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Does anyone suffer with panic attacks?

Posted on 3/7/15 at 3:01 am
Posted by Chazzy McRamzee
Member since Jun 2014
2681 posts
Posted on 3/7/15 at 3:01 am
I had one tonight. Normally I feel them sneaking up on me a few hours in advance. This one happened quickly. I didn't have my meds, and I started shaking uncontrollably. I haven't had one this strong in 4 years or so. Your heart starts racing. You kind of become detached from your surroundings. It's 4 AM, and I'm still awake.
Posted by derSturm37
Texas
Member since May 2013
1521 posts
Posted on 3/7/15 at 3:09 am to
I've only ever had one. It was kind of poetic justice because I had for years had derogatory thoughts about a good friend of mine who has them. I know from experience: when it happens you're kind of screwed.

You utilize the "breathe in your nose and out your mouth" tactic when you get them I presume?

Unless you've got IV Ativan I'm guessing it takes at least 15 minutes for your meds to become effective?
Posted by AlaTiger
America
Member since Aug 2006
21123 posts
Posted on 3/7/15 at 3:11 am to
Yeah, I have had them. Horrible.

You just have to ride it out.
Posted by Chazzy McRamzee
Member since Jun 2014
2681 posts
Posted on 3/7/15 at 3:13 am to
I'm afraid they might continue for the next few weeks. Not sure. I would like for this panic to be over.
Posted by BigOrangeBri
Nashville- 4th & 19
Member since Jul 2012
12284 posts
Posted on 3/7/15 at 3:39 am to
Hate it for you man. The worst feeling in the world
Posted by Chazzy McRamzee
Member since Jun 2014
2681 posts
Posted on 3/7/15 at 3:44 am to
quote:

The worst feeling in the world.


I know. I wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy the way it makes you feel.

Posted by The Nino
Member since Jan 2010
21521 posts
Posted on 3/7/15 at 4:41 am to
quote:

Ativan
and valium have been my saving grace a few times
Posted by AUbagman
LA
Member since Jun 2014
10570 posts
Posted on 3/7/15 at 6:48 am to
It sounds crazy, but when I had them I would hold my breathe. Also, put a number on how panicked you are and try to view it as an outside observer. Welcome it, challenge it, embrace it. You're not going to die, so treat it like the passing inconvenience it is. Dreading it makes it ten times worse and puts it firmly in the drivers seat.

Also, I started taking a beta blocker for them. If I'm going into a stressful situation, it controls the physical symptoms.

ETA: And NEVER avoid a situation because you think you might have one. At that point, you're admitting defeat and letting it dictate the terms of your life. Think of them as a separate adversary in which you're in competition with.
This post was edited on 3/7/15 at 7:47 am
Posted by Chazzy McRamzee
Member since Jun 2014
2681 posts
Posted on 3/7/15 at 6:58 am to
quote:



Also, I started taking a beta blocker for them. If I'm going into a stressful situation, it controls the physical symptoms.


I know what you're saying. I was caught off guard and didn't have them around when I needed them.
Posted by Hardy_Har
MS
Member since Nov 2012
16285 posts
Posted on 3/7/15 at 6:59 am to
Hope you find relief soon.
Posted by diddydirtyAubie
Bozeman
Member since Dec 2010
39829 posts
Posted on 3/7/15 at 7:03 am to
Klonopin is my best friend in those situations.
Posted by Birdie King
Houston, TX
Member since Feb 2013
8065 posts
Posted on 3/7/15 at 7:33 am to
Battled them in the late 90's. Absolutely terrifying. It's like there is a .01% part of your brain that is a bully. Every once in a while, with no warning of course, he turns to the rest of the brain and says "Hey guys, watch this." And then he shakes the shite out of you. I got through it with medication (Paxil and an emergency med for about a year). For me, over time, it wasn't taking the valium that helped the most. It was knowing that I had them on me to take if needed that put my fears at ease.

Hope you feel better man
Posted by PrivatePublic
Member since Nov 2012
17848 posts
Posted on 3/7/15 at 7:38 am to
I deal with mild ones every once in a while. I usually just ride it out by holding my breath, but the biggest help now is having dealt with them enough to realize it's temporary and I'm not going to die.
Posted by Chazzy McRamzee
Member since Jun 2014
2681 posts
Posted on 3/7/15 at 10:02 am to
I just woke up this morning not feeling well. It feels like I've had a nervous breakdown. I'm trying to find motivation to get outside today. It's almost like I'm too nervous to function right now. Medication helps, but it feels similar to a breakdown I had in July 2010. I stayed awake for days. That's when I first realized I had some mental issues. I've never had the desire to go to a psychologist to get proper treatment, but I know I should try to get to the root of my struggles.
Posted by Kentucker
Cincinnati, KY
Member since Apr 2013
19351 posts
Posted on 3/7/15 at 11:07 am to
quote:

I've never had the desire to go to a psychologist to get proper treatment, but I know I should try to get to the root of my struggles.


Go, go, go. Cognitive behavior therapy will work wonders in your ability to manage the attacks. Along with the medication, you can diminish the condition's emphasis in your life.

I'm assuming you're young. You don't want this crappy condition to be ruling your life as you get older.

Someone mentioned holding his breath in an attempt to stop it. I used to hold my breath until I passed out sometimes. That was my wake-up call. I went to a psychologist and have since managed the condition.
Posted by AUbagman
LA
Member since Jun 2014
10570 posts
Posted on 3/7/15 at 11:53 am to
quote:

That's when I first realized I had some mental issues. I've never had the desire to go to a psychologist to get proper treatment, but I know I should try to get to the root of my struggles.



Some of us are just affected by the constant stimulation of life more than others. I catch myself getting into negative thought patterns, and like anything, they'll continue unless you try to concentrate on the good in life. I know my anxiety gets worse when I'm drinking a lot and not working out. Meditation helps me, so does hiking alone. You just have to master the ability to not concentrate on a thought, just exist blankly for periods of time. At the end of the day, life isn't as serious as we let on, and the little things amount to nothing. Good luck man, it gets better if you attempt to alter your thoughts. It's hard work, but you've got to do it to get relief.
This post was edited on 3/7/15 at 11:55 am
Posted by BowlJackson
Birmingham, AL
Member since Sep 2013
52881 posts
Posted on 3/7/15 at 11:59 am to
I suffer from Widespread Panic
Posted by Govt Tide
Member since Nov 2009
9114 posts
Posted on 3/7/15 at 2:44 pm to
I've had 3 full blown attacks with the first two ending in emergency room visits. The first one came out of nowhere and was one of the scariest physical sensations I've ever experienced. Was standing in my living room looking out the window one morning and all the feeling left my body at once. I had the sensation of being detached or that I was leaving my body. I managed to gather myself enough to get to the couch. Tried to calm down but I was sweating, shaking, dizzy, and my heart had gone from 0 to 60 almost instantly. I thought I was about to die. I had another one at work a coupper of weeks later and had someone drive me to the emergency room. Saw a cardiologist to rule out heart issues which I had none. I have to watch it when I drink because dehydration/hangover is.a major trigger for me. Same thing happens if I overdo it on sweets. Had one too many Krispy Kreme donuts driving home one night and the sugar high trigerred my last one. Had to pull off on the side of the road. If dehydration contributes to yours try drinking Gatorade if you feel like one is coming on. The electrolytes help.
Posted by Chazzy McRamzee
Member since Jun 2014
2681 posts
Posted on 3/9/15 at 8:44 pm to
quote:



Go, go, go. Cognitive behavior therapy will work wonders in your ability to manage the attacks. Along with the medication, you can diminish the condition's emphasis in your life.



After the past few days I think I've finally reached the point that it's time to try it.

quote:


I'm assuming you're young. You don't want this crappy condition to be ruling your life as you get older.


These issues have controlled my life long enough. I just can't continue to live like I have the past 5 years. It's just been one negative thing after another that's kept me in a dark evil place mentally, and has affected my decision making skills. I think I finally reached my tipping point. I can't do it on my own, and I need help.
This post was edited on 3/9/15 at 8:49 pm
Posted by AUbagman
LA
Member since Jun 2014
10570 posts
Posted on 3/9/15 at 8:46 pm to
quote:

If dehydration contributes to yours try drinking Gatorade if you feel like one is coming on. The electrolytes help.


Try this stuff, it works, especially if you're sensitive to electrolyte imbalances.

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