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 attacks due to virus, advice?

Volforlife23
Volforlife23

Hello, this is my first time on here. I got home from college recently due to the virus, and ever since I got home on Tuesday I've had extream anxiety surrounding the virus to the point that now I have to stop myself from having panic attacks almost daily. I've never had attacks like this before, and am not on any anxiety meds. I was fine when I was at college and even for a week once we left classes like for spring break, and while I was moving out of my dorm and seeing friends. But now that I'm home this is really really awful. I all of a sudden get a hot flash and feel sick, often feeling like I need to go to the bathroom or puke somehow. I get really faint and light headed like I am going to pass out and that scares me the most. I try to control the feelings with deep breaths in and out but sometimes it doesn't help and my head and vision still feel foggy. I went and played tennis with a friend yesterday and when I was there I got triggered and had to go to the bathroom to try and calm myself down. I am trying to get in contact with a therapist, but it's hard since I can't see mine at the University and the one I have in town was from when I was under 18. I really just need some type of advice or something to try and regulate this constant fear I am in. It's difficult to try and do school work or just daily tasks. I have this paranoia that I am going to get the virus and have a severe case (even though I am young and fairly healthy) or that I will give it to my mother who is older and immunocompromized. Does anyone have any help for what to do when they feel an attack coming on? or have any tips for how to stay calm throughout the day?

GirlinCalif
GirlinCalif
It is such a challenging time for everyone, with this virus. And those of us who have anxiety anyway, are even more put to the test now.

Can you ask your parents if they could get a therapist for you to talk to? Also, keep in contact with your friends, I think social support will help you a lot during a time like this. Reach out to your friends from school, they are probably feeling the same things you are.

Lots of us are scared! Do your best to stay healthy, get good sleep, reduce your stress, eat healthy, watch funny shows, listen to music.
lifeslikeajumprope
lifeslikeajumprope
When I first had panic attacks in college it took me two years to finally get the help I needed to stop them. It sounds like you are already on a good path to getting better by finding techniques to cope and a therapist to talk to. Using breathing or exercise to end a panic is a great victory! I have also had a lot of success with journaling, reading, yoga, and walking as well. Taking an anti-depressant can be a very effective cure for panic attacks too. You can definitely get better!
Lovealldogs
Lovealldogs
You toube has lots of great mindful guided meditation. It helped me and now my daughter who graduated from college 3 months ago has been having panic attacks which she never had before.
harri14
harri14
Your timeline is almost identical to mine. I was never much of a hypochondriac until a week after the pandemic hit. Now it has taken over my life. My anxiety is still pretty awful, but throughout the day I meditate, do some YouTube yoga, talk to family, eat healthy, run, go for a drive, anything that’s a good distraction. However I am considering trialing some anti-anxiety medication but it’s hard to get a doctors appointment during all of this.
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