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 suffered with panic attacks triggered by PTSD from a few different trauamatic events and they've been getting worse lately.
If i go out in public, I last about 10 minutes before I feel like I'm being followed or people are looking at me for too long and I'm afraid they're going to try to assault me in the middle of the mall. I know it's irrational but I'm afraid of most people (especially men) and if there's any loud noise I dissociate and pretty much black out. I don't know what to do anymore.
I can't go anywhere by myself, I'll last 5 minutes and even with people I'm comfortable with and know really well (best friend and parents) I STILL will only last no more than 30 minutes :(
First of all I know very well what you're going through. I went through the same thing after I had my first two panic attacks. I didn't want to go anywhere. When I did go out, I was afraid to be around people. If the the crowd got bigger, I became more panicky and looked for the nearest exit, even if I was with friends or family. I thought I was losing my mind. It was even difficult to go to work, but I some how was able to get through the day. Maybe being busy with students helped, though on occasion I had to leave the room and talk myself through it.
Are you under the care of a doctor? Has he/she prescribed any medication? I have a very understanding physician. I am on meds and use breathing techniques to get through a panic attack before it gets bad.
Not being a doctor, I can pretty much presume that your panic attacks are caused by your PTSD. Have you talked to anyone (doctor, friend, someone with PTSD) and gotten any help on what to do?
I think if you can get help finding the cause of your PTSD and how to handle your feelings, your panic attacks will lessen.
I hope you can find help from a friend or someone here on DS the can help you or give you information on where to find help so you can have a peaceful life. What you're going through is frightening and mentally exhausting. I can attest to that.
If you'd like to communicate, I'll be happy to listen and try to give you help.
Take care and you will be in my thoughts.
Bruce
Breathing is a huge way to help with anxiety. Remember to take deep slow breaths and let them out slowly, that helps reduce the anxiety.
I will be praying for you. Please keep in touch and let us know how you are doing. Remember you are not alone, we understand and care.
Also, I would encourage you to do your best to keep going out, even when its hard. I do public speaking for a living. Once I had a panic attack MID PUBLIC SPEECH. My panic and anxiety told me I should give it up, but I kept at it. Does that means it's perfect? No, but I am thankful I didn't let panic and anxiety rob me of the job I love. As hard as it is, DONT let panic and anxiety and PTSD rob you of being around family and friends and going out places.