I found I was having panic attacks when I was staying home alone too much. Just going to the store or taking a walk and talking to neighbors was helpful for me.

Obviously STRESS is a major culprit. I've dealt with them off and on for years, seemingly out of the blue . . . but always when I'm in high stress mode. They can also be hormonal related. I remember someone here saying that they believed they come from being too strong for too long! (Made sense to me). Not sure how you are feeling or relating the panic attack to ending a relationship as I don't know your full story. What does your gut tell you to ??

Panic attacks can feel and be debilitating! I feel for you my friend and hope you figure the triggers out soon. Sending healing thoughts your way. Hugs, Dayna

That panic attack feeling can also come from medicine side effects (dizziness, floating feeling, etc.) and also from inner ear problems that are sometimes related to seasonal allergies, or other ear blockage issues.

Check in with your family doctor to see that there isn't a medical cause that can be addressed.

I hope you feel better soon.

Am not taking any new meds so that can't be it. Could be an inner ear problem though because I have been a bit light headed and my allergies are going crazy. Interesting though that I didn't have them while my friend was here. The empty feeling is awful and I know now that I would not be good in a long distance relationship. Might be time to end it..... Right now I can't trust my gut to tell me anything accurate Dayna! LOL AZ hugs to all. Wish I could do it in person. Darlene

Darlene . . . LOL on the can't trust the "gut feel" right now. I'm a flippin' mess in a dress these days!! Long distance relationships are tough, but it doesn't have to be this way forever, right? Perhaps it's good to have some space in between visits? Don't make any drastic decisions right now that you may regret later. Sit and ponder for a while. xo, D

Darlene: Take your time with this. When I first started a new relationship I was stressed. Quite frankly, the poor guy would listen to me as I told him that I was mad at him because I loved him and I never wanted to love anyone again. It was a real pain in the arse and so was I. In time that fear mellowed but I still have anxiety. He is going on a business to trip to a not totally safe, hard to reach place in the world. I am anxious because what if the plane crashes? what if he gets ill? What if he is kidnapped? All these thoughts like little bats fluttering in my head. I keep myself buy and try to think positive. We always expect the worst, but it doesn't always happen. Hope that makes some sense.
Hugs,
Val

Wow, I keep myself busy. Typos galore today. Hope you get the drift.

Thank you all for your help/suggestions. Dayna, I'm sorry you are "a mess in a dress". You always sound so upbeat that I'm surprised at your comment. Big AZ hugs coming to you. I will try to take my time in making a decision about the relationship. It certainly isn't a perfect match, but at my age (73) I really can't be TOO choosey I guess! I am so alone with no family that sometimes I find myself almost desperate and I KNOW that is bad for me.

73 years YOUNG . . and yes, you can be choosy! Trust your heart and don't settle for less than you deserve, want and need!

As for me being so "upbeat", trust, I am as human as the rest here. I do so much better when I'm helping others . . when it comes to me, I tend to neglect a bit until I hit a wall and then WHAM. I'm like "what the hell just happened"???

I simply have a lot on my plate right now, so trying to give self a break (other than my leg break). However, I did have on a little sundress today, so it was quite appropriate to say "I'm a mess in a dress". Just trying to hold it all together here. YAK

Sending you peace of mind to know what you want and make the right decisions for you and your future. xo, D

Oh girl, you have got to be picky! Never ever settle in men, clothes or shoes! That was what my Grandma said. The jewels can be fake, no one will know and paste lasts. Lol. The clothes, men and shoes will show wear and tear if they are not well made. Oh my, she has been dead for twenty four years now and she still cracks me up.

Hugs,
Val

Love it Val! :) Grandma was wise and I whole heartedly concur!!

Val, your grandma was one smart cookie. I firmly believe not to settle. When you had someone you know loved you and had your back, it is not an option to settle.
panic attacks... My girlfriend suffers ocassionally and she walks her heart out and it helps...

Yes, You can be picky. He's lucky to have met such a wonderful caring woman as yourself. 73 is just a number.
The long distance should not stop us. Knowing there is that special someone who cares can be good for us.
You can make it work. I pray that you both can have good communication and good health. Hugs, Dolores