i think i might be having panic attacks...please help.?

Question

I know that i have OCD, and mental health issues run in my family, and thiis year i was in track and before my races i would make myself SOO nervous, and during the race i would like forget to breath so when i was done i would totaly hyperventilate and my forehead, cheeks and nose would go numb, and my fingers wouldn't unclench and they would feel like someone had injected them with Novacain, (they were numb too) i don't know what to do.

see i'm too scared to talk to my parents about getting help b/c i don't want to be put on medication. i've heard some of the side effects like weight gain and such and i don't want that. i have enough issues with confidence too. i really dont know what to do.

Answer 1

you should talk to a doctor. soon

Answer 2

I too have had problems with OCD and Panic attacks, you worry a lot, your hands go numb, your heart is pounding, you think your dying, and the world seems to be way out of control... I would suggest that if this is the first time and/or a more severe one, than other panic attacks go to the ER... If you don't have insurance, then call someone who has a good ear, and listens to you and/or is nice enough to come over to help you make it through the panic attack... Hope you feel better... :-)

If you do get prescribe xanax, please try something else, I'm on it, and have been for the past 3 yrs, and the withdraws of it, is horrible, please try something like prozac(It would be daily- I believe it helps with anxioty), or at least a lowest dose effective in treating your anxioty with xanax...

Answer 3

The symptoms you are describing (numbness of the face, fist clench, etc.) are signs of severe hyperventilation. Essentially, you should speak to a physician about how to exert control over the condition. In the short term, try to concentrate on slowing your breathing, if possible, when you notice yourself doing it, or at least when you note the symptoms. An old treatment was to breathe in and out of a paper bag to raise their CO2 level; this is not used by emergency medical personnel anymore, but some sufferers still utilize this.

Answer 4

The best way you can manage your panic attacks is with marijuana if you live in a state that offers medical marijuana with a doctor's note. Outside of that ask your doctor for valium. It helps me, so does the marijuana. I have a doctor's note. It really works and it's natural, the only side affects are getting a little hungry and sleepy. Good Luck.

Answer 5

There are medications that you can take for both OCD and anxiety (panic attacks). The med that comes to mind for anxiety would be lexapro or xanax. The best thing to do is to discuss this with your family doctor, and see which medication might be best for you.

Good luck and feel better.

Answer 6

Hi, I also suffer with panic attacks! I find that it helps me to sip a glass of very ice cold water! It also helps me if I can get my mind on something else. Try calling a friend when you feel a panic attack coming on. You could also join an online support group.

Here is a link to a helpful web site:

http://panicdisorder.about.com/od/panicdisorderselfhelp/

It would probably be a good idea if you discussed your problem with your doctor!

Best wishes to you! I hope that you feel better soon!!!

Answer 7

The best thing for you is friends and family, Medication I agree with, it can only do so much, Dont be scared to talk to your parents b/c most likely they already know and have most likely had a similar problem, it could be genetics.

Answer 8

Sit on the floor cross legged

Then take really slow, long deep breaths - for atleast 10mins

Get some exercise too

Answer 9

I would suggest you to be away for from your family and work a least for one month. I mean enjoy same green places with fresh weather and quietness. You also take your type recorder and listen to your favorite song and dance.

Answer 10

I cured myself from this disorder, its called hydration....Try drinking at least 96 ounces of cool purified water every day!.......................every day!!! Go to your local heath food store, find a high quality multi vitamin/whole food supp. Disorders such as anxiety stem from mineral deficiencies. Please do yourself a favor, dont go to your docter!!! He or she will simply give you something that masks the symptoms of anxiety. You will be going backwards if you take medication.

Answer 11

well, the numbness and forgetting to breathe sound like symptoms of a phobia. could you possibly be afraid of failure? this is called atychiphobia. i would say consult a psychologist. but i could be wrong.