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 used to never have panic attacks when I was younger, not physical ones anyway. I've always suffered from depression and anxiety since puberty hit, but I never had a true panic attack until I was 17. Nothing triggered my first panic attack, it just hit me and literally took the breath away from me. My heart starts palpitating, I have a hot flash where I start dripping sweat, I feel like I can't breathe and most importantly I have an intense fear that I am dying at that moment. The first time I literally threw up because my body was in shock and I'm not talking just a little bit, I threw up everywhere. I went months without having another one, but now that I'm in college they come and go like crazy. It's like I can't even live my life sometimes because all I want to do is lay in bed in case I have another one. I've noticed some agoraphobia developing because of them, but also Covid-19 as prohibited the exposure therapy I need. I was doing so much better before COVID hit, but now I'm almost at my worst again. I'm tired of feeling like this and I want it all to go away. It's funny how I fear death so much when I think about suicide every now and then. If you read all of this, thank you for hearing me out. I have no one who understands and it's such a scary thing to go through alone.
p.s. I'm on anti-depressants and go to therapy weekly
Have you tried journaling after each attack to see if you can find a trend or a trigger? Also has your doctor prescribed an anti-anxiety med in addition to the anti-depressants? If you are still having bad attacks you should let your doctor know so the meds can be adjusted so you are not suffering.
I think relaxation is key in helping with anxiety which often can lead to panic. Practicing meditation or grounding techniques can help when you feel symptoms coming on. Describe to yourself what you see around you. Colors textures, landscapes, buildings, words, numbers colors.....sometimes this can calm you. Exposure therapy can be done by writing negative memories and reading them over and over desensitizing you from your negative experiences.
I hope you can find something that helps. Please post as often as you need for support. We are here for you. Best wishes.
I am sorry you are experiencing panic attacks. I had them for a period of 10 years, but have now been panic attack and anxiety free for seven years. What cured it for me (and yes, cured is a very bold word to use when speaking of anxiety, but after seven years I am using it) was a drug called Trileptal. This is a psychiatrist prescribed drug, a general practitioner won't be able to give it to you. Trileptal worked very quickly (maybe 5-7 days). I don't know if it will work for you, but it was a God-send for me.
The other thing I found VERY helpful is a book called the Anxiety and Panic Workbook by Edmund Bourne. You can find it on Amazon. It helped me understand anxiety and panic attacks and really helped a lot.
I could tell you story after story about embarrassing and scary experiences due to my fear of panic attacks. I won't take the time to do that here, but feel free to send me a private message and I will share anything with you that you want.
There are other people who understand what you are going through. But probably only people who have experienced it themselves. Anxiety and panic attacks are tough things, but you will make it though this. You have my ongoing empathy and support. Contact me anytime.