I suffer with panic attacks, its so horrible anyone else?

Answer 1

My wife has panic disease. It can be tough to deal with. There's medication available, and therapy may be helpful.

Answer 2

In March I started have severe panic attacks. I was having them 3-4 times a day, they put me on Xanax which months later seems to be making me worse along with adding other medical issues such as low blood pressure. Panic attacks are something you have to learn to deal with mentally. It is hard I still have a hard time dealing with them sometimes. It takes time and acceptance. I am currently pregnant so it is mandatory that I deal with this on my own. You have to know that a panic attack can not kill you and what works for others may not work for you, you have to find a way that works specifically for you. Good luck and I hope you get better I know it sucks but you will get through it.

Answer 3

Hi, sorry to hear you are feeling so bad. The following steps will eliminate (or at least significantly reduce) your panic attacks:

1.Breathe properly - if you control your breathing, you control panic. As soon as you notice the signs of anxiety, check your breathing: breathe in slowly through your nose pushing your tummy out (to the count of 5 or so). Breathe out slowly and for a bit longer (to the count of 7 or so) through your mouth. Do not breathe rapidly or shallowly (in the chest area). This will soon restore the balance of oxygen and you will feel a lot better.

2. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy! CBT is proven to be the most effective thing for panic attacks, OCD and anxiety etc. It takes a bit of work, but it is super effective. (After 15 years of panic attacks, mine stopped completely). You can speak to your doctor about taking a course or you can take a course for free online at: www.livinglifetothefull.com

3. Try relaxation exercise tapes (progressive muscular relaxation). They really help if you practise often enough. You can get free downloads online, e.g. http://www.studentservices.utas.edu.au/counselling/audio_resources/index.html

With each step practise makes perfect. (i.e. practise the steps every day, not just when you are feeling bad). I hope you feel better soon. Best of luck!

Answer 4

1. Remember that although your feelings of stress and symptoms are very frightening, they are not dangerous or harmful.

2. Understand that what you are experiencing is just an exaggeration of your normal bodily reactions to stress.

3. Do not fight your feelings or try to wish them away. The more you are willing to face them, the less intense they will become.

4. Do not add to your panic by thinking about what "might" happen. If you find yourself asking "What if?" tell yourself "So what!"

5. Stay in the present. Notice what is really happening to you as opposed to what you think might happen.

6. Label your stress level from zero to ten and watch it go up and down. Notice that it does not stay at a very high level for more than a few seconds.

7. When you find yourself thinking about the fear, change your "what if" thinking. Focus on and carry out a simple and manageable task such as counting backwards from 100 by 3's or snapping a rubber band on your wrist.

8. Notice that when you stop adding frightening thoughts to your fear, it begins to fade.

9. When the fear comes, expect and accept it. Wait and give it time to pass without running away from it.

10. Be proud of yourself for your progress thus far, and think about how good you will feel when you succeed this time.

Answer 5

Panic attacks are a terrible thing! They literally paralyze the individual with unrealistic fear. It is linked to the "fight or flight" syndrome and is exacerbated by the fact that the fear or dread intensifies as we try to run from it. In the past, physicians used benzodiazepines to treat anxiety. While these work they tend to be addictive and don't alleviate the symptoms for the long term. The new SSRI antidepressants are very effective for long term relief of anxiety. Combined with short term benzodiazepines anxiety attacks can be alleviated in most individuals. Please see a professional and get control of anxiety before it totally runs your life. best wishes

Answer 6

Yes I did. One time, I got one so bad that it put me in the emergency room for a couple of hours; I felt dizzy, nauseated, and my hands and feet felt tingly.

The best thing to do is address your doctor about these symptoms if you haven't already. If you're caught during one, remember to take deep breaths and think positive thoughts. Panic attacks can't kill you even though they can be downright scary.

Answer 7

Its is quite common, I used to get it when I went on air (tv). But a womans panic attack could be different. Prozac has been known to help/.

Answer 8

Yeah I have panic attacks sometimes too. Ask your doctor about meds you can take for them.

Answer 9

Yes, I have lived with them for a while, and no medicine is not always the answer. It would be best to see a psycologist they dont prescribe medication and they can get to the bottom of it, find out what triggers them off and help you. Dont strees many, many people suffer them. Best of luck.

Answer 10

I found it helps to time them, mine lasted mostly under one minute so I knew I would be okay after a wee bit... sitting down helped alot, too (so I didn't feel like my knees would give out on me at any minute). I still get them from time to time, but knowing they will eventually go away is good.