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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Starting to come off panic attack

journey88
journey88

I just am coming down from a panic attack.  I am at a place in my life where I feel trapped and recently my anxiety is over the top.  I don't have anyone I can talk to since personal issues have left me cut off from people.  I have not had an anxiety attack in over 15 years and now they are coming back.  It's middle of night and I woke up to my mind racing, my heart beating out of my chest like feeling like I was going to die, and my whole body felt like it had electricity flowing through this.  I don't know what to do but needed to reach out right now since I feel so sick and nauseous.  I need someone to just say something to get and stay calm again.  I feel like running out of my house or worse.  I would appreciate it if anyone could tell me things they have done to keep the attacks from getting too bad. 

djchurn
djchurn
If you do not current seek help with regard to this, do so. Ot is too bad that when we have these problems needing immediate relief that none is available, Given that the attack occurred in the middle of the night all options to relieve it may not be available. The number one I would use is reading an interesting book that helps me escape to another world, That is easy for me given I like Sci Fi. But your local library if full of books and you can find one specific to your needs I am certain. The tow other things I do when I feel a panic attack coming on are exercise and listening to classical music. None of these solutions are magic pills that eliminate anxiety without work on your part. Even if they are partially successful you can say to yourself you are making progress. There was a period in my life when I awoke with racing thoughts every night for 6 months. This is a weird phenomenon. I did not seek sleep aids from the doctor and believe now I should have. I know you cannot anticipate panic attacks when you wake in one. Maybe try to remember what you were dreaming about. This may point to unresolved issues that you need to find some resolve for in your waking hours. Just some thoughts hope this helps.
journey88
journey88
Thank you for getting back to me and your helpful suggestions. The book idea sounds good and I am also a Sci Fi person! My attacks have subsided for now. It was a horrible couple of nights but I did what I could to calm down. There are a lot of things out of control in my life right now. The few people I usually turn to are the ones I am trying to be strong for so it wasn't easy. Again, I appreciate your help!
Diane22
Diane22
Cold water on the face helps. Watching tv. Breathing techniques. Alot.of people on this site don't like to say use benzos but they are a life saver when u r having a level 10 panic attack that lasts for hours. I'm a firm believer in them. Not on an everyday basis but as needed
bpswan
bpswan
I’ve been there and I am there currently. Off and on for 20 years now. Anytime you want to chat just let me know. We all benefit from support
journey88
journey88
Thank you everyone! I have been feeling a little better but my stress level has unfortunately become worse these past few weeks. My mother had a severe episode with sepsis and I almost lost her so needless to say I am still struggling to stay calm. I appreciate all your suggestions. @Diane22...I have found watching TV is helpful, especially the TV show Whose Line Is It Anyway. It makes me laugh and distract me for a time. @bpswan...thank you for support. Just knowing someone else goes through it to is helpful and same goes to you if you ever need to chat. @milu5...that is what I experienced too. I wrote some of my depressive thoughts into writing poetry. I haven't had to do that for 15 years but it did help. I appreciate your understanding.