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...

6,157 Members
6,394 Posts
0 Online
Anxiety Disorders
/ Panic Attacks Support Group

Frequent panic

KandiKane1
KandiKane1

Greetings all,


I was doing ok until COVID-19! I started having panic attacks all over again! I have not had meds in 6 years. To make matters worse, I broke my toe! Now the anxiety is REALLY BAD! I occasionally feel tingling in my right foot and decreased sensation in one of my toes (possibly due to wrapping the coban too tight?). I have no health issues but my mind keeps telling me that something is wrong. I feel tingling occ in my face and jittery. My mind is making me worry more and this is a vicious cycle.  I am asking for help, ideas, suggestions, and lots of prayers! I am so tired of these attacks! I am having them daily now! Most are not severe but a few have caused me to think about an ER! I am trying not to hyperventilate, which will make things worse!  I am trying to think positive thoughts as well. Thank you all for listening to me!

Secouya
Secouya
Kandikane, I am so sorry you are feeling this way. You are not alone. I too have anxiety related to PTSD. Your toe could be numb if you wrapped it tightly and cause swelling and pain as well. You don’t really have to wrap your toe, but you may want to make sure it is straight and not crooked. If it is out of place you may need to reset it.. You can gently tape it to the next toe if it needs support. I have broken a few in my lifetime.

Do you have a therapist? You say you have been on meds before? You might want to contact your doctor to get checked out. Try deep breathing from your lower belly to help calm the flight or fight instinct. Try activities that you find calming like mild exercise, meditation, a hobby, listening to music or watching a favorite movie or show. I have some good links to help understand the effects of anxiety and to calm it: I hope you are able to find serenity and peace.

https://www.psychologytools.com/resource/fight-or-flight-response/

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/prescriptions-life/201709/7-ways-calm-your-worried-mind-and-reduce-anxiety
SteadyListener
SteadyListener
I had panic attacks ranging from moderate to severe for 10 years. I also had long-ish bouts of general anxiety. About 7 years ago I found a medication that worked for me. No panic attacks since then. Praise God!

I really feel for you. Anxiety and panic attacks are the worst. I found a book that was very helpful for me called the Anxiety and Phobia Workbook by Edmund Bourne. It cost $20 but was worth $20,000. It did not make my panic attacks go away, but lessened them significantly and helped me understand what was happening to me.

Just know that you can and will get better. Take slow deep breaths when you feel the panic coming on. Focus on a thing or place that you find relaxing. I hope you get better very soon.