anxiety/panic attacks?

18 years ago

Posted: Thu Oct 20, 2005 12:53 pm Post subject: anxiety/panic attacks?

I had an episode this morning and it had never happened before I think it was an anxiety/panic attack. I (all of a sudden) couldnt breathe, felt light headed, fell out for a few moments, chest hurt, heart pounded wildly then I started crying uncontrollably. It took me nearly an hour to get myself settled. I laid in the floor and stroked the dog and concentrated on breathing, it passed but I still feel shaky.

I also feel foolish, has anyone else had anything like this happen to them? With a night like last night, its probably no surprise. I'll talk to the counselor tomorrow.

_________________

Thoughts and prayers-

sistersunnie

Comments (8)

sistersunnie
Original Author
18 years ago
I've got a weekend off next week to take my daughters on campus visits. We're leaving on Friday and wont be back until Monday night. Not much but I am looking forward to it. Best I can manage right now.

Got through this morning okay and it wasnt an easy one. Maybe thats the last attack? (I like to delude myself anyway!)

Thanks for the reassurance but I feel so foolish......
lasershow
18 years ago
Have you talked to your doctor? There is medication for anxiety attacks. It's not to be taken lightly.
Related Discussions
I Want My Life Back! Will it ever happen? (xanax drugs)
Q
Comments (11)
believe it not,caffine is a huge contributor to anxiety. First panic attack I had was cuz I drank several cups of coffee.In fact,everytime I drink coffee (which I love the taste of) I have a panic attack. Usually I can tolerate a soda,but I have pretty much completely cut out all caffine. My family and friends think I'm wussy for this. I have been on .025 mil. of xanax for the last almost 5 years. it was the only real thing that helped my anxiety attacks. But I started slowly weaning myself off.One every other day,then every two days.Got to the point where I only began taking them if actualy really needed them,which for a while was once a week,then once a month.Sometimes I'd even break them in half and only take a half. Now I have been off for 5 months.I still kinda need one around PMS time,when anxiety runs the worst for me,but I deal without best I can. Exercise does help alot.It gets out pent up energy and tension. Hot warm baths to relax tense muscles. Also,you may look into getting one of those massage chairs. Intimate contact helps too. During my worst attack,I was shaking and having terrible thoughts.My husband layed beside me and just held me until I finally fell asleep out of exsaustion.Now when I'm really tense,I hate to be crude,but having sex helps alot too. I also find,I try not to dwell on being mad or upset.The more I do,the more likely to have an attack. You need to detox though before you do anything.Quiting cold turkey could be very dangerous at this point. And...you will have some side effects from quitting like insomnia. I do occasionally still deal with that as my biggest withdrawl. I really know how you feel though.It is so terrible to be run by anxiety.Alot of people dont understand or think you are making it up.
...See More
Thinking about anxiety and panic attacks
Q
Comments (42)
My thoughts align with SG for the most part, however, I have witnessed post-partum hallucinogenic psychosis and have known suiciders that no amount of self-will training or loving support from others would have prevented. There is a very real need for medicines which manipulate brain chemistry, and fortunately we have progressed in our ability to protect the most fragile in times of severe crisis. I hope that we can all be sensitive and respectful of people who have to resort to urgent pharmological interventions as the most effective and life-enhancing treatment for some types of depression, psychosis and other forms of severe manifestations of emotional distress. By and large, we've come to recognize and accept that brain chemistry and circuitry problems are indeed real physical diseases and that, just as with other diseases, there are various approaches to treating these types of illnesses. But SG's suggestion that it is an industry that is undermining our health is well-founded. Yes, there are appropriate usages for these drugs, but caveat emptor: there are several studies that suggest there is a price yet to be determined in terms of long-term cognitive ability with protracted use of anti-depressants. Consequently, they are currently in disfavor in much of Europe after having been tried, and other more natural treatments are now more routinely explored initially. I don't think these meds are the panacea to be used to mask garden variety discomfort, and I believe that is the segment that is best addressed by SG's approach. I concur with SG and others who suggest that far too many have been persuaded the appropriateness of dealing pharmocologically with the discomfort that is a consequence of simply being human. Grief, anger and other unpleasant emotions serve a real purpose, are often very appropriate responses, and are an intrinsic part of our journey. Often anxiety and difficult emotions are a sign that we really have difficult inner homework to do, and I'd opt for working through the issues whenever possible rather than placating through meds. (I hope readers understand my emphasis is on whenever possible and repeat I'm well aware that it is not always possible or advisable.) My SS, a neurologist, and some physician friends do not agree, and often routinely recommend for themselves and their patients meds to deal with stress and unhappiness rather than undertaking the arduous task of changing the structure of one's life and/or learning healthier responses to challenges. Ergo, it seems we will continue to be less able as a society to go down the path SG suggests. I believe many would be better served by accessing inner resources than by pills, but also know that a requisite foundation of skills, or access to a means to acquire this knowledge, is not within reach for some. Philosophically I can agree with SG that the answers lie within, and wholeheartedly endorse our responsibility to respond with love at all times, but IRL I know some are equipped with damaged circuits through no fault of their own upon arrival as Kkay suggests and others whose circuitry becomes damaged from illness, toxins or accidents, some have been badly wounded experientially, and some just may prefer an easier way out. I'm not sure that SG said there is no physical basis for depression. "Depression/anxiety is actually being stuck, neural-activity wise, in the primal mind of the lower brain." Rather, I understood her comment to signal a real understanding of physiological responses but that we can trigger better responses by substituting different thought patterns, widely endorsed by cognitive therapists and other gurus. SG is quite capable of defending herself, but I know many intelligent, non-cult, independent thinkers, medical professionals and main-stream religious and total non-religious types who concur with this approach. There is no one path to wholeness, and while it is always preferable to rely on inner resources and loving support, it is not always possible. Wholesale dismissal of alternate, non-pharm approaches is not helpful nor is insistence on innate ability to cope with severe illness without intervention. Intelligent discussions of this type can be a wonderful resource for countless anonymous readers in cyberworld who are facing difficulties, seeking solutions and who may need encouragement to face another day.
...See More
Anxiety Attacks
Q
Comments (59)
I've been having a lot of symptoms of peri-menopause since July. I've been doing research and my dh is a physician, so I kind of run stuff by him a lot. Anyway my symptoms started with that weird "out of sorts feeling" like I wanted to crawl out of my skin. Then I started having anxiety attacks in the most unlikely places, like the grocery store. I talked to my obgyn about it and they said "we could prescribe an anti-depressant" but I knew I wasn't depressed so I said no. (Hate the side effects). I said what about anti-anxiety medication just in case this happens at work or if I feel really out of control. She said "well, anxiety is not clinically associated with peri-menopause so you will have to ask your internist." But the weird thing is that on every menopause forum (like this one) women talk about anxiety. So at least I didn't feel crazy. I only found one clinical study that associated anxiety with hot flashes. To make a long story short, I went to my internist and asked for Xanax for anxiety. It was hard to do anyway and she wasn't eager to prescribe it so I felt like a jerk. I wanted to say "look lady, I'm not a drug addict." I just wish there was more help for us in this phase of our lives and I'm sorry for all the women on this forum who have to go through it and feel humiliated to boot. So anyway, that was about a month ago and I have taken the Xanax 3 times, at night when feeling anxious to help me sleep. It's been a great blessing. I know it's not a natural remedy, but I tried everything else and it hasn't helped much. I just think the best approach is to tell our docs that we are having anxiety attacks and not blame it on peri-menopause because they don't believe it's related.
...See More
pianful ovulation
Q
Comments (2)
lou..make another appt with your dr. if h/she is a gp, ask for a referral to an obgyn...at least your anxiety will be resolved. i had a shorter than 28 day cycle...and at 60 just had a d&c, fibroids again...
...See More
heydeborah
18 years ago
Hi Sunnie! You're going on tours too? We went to 3 presentations on Wed. nite here, but i like you was stressed out too, so i really didn't pay much attention,(dd has her heart set on one university, by Linda's hometown!!, so i don't think it much mattered about the other 2 - lol). But, like you i had the heart pounding, sweating, thought my chest was being strangled. i went to the doctor and he gave me a prescription for Paxil, this was to help with my migranes as well, he started me off with 10mg and now it's 25mg. i will say they do not help the migranes but i will say i am calmer, they take about 6 weeks before they kick in. and the weight gain, i am 5ft 9 inches and USED to weigh 128lbs, now i don't even want to know, however, i do have a very full chest - lol. i don't know where you live, but where we do, when winter comes it comes, so i would be so stressed winter driving in town, now i'm fine. my doctor also gave me lithium at night, but i never got this script filled. if you read one of my other posts, you will see that i had a very,very mild stroke, how can a 49 yr old have a stroke? so now i do take time for me, - Mimi's orders!!! and believe me when i say i am, also i go for a walk every day. Sunnie i shouldn't say that we'll never meet in person (look at Linda and me!!) but being friends here, trust me when i say we are all worried about you!!! You like me are taking on too much and your body is saying i need a rest, take care of me, so make that doctor's appointment today!! We need you here!!! debbie
Glitter53
18 years ago
Sunnie, please see your doctor. I've been on anxiety meds for about a year now, and boy-o-boy, howdy!!! What a difference. They don't make me drowsy, don't make me 'stupid' (at least I don't think so)...but it takes away that heaviness in my chest...if something goes wrong, or I'm worried, I can deal with it, or fact it, then it just goes somewhere else instead of my DWELLING on it every minute of the day! I no longer obsess about what COULD happen, and worry much, much less.

You need to take care of yourself, or you'll be the one being taken care of. *Oh! I've always hated dropping a participle like that! hmph.

Where was I? Oh, yes....Sweetie....you can't run on 'empty'. Everyone needs to re-charge now and then, and we all have different ways of doing that. Debbie has her bubbly baths, and I go shopping with friends and to lunch, or I put a chick-flick on and sip wine with abandon ! lol!
You have to find a way to re-charge...that weekend coming up with your daughter sounds wonderful! What a nice bonding experience for the two of you! Make it a celebration! Take in a movie or two! Bring bubble-bath for yourself!! And apply wine medicinally! haha!

Find what brings you some joy and just do that when you can. Even 1/2hr spurts now and then can re-charge you. Snap those ear-phones on and blast your favourite music! Or retreat and say your rosary. Whatever is your bliss.

Sooooooo, Debbie!!! Your daughter will be on MY TURF next year, eh? hahahaha!!! Hope you can come here and we can both drive over and visit her! I have tons of room, several guest-rooms and you're welcome to whatever you need! Sandra's taken the bus here for a visit...you both can come! haha! OMG...she's coming in two weeks with 3 hockey-dads and their 3 hockey-playing 14-year old sons (her cousin and his son) who are also staying here! I hope there's enough room on that bus going back for all the Christmas stuff she's going to pick up at Costco! hahaha!!!
Wow! 7 guests in two weeks! PAR-TAY~ !!

Now back to you, Sunnie....please pay attention to yourself, okay? It's so important, we can't stress it enough. I've had anxiety attacks, and they're no fun at all. Time to get a little help and find what you need to refresh yourself.

Blessings
Linda
heydeborah
18 years ago
Sunnie just curious how was today for you? I'm busy today, starting doing my volunteer sewing for a hockey league -- year 14! just seems noone sews anymore! Linda i have about 20 or more painting mags for you, if you have any other interests let meknow, i'm trying to be Mrs. Flylady!! or if you would like unfinised wooden stuff, let me know too. Well i've taken my break and am mindlessly removing sponsor bars off the next set. Keep warm - raining and about 40 now. debbie
sistersunnie
Original Author
18 years ago
Today was actually okay, he was the tasmanian devil in full speed but it was manageable. I cleaned house all day and somehow that was comforting, like I can control something at least! Even if its only the floors!

I appreciate your concern, all of you. Am taking lexapro and seeing a counselor twice monthly. Will see the doctor if that ever happens again. I understand I need to take care of myself, but it seems impossible. Been at this for over five years now and always been able to tackle whatever comes my way, but guess now its finally taking its toll.

Am really sweating next year when one of the girls moves on to her own life. I love those kids so much and enjoy their company. Will really miss her and the helping hands. She's looking at several schools near Baltimore next week and one in Blacksburg, VA in two weeks.

Oh to be young with your life in front of you again! On second thought......
sable_ca
18 years ago
Sunnie - This is the first time I've posted to you. Yes, you had a full-blown panic attack, what we call 'the works'. If it happens again, please get a checkup with your doc. It doesn't have to be an all-inclusive one, just ruling out obvious things.

The right medication can virtually obliterate these attacks and allow you to function fully. I had my first one on July 7, 1976. My doctor diagnosed Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (well, those weren't his words, but that was the problem and he nailed it). I have been on meds ever since and have had a wonderful and productive life. The best thing about meds is that they remove the *fear* of the attack, since you know that help is at hand if you need it.

Please keep us posted. You have a very full plate and this is a subject about which I care deeply.

anxiety/panic attacks?

Comments (8)

sistersunnie
Original Author

lasershow

Related Discussions

heydeborah

Glitter53

heydeborah

sistersunnie
Original Author

sable_ca

COMPANY

BUSINESS SERVICES

GET HELP

CONNECT WITH US

anxiety/panic attacks?

Comments (8)

sistersunnieOriginal Author

lasershow

Related Discussions

heydeborah

Glitter53

heydeborah

sistersunnieOriginal Author

sable_ca

COMPANY

BUSINESS SERVICES

GET HELP

CONNECT WITH US

sistersunnie
Original Author

sistersunnie
Original Author