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...
Panic attack took me over the edge. They gave me xanax to calm me and also a prescription to get me through until I can see the dr again. But I also found out I have an ulcer, and im wondering if that is whats causing my panic attacks. The pains I have been having in my stomach have caused me alot of anxiety. Today i felt like i couldnt breathe. Im doing better now, just dreading the next attack. :(
panic attacks wont hurt you, just breathe deep and slow
You know, I try and concentrate on how I feel now and not how I might feel later. I concentrate on the good feelings that I have and try desperately to stay positive and in control. You're on the loop. Have an attack, dread the next and get another attack. It's horrible when they come in waves, isn't it? But they do pass. We both know that. The grip of anxiety is so debilitating but we need to face them and push on.
Have you tried CBT? Cognitive behavioural therapy is a way forward. It helps you face your fears by hitting that trigger and helping you to cope.
You know, panic attacks have no power. They can't hurt you and they have absolutely no control. It's us that give them the control. It's us that believe in them. But although they feel oh so real, they're not. It's make believe. It's our minds that are playing tricks on us.
Sometimes, I imagine myself on a beach, sitting there listening to the slow rhythmic lapping of the waves. Seagulls above and the wind on my face. I try to imagine myself peaceful. Slow, diaphragmatic breaths with my eyes closed, whilst relaxing my shoulders and arms helps. It gets me by.
By the way, you can't panic your way into a heart attack or anything, you do know that, don't you? You're body won't let you. It's built to survive. It will calm itself down because it can't continue in its heightened state. It will take over whether you like it or not.
Of course, your ulcer is complicating things. I had a heart attack at 45 seven weeks ago. Every twinge in my chest becomes an anxious moment. You'll soon learn to separate what is real and what isn't. I have.
If you need to talk, I'm here. There may be a little delay because of the time difference (I'm in England) but I'll always respond.
You take care now and RELAX. BREATHE.
Alli
X
You will not die from a panic attack; although, it may feel like you may. Xanax is probably one of the best medications for treating acute attacks. Some health professionals do not like it because it is considered a controlled substance. My theory is that it is cheap and it works. Your doctor my try to put you on an antidepressant to treat the underlying anxiety. Some people have had luck with them but many, like me, have not.
I recommend The Panic Attacks Workbook by David Carbonell. Although I am not recovered, it has helped me more than all of my counseling, psychologist, and psychiatrist appointments combined.