When I wake up in a panic attack I often start of wuth some paraltsis and hyperventilation and eventually calm myself down. Sometimes I'm able to call a roomie for help. Sometimes by the time I can move/breathe enough to call I figure I'm ok and don't need to call anymore.

I nap almost every day because of my auto-immune disorder. The 3 days I've woken up in an attack. Today when I lay down I made sure I had water & pills by my bed and my phone w/speed dial for a roomie - just in case I needed it.

I dreamt that I woke up in a panic attack, couldn't move, had a huge struggle to get the phone and hit the speed dial, my roomie came and hugged me then I realized it was just a dream ( don't know if I actually woke up w/attack in between) and the dream repeated itself with some variations. Every time I eventually realized my roomie was not there, I was dreaming, and I was disappointed and still was stuck in an attack - whether just dreamed or real not sure.


When I finally did wake up I had some anxiety symptoms but not near as bad as the dream. I made sure I didn't fall asleep again - calmed myself down - got up and got dinner etc. Then went to my roomies room (she's really a housie - housemate - separate bedroom - but roomie sounds better) and said "Can you touch me and tell me I'm really awake?"


Panic attacks are harmless - just torture. So to me it seems its no different whether I really have one if I just dream one - my mind is going through the same thing. But a real panic attack I can use coping methods to manage and control. A dream I have no control over.


I'm grateful I'm having nightmares about panic attacks and nothing worse - but is there anything I can do about it???? Does anyone else experience this?