Is this considered an anxiety attack?

Question

I was lying in bed trying to fall asleep and I was thinking about all the things I had to do the next day and I was really worried about an exam I had to take because I didn't think I was nearly prepared enough. I felt an urge to cry, which is not very common for me, and I started to and it just got more and more out of control. I started breathing heavily and then everything started to scare me. I live in a college dorm so people walking down the hallway, people closing doors, a car driving by, people talking, all these things just scared me. It was probably 5 or 10 minutes later that I finally realized I had to get myself under control. It was hard, but I got my breathing back under control and I stopped crying. Things still scared me for a little while but it eventually stopped and I was so exuasted I fell asleep. Nothing like this has ever happened to me before. Was it an anxiety attack and if so what should I do about it?

Answer 1

Yes but don't worry about it. There's nothing wrong with you. Anxiety and panic attacks are not caused by mental or physical illness. Anxiety/panic attacks are caused by a tiny change in the way the brain handles anxiety signals from the sensory organs. Anxiety/panic attacks are not caused by chemical imbalances ...they can cause them, but they are not caused by them! This is why anxiety/panic attack medication doesn't work, it may mask the symptoms (if anything) and when they are stopped, it generally all floods back. You can overcome anxiety forever by resetting your brain. This re-set happens through a process called Operant Conditioning - it's the same process that happens when you learn new activities - like driving or playing an instrument - it's learning through repetition. Self-hypnosis, visualization, or simply diverting your attention is the ONLY way to overcome this-- though for you, it may not develop

Answer 2

I have suffered from anxiety problems for many years. Anxiety attacks can come in many forms and degrees of intensity. Just from what you have said I would say it probably was an anxiety attack. Please keep in mind I am not a professional. As you might or might not know, anxiety attacks are extremely common. Considering you are under stress from school it would just make it that much easier to have such an attack. If you have no more in the near future I would not worry much about it but if your symptoms change or the attack happens again I would definately see a doctor. Not only to treat the anxiety but just in case that is not the real problem. Best of luck.

Answer 3

Consider that to be a anxiety attack-brought on by your stress at not being prepared for a test. If you continue everytime you have stress-situation overpowers you for out of your control loke oo late to study for the test properly you can immediately when you feel yourself getting stressed attempt to distract mind from what it is distressing you.think of something totally different and do deep breathing=with open mouth breathe in deeply slowly then slowly exhale through nose with mouth closed.Do this approx 10 times or until you feel calmer-this will slow down respiration,slows the heartrate which usually calms the person. If these anxiety attacks continue you can also get Super Rhodiola capsules from your local health food store-totally safe and will not affect blood pressure not interfere with other medications. I started getting anxiety attacks approx 1 year ago was given the Rhodiola by my health food store and stopped having them for give a inner calm which better enables one to handle the difficult situation in a rational manner.

Answer 4

It sounds like it could be. You could do a number of things about it. Going to see someone at the counseling center is probably a very good idea, but I'd try some lifestyle changes before I'd take any drugs that someone wanted to prescribe, if this was the first time it happened.

Possible lifestyle changes might be: make and stick to a healthy schedule that gives you enough time to get your work done, and check in with a study partner or counselor to help you feel grounded about it. Make sure you're exercising regularly. Make sure you're eating regular, and healthy, meals, enough green leafy vegetables and only reasonable amounts of junk food. Cut back on drinking. Try yoga or tai chi. Find the book THE RELAXATION RESPONSE by Herbert Benson and learn how to do it, twice daily. Stay away from high-maintenance, stressful people.

Answer 5

It is very possible you have suffered from an anxiety attack. Although it is more likely it is a simple panic attack from all the pressure you are feeling from being away from home, and having an exam you feel unprepared for. If this is the first time this has happened to you, I would not worry about it for if you do all you will accomplish is wasted time. If it bothers you to badly I would suggest going to the campus councilor for a consultation.

Answer 6

There is a difference between anxiety and panic attacks. Panic being more serious. Panic attacks are shortness of breath pounding of your heart chest pain lots of fears dizzyness. and they are short in duration. Where anxiety attacks are not as serious not as intense and last longer. Panic attacks they recommend u see a doctor for. Panic attacks can be treated with meds and or Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Answer 7

Yes, that is considered as a anxiety/panic attack. Try doing something to get your mind off of the problems you are going through. If things get worse, I suggest you see someone on campus about it. Talking to someone about the situation you are in will help calm your nerves and help you tremendously. Good luck and I hope you feel better.

Answer 8

Symptoms of a Panic Attack

raging heartbeat
difficulty breathing, feeling as though you 'can't get enough air
terror that is almost paralyzing
nervous, shaking, stress
heart palpitation, feeling of dread
dizziness, lightheadedness or nausea
trembling, sweating, shaking
choking, chest pains, distress
fear, fright, afraid, anxious
hot flashes, or sudden chills
tingling in fingers or toes ('pins and needles')
fearful that you're going to go crazy or are about to die

Sounds like you're under alot of stress, and you have an awful lot going on. Try to get enough rest and not over burden yourself, which is difficult when you're in college. If you should feel this way again don't hesistate to talk with your doctor.

Answer 9

yes, this sounds like an anxiety attack

Answer 10

Yikes, sounds like one to me. Talk to your doctor about an anti anxiety medication, Try to relax and dont let yourself get overloaded with school. Make a schedule and stick to it so you have regular routine. Follow it (Theat may mean cutting out some of the parties!! {w00 h00}) You will be surprised how much a simple daily schedule works.