"goose bumps" prior to a panic attack and when I have the urge to hurt myself? Why does this happen?

Question

I was diagnosed with depression and anxiety about 5 years ago. I've had self-harm and panic issues in the past. Medication helps, but I still get the feelings leading up to this stressful situations. Why? Is this common?

Answer 1

It sounds like you get something along the lines of an aura before an attack. You should look at this as a beneficial warning system to get yourself someplace safe and calm. Having these aura type feelings aren't unusual with any medical condition, as a diabetic I get feelings that something is "just not right" before my insulin levels take a serious dive, just long enough to reach in my purse and eat something before I go all fuzzy. I personally feel that depression and anxiety are really medical conditions that are the result of a nervous system gone awry. It certainly makes sense that if a diabetic can have a warning system (and not all diabetics have this ability), why not someone who's depressed?

Hope this helped!

Many Blessings,
Lilyth

Answer 2

You need to go see you family doctor and tell him the symptoms you are having. This could be a chemical imbalance and this issue can be solved with proper medications. I have panic attacks, but since I take Anti Depressents and a Klonipin I have got much better. GO GET HELP> This is something alot of us have to face.

Answer 3

If you are taking medication then you must be seeing a Psychiatrist. I hope you are and NOT seeing a family Dr. They DO NOT specialize in this field when a Psychiatrist does. This is definitely a question you need to bring to your Psychiatrists attention.
Take care!
:-)~

Answer 4

Every time you feel like cutting yourself, just control the feeling.

Just tell yourself "I am in control. I will never project my stress in a way that hurts me or anyone else."

Stop telling yourself that chemicals in your brain "made you do it". Take responsibility for your behavior and actions. You'll never cut yourself, if you learn to be in control all the time. It takes practice and is a lot tougher than just believing "it's the chemicals that made me do it" -- but once you learn to do that -- you'll never cut and learn to change your mood too.
They teach this stuff as "mindfulness". It's very difficult -- but it works.