People with PANIC ATTACKS, ever feel "surreal" or fake?

Question

I have just recently been expierencing panic attacks...i have seen a doctor and a psychologist or something...anyways...

do you ever feel like you cannot concentrate, specifically when watching tv in a dim room...or go the entire day feeling somewhat disconnected or like your in a dream>? thanks

Answer 1

Yes, that disconnected or surreal feeling if very common with panic attacks. I used to imagine it to be a kind of see-through veil between me and reality. Has your psychologist suggested Cognitive Behavioural Therapy? CBT is proven to be the most effective thing for panic attacks and anxiety. It takes a bit of work, but it is super effective.

You can take a course for free online at: http://www.livinglifetothefull.com/elearning/ It has been funded by NHS Scotland and has had great results thus far. (A ‘prettier’ version of this type of programme can be bought at www.thewellnessshop.co.uk). If you don’t like computers, the best book is Dr Robert Burns, The Feeling Good Handbook. It basically teaches CBT and used by many psychologists. Also see http://www.cci.health.wa.gov.au/resources/minipax.cfm?mini_ID=17 for good anxiety work sheets and information.

All I can say is CBT changed my life. You have to commit to it though. When I started, I thought, “this isn’t going to work”, but I stuck with it and it worked miracles. I also know lots of other people who have been really helped by this.

If you are overwhelmed by information, remember this: control your breathing and you control panic. If you manage to regulate your breathing it is impossible to get a panic attack. Breathe in slowly through your nose pushing your tummy out. Breathe out slowly and for a bit longer through your mouth. Do not breathe rapidly or shallowly (in the chest area).

Good luck! Hope the surrealness evapourates soon!

Answer 2

Yes! This is common with panic attacks. Start thinking about something positive and the feeling should go away.Take your medication as you were told. You may even have chest pain,headaches, dry mouth, shakiness/weakness,feeling like you can not breathe or out of reality. This will all go away once you think of a happy thought.

Answer 3

Yes, but it's either connected to my low blood sugar, if I haven't eaten enough or have too much activity, low thyroid if my meds aren't being metabolized correctly, or low blood pressure, which hits when I'm under tons of stress, thankfully, not often.
You might want to get your blood sugar checked or something. Is the "lack of concentration" linked to ADD, or something else??

Answer 4

that is quite common among those with panic disorder, it is known as accomodating dissociative syndrome. Your mind is disassociating with reality to avoid the panic response. You may want to consider counselling.

Answer 5

all the time ..... Its pretty weird but just take everything day by day and keep seeing the Doc!
best of luck to you!!!!!!!!