panic attack
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Join Date: Aug 2013
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panic attack
So two days ago I had an episode of basically what I thought was me losing my mind. I couldn't breathe - stop crying - shaking I felt like I was having some out of body out of touch experience and suicide seemed completely rational at points through out this 4 hour ordeal.
I took myself to the ER and spoke to two doctors who both said separately they suspected panic attacks alongside depression anxiety and insomnia.
I'm under and have been under the most insane pressure and stress and worry for over a year now and it just hasn't stopped.
I have brief episodes of the 'panic attacks" almost daily just now but the one that landed me in the ER was either a 4 hour one or else they just kept crashing into one another. I've since been given medication and I've slept for the majority of two days. The thing that worries me is that I thought suicide made perfect sense in those four hours. I now realise in a calm state that it's not even what I want. It just seemed in my distress to make sense. I'm worried now about that happening to me again.
I took myself to the ER and spoke to two doctors who both said separately they suspected panic attacks alongside depression anxiety and insomnia.
I'm under and have been under the most insane pressure and stress and worry for over a year now and it just hasn't stopped.
I have brief episodes of the 'panic attacks" almost daily just now but the one that landed me in the ER was either a 4 hour one or else they just kept crashing into one another. I've since been given medication and I've slept for the majority of two days. The thing that worries me is that I thought suicide made perfect sense in those four hours. I now realise in a calm state that it's not even what I want. It just seemed in my distress to make sense. I'm worried now about that happening to me again.
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Join Date: Jul 2010
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I'm so sorry you are going through this. I had really bad panic attacks in some periods of my life, and of course my drinking made them worse. I think I know how you feel when you say it can put you in a suicidal mindset, that happened to me many times when I was hungover and my anxiety skyrocketed. I also had these very intense impending doom feelings and depersonalization/derealization - maybe that's what you describe as "out of body out of touch experience". Scary stuff.
The period when I actually had the worst panic attacks was something specific that thank God I figured out... I was using a lot of the artificial sweetener aspartame and I had very bad reactions to it. I saw many doctors at the time because I thought I was losing my mind and dying of something mysterious and none of them could help, but I found out one day myself. I really recommend that you avoid aspartame.
Have you seen a psychiatrist or therapist about your anxiety? And had a thorough physical? From what you describe it sounds like unusually intense episodes, they might have some physical reason?
The period when I actually had the worst panic attacks was something specific that thank God I figured out... I was using a lot of the artificial sweetener aspartame and I had very bad reactions to it. I saw many doctors at the time because I thought I was losing my mind and dying of something mysterious and none of them could help, but I found out one day myself. I really recommend that you avoid aspartame.
Have you seen a psychiatrist or therapist about your anxiety? And had a thorough physical? From what you describe it sounds like unusually intense episodes, they might have some physical reason?
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Funny you should mention the aspartime I drank a bottle of fizzy juice the night before - one I wouldn't usually drink but I had fancied a change. I will check the label in a minute.
I was spoken to by two separate doctors at the ER and they both gave me the diagnosis of panic attacks brought on by depression anxiety and insomnia. I thought I was having a nervous breakdown. I've been given medication to take now. Anti anxiety - prozac - propranolol for symptoms of panic and some benzo for sleeping. I don't want to die and now that I'm calm I realise how stupid that thought was but it was the perfect answer at that point. Basically maybe all I was saying was 'I'm in so much pain here can someone help me'
I have a referral to a psychiatric nurse possible for some Cbt I've even decided not to drink coffee anymore because I don't want to feel like that again.
I was spoken to by two separate doctors at the ER and they both gave me the diagnosis of panic attacks brought on by depression anxiety and insomnia. I thought I was having a nervous breakdown. I've been given medication to take now. Anti anxiety - prozac - propranolol for symptoms of panic and some benzo for sleeping. I don't want to die and now that I'm calm I realise how stupid that thought was but it was the perfect answer at that point. Basically maybe all I was saying was 'I'm in so much pain here can someone help me'
I have a referral to a psychiatric nurse possible for some Cbt I've even decided not to drink coffee anymore because I don't want to feel like that again.
Pressure makes diamonds
Join Date: May 2014
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Hi 13, I'm sorry that you went through that, it must have been awful. I used to have panic attacks everyday from wine and they were really bad the first few days of withdrawal. They completely stopped for me after 7 days of not drinking. I hope that you find the source of them and that they stop. No one understands it fully unless they have been through it.
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The aspartame is especially bad when heated (heat breaks it down to toxic chemicals). I used it in my hot coffee for a long time, it did not cause symptoms immediately but made me very sick after a while.
Good that you avoid caffeine, that I don't notice causing a problem for me but it does make anxiety worse for many people.
I hope you get some relief. I have not had panic attacks and bad anxiety for a while since I quit drinking but remember many episodes vividly - it can be like having a completely different mind playing that horror show for us.
Good that you avoid caffeine, that I don't notice causing a problem for me but it does make anxiety worse for many people.
I hope you get some relief. I have not had panic attacks and bad anxiety for a while since I quit drinking but remember many episodes vividly - it can be like having a completely different mind playing that horror show for us.
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I don't know what caused me this extreme episode the other day, so many triggers the past 6 weeks and I'm swaying to the side off maybe it was my brains way of saying 'enough is enough'
I think my brain was trying to shut me down or maybe it was the fight or flight gone into overdrive as I didn't realise it was a panic attack - whatever it was sucked so I'm back on medication. To heck with it I need to be able to live my life and leave my room and my house so that I can work and socialise and I can't do that while hiding in my own house from 'fear'
I think my brain was trying to shut me down or maybe it was the fight or flight gone into overdrive as I didn't realise it was a panic attack - whatever it was sucked so I'm back on medication. To heck with it I need to be able to live my life and leave my room and my house so that I can work and socialise and I can't do that while hiding in my own house from 'fear'
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Here is a good link that might help.
Do you have Intrusive Thoughts? | Panic-And-Anxiety-Attacks.com
Do you have Intrusive Thoughts? | Panic-And-Anxiety-Attacks.com
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Join Date: Jun 2013
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Be super careful with those meds... If you have substance abuse history those pills have high potentials for addiction and abuse. Just like any other drug your body will start to build up a tolerance pretty quickly and soon enough you will need more and more to have the same effect. I have been on sleep meds for a long time.. I used to take a ton of anti-anxiety meds as well as some anti-depressants. I had big issues with the anxiety meds.. the mind of an addict will always be the mind of an addict. Try to take them only when absolutely nessecary. Keep moving forward and never look back. Panic attacks are terrible and I really wouldnt wish them on anyone. Good luck..
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Originally Posted by purechaos 
Be super careful with those meds... If you have substance abuse history those pills have high potentials for addiction and abuse. Just like any other drug your body will start to build up a tolerance pretty quickly and soon enough you will need more and more to have the same effect. I have been on sleep meds for a long time.. I used to take a ton of anti-anxiety meds as well as some anti-depressants. I had big issues with the anxiety meds.. the mind of an addict will always be the mind of an addict. Try to take them only when absolutely nessecary. Keep moving forward and never look back. Panic attacks are terrible and I really wouldnt wish them on anyone. Good luck..
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Join Date: Feb 2014
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I understand the intense feelings of desperation that panic attacks can create. Once in a while, I have repeated panic attacks that can last for several days. I've never been a drinker, my life isn't stressful, though I was an anxious child of an alcoholic. I remember being so afraid that my anxiety would return, that I avoided everything from coffee to multivitamins and calcium antacids -- but it was futile.
Antidepressants have helped me with everyday (mild) anxiety, but it has not stopped the massive episodes. I know that when my body is shaking, I'm having trouble breathing, lots of crying spells, and feeling horribly bewildered (for days) -- it's impossible to read my self-help books, or meditate, and of course I try walks, jogs, warm baths, soothing scenery etc. It is maddening to seek relief and not find it. But I have learned these episodes do pass (if it gets bad enough, i go to the hospital and the few benzos I get prescribed bring relief).
Antidepressants have helped me with everyday (mild) anxiety, but it has not stopped the massive episodes. I know that when my body is shaking, I'm having trouble breathing, lots of crying spells, and feeling horribly bewildered (for days) -- it's impossible to read my self-help books, or meditate, and of course I try walks, jogs, warm baths, soothing scenery etc. It is maddening to seek relief and not find it. But I have learned these episodes do pass (if it gets bad enough, i go to the hospital and the few benzos I get prescribed bring relief).
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Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: Sarajevo
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Who is the attacker ?
Originally Posted by raul88
I understand the intense feelings of desperation that panic attacks can create. Once in a while, I have repeated panic attacks that can last for several days. I've never been a drinker, my life isn't stressful, though I was an anxious child of an alcoholic. I remember being so afraid that my anxiety would return, that I avoided everything from coffee to multivitamins and calcium antacids -- but it was futile.
Antidepressants have helped me with everyday (mild) anxiety, but it has not stopped the massive episodes. I know that when my body is shaking, I'm having trouble breathing, lots of crying spells, and feeling horribly bewildered (for days) -- it's impossible to read my self-help books, or meditate, and of course I try walks, jogs, warm baths, soothing scenery etc. It is maddening to seek relief and not find it. But I have learned these episodes do pass (if it gets bad enough, i go to the hospital and the few benzos I get prescribed bring relief).
Antidepressants have helped me with everyday (mild) anxiety, but it has not stopped the massive episodes. I know that when my body is shaking, I'm having trouble breathing, lots of crying spells, and feeling horribly bewildered (for days) -- it's impossible to read my self-help books, or meditate, and of course I try walks, jogs, warm baths, soothing scenery etc. It is maddening to seek relief and not find it. But I have learned these episodes do pass (if it gets bad enough, i go to the hospital and the few benzos I get prescribed bring relief).
We all agree these are the attacks. However, if we are under attack, who is attacking us ?
I believe everyone has a power to research. Self-help books are fine - but did they really work ? I dare you to keep knocking, and since it happened to me - after series of knocks on wrong doors, I would finally find my answer.
Since the attacker is invisible, but felt, in a really suffering way, is the answer in the spiritual realm ? Wouldn't it be wise to seek God of Israel, who is known to have cured ALL of these attacks ?
I encourage you to seek this God with all your heart and as your first time priority. There was my solution and if it worked for me, it can work for you.
Also, can you please help me respond to posts that are most recent, like - posted today ? I know from my experience that time of response is of utmost importance.
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Join Date: Nov 2013
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Originally Posted by Morning Glory
Here is a good link that might help.
Do you have Intrusive Thoughts? | Panic-And-Anxiety-Attacks.com
Do you have Intrusive Thoughts? | Panic-And-Anxiety-Attacks.com
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Join Date: Nov 2012
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I have had on of those - and have also been to the ER with a panic attack, just like you.
Those things suck. And they are so scary, that they kind of "open up the door" and cause irrational fear of having another one.
I'm really sorry you went through this. Just curious - you're not drinking, right? It's certainly not the solution for every anxiety problem, but it definitely helps. I hope you're feeling better today, and you've found some good information to assist you in beating this thing. Good luck.
Those things suck. And they are so scary, that they kind of "open up the door" and cause irrational fear of having another one.
I'm really sorry you went through this. Just curious - you're not drinking, right? It's certainly not the solution for every anxiety problem, but it definitely helps. I hope you're feeling better today, and you've found some good information to assist you in beating this thing. Good luck.
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Join Date: Mar 2014
Posts: 44
I've been having attacks now for a few months. I kept hoping they would get better, but they've only gotten worse.
I've been going through a rough time lately. My young kids have been in two car accidents this year. They are fine, but I've been a mess. A few nights ago, I didn't sleep at all through the night. I was plagued with fear and spent the night wondering if I'd survive. That was it for me. I went to the doctor and I'm going back on meds (I have been off of them for a year and a half). I need to be okay for my kids.
I hope things have improved for you!
I've been going through a rough time lately. My young kids have been in two car accidents this year. They are fine, but I've been a mess. A few nights ago, I didn't sleep at all through the night. I was plagued with fear and spent the night wondering if I'd survive. That was it for me. I went to the doctor and I'm going back on meds (I have been off of them for a year and a half). I need to be okay for my kids.
I hope things have improved for you!
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