Severe Panic Attack

[RetroLounge]

Had the first one ever in my life yesterday at work. Scared the living shit out of me. It came on at my desk, like someone punched me in chest, couldn't breath, panic, fear, felt like the walls were closing in, lights were too bright, sounds too distinct and loud, shaking all over, tears. I don't remember part of it, but I came to in my car in the lot. So somehow I walked (ran?) through the building to the parking lot. Continued in the car for a while. After 1/2 hour was able to drive to my doctor's office. I am now among the ranks of the medicated...

Can't wait to face my co-workers today.

:sigh:

Anyone else experience these?

RL

[Spider Jerusalem]

1. No....

but I do experience sensory overload in certain environments, and the feeling is pretty similar. I can sympathise.

[xchrom]

2. not one of those -- i have other issues.

but i hate anything that winds up making feel like going through the meat grinder.

[Sugar Smack]

3. Yes, RL, and there was nothing I could do

but walk away from my desk & outside. Someone once told me that it helps to touch something, like a wall, as you walk, just to feel something solid under your hand and to steady you.

If that was your first panic attack, doubtless it was one of the scariest experiences of your life. You can ask your doctor to give you klonopin. That's what I did.

:hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug: :hug:

[prolesunited]

31. If it's not a chronic thing

I second that. It will take the edge off without screwing with your chemistry like daily meds.

[Sugar Smack]

32. That is so true.

They say klonopin's not as addictive as xanax (which, I must say, I loved).

[RetroLounge]

37. They gave me a 10 day supply of Xanax.

That stuff is strong...

RL

[Sugar Smack]

41. It is. And it totally takes away your panic.

The feeling you get when you're not panicking any more is delicious. You realize that you're calm, and that it'll be okay.

[khashka]

4. Yeah and they scare the fuck out of you

It's not hopeless. I used to get them every day, now once or twice a year and I quit the medication.

The best thing you can do is figured out what triggered it.

Khash.

[threehensandacow]

5. oh, god

do i know what that's like. i've had those so many times. used to be on a daily basis. emergency room 6 times because of those. you're in my prayers. really. really. i know how terrible this is.

[Sugar Smack]

8. You too? I was a regular at the infirmary at my college.

I swear, I was on a first-name basis with the doctors there. Panic Attacks. The only thing that calmed me, surprisingly, was the casualness of their treatment of me:

"Hi, Stephanie, are we dying again? Have a seat."

Welcome to DU, by the way! :hi: :hug:

[threehensandacow]

72. so true

i'd see the hospital coming up and the calm would start for me. though it didn't end until they did all their tests and confirmed that i wasn't dying. and i guess i felt like if i were dying then this would be the place to do it. it was those times that i couldn't get anywhere or felt like an idiot for having another that made it really hard. why couldn't i control it? what was wrong with me? why was i always seeking attention like this? but, thank god they've stopped. for the most part. at least now i can recognize when one is starting, can usually stop it before it gets bad and can get myself down by breathing and counting and finding an anchor.

[RetroLounge]

73. "breathing and counting and finding an anchor"

I understand the first two. What do you mean by an anchor...

RL

[threehensandacow]

78. something that takes me back down

to reality. something familiar that i know is safe. an object. a book. writing. my bear. something with no negative feelings attached. and definitely talking about it. if i can talk to someone while i'm going through it and they don't freak out but get me talking about other things, asking me questions about something else. that helps. when i can describe what's going on then it comes out of my head and isn't as scary. and knowing that i'm talking helps to remind me that i'm not dying. but, again, it has to be someone safe, someone who's been there. someone who knows where i'm at and won't judge. someone who understands. someone who loves me, i guess.

[RetroLounge]

82. "something familiar that i know is safe"

There was nothing in my office to meet that description...

RL

[RetroLounge]

14. Thanks

:hug:

RL

[wildhorses]

6. I woke up in the middle of one a couple of years ago

I thought I was having a heart attack...scared the bejeesus outta me!!!
I am a weird ass anyway

[threehensandacow]

79. ooh, yeah

i woke up in the middle of one one night and i swore i could hear my heart slowing down. i could hear it. i made my girlfriend take me to emergency at two in the morning and i told them my heart was slowing down. of course, it was palpitating like a bitch, but i could HEAR it slowing down. not a fun way to spend your early morning hours.

[Nicholas D Wolfwood]

7. Yep. You need to destress in a big way.

I'm truly sorry - those things are horrible. Can you take a long weekend?

[purji]

9. Yes ,they suck!

I only have them once every couple of years ,when I let things get to me.

Hang in there! Try to relax. Don't sweat the small stuff. :hug:

[bigwillq]

10. I had my first one about a year ago

Scariest thing that has ever happened to me.
Kind of felt like a heart attack. Couldn't concentrate on anything. Felt like I was trapped in a box with no escape.
I also had some while I was driving. That is so not fun!
I use to cry at some of the early ones to b/c I had no idea what was going on.

I feel for you man.

The docs prescribed some pills and they did help when I had a severe attack. However, you don't want to depend on the pills.

Try deep breathing. Also try and concentrate on something happy or tranquil.
You know how there's a saying--"Think of a happy place"
Seriously, when an attack happens, think of something happy. Anything to take your mind off the attack.

Good luck to you. :hug:

[Shine]

11. Wow, buddy. sounds scary.

I'm sorry you went through that.

:hug:

[RetroLounge]

75. Thanks, it was pretty freaky...

Hope it was a one-time thing...

:hug:

RL

[auntAgonist]

12. I hope your day goes better today RL

I sure wish there was an easy fix for panic attacks!
:hug:

I'm so sorry you're going through these really tough days. My thoughts are with you!

aA

[lizziegrace]

13. My daughter's had them since she was 12

Terrible for her. Sweating, unable to breathe, tunnel vision, weak and the last bad one, she passed out. I caught her before she hit the concrete.

If my daughter doesn't feel as though she'll pass out, she runs or walks fast. Last time she had one of those, she walked 4 miles from her part of campus to the house with sandals on and no coat. Her feet were bleeding when she got home.

I'm so sorry you're experiencing these RL. They are frightening and dangerous, especially if you're driving. My daughter's have subsided some with medication, but she still has breakthrough episodes like the ones I described.

I have them to a lesser degree. I take an old-school tranquilizer that takes the edge off as needed.

:hug:

[Mad_Dem_X]

52. Wow, lizziegrace

I feel for you and your daughter. Mine usually hit me when I'm in a room that's brightly lit. I've never passed out, tho'.

[alarcojon]

15. I can sympathize

I don't get PA's, but I have battled with generalized anxiety disorder most of my adult life. Cognitive behavioral therapy and medication are both about 90% effective, so don't lose hope.

16% of the US population has some form of anxiety disorder, so your coworkers may be more understanding than you think.

This site helped me.

http://anxietycoach.com/

[bicentennial_baby]

16. oh yes, my friend

many times over... you know where to find me if you wanna talk :hug:

[RetroLounge]

20. Thanks my friend

:hug:

and this Xanax they gave me is a fucking heavy duty buzz...

RL

[oneighty]

23. I never knew that!

I had several short of breath attacks last night and today. The humidity is high and I have emphysema. They are scary. The attacks. They lead to panic attacks and the vicious cycle starts.

I grab my albuterol, inhale and struggle for self-control. I can do it! I can do it!

I am in the bathroom, the air is still and hot and does not satisfy and with weak trembling hands I open the window suck in fresh air, I calm down,try to breathe easy. I can do it! I can do it!

Out in the yard I see a rabbit feeding on the grass. He is eating dandelions! I did not know that rabbits ate dandelions.

I remember Ray Bradbury wrote a whimsical tale 'Dandelion Wine'. Wish I had some to calm my fears.

180 From 'Voyages of the Vicky Mary.

Many times I have suffered the panic that you describe. And still every now and then. It helps to breathe into and out of a paper bag to restore ones Carbon Dioxide balance. Cupped hands even might substitute for the bag.

Good luck.

[tigereye]

43. just be aware that there are other ways to deal with this

that may not involve medication, at least not long term, such as discussion with a trained MH professional.

(in case you didn't already know.)

:hug: hope you feel better RL.

[Mad_Dem_X]

53. Xanax is pretty awesome

I take that if I have an attack around bedtime.

[TK421]

17. Every day n/t

[purr]

18. I get them every time I'm about to drive somewhere.

They are very scary!! I've tried numerous meds and I get massive migranes and electric shocks throughout my body. I'm starting to learn how to deal with them and cope. The meds did help but like I said, I got bad side effects.

[Trigger Hippie]

19. Oh, yeah.

A few times a few years ago for seemingly no reason. I woke up thinking I was having a heart attack, I couldn't breathe or even barely swallow. The worst one was while I was driving. Yikes! :( Take care of yourself...

[LynzM]

21. Hugs for you, RL

Panic attacks really suck. I've never had one so severe that I lost time, as you did, but the physical manifestations, in an of themselves, are awful. :hug: I'm sorry you went through that.

[MissMillie]

22. No, and I'm sorry you did

That doesn't sound very pleasant at all.

[jane_pippin]

24. Yes and they're no good. Sorry you had to go through that RL.

:hug:

[CaliforniaPeggy]

25. My dear RetroLounge......

I've had something like this......

I'm so sorry you had to go through it......

Here's to better days, sweetie!

:loveya: :hug: :pals:

[Sugar Smack]

26. How are you doing today?

Like at work? I'll bet you anything that at least one person you work with has experienced a panic attack. Sometimes you feel like you're the only one, too! But I'll bet someone else there knows what was happening.

My physical reaction when I'm with somebody is that I have to look away & hold my hand up a little, if they're talking. Sometimes I just say "panic attack" and they understand.

[RetroLounge]

44. Doing better today at work

Only a couple of people notices me fleeing the building, and they were cool about it.

One of them has experienced these, and is also on Xanax.

So I don't feel TOO much like a freak here, just a bit :D

RL

[swimboy]

27. Hey, pal.

I haven't had what you describe. I'm sorry you went through that and I'm glad you've got something for it. I used to get sick from stress from things like school, moving, interviewing, arson, etc. I know you'll get past it all, but I'm sorry you're going through it. :hug:

[RetroLounge]

64. Thanks

:hi:

RL

[fishnfla]

28. get your thyroid levels checked eom

[Rising Phoenix]

29. sorry to hear that...

I have panic disorder, those sucker pop up on me when ever they feel like it, so I understand... I hope you feel better...

[Sugar Smack]

30. I remember when you posted while you were having one.

I REALLY felt for you cause I know what it's like. It's good to have a little company and reassurance while you're going through it.

[fizzgig]

33. since i was 12 or 13

they got worse as i got older, finally went to my doc a few years ago and am now taking daily meds for general anxiety

the worst was when i'd get them on planes, worst feeling in the world

*hugs*

[RevCheesehead]

34. Yes - it was hell.

All you can do is hang on, and tell yourself YOU WILL SURVIVE.

You have my number(s). Please use them. (((:hug:)))

[RetroLounge]

39. Thanks

Check you PM.

:hug:

RL

[GreenPartyVoter]

35. Often. :^( I have started taking meds to help with that and so far it

seems to help. :hug:

[BlueIris]

36. Yep. Panic disorder is hell. Good for you for getting help ASAP.

Conquering it is rough, but it CAN be done. Mine became rapidly debilitating shortly after its onset. I would dispense some more wisdom but that's between you and your doc. Except to say that there's nothing wrong with "joining the ranks of the medicated." It can be an essential part of correcting the problem. Of course, as I hope you know, getting on the best meds for you is key. I had a wretched med experience right at the beginning of my treatment process and if it hadn't been nipped in the bud immediately, which resulted in my being quickly switched to another drug, definitely one of the best I could have used for my kind of panic disorder, I don't know what would have happened. Stay in communication with your provider, especially if your symptoms don't improve within approximately two weeks or you have a bad reaction, which would include worsening of symptoms. I also found it helpful to deal with other panic attack sufferers on similar medication during the transition process. There are other things I could post, but...no. Best of luck. PM me on the off chance you want to hear about any of my experiences. I did manage to, after a couple of years, tamp out my PD permanently, and sometimes I like to share what I went though with others.

[Oeditpus Rex]

46. THANK YOU!

Blue Iris, you said it before I did. When people with PD say, "Oh, I don't want to take medication," I just look at them like, "Okay..." and I wonder if they'd say the same thing if they were diabetic.

Panic disorder is caused by a neurotransmitter imbalance. It's as chemical as epilepsy. Yes, there are natural/organic measures you can take to lessen the severity and frequency of panic attacks, but you can't control the cause without medication any more than a diabetic can regulate insulin without taking it artificially. (Diabetics may wish to set me straight on a few things; I use this merely as a simile.)

Disagree if you will, but I firmly believe this, and I've had PD with bouts of agoraphobia for almost 39 years.

RL, please PM me if you want. I know what you're going through. (And it sounds to me like you took more Xanax than you needed. A lot of doctors have no idea how to prescribe it. It's not supposed to give you a buzz.)

[RetroLounge]

55. He put me on the 1/2 mg tabs, 3 times a day.

10 days worth...

RL

[Oeditpus Rex]

56. I'm not comparing me to you

or to anyone else. Everyone's chemistry is different, and in any case it'd be a false comparison. But I take .125 to .25 mg. per day.

Years ago I took about 2 mg. per day. If I took .5 mg. now in one shot, I'd be flyin' around the room.

But, like I said, that's me. Your mileage may vary.

[RetroLounge]

57. My body has also been free of any drugs or booze

for over 15 years, so anything I take hits me hard. My body screams YES! About Time!

If it continues, I will call the doc and lower the dose, with his permission.

thanks

RL

[Ivan Sputnik]

38. I had one once

while on my way to a super-stressful "job from hell." I wish I had just quit that day, because no job is worth that. Low-grade anxiety is more my problem, however.

[BelleCarolinaPeridot]

40. I have these . Had one early Wednesday morning .

My entire body was numb . I had one about a month ago too . I too am in the process of getting medicated . I swore to myself that I was never going to get medicine for depression and anxiety but after the week I have been having , I need them now . I am with you RetroLounge :hug:

[demnan]

42. I'm so sorry

I think modern life is so stressful, it's a wonder everyone doesn't have one of these every day. :hug:

[Rhiannon12866]

45. Yes. I used to have them. The first time it happened I thought I was dying

I was 24. And so I really sympathize, since I know that this is absolutely terrifying. And it was impossible to know what might bring one on. What was recommended to me was to breathe, very slowly, into a small brown paper bag, over my nose and mouth, until the symptoms subsided. This really did work for me. And I carried a small brown paper bag around with me for years. I got so I knew when one was coming on, so I could head it off, but it was embarrassing, I agree. I've since stopped having them, so you will, as well. Take care, my friend, and speak to your doctor. Things have changed a great deal since the late '70s, but trying my paper bag solution won't hurt.:shrug:

Rhiannon:pals:

[graywarrior]

47. Had one at work before Xmas.

Got out of my car, started walking into the building...wham...thought I was having a heart attack. Stayed in the kitchen area til it passed which took about 15 minutes. Wasn't as bad as yours, but still sucked.

[WeRQ4U]

48. Yep.

I had sever panic attacks like the ones you are talking about on a regular basis following my diagnosis of Type I diabetes. I spent a couple nights in the ER because I thought I was having a heart attack. I spent about 6 months with what felt like an elephant sitting on my chest. The doctor prescribed Celexa. It cured the panic attacks, but it also made me not really care about anything. So I took myself off of it. Instead, I started carrying around some Xanax. I take one of those if I'm feeling edgy. I took more of them when my anxiety was bad. I haven't taken one in at least a year though.

My main thing was to cut out caffeine. I think that was the cure.

[Ariana Celeste]

49. Not so much anymore

I used to pretty often, but my life was full of drama back then. I still get one occasionally, but they aren't so hardcore.

Sorry to hear yours was so bad. :( It's really scary to deal with, especially alone. :hug: Hope the meds help.

[Mad_Dem_X]

50. Welcome, my friend...

to the wonderful world of panic attacks. I've been having them since I was 14. I am 39 now, and have been on Paxil for about 5-1/2 years. I still get 'em occasionally, but they're few and far between.

And yes, they are terrifying. :scared: For what it's worth, just know you're not the only one who's gone thru it. :pals:

[Taverner]

51. Dude....big man hug to you

That must have been terrible!

I've never had one and I hope I never will but have known those who have them and understand how miserable they are!

[puerco-bellies]

54. Had one about a year ago

I was at my desk and thought I was having a heart attack. I went to the doctor and he diagnosed a panic attack and handed me a few xanax and a script for same. I took one that day and did not notice a thing. The next morning I woke up still with tightness and pain in my chest so I took the day off and popped another xanax. By the end of the day I was shopping and bought some pretty nice gifts for all of my closer friends.. I haven't had a panic attack or a xanax since.. :-)

[Left Is Write]

58. I have had them.

I had my first one last year. It was terrifying. I had some anxiety attacks after that, fairly frequently, but have not had one since about May or June of last year. Mine were possibly hormone-related.

Whatever the cause, it's damned scary. I'm sorry that happened to you. Don't be embarrassed or ashamed - my husband had his first panic attack at work too, many years ago. It turned out his were probably caused by hyperthryroidism (caused by Grave's Disease), which has since been treated.

[no option]

59. Oh, yeah

What medication did you get?

[RetroLounge]

61. Read the whole thread...

and welcome to DU.

RL

[no option]

67. Gotcha

Still figuring this place out.:)

[RetroLounge]

68. No problem, takes a while

and the lounge moves pretty fast...

:hi:

RL

[Rhiannon12866]

69. This is a very real and terrifying thing that can happen to anyone.

Folks on DU often seek advice from others, since it's a wonderful resource, 82,000 members strong, and we are here, not only to discuss the events of the day, but also to help each other. I've sought DU for advice when my dog was very sick, but wouldn't take his meds, and I was worried sick, late one Saturday night. I couldn't get in touch with my vet immediately and my DU friends came through for me, so I always do everything I can to return the favor. People have posted when they were caught in hurricanes and DUers have done what they could to locate them. People post here if they've suffered a trauma, an illness, an accident, a loss of a family member or a pet, anything that impacts on their lives, because they know that they'll get support and the benefit of the experiences of others. We're a family, here, and know and support each other. If you choose to stick around, you will learn this.

Rhiannon

on edit: Welcome to DU! We're glad to have you with us and we really are a pretty great group, so I really hope that you do choose to stick around.:hi:

[dethl]

60. Too much caffeine and not enough sleep gave me one...

Felt like the blood in my head completely emptied. My tongue also went completely numb. Scariest experience I've ever had.

[RetroLounge]

62. "Too much caffeine and not enough sleep "

Well, that would describe me...

RL

[LaraMN]

74. Oh my goodness, RL!

:-(

Sounds like a backrub is in order!

[RetroLounge]

84. Now there's a nice idea...

:hi:

RL

[LoZoccolo]

63. I have, but have largely overcome them.

I wouldn't worry too much about being in the ranks of the medicated that long, because from what I hear they are very easily treated for almost everyone. I've been able to almost eradicate them, and greatly lessen their effects when I do start having a rare one, though it's something you get better at with practice. The more you know about how they work and what sort of things you worry about to make them worse, the less and less severe they get until you realize that you've been a long time without one. So I'd suggest some study about them too if not some talk therapy. Part of what I hated about them is the dissociation you get when you're having a bunch of them and worrying about the next one, but trust me, the more engaged you are, the less you think about them and the quicker you return to normal. It's hard to believe that right after you've had one, but really that's just all the adrenaline making you worry about them. It's really a pretty normal reaction to a lot of things and only seems a lot worse than it really is.

I will say this: the first one of a period where you get them is usually the worst one. I used to get them in my late teens and eventually could have one sitting down talking to someone and not only wouldn't they notice, but I'd be back to normal in less than a minute, maybe even thirty seconds. And after the last one of my teens I didn't have another one for over ten years.

[LoZoccolo]

66. Actually I should qualify that...

I had a few over the ten years, but they were from stuff like getting injured or some percieved physical threat.

[Zookeeper]

65. I experienced those when I had three kids under the age of five...

and was sleep-deprived from nursing the youngest one on and off throughout the night.

Mine came in a wave and I felt a weird combination of being numb and electrified at the same time, with a terrible sense of dread. Oddly enough, I could be sitting in a meeting with a group of people, have huge waves of anxiety and I hid it so well that absolutely no one had a clue.

A book that brought me a great deal of relief was "Hope and Help for Your Nerves," by Claire Weekes, who was a pioneer in the study of anxiety. It's very short and direct. The bottom line is that you may feel like you are in danger, but it's just that...a feeling. You're really o.k. and the best thing you can do during the attack is NOT fight it, just ride it out.

I hope you are feeling better today, RetroLounge... :hug:

[flamingyouth]

70. Yes, I have.

You've been under horrible stress lately. I'm really sorry for everything you're going through right now. Take care. :hug:

[RetroLounge]

71. Thanks...

:hug:

RL

[StellaBlue]

76. I know exactly how you feel.

This happened to me at work (in the UK) in November 2004. Was scary as shit. I have no history of panic attacks, emotional instability, heart problems, etc. It just seemed to come from nowhere. I think I felt a bit dizzy for a moment due to having my period, not having eaten enough (low blood sugar), late in the day, etc., plus, looking back on it, I was going through quite a lot of stress at the time (though not on that particular day). I felt dizzy, then faint, then my heart started pounding and alternately felt frozen and on fire, and my hands drew up and and turned blue. My colleague called the paramedics, who said I was hyperventilating. They took my pulse, blood pressure, etc., and said I was fine. But for almost an hour I thought I was having a heart attack or stroke. I was 25.


The good news is, I haven't had one since, though I have had moments of dizziness, which I think, since I have been checked out medically, is just something I ama bit prone to when I have low blood sugar or am tired/stressed. I find that focusing on exhaling slowly helps immensely. I think, though, that I now overreact a bit because the attack was so frightening, so anytime I feel the least bit dizzy or faint I tend to hold my breath unconsciously (the paramedic explained that all the heart constriction started with my not exhaling properly, which is common, as most people, when panicking or finding themselves short of breath, assume they need to inhale more, which only makes it worse). On the flip side, though, now that I know I wasn't actually about to die, I am not afraid. If it ever did happen again, I would just wait it out. And I doubt it would last an hour, because I wouldn't work against it, you know?

Since this incident, I have realized that many people I know, from all backgrounds, and all seemingly inexplainably, have had at least one panic attack in the past. And they all thought they were about to die. Anyway, I hope that you are feeling better now and get some support if you need it.

If you need to talk to anyone anytime, feel free to PM me.

[MadisonProgressive]

77. Been there done that

I take Lorazepam (as needed). If you want to PM me I'll tell you all about my panic attacks - not very pretty. Luckily the Lorazepam helps a great deal.

[specimenfred1984]

80. You'll Be OK, There's a Reason for it Happening

Something is really bothering you, it could be anything. You'll have to face it, accept it, remove it or the attacks will continue.

It could be nothing or it could be severe depression, you'll have to figure that out. The mind snaps like that sometimes, everyone has their breaking point, EVERYONE. You can treat the attacks with drugs, they'll get rid of the attack fast. In the long run though, you'll have to figure out what's bothering you.

And, it may be that nothing's bothering you and you're just really high strung, a high metabolism and/or other things like high blood pressure. Seventy percent of people have a panic attack at some time in their life, so you're just a normal human being.

I had a few about 12 years ago, after witnessing what I thought was my wife dying. The post-traumatic stress set off a bunch of things I was kidding myself about. It took me about a year to figure it all out.

You'll be OK, your mind is still yours, it just got temporarily overloaded. It's telling you to deal with whatever is going on.

[vajraroshana]

81. Big hugs RetroLounge...I feel less alone....

I've gotten them from hypoglycemic episodes. I've only had a few, but my god are they awful. It's good that you've had tests that can rule out heart problems (you did have those, right?). Otherwise, they're supposedly harmless.

I didn't get a scriptfor xanax :(

A friend of mine had two jobs, one teaching at a local college. He started getting panic attacks when having to teach at a time when he was having a lot of stress taking care of two elderly parents that were both having tremendously difficult medical needs. He only had them when he would enter the classroom to teach. He used xanax a few times and then learned that he could just keep the xanax in his pocket and he'd be fine knowing it was there if he needed it.

He's, like me, a meditator. But neither of us had ever tried to use meditation as "therapy".

I can't speak for him, but I've found that it does help. In unexpected ways.

Let me explain: when you meditate -- on the breath for instance -- what you're really doing is learning to shift your attention to a specific place, instead of letting your attention be captivated by shifting alternatives. That shifting of attention back to the breath when your mind wants to wander to all kinds of things is the skill that's learned. Otherwise there's nothing magical or mystical about the process. It's just a skill. And when you're beginning to have a panic attack you can use that skill to shift your mind from the thought processes that are feeding the panic attack. You don't have to shift attention towards your breath -- in fact that might be counterproductive -- you can just shift it away from the particular cognitive contents that are feeding towards a panic attack (the obsessive discurvive thoughts that feed an impending panic attack: "I'm breathing weird", "I'm feeling unsettled", "I can't handle this", "this is really starting to feel uncontrollable", "what I am I going to do", "how can I stop this?", "I really think something's wrong with my heart", etc, etc, etc). The skill is just to shift. No drama involved. Meditation might give you the skills. Cognitive behavioral therapy is considered to be very helpful (in fact, I think that treating "panic" is one of that form of therapy's better success stories.

Xanax can be addictive, but that's no reason not to use it now. Not having a panic attack now, whether it's because you've taken medicine or whatever, is a good predictor of whether or not you'll have one in the near future. But do be careful with it.

I hope you never have another one. Or anyone else on this thread. Or anyone, for that matter!!!

Best wishes.

[cedahlia]

83. Been there

Don't worry, you are certainly not alone. And don't worry about your co-workers. I'll bet at least a couple of them have probably even experienced what you have, or they have family members that have. Panic attacks and anxiety disorders affect more people than you may think...people just aren't always open about it (thanks to the lovely stigmas still present regarding mental illness.)

Anyway, please know that you are not alone! :hug:

[Lilith Velkor]

85. I had them daily when I was on meds

So I stopped taking them and they stopped.

[Patiod]

86. Had one & doc said it was a mania and that I was bipolar

I confessed this to two of my two girlfriends who laughed, and told me the doctor was nutty, and that I was describing a panic attack. They described the symptoms exactly. One knew what it was, but the other one had gone to the ER thinking she was having a heart attack.

The attacks, on a more mild level, ontinued throughout the summer, but once I knew what they were, it was okay.
They finally stopped on their own and have never recurred. No "manic" (or deprssive) symptoms after that.

Had one once before about 15 years previous and did what you did - just walked out of work. But it never recurred until the ones that caused the "bipolar" diagnosis.

Not fun, but you may cruise right past them.

I just wonder if our bodies were designed for the level of stress that we cope with today. On the other hand, it's probably stressful when locusts eat your crops, your spinning wheel is broken, your 8 kids are hungry and you husband is dying of TB (or any of the stresses our foremothers dealt with)