Have you ever had a panic attack?

Question

I've had about 3 in my entire 40 years-- and I had one this past weekend due to a very, very stressful situation at home.
Today, the stressor told me that it is a sign that I am mentally ill...

Since when?
Has anyone ever told you that?

Answer 1

I have had panic/anxiety attacks (diagnosed) for over five years.

The perpetrator is full of it!!!

I am not mentally ill!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I have a diagnosis of panic/anxiety attacks.
I have learned what most of my triggers are, I do fine usually.
I am not sure what "mentally ill" is.

If the perpetrator knows, must be what he sees in the mirror.
Stand your ground!!!

E-mail if you wish: [e-mail]

Answer 2

I had a panic attack about 38 years ago ... it was a terrifying experience at the time
.. but a few minutes later, it was pretty much ok, partly due to an understanding friend's reassurance.

I wasn't mentally ill (maybe a bit neurotic, but nothing out of the realm of the expewcted)

Having sen your mental processses over the last few months, I can tell you that you're not mentally ill by a long shot ... a bit stressed sometimes maybe, but who is free of *that*?

to be "told" something like that is not a "report" on your state of mind ... it's not *you*, but I think it's the relationship.

tho I would never take my own adivce, it might be a good thing to go see about counseling to help you deal with the situation .. maybe even have the stressor get soem counseling.

peace of mind is valuable

sorry to do the 'dear abby' stuff, but sometimes it's right

Answer 3

Hi there, I just laugh about my past 3 years of panic now. I was not able to go anywhere without carrying xanax. Fear of having another attack was the most important subject of my days.When i first found joe barry's web site i started to cry because of my happiness.

Free audio to end anxiety and panic attacks fast?

Answer 4

I had a panic attack once....only one serious one, although I swear I've had many others (just not as severe). I had to lay down and take slow deep breaths. My friends who were with me were really freaked out. They didn't know what to do. I couldn't get my heart to stop beating so fast and heavily. I couldn't control my breathing and was panting like a dog.

I am bipolar, which might be part of the problem. And when you mix in the stress of my homelife experience, along with my job and schooling (junior in college), Bipolar just adds to the stress of a panic attack.

Answer 5

Yes.
I had one on stage in a concert, when I was playing piano for an Opera Group.
It was the most frightening thing I've ever experienced (and I've been mugged at knife-point)
When I went to my doctor, she asked if I 'bottle' my emotions up.
I said yes, and she said it's just the body's way of dealing with anxiety.
I also suffer from depression, yet I'm a perfectionist.
It's not a good combination.
You can ask your doctor for pills to control your anxiety, as long as you don't drink too much.

Answer 6

I think the answer to your question is in your question:

"Today, the stressor told me that it is a sign that I am mentally ill... "

Of course they want you to think that. They don't want to be the cause of it so it had to be something else.
I have had a few panic attacks before, but I don't feel they have been linked to my depression. Go to your doctor & discuss it with them.

Answer 7

I actually tested and diagnosed folks at a national university for panic disorders and GAD (general anxiety disorders). In all of our testing not once did we ever diagnose a patient as suffering from a mental illness (you can relax). However, constant elevated stress levels can contribute to any number of physical illnesses and premature death. Good luck to you.

Answer 8

I used to have them all the time, I was taking xanax and Lexapro...I don't need medication anymore though. And yes panic attacks are a chemical imbalance in your brain adrenaline to be exact :)
panic attacks and depression go together if you have one you normally have the other

Answer 9

I'd say they're spouting a bunch of bull. It happens when you are under a lot of stress. That's all. You are mentally fine. You should probably try to relax and take a little more me time. It helps you to clear your mind and stay focused.

Answer 10

Ever since going through a divorce and painful LD break up I get what I call anxiety attacks quite often. The only person who told me I was mental is my ex and he is an AH so it doesn't matter.........He doesn't even know about them.......