Does any one here have panic attacks?

Question

I am at work and having one now. Looking for someone to talk to!

Answer 1

I haven't had one for a while but used to have a lot. I'm a survivor of child abuse and most of my panic attacks were triggered off by something related to that. Panic attacks include palpitations, sweating, agitation, confusion, terror, difficulty breathing .. is this what you're going through?

Breathing is the first thing that helps. Taking slower deeper breaths and really FOCUSSING .. thinking .. about how your breathing feels, sounds, etc. Count the breaths, the inhales and exhales.

It's best to try to be aware of them BEFORE they happen, or when they start .. prevention better than cure as always!

Over-stressing yourself, fatigue, pushing yourself further than you can, or exposing yourself to a triggering situation, don't help .. so taking care of yourself to limit such instances can keep you from getting a panic attack.

Of course you can't always avoid them. I'd get them if I just passed someone on the road who had a moustache like my abuser did .. or if I got into a crowded lift or a busy supermarket. I found that breathing, walking slowly around while talking myself (silently!) into some calm, reminding myself that I am here and I am safe now, these things helped. Calling a friend helped. Sipping a soothing hot sweet cup of tea helps too.

PS I never get into crowded lifts any more!

Answer 2

I hate em don't you? Best thing to do is find a place to take a minute or two to realize that you are ok, take deep breaths, relax, a bathroom stall is the best. You might want to take a "time out" per say, let your boss know you are "stressing" and you need a few minutes or you will have to go home. He'll give you time, he needs you there. What was the trigger? Something triggered you, something set off you fear levels and has got you spinning out of control. While in the bathroom, taking deep breaths, run some cool water over your wrists and hands, take a paper towel and run it under water and place it on your neck and try and relax your arms and shoulders. Roll you neck around, stretch, touch your toes, relax yourself as much as possible. Close your eyes and take deep breaths. If a fellow employee asks "what happened" DON"T talk about it! Let it go for today, you just need to watch that clock and look forward to the end of your day. So try and relax in a place where you can be alone for a few miinutes. Panic attacks are not fun, and very scary. Does your doctor know. There are medications that reduce the anxiety level that sets off the panic attack. So let it all go for today, whatever set it off is over. Its over ok? You are safe and no one is really going to physically hurt you ok? So try to relax and not stress, if you have a problem at work look at it in a way that at the end of the day you will walk out of your work place and leave it all behind you. I hope I help a bit but I know totally how you feel, You can e-mail me if you want late on today: [e-mail]

Answer 3

I suffer from panic attacks as well. When I first starting having them I felt as though I was sort of out of my body. I know this may sound weird to those who haven't experienced them. I have learned to control mine over time. You just need to think positively and know that it will pass. You basically have to mentally talk your self out of having a panic attack. You know how all of the sudden that weird feeling will come over you and your heart will start racing. Well when that occurs just think I am a strong person and I will not let this ruin my day. You will learn to control them. Good luck and I hope you feel better.

Answer 4

Yes, I used to have them often. That was until I went to the doctor and she in turn referred me to a therpist. She also prescribed some med.

They would occur when I was somewhere that I did not want to be. I felt intimidated by the people that surrounded me. What I later realized was that I am the type of person who needs and likes time alone and with close friends.

I used to think that something was really wrong with me when I used to have them. I used to fell like I was going to go nuts right there in front of people. I felt like I was not in control of myself and that made me nervous.

However, that was not and is not reality. I was and still am in control and that is the difference between then and now. Back then, I was around people I did not feel comfortable being around and that brought up a lot of feelings that would not allow me to function without dealing with the real issue. So, I basically, to make long story short, changed my lifestyle.

Answer 5

Download a couple of pictures of your favorite natural scene (woods, the surf, mountains, whatever) and use it as a wallpaper on your computer. Whenever you feel an attack coming on, look at that picture and draw breath from your toes, not your lungs.

I really recommend Dr. Servan-Schreiber's Heart Coherence Exercises in his book Healing Without Freud Or Prozac. More than anything else I've tried, this helps me remain calm and in control. This exercise will take up no more than a couple of minutes a day of your time.

Answer 6

Yes. And what has always worked for me is the Bach Flower Remedy "RESCUE REMEDY." Its been used by 70 countries for 30 years, and works almost immediately. A few drops under the tongue, and the anxiety goes away.

Answer 7

Yes..and they are awful....most people dont understand them.....when I have one...I try to remove myself from the situation as soon as I can....and I take my medication.....My doctor prescribed Klonapin...and it seems to work in about 20-30 minutes.....I have also taken zanax..and it works in the same manner....If you have medication...try to always keep it with you....then at the first sign of something uncomfortable starts....take it to ease yourself into the situation. Good luck.....

Answer 8

Yes I do.. But looking for someone that also has them may not be the best idea.

Swallow your meds and take a lowdown.

*starts dancing and singing*
"Have a Coke and a smile!"

Answer 9

I am sorry that you are having a panic attack- hope you feel better real soon!

Answer 10

Yep, sure do. Just try to relax, breathe deeply and steadily. Think of something that makes you happy and relaxed.