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...
I've noticed I'm more prone to panic attacks when I haven't had much sleep. Last night I worked until close and had to wake up the next morning to open. My alarm was set for 5:30 this morning and I'd only had 5 1/2 hours of sleep. When I got out of bed my body felt tired and weak. I told myself to just push on and keep getting ready.
When I got in the shower I experienced a surge of adrenaline mixed with extreme weakness and immediately my heart started racing. This scared the crap out of me and I got out of the shower without even completely rinsing out my conditioner. I went and woke up my boyfriend and told him I was having a panic attack. I was dizzy, weak, shaking, short of breath, and both of my hands went completely numb.
After that intense episode I felt awful, even more tired and exhausted than when I had originally woken up. I ended up calling into work sick and sleeping off the feeling until noon.
I'm going to bed early tonight and PRAYING I don't experience this again tomorrow (or ever, for that matter). It was such a scary experience and I HATE when panic attacks interfere with my life and work. It makes me feel like I have no control over it. Like I'm just a slave to my body's physical reactions. My body chooses what to do and I'm just along for the ride.
That was my experience today =(.
When I got in the shower I experienced a surge of adrenaline mixed with extreme weakness and immediately my heart started racing. This scared the crap out of me and I got out of the shower without even completely rinsing out my conditioner. I went and woke up my boyfriend and told him I was having a panic attack. I was dizzy, weak, shaking, short of breath, and both of my hands went completely numb.
After that intense episode I felt awful, even more tired and exhausted than when I had originally woken up. I ended up calling into work sick and sleeping off the feeling until noon.
I'm going to bed early tonight and PRAYING I don't experience this again tomorrow (or ever, for that matter). It was such a scary experience and I HATE when panic attacks interfere with my life and work. It makes me feel like I have no control over it. Like I'm just a slave to my body's physical reactions. My body chooses what to do and I'm just along for the ride.
That was my experience today =(.
When I am in a really bad panic attack phase, one of my MAJOR triggers is being in the shower, or even hearing running water in an enclosed place. I have the exact same symptoms you mention, especially the surge of adrenaline and the weakness. There is nothing like it - it is horrendous.
Even now, when I am doing a lot better, I make sure I eat something and feel "centered" before I take a bath or a shower. Even the act of washing my hair can create extreme vertigo, and bring on that adrenaline rush.
It is really crucial to take care of yourself to the best of your ability, including getting enough rest - I know, because I had a very demanding job, that sometimes this seems impossible - but with panic disorder, it is really necessary. When you get up in the morning, it is really important not to push yourself, as you described, if you feel tired and weak. Even if you take a few minutes to drink a protein shake or eat something that has a high protein content, this will help.
It is NOT inevitable that taking a shower the next time will cause a panic attack. Speaking from experience, you can have some control over whether it occurs again. Don't get into the trap of fearing the shower because you had a panic attack there. You were unusually tired and weak, and that's why it happened.
I hope this is helpful - and please know that I completely understand your experience - Janet