Anxiety Support Group

Anxiety is a physical condition marked by intense and persistent feelings of distress, fear, angst or dread. General anxiety caused by routine day-to-day stresses usually passes quickly and is experienced by almost everyone at one time or another. However, such feelings that linger over time and are very difficult to cope with, and which lack a clear cause, may indicate...

23,095 Members
43,239 Posts
1 Online
Anxiety Disorders
/ Anxiety Support Group

First Panic Attack

tiredgirl25
tiredgirl25

Yesterday morning I had my first real, full on panic attack. I haven't been sleeping well lately (I post on here every now and then to vent about my insomnia) so Ive been completely exhausted. I was laying in bed actually feeling quite relaxed but got up to use the restroom. I immediately got dizzy, broke in to a cold sweat, couldn't see... In my state of panic I walked right into a door frame and hit my head. I fell backwards and thankfully landed safely, but in that moment I thought I was either going to pass out or die. I was able to make it to my parents' room and they helped me through the remainder of it. I've never been so scared in my life, and also embarassed or ashamed for some reason. I think the panic attack was an accumulation of a lot of things - stress, lack of sleep, being dehydrated... I was able to get a few hours of sleep last night which I know doesnt sound like much, but it helped a little. Im in the mental health field so Im fully aware there's nothing to be ashamed of and in a sense my symptoms are still somewhat in the normal range. But Ive been dealing with anxiety and sleeplessness for a better part of my life and sometimes it feels like nothing ever helps, and now things are getting worse. Im very scared Ill have another panic attack also.

achicade1
achicade1
Hey there, so sorry this happened.....hoping you are able to get some rest. Lack of sleep and dehydration will both zap you of strength and make you feel bad, for sure. You say you are in the mental health field and I am wondering if you can get a referral to a good therapist or even just a good group to go to for support, or is that taboo in your field? Sharing here is a good plan too of course! I find just talking to others who "get it" helps me tremendously, instead of just bottling it up and not talking about it. Thanks for sharing, hope today is much better!
eli_mom
eli_mom
Hi- I’m so sorry to hear this. I’m glad you are safe. I have a sister who was diagnosed with anxiety and she used to have sleeping problems. She had also experienced a panic attack, she went to the doctor but refused treatments. It was hard for my family to see her suffering. But now, her mood had improved and I think the support group played a big role in her healing. Me and my other sisters are her support. I talk to her everyday about anything just to let her know that she’s not alone.She also has a life group that she attends online, once a week.

She has pets and it helps her to see her purpose. She wakes up everyday knowing she has dogs to take care of. She also volunteers in our community. I hope you will also experience healing just like my sister. It’s good you reached out. I hope you will find comfort here. We are here for each other. If you can, try to do things that you think you will enjoy. Stay in the forum. Take care of yourself. God bless.
Community LeaderMid
Mid
Keep a private daily journal to help you sort through the thoughts.

Best wishes as you find your better balance.
arfie
arfie
Gentle empathy, Tired Girl. Panic attacks suck, both literally and figuratively. Congrats on handling the attack so well. I'm impressed.

Now to work on the preventative measures. An ounce of prevention really is worth a pound or more of cure. Insomnia, hydration and stress are three of my own guarantees of panic attacks. The hydration is the easy member of that unholy trinity. Drink lots of water. How 'bout the diet and exercise? Those are two more comparatively easy fixes.

As for the insomnia and stress, posting here more often could help. The writing helps me focus my issues. The feedback helps me find good ideas to try.

Gentle support, whichever way you decide is right for you. The load is easier when shared. Vent freely. Vent often. Listening. . .
emmy.shemmy
emmy.shemmy
That’s so real. I’ve experienced all of that and am right now. I’m sorry you have to go through this, but I truly hope you learn to manage it. Anxiety looks different to everyone and I can’t really run because I’m so overwhelmed right now. If you are unable to do things that you enjoy, you may have to cut it out because of the level of anxiety. You will overextend yourself. It’s been a hard road, but by learning to manage and learning your limits, and self-care those Will help. I don’t know if you take meds or see a therapist. Those are helps for mental health. And there is no stigma..I’m new to this chat, but I have experienced a lot of anxiety and panic due to my mental illness(es). Just do what feels best.
Sunshinegirl0228
Sunshinegirl0228
Panic attacks are scary. I used to have several a day every day for months. NOw I have 1-2 a year. I think it is important to remind yourself in a panic attack that you are not in danger. Try to breathe your way through it.
I have a crisis box for depression and anxiety. It has crayons, coloring pages, picttures of my family, a word search, play doh, and a stress ball. I dont open it often but maybe you could try a crisis box/bag for when you feel anxious?
Thor2008
Thor2008
Tired girl- panic attacks are difficult to get through. I get one to two a year. In previous years they were more numerous. I had an epic one in the ER and had to be sedated. Do you have a therapist? This would be something to talk about. A panic box like Kisses has is a good idea. It is a box of distractions to help you cope. I’d build one. Kisses is pretty smart and experienced.

Congrats on surviving you first attack. You did well. Congratulate yourself.

Big support from Thor
Secouya
Secouya
I’m happy that your parents were able to help you through your attack. They are very scary. I get them too. A lot of times waking up from a bad dream, being a passenger while my husband is driving or if a car cuts me off when I am driving. I try grounding techniques and start describing what’s around me in detail including shapes and colors, reading words back wards and deep breathing from the lower belly to calm me. Some times this will help alleviate the attack. Talking to a therapist might be helpful or taking a health class about anxiety. I hope you feel better soon. Don’t worry about having another attack because the stress from worrying can actually trigger an attack. Try some relaxation techniques such as meditation, reading. Watching a movie or something you enjoy when you feel tense. Best Wishes.
GirlinCalif
GirlinCalif
I'm sorry you had a panic attack. I get them often. I know how scary they are! What I try to do is to keep distracted, keep busy. If your mind is occupied on other things, you're not going to panic.

Now, you could also try to figure out what caused it and take steps to fix that. Like you said, insomnia, dehydrated. Make sure and drink 8 glasses of water every day. Do some form of exercise daily, walking is great for you mentally and physically. Exercise can help a lot with getting sleep. Get outside in the fresh air and sunshine. Have fun hobbies that you do and look forward to.

The point is to be proactive. Making your life as fun as you can, with lots of things to look forward to. And also talk to friends, laugh with them, watch funny TV shows, talk with your family, look up funny videos online, etc.

I hope you feel better!
tiredgirl25
tiredgirl25
Thank you so much everyone for the kind words. It helps so much!
Posts You May Be Interested In
  • GreenEyes727

    Dummy Me

    Posted by: GreenEyes727
    Last Reply: arfie
    1
    I did the dumbest thing today.  I charged my earbuds, unplugged the block and put the block in my little bag instead of the earbuds.  I wasn't happy about that when I got to the gym.  What a dummy!
  • Vince3789

    Trying Not to Forget Who I Am

    Posted by: Vince3789
    Last Reply: arfie
    3
    Ever since I stopped doing therapy because of insurance, I've been feeling that old tense and irritable sense of anxiety and stress. I hate that. I was making so many strides and changes during therapy, my therapist would acknowledge all of my progress and accomplishments, and I miss that reassurance. Today I thought about it, and I made those changes! She would always tell me that I chose to...