Is this a panic attack?

Question

Recently I have been having these weird episodes, usually at night, and after doing some reading, I still can't figure out what it is. I'm overcome with an intense feeling of worry, like something is really wrong. I don't know what or why. My heart races and it seems like I can feel my blood pumping through my veins. I can't relax, I can't shake it off, and I can't make myself feel better. I have been pretty stressed out lately, but it doesn't seem like that would cause it since I have a pretty high stress life anyway. I don't feel depressed, and I don't feel like my world is crashing in and I don't want to die(that's what most of the medical websites described panic attacks as). I just feel like something is wrong or someone is in danger, and I get a really helpless feeling. Any help or advice would be appreciated. Thanks

Answer 1

Sure sounds like a panic attack to me. You don't have to want to die for it to be a panic attack. Even tho you usually deal with stress well, the prolonged stress eventually can break down your coping abilities. There are effective treatments (and not just drugs) for panic attacks. Try contacting ADAA.org

Answer 2

I think that in order for it to be clinically diagnosed as a panic attack, you have to display at least four of the psychological and/or physiological criteria for a panic attack. You've only listed two or three, but it very well could be. You may have other symptoms that you just didn't list or particularly notice.

Generalized Anxiety Disorder is another possibility. This line sort of alludes to that: "I just feel like something is wrong or someone is in danger, and I get a really helpless feeling."

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Answer 3

yes, it sounds like a panic attack.
I wish I could help you more, but mine always happened in social situations, which is different.
From what I understand, they manifest when we feel out of control--but now that you at least know what they are, you can do some reading and get some help.
Don't worry about them too much, the fear of another one is actually worse than the attack itself.
Excess energy is what causes anxiety, one thing that should help you tremendously is to go for a brisk 30-40 minute walk, (or any exercises) really work up a sweat, and burn off some of that extra energy.
Don't worry about it too much-you grow out of them.
There is a great book by Lucinds Basset called from panic to power. The phrase that helped me the most was
"it's just a feeling"-- remind yourself of that the next time one comes on. Again, don't give it too much thought, they will pass.

Answer 4

This sounds more like an axiety attack than a panic attack. Anyone can have them. But, when they get to the point where they are affecting your daily life then this needs to be treated. Anxiety attacks can happen for a variety of reasons - some it's obvious - abuse, post tramautic stress disorder can be related. Sometimes, there is no identifyable cause. I only found that one thing could give me peace from them and it's probably not the answer you're looking for - but in my case it affected me in a way that made me realize there is only one thing that can chase that void feeling away. I'd give 1-800-NEED-HIM a try if you want to find out more about what changed my life forever and released me from the power of this.

Answer 5

It sounds like a panic attack to me. I used to have them, but I started taking Xanax years ago and now I take Klonopin and I haven't had one in 6 or 7 years. I am down to taking .5 mg a day from taking 3 mg a day and my psychiatrist says that he would like me completely off of it in 3-6 months. I am now taking Cymbalta also, so that may help. I go to therapy every three weeks and that has helped a lot. The feeling like dying that some people talk about might be because of a tightness in the chest that might feel like a heart attack, but it isn't, it is caused by anxiety. I think you should go to a doctor about them before they get worse or turn into general anxiety disorder which it did to me.
I wish you well.

Answer 6

Yes I would say that you were having a panic attack. I have experienced them as well and they suck! Do you get short of breath too and feel like you have to get up and walk around or something? If so I would say case solved.
From my experience there is really nothing you can do while having one mainly just ride it out. But you could try to think of anything that makes you happy or something funny anything positive. Living a stress filled life could bring these on more than usual. It could just be catching up to you. Try exercising regularly and always try to think positive. Worrying does nothing but make it worse. I hope all goes well for you! :)

Answer 7

I have read some litterature about panic attacks. But they allways seem to have a more scientific approach and that is nothing I need in my struggle to survive those horrible panic attacks. This is a "hand on" and very practical book. I felt it was written to me. I am sure that you are going to feel the same.

Joe Barry writes exactly how I think. The examples are perfectly described. And the method is genius. I recommend this book and thanks Joe Barry for writing it. It changes your life

Answer 8

That's an anxiety attack from too much stress. It's your body telling you to slow down.

Answer 9

Anxiety can be very challenging at times. If you can learn to let your mind relax, some of this will improve.

Thinking (worrying) is a dangerous pasttime.

Answer 10

Either you are, indeed, experiencing "clinical" panic attacks...(in which case seek treatment)
Or you're "In love." (in which case...a "clinical" cure won't work)
The two are quite similar...
Hope it's the second one...that's life, Aloha!