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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Panic attack

Angela-Boyle
Angela-Boyle

I've been having panic attacks lately but last night I had a really bad one. I was studying for my anatomy exam on Monday and all of a sudden I had a panic attack. I went outside for a cig and then it just got worse. I couldn't continue to study, I had to lay in bed. I had chest pain and felt like I couldn't breath and intense stomach pain and was fidgety. IveIbeen diagnosed with panic disorder since 2015 so this isn't new to me but they are getting worse lately. I used to have them really bad everyday. They are interfering with my everyday life lately with work and school. IveIhad to call out twice from work in the last month because my stomach has been so upset. I've tried using my coping skills but last night it just made my panic attack worse. 



Thanks for listening

Angela-Boyle
Angela-Boyle
Also I have been having trouble staying asleep. Like now, after 2 hours of sleep I woke up and can't fall back to sleep.
GirlinCalif
GirlinCalif
Sorry you have been having worse anxiety and more panic attacks. I have had anxiety disorder and panic attacks for over 20 years now. I find medication and therapy help. Have you tried either of those? Sometimes just writing out your feelings and thoughts can help get it out of you. Also, change up your routine somehow. If I'm panicky, I'll just go do something different, maybe reorganize my closet, Windex the mirrors.... something to get my mind off the panic. Music can help, too.

Do you happen to know if anything lately could be causing you to have more anxiety? Just remember they are just thoughts.... they can't hurt you. Sleep disturbances is a common symptom, too. Something is probably on your mind?
Angela-Boyle
Angela-Boyle
I've just been really worried about school plus I'm a mom, work part time and my husband has MS. It's a lot. I'm in therapy (cbt) and my doc just put me on Zoloft 6 weeks ago and upped it the other day. I've been on buspar for a while now and I take Benadryl when I'm having a panic attack I can't handle or overwhelming anxiety.
GirlinCalif
GirlinCalif
You certainly have a lot on your plate. Is the semester over soon? Maybe you can talk to your therapist regarding this increased stress, and he/she can come up with some new techniques. You are not alone..... I feel more anxiety around these holidays, and the extra pressure, stress, crowds, family issues during holidays, etc. Hang in there! Don't be afraid to ask for help. Can you cut back on a class or two next semester, is that possible?
Angela-Boyle
Angela-Boyle
Yes my semester is over today the 9th I have my final in anatomy 2 then I have off 5 weeks for the holiday break but I have to practice for a test to get in the program I'm going for I didn't pass the first time and I have to do 16 hours of observation in the field and write a reflective journal on it so I'm not really getting a break. I'm going for physical therapy assistant. I'm going part time this semester and 3/4 time next semester so I already cut down on my classes. I have so many pre reqs I have to get done to get in the program.
Esther2259
Esther2259
I’m sorry that you are going through such a difficult time. Do you have any family or friends that are able to help with juggling your family's demands? I know how overwhelming life can be and it sure sounds like you have more on your plate then most folks do. Is your current job in the medical field?

Have you tried listening to music to help you find peace through the anxiety? I love Christian music, but classical music is also soothing to listen to. Also, I like aromatherapy. I really like the effects of lavender (I grow my own plants, too). Have you tried that?

I am sure thinking of you and wishing you great success in reaching your career goals. I hope you start to feel less anxious.
Angela-Boyle
Angela-Boyle
Thank you Esther I do listen to Christian music too it's uplifting. I mainly listen to it in the car. I also love the smell of lavender, it calms me. I have a bathwash and bubble bath and a body mist that is lavender scented but I don't do aroma therapy. I would like to but my husband doesn't like the smell. I'm not in the medical field yet, I work at a hardware store. I live with my in-laws my husband made us a small apartment in their house and we rent from them and they help watch our son a lot so I can do my studies if my husband needs help watching him.
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