Panic Attack Triggers?

Question

How can I discover what is triggering my panic attacks when they largley come out of the blue when I least expect them. Often they will be in places where i'm at complte calm too, such as watching TV or having a quiet drink with a friend.

The anxiety is my biggest problem, makes me feel very uncomfortable but I rarely find this anxiety leads to an attack altho I expect it might fuel one.

I've been really unhappy with my job, to the point where i've been seeing an occupational health person. Just don't feel challenged and that I'm not meeting my potential. could this be a trigger and if so would finding a new job be the answer?

Thanks Bzl1, that Schizophrenia answer scared me a bit, i've got problems but not that bad lol

Answer 1

I discovered the cause of certain bouts of anxiety and panic of my own--improper breathing. Many people report feeling like they are having a heart attack; well I always panic based on feeling like I've lost all my breath in my lungs. I discovered this brief shortness of breath was causing full-fledged panic attacks, so what I have learned to do is stop, take some very slow, very full deep breaths until I get that one breath that "catches" a good full feeling of inhaling, and once I catch that breath, I calm down. This tendency to panic has improved a great deal since I started swimming, which has improved my lung capacity and deep breathing immensely in general. Make sure that you're always breathing deeply, deep down into your lungs and diaphram. I bet when you get anxious you're taking short, shallow breaths and don't even realize it.

As for your job, yes, it can trigger what I believe to be the "tense" breathing I've described. Many people don't realize that it's the slightest physical things that can cause panic initially. Your job is likely the indirect cause of the tension, so yes, improving your work situation should help as well. My advice was more based on the reality of the moment of panic at hand.

Hope that helps!

PS: Ignore the "schizophrenia" diagnosis. That person is posting that response to multiple questions.

Answer 2

Integral to the diagnosis of Panic Attacks is that they have no identifyable trigger. You need to work on over-all anxiety coping.

Answer 3

I am a trained Psychiatrist.

From what you describe, I have a pretty good idea that what you are suffering from is Schizophrenia and possibly Bipolar II.

You have a chemical imbalance that needs to be corrected. You have elevated seratonin and dopamine levels. That is what is making you act this way.

You need to see a psychiatrist immediatly. Ask him to put you on Respiridone and Lithium.
Once you are properly diagnosed you need to inform the motor vehicle branch and let them know that you are potentialy a dangerous driver because of a mental illness.

Trust me... I have been doing this for 25 years. I know schizophrenia when I see schizophrenia and I am sorry to say.... you have it!

You may need to spend a few weeks in a mental hospital. You will get the proper medications there.
Once you are treated, you will find that your life will improve drastically.

http://www.cchr.org/index.cfm/8771

Answer 4

Cut all of the caffeine in your diet! Caffeine is big trigger!