Has anybody been through this or am I going mad?

Question

Last night I had a very weird experience.It is very hard to describe but I'll try.I was sitting with friends and family listening to music when I felt a feeling of dread.It was a very familiar feeling.It was like I became aware of the true meaning of life and it was terrifying.Things started to close in on me and it was as if reality was completely changed.It felt like it was my turn or time to face something dreadful and everybody knew this....I havent touched alcohol or drugs in 6 months and I'm not a nutter but I had this happen years ago through cannabis.Was it a panic attack or something??I managed to snap out of it though and felt o.k. after but I'd like to know if anybody else has had this?

Answer 1

Sounds like an epiphany to me . I'm sorry . Don't feed your thoughts and they'll go away . You will have the oppurtunity to be much happier .

Answer 2

I used to have panic attacks (still do but very rarely!) and you describe the feeling of dread which I used to feel. Was convinced I was insane.. found out I wasn't actually (as most people that really are don't think they are!) that I was having anxiety or panic attacks... as in full blown attacks... some worse that others. Some were horrid, whereas others were more vague although still very present to 'something is wrong'...

I would not be 'worried' about it first of all as that can make it worse. But do look to see what you were feeling just prior to being uncomfortable. Examine your surroundings internal and external experiences.
Also, sometimes these attacks just occurr because the brain fires off the fight or flight response..
Most of all, you aren't alone.
And if you notice you continue to have these go talk to a doctor or therapist about it. They can actually help.

Take care,
Trish

(by the way, when I got sober I had these horribly the first 2 years or so of recovery!)

Answer 3

I think most people have experiences like this at some point. Are you under any increased stress at the moment? It does sound like a panic attack of sorts; although the fact that you managed to 'snap out of it' is obviously a good sign. I would suggest you put it down to experience, lack of sleep, whatever, and if it happens again make an appointment to see your doctor for a chat. Dont be unduly concerned though, because that in itself will cause you stress and therefore may increase the chances of this happening again. Unfortunately there is no right or wrong answer, and it does seem a little 'Catch 22', but this is something only time can sort out. See how you feel in a few days.Best of luck x

Answer 4

Karlos, strictly speaking what you're describing is anxiety rather than a panic attack. If you'd been having a panic attack you most likely would have lost control of your breathing, starting sweating, experienced a rapid increase in your heart rate to an uncontrollable level and been thinking that you were imminently about to die. You didn't mention that so I'm more inclined to suggest it's anxiety than panic. However, I'm not a GP and you really do need to talk this one through with a GP.

Anxiety's not uncommon, but it's effects can be debilitating. It can be medicated for, but as with any drug there are always the risks of side effects that are equally unpleasant.

Don't seek medical advice over the internet - go fix an appointment with your GP and get a medically trained opinion.

Answer 5

i have and do suffer panic and anxiety attacks, so i understand what you are trying to describe. i get like this in crowds too.. the causes are many, sometimes if you have a history of drug abuse, it takes a long time for you to adjust to your emotions again and often after some clean time, these feelings sneak up on you.. I just find a quiet space and deep breath.. perhaps you were feeling claustrophobic, being suddenly if unconsciously aware of family and friends all around you.. it does sound like a panic /anxiety attack. YOU ARE NOT GOING MAD.. u take care now.

Answer 6

That wasn't a panic attack. It was just one of those annoying reality hits that come our way every now and then. Everyone of an IQ above potato has them now and then. You're standing in a queue in Tesco's and your brain suddenly goes "There can be no God, therefore my packet of ham cannot exist" and you crash like Windows 95. Just Windows you reboot yourself and it's okay again.
It's the human condition. Nothing more.

It you had a panic attack your heart rate would have raised substantially, your breathing would have speeded up and you'd most likely have experienced pain that felt somewhere aroundthe rib cage.

You just crashed for a moment, that's all.

Answer 7

Sounds like a panic attack which come in all shapes and sizes, and everyone experiences them differerently. Never had one myself luckily but i work with people who suffer from them and i know how awful they can be. The main thing is that u managed to snap yourself out of it and felt relatively normal afterwards. If it ever gets to the point u can't work through it fairly quickly yourself go see ur Gp.
They feel awful but no matter how awful they feel noone (as far as me and my collegues are aware (they are nurses)) has ever died from an anxiety attack.

Answer 8

I've had something similar, and at one time in my life, (gosh it was about 15 years ago now), it was associated with almost a pre-mini-seizure type and happened fairly often. I referred to it then and now as "Creeping Horribilus." It's possible that the music triggered a memory or feeling. I then went for a very long time without it happening at all, I'm glad to say. If it bothers you again, you might want to discuss it with a neurologist and/or a psych doc. Try to be happy and think positively and feel the love that is around you.

Answer 9

Yes, I had this happen to me when I was twelve years old riding home on a bicycle. I remember like it was yesterday. I thought I was going to die. I chalked it up to a panic/anxiety attack and yours sounds like the same thing. But sometimes I think it is something almost spiritual; preparing you for some experience in your life that you will eventually have to face. I had to face mine. But now, that part is over and all went well. It made me stronger. So...if it happens again, you can see a doc, or just chalk it up to preparing yourself for life. God Bless.

Answer 10

Sounds like a panic attack. What music were you listening to at the time? Could have set something off. Anyway, I'm glad you're ok now.

Answer 11

wow, you described my experience as though you have the same condition as me. They call it psychosis but thats a crock of s h i t psychosis is just a word for something they can't explain. I too HAVE BEEN through an experience of utter dread and it seemed to me too that everyone else had an elightenment that i didn't posses. I turned to the bible but found no comfort, so I tried the muslim quran and found my answer there. There is ANOTHER race on earth that considers itself equal to God, they abuse and torment thier victims and boast about it. It sounds to me you are on the brink of going through what I have been through, my advice to you is don't take any more drugs as they attack when thier prey is weak, and they show no mercy. I'm not trying to scare you but I have been through this myself, I don't know what the f u c k they are, but may God save us all.