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...
Hello everyone, I'm new here. I didn't realize until about a week ago that I suffer from anxiety. I initially went to the ER for tightness in my chest, shortness of breath, and a weak left arm. After 3 concurrent visits to the ER, I was diagnosed with anxiety. I've all types of bloodwork done, 2 cat scans, an x Ray, and an echocardiogram. Last Saturday I felt dizzy, short of breath and I told my husband to call an ambulance. When the paramedics arrived, they assured me that my vitals were good and my ekg was fine. Since then I've had issues falling asleep (as soon as I doze off I wake up gasping for air). I've had another panic attack yesterday. As I type, my chest is extremely tight and I am overcome with worry despite my clean bill of health. I had a baby 4 months ago and my immediate family and I have basically cut our ourselves off from any social activity due to Covid.
Does anyone have tips on thwarting the panic attacks before they start? Or any tips to ease anxiety in general? Thank you in advance!
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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...
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I'm horrified! I knew my insurance would go up due to getting a new car but I didn't expect it to go up over $2,000. I did have an accident with the snow/ice in the winter. I was just telling my brother that I have had my car since March 2, 2026 and have only spent $75 on an oil change. Now this! I called another insurance company and their quote was over $4,000. I guess I have to pay...
I know it's hard to do, but if the doctors checked you out and all is well, and they said it was anxiety, then it's going to be easier for you if you tell yourself, "Okay, I am just having anxiety right now. It will pass."
Sure, easier said than done.
It's also possible your hormones are a little out of whack from having a baby. That should settle down soon.
Did any of the ER doctors suggest following up with your doctor or a psychiatrist? You might need to take medication, or talk with a therapist. I have had anxiety over 20 years and I use a combination of medication and talk therapy.
(Also, there are more people on the "Anxiety" board, if you want to look over there. There are old posts that might help you, too).
You are not alone! The more you worry, the worse it gets. Is what I have found.
I understand why you wouldn't want to take meds, but it is one option. The other option is therapy. Talking it out.
In the meanwhile, journaling helps. You can write it out on paper, or I do mine on my laptop, just writing down everything and anything on my mind. Get it all out. No one has to see it. It helps when I am super stressed or upset, to just write it all out.
There are some good anxiety books to read, or you can Google - anxiety - and read some stuff that hopefully will help you.
Sorry that I don't have any quick or easy answers. Just know you are not alone. You will be okay.