These aren't anexiety/panic attacks right?

Question

I've been through a tough patch of my life, and lately I've noticed that like every/every other day my whole body goes on like high allert for about 30 seconds. It's kind of like that feeling you get in your stomach right before the big drop in roller coaster... This isn't the build up to have anexiety or panic attacks, right?

Forgot to mention that the women in my family have a history of depression (don't know if that matters) My mother suffers, and my aunt is bi polar..

So I should see a thearapist?

Answer 1

That sounds very interesting. It is definitely stress-related but I wouldn't call it a panic attack.

Panic attacks are very debilitating and usually last from 2 to 6 minutes. Common symptoms are headache, sweating, shortness of breath, heart palpitations, extreme agitation, and a sense of dread.

I don't know what you're experiencing, but I would suggest seeing a psychologist (I'm only a poor psych undergrad). Nobody here on Yahoo answers can give you an answer as good as a Ph.D.

Answer 2

I'd check in with your gp. It could be a blood pressure thing, sugar levels, iron deficiency, thyroid problems.... That'd be the best place to start. If all comes up clean, and you are still having the problem, ask for the names of a few therapists. That tough patch might be bugging your psyche a little more than you think. A therapist would help you better understand yourself which is a good thing regardless of why you initially sought therapy.

~bipolar, intimately familiar with depression and casual acquaintance with anxiety. It does not sound like you have these except perhaps a little anxiety.

Answer 3

It sounds like your are having an 'adrenaline rush' - a sudden burst of adrenaline from your adrenal glands. This is not normal.
Disorders of the HPA Axis (Hypothalamic - Pituitary - Adrenal Axis) appear to contribute to many cases of major depression.

It may be a good idea to see a functional medicine specialist to evaluate this system and look for reasons why it may be over-active. (note: this condition is NOT caused by a drug deficiency, so treating you with drugs would not cure the cause of your problem.)

Best wishes and good luck.

Answer 4

This doesn't sound like a classic anxiety or panic attack.