I think I just had an anxiety attack.?

Question

I was feeling a little stressed from school work, but the usual kind of everyday stress. I decided to take a bath. As soon as I got in the water I get even more tense, and my stomach was feeling off. I tried to relax for a half hour but my heart was beating fast and I was sweating and shaking, and I was afraid I was having a heart attack or I was going insane, and it lasted about a half hour and I decided to just get out of the bathroom. I grabbed a towel and ran into my room. I saw my face in the mirror, and I was bright red. Not even like a tomato, but like some freakishly red manmade material. I layed down on the bed and listened to my heart pound and waiting to cool down. I didn't want to go downstairs for help because I was afraid of passing out on the stairs.

I'm better now. Was that an anxiety attack? Can a bath cause an anxiety attack?

I was sexually abused when I was ten, about a month ago I told my parents, he was arrested, let out without bail, then rearrested when someone else came forward. I've been filling out paperwork about it and met with a counsellor for the first time recently. Basically reliving the worst moments in my life over and over again several times this past month.

Answer 1

Yes, that was. I've had them for a long time, due to a traumatic event in my life that happened years ago (was sexually assaulted). I don't think the bath itself gave you the attack...while you were taking a bath, were you thinking about the things that stress you out? That could very easily trigger an attack. Next time, when you start to feel out of control, try to focus on something that relaxes you, or think of something you look foward to. Try to breathe normally, and if you need to, sit down, drink some water, and talk to a friend. This usually works for me. Good Luck.

Answer 2

No, I don't think the bath would cause a anxiety or panic attack.
Unless, at some point in your life you may have come close to drowning or some scary event like that occured. As far as your stress I would recommend that you don't take overly warm baths, as hot water will increase your heart rate and cause your face to turn red, as well as cause dizziness. Try relxing in your room with a few candles twinkling and a soft relaxing music playing in the background. Close your eyes for a few minutes and cover with a cool wash cloth. Think of a place that would be very relaxing for you (ex:beach, park). Just learn to take a deep breath and relax. Life is sometimes very difficult but we have to learn how to handle every twist and turn. RELAXING IS WONDERFUL!!!!! (A Dr. may need to give you a daily medication for anxiety.)

Answer 3

You had an emotional moment of some sort, that triggered a physiological responses. It would be impossible to say what kind of attack it was, or even if it was an attack. It could be a phobia of some kind also.

Such moment can be caused by all kinds of things... sound, smell, taste, touch, and yes, even getting into bath water. It may be related to past experience, or it could just be a trigger.

I don't know how old you are, but if you are in teen age years, it is quite possible hormone was playing tricks on you, too.

After you are completely clam, perhaps in a week or so, try repeating your whole experience, hopefully with someone you can trust watching and standing by you. Perhaps your parents, perhaps your close friend. See if it re-ocurrs. My guess is, it won't.

If you keep having similar issues manifesting in different situations, go see your doctor as soon as you can and see if he can detect any abnormalities.

For now, if you are feeling fine, I would not worry about it too much, but just in case, let someone close know of your experience. Don't be ashamed. Your body is likely reacting to something. You are not and were not, in control.

Answer 4

I am so happy, it was only a 35 minute drive ( 70 minutes total) but absolutely no sign of anxiety or panic i shopped till I dropped - brilliant! I will now go for the next stage DUAL CARRIAGE way, probably at the weekend, with my husband accompanying me first then the solo drive, if successful the final stage of driving on motorway

Beat Anxiety And Panic Attacks Naturally?

Answer 5

Same thing more or less happened to me last October. I felt that "Doom" & nothing could make me at ease. I found that it was something that effected me a long time ago & for whatever reason it came back in my mind. I went to my GP and was perscribed Cipramil & went to have counciling. Both of these combined helped alot. What i only found out recentily was that if you drink alot of alcohol it effects you really badly. I was at a party on Saturday night and on Sunday i thought i was going to die (not with a hangover) & this continued up till yesterday!! I will not be drinking alcohol anymore.... well maybe not as much!! Go see your GP, anxiety is very treatable it might take a while but it will ease & you will learn how to get ride of that feeling of panic before it comes to a peak. I hate the feeling so much, its mentally draining. It is also so common you would'nt believe, just say it to some of your friends & you will be amazed of so many of them having experienced the same as you at some time or other. Good luck & keep possitive.

Answer 6

It doesn't sound like you've had that reaction before while taking a bath. Could it be a memory of a particularly bad dream involving water? During anxiety attacks some people do have rapid heart beat. I'm lucky, I've never had rapid heart beat with anxiety. If this happens again to you (I hope it doesn't), put some soothing music on, just keep telling yourself to relax, you're NOT taking a heart attack.
It really may have been an isolated incident. If it keeps up, please tell your parents and go to a doctor.

Answer 7

Sounds like somewhere between a panic attack and an anxiety attack. Too bad the bath didn't help calm you down. Chances are you were going over in your mind the things that were bothering you and they just kind of escalated. That can happen. The previous suggestion of seeing a doctor is a good one. There is medication that can help and some relaxation techniques you can try.

Good luck.

Answer 8

Hot baths can also be triggers for heart related issues and blood pressure issues. You should see your Dr. and let him know everything that happened. If he rules out physical issues, maybe he can refer you to a psychologist you can talk to about the stresses in your life. You've been through alot. If this is panic attacks, it's understandable. Take care of yourself.

Answer 9

Sounds like an anxiety attack, but I doubt the bath caused it - your stress and worries were most likely the culprit.
Avoid any dangerous situations any time you feel you may be starting an attack - Lay down. Stay out of the shower or tub.. If driving, IMMEDIATELY pull over and DO NOT drive until you are certain you feel better

Answer 10

I go along with that BlueSea person's writing and also never ever believe anyone here when it comes to mental or medical health because no two people with similar symptoms have matching causes, Do your self a favor see a true professional that's what they are there for people here will just make things more confusing for you.