people who are at computers for long stretches of time.

Good luck, and keep that upper chest cavity wide open. I bet it helps.

[Catherine Vincent]

20. Could you be going thru menopause?

My mom had them bad when she was going thru them. It got to a point where she didn't want to leave the house.

[Mallifica]

21. Hope you get through it ok

those things are very real and scary . . . good thoughts to you. relax, breath, and it wil be ok.

[Rhiannon12866]

23. I've also had panic attacks, though it was a long time ago

I know what you mean about stress, but I won't tell you about mine, since I don't want to stress you out any more. What you need to do is take a small paper bag and breathe into it slowly, in and out. You're hyperventilating and this will bring you back to normal. I carried a paper bag around with me for years. Actually, this just happened to me, again, about a month ago. I know how you feel. The first time it happened to me, I was sure I was going to die. A nurse came up with the paper bag. It really works, I promise. I understand.:pals:

[Piperay]

25. I have panic attacks too

they are can be so HORRIBLE they have brought me to tears. I have been taking St. John's Wort for them and have cut them down by about 90% and the ones I have are less severe. If they continue you might give SHW a try, it doesn't work for everyone but is worth a try.

[Modem Butterfly]

27. I get those often

I just have to sit quietly, remember to breathe slowly, and remind myself that the world is not about to end.

They suck. I'm sorry.

[Rhiannon12866]

32. Try breathing into a paper bag,

as I said in my previous post. I was absolutely sure that I was about to die, but this really helped me, slowly breathing in and out into a paper bag, over my nose and mouth. It stopped the hyperventilation. This was recommended to me by a nurse and it really helped me.:-)

On edit: Good luck with this! I've been there!:pals:

[Patiod]

28. If it makes you feel any better, they're incredibly common

My (new) doctor (who I had never visited before) told me that they indicated that I was bipolar. I had them in the midst of reading, typing, cooking, or relaxing.

I mentioned this to two girlfriends, and it turns out one had been to the ER for them, thinking it was a heart attack, and the other had seen her doctor for them. All three of us had them happen when we were under stress, and all three of us stopped having them once the stress abated.

No more signs of being "bi-polar" since then. (Not that bi-polarity was impossible, but I had told her about a giant stressor I was experiencing, and you'd think she'd go with the most obvious solution first)

A woman at work started her job here, got engaged, and bought a new house all within the space of 3 months, and she was stumped as to why she was having panic attacks.

Seriously - if you ask around, you'll be surprised how many people go through them at one time or another. Not fun, but not sinister, if you look at it as your body's release valve.

[Sannum]

30. Thanks Guys and Gals.

For the record, I am an otherwise healthy person who is decades away from menopause. I just want to thank everyone for their support and kind words. I just got to reading this thread, so I am sorry that I have been "ignoring" everyone. I figured out why I had a panic attack. When I lost the job I had before, it was because of some still unknown reason, so I am paranoid about losing the one that I have now. I opened and closed the store I work at yesterday, and when I got home I realized that I made a mistake with the "Z Report" and accidentally added a returned item to the day's sales tally, making the actual amount and the "Z report" amount different. It is a somewhat complicated procedure and it was my first time doing it alone. This morning, I e-mailed the corporate office to clear the matter up. I go in tommorow and I will try to be mellow and calm, and do the damn "z" report the right way this time. I think this is what the panic attack was about. The way I lost my last job is still affecting me. One day, I was being praised by the Creative Director for the company as well as customers, and the next, I was fired. Between the election one week, and the other job which I loved being taken from me, I was so depressed, and I realize now that I probably didn't leave the house or get out of my jammies for two weeks.

I am much better though, Thanks Everyone...:hug:

[da_chimperor]

31. Try zen meditation

Experienced practitioners can be in a meditative state constantly. It supposed to work wonders for stress, at least it does for me.