Panic Attacks Support Group

A panic attack is a period of intense fear or discomfort, typically with an abrupt onset and usually lasting no more than thirty minutes. Symptoms include trembling, shortness of breath, heart palpitations, sweating, nausea, dizziness, hyperventilation, and sensations of choking or smothering. Panic attacks can be very sudden, appear to be unprovoked, and are often...

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Slevin_Kelevra
Slevin_Kelevra

I just recently started having panic attacks and heavy anxiety issues. I am 27 years old and this all started 3 months ago.  My biggest thing is I'm always worried about having a heart attack or stroke which just makes the anxiety worse which leads to the panic.  I was prescribed some ativan and was doing very well the past few weeks and thought I was getting over it.  However, I was at the Dr. the other day  (for a completely different issue) and when they took my blood pressure they told me it was high.  Just from them telling me that my blood pressure was high started this whole cycle of me worrying again. Does anybody else deal with these same issues and worries?

ohm112616
ohm112616
Hi there. I am 28 and have the same fears as well. My fears stem from chest pains and heart palpitations as well as a period I went through with horrible head pressure/brain zaps. The chest pains for me are by far the most scary. In the last 1.5 years ive seend a neuroloist, cardiologist, primary dr multiple times, been to the ER multiple times, etc. anxiety is a loop, we fear what our symtpoms tell us we have (our ego getting in the way of our actual thinking). It is still very difficule for me to accept that anxiety can cause such real symptoms, but they can. Especially on the 3 main organs (brain, heart, stomach). Ive seen a pshyciatrist and been going to therapy for a year and still cannot accept this especially with how real the pains are. You are not alone.

What are your physical symptoms that make you fear the heart attack and stroke? Just the high blood pressure?
summerbabe88
summerbabe88
It's so scary how our mind manipulates these fears and thoughts. I wish I could break that process of thinking ....My mind always jumps to "I'm gonna pass out or go crazy !!" My favorite is the heart racing, it always sets me off ! You aren't alone and my racing heart is with you
britt06
britt06
Hey there!

I am 27 and started having panic attacks about 4 months ago, like you my biggest worry was having a heart attack or something bad happening. I have racing heart, numbness, worrying, and the list continues. I started taking Prozac and seeing a counselor which has helped a little bit.

You're not alone and we just need to continue thinking this is temporary and it will pass.

I also quit working out when this started happening because it freaked me out, but I've been working out lately and have definitely noticed a dramatic change from days when I work out and days I don't.

You'll get through it just continue telling yourself it will get better!
Slevin_Kelevra
Slevin_Kelevra
I appreciate the replies and it is nice to see there are other people going through the same thing. I've been to the doctor and even stayed a few nights at the hospital because I was so sure there was something wrong with me. They ran all the tests EKG, stress test, etc.  So instead of them telling me there is something wrong with me they tell me I'm actually healthy as a horse.  Now, of course that's a good thing and I'm glad I'm healthy.  However, it also makes me think I'm going crazy because I know there is nothing wrong with me but still am afraid I'm gonna have a heart attack or something.  I'm of course worried about having high blood pressure, but it's hard to get an accurate reading cause every time they take it I get anxious and it naturally raises.  Anyway, all of this anxiety and fear of anxiety just makes it tough to enjoy life. I'm going on vacation in a couple weeks to one of my favorite vacation spots. Normally I'm extremely excited and can't wait. Instead I'm nervous and afraid this stuff is gonna happen when I'm on vacation. I really wish all this would go away so I can go back to living a normal life again and not be afraid to do the things I used to love.