72 hours. Having a panic attack. Help?
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2011
Posts: 47
72 hours. Having a panic attack. Help?
Hey guys, I'm just over 72 hours sober and I'm having a panic attack right now. I feel like I'm going to throw up, my heart is racing, cold but sweaty and my mind is racing. I am so scared. I know this is a panic attack but knowing that doesn't help.
Will someone please just tell me it will get better? I need someone to tell me it will be ok soon.
ugh.
sorry
CD
Will someone please just tell me it will get better? I need someone to tell me it will be ok soon.
ugh.
sorry
CD
Administrator
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Australia
Posts: 211,445
It will be OK - I'm sorry you're having one - they're not fun - but it will pass 
What used to really help me was focusing on the fact that I am not my feelings...
this site was useful too:
Calm Clinic
Hope you feel better soon!
D
What used to really help me was focusing on the fact that I am not my feelings...
this site was useful too:
Calm Clinic
Hope you feel better soon!
D
Administrator
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: Dancing in the Light
Posts: 61,514
Breathe...really, it helps a lot. When you panic, your breathing becomes very shallow and that causes your body to continue to react. Breathe very deeply three times in a row and your heart rate will begin to calm.
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2011
Posts: 47
Thank you guys, seriously. I tried the breathing and it helped me. I think I was starting to hyperventilate and was getting even dizzier than I already was.
Whew! This is tough. But I am sober right now. I`ve got my 3 days and still going.
Thank you so much for caring
CD
Whew! This is tough. But I am sober right now. I`ve got my 3 days and still going.
Thank you so much for caring
CD
~sb
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: MD
Posts: 15,967
drink water
have you eaten any fruit or vegetables lately? find some and munch slowly
think very positive thoughts
focus on slowly breathing
meditating
I've had these, usually when really dehydrated. you may want to see your doctor for this. it could also be that it's the height of your withdrawal.
I'm not a doctor, just thought I could sift through those links since I am just about to bake some goodies for my home group tomorrow.
feel better,
have you eaten any fruit or vegetables lately? find some and munch slowly
think very positive thoughts
focus on slowly breathing
meditating
I've had these, usually when really dehydrated. you may want to see your doctor for this. it could also be that it's the height of your withdrawal.
I'm not a doctor, just thought I could sift through those links since I am just about to bake some goodies for my home group tomorrow.
feel better,
Last edited by CarolD; 03-06-2012 at 07:59 PM. Reason: By request
Member
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Sussex, England
Posts: 945
You may look silly but say this aloud because.
1. You know you are having a panic attack!
2. You know why you are having a panic attack!
3. You know it isn't life threatening! Its adrenalin, thats all.
"You will not take hold of me because Im stronger than you and I have better things to do with my time than sit through another one of you! - Its boring me now and I want a cup of tea!!"
1. You know you are having a panic attack!
2. You know why you are having a panic attack!
3. You know it isn't life threatening! Its adrenalin, thats all.
"You will not take hold of me because Im stronger than you and I have better things to do with my time than sit through another one of you! - Its boring me now and I want a cup of tea!!"
Member
Join Date: Nov 2007
Posts: 181
I can't do deep breaths during a panic attack; causes a head rush and hyperventilation. I focus on slow shallow breaths and inviting the panic to stay. Sounds weird but anxiety is fueled by resistance, and accepting it causes the emotion to lose intensity.
I'm here to learn!
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: I'm on it!
Posts: 2,038
Oof I had a panic attack once -- scariest thing that's ever happened to me!
Perhaps I should point out that if you are having panic attacks, racing heart or other signs of extreme discomfort in the first several days of sobriety please don't hesitate to go to the ER -- alcohol withdrawal can kill.
Perhaps I should point out that if you are having panic attacks, racing heart or other signs of extreme discomfort in the first several days of sobriety please don't hesitate to go to the ER -- alcohol withdrawal can kill.
Member
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: Indiana
Posts: 39
Originally Posted by eJoshua 
Oof I had a panic attack once -- scariest thing that's ever happened to me!
Perhaps I should point out that if you are having panic attacks, racing heart or other signs of extreme discomfort in the first several days of sobriety please don't hesitate to go to the ER -- alcohol withdrawal can kill.
Perhaps I should point out that if you are having panic attacks, racing heart or other signs of extreme discomfort in the first several days of sobriety please don't hesitate to go to the ER -- alcohol withdrawal can kill.
Member
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Florida Keys
Posts: 13
I went though pretty much the same thing 3 days in. For me it just kept getting worse though and I listened to the folks on here and went to the ER. If you continue to feel this way, get yourself to the doc. Withdrawals are nothing to be trifled with.
I hope you start feeling better and stay strong.
I hope you start feeling better and stay strong.
Sally1009
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: United Kingdom
Posts: 467
Panic attacks can be terrifying. But you can get out of them by doing slow, shallow breathing. It takes about 10 minutes to work, which can feel like a year, but you should gradually calm down.
However, as other people have said, if it continues get yourself to a doctor or hospital. Good luck.
However, as other people have said, if it continues get yourself to a doctor or hospital. Good luck.
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2011
Posts: 47
I read all these suggestions and I feel pretty blessed to have so many people that care.
I went to a meeting yesterday, will go to one today. And stay sober today. I've got a full day 4 in my sights. The panic attack was horrific but this site got me through. I will achieve a full day 4. One hour at a time!!
One thing is clear: I've gone through withdrawal many times, but this time is so much worse than any other time. Seems like in the past, each withdrawal would be bad and each got worse but only a little bit. During this relapse I seem to have taken a giant leap, mentally and physically and it has made this withdrawal so scary. I'm tempted to think that the fear of going through this again, coupled with going to meetings will make this time be THE TIME that I quit. But I know better. For now, for today I will think about today. Go to a meeting. And probably hit this site a few times.
You guys are awesome. ALL of you, no matter how long you've been sober, even if its just today, I am so glad this community exists.
OK, leaving the house for the first time. To work. I'm scared about passing all those stores on the way home, but I've got my phone.
CD
I went to a meeting yesterday, will go to one today. And stay sober today. I've got a full day 4 in my sights. The panic attack was horrific but this site got me through. I will achieve a full day 4. One hour at a time!!
One thing is clear: I've gone through withdrawal many times, but this time is so much worse than any other time. Seems like in the past, each withdrawal would be bad and each got worse but only a little bit. During this relapse I seem to have taken a giant leap, mentally and physically and it has made this withdrawal so scary. I'm tempted to think that the fear of going through this again, coupled with going to meetings will make this time be THE TIME that I quit. But I know better. For now, for today I will think about today. Go to a meeting. And probably hit this site a few times.
You guys are awesome. ALL of you, no matter how long you've been sober, even if its just today, I am so glad this community exists.
OK, leaving the house for the first time. To work. I'm scared about passing all those stores on the way home, but I've got my phone.
CD
Self Recovered with AVRT
Join Date: Dec 2011
Posts: 108
Panic Attacks...
Been dealing with them all my life, and I am no kid.
The longer you are off substance use, the more you will be able to deal with them. After you off using drugs/alcohol for at least 4 weeks, you might really benefit by seeing a psychologist.
Panic attacks are very common in the human population, and can be dealt with readily with information about the way your mind works.
But first, you gotta stop using. Only then can you address the issue. Keep up the good work.
Signed,
Fellow Panic Attacker
(Panic attacks suck, but you can overcome them)
The really good news is that panic attacks are very common, and the way to overcome them is very well documented. This issue can be managed and controlled. You are not alone. I used to have panic attacks all the time. But, I would say that knowledge about them is very helpful. You can do the research yourself at your local library (look for the latest edition of the DSM). Probably the safest and easiest way to overcome this is to see a good psychologist. As I understand it, it usually only takes several sessions to get a grip on this.
My experience does not match your's, so please do not take my words as medical advice. I have to add that disclaimer. But, I have been there.
Been dealing with them all my life, and I am no kid.
The longer you are off substance use, the more you will be able to deal with them. After you off using drugs/alcohol for at least 4 weeks, you might really benefit by seeing a psychologist.
Panic attacks are very common in the human population, and can be dealt with readily with information about the way your mind works.
But first, you gotta stop using. Only then can you address the issue. Keep up the good work.
Signed,
Fellow Panic Attacker
(Panic attacks suck, but you can overcome them)
The really good news is that panic attacks are very common, and the way to overcome them is very well documented. This issue can be managed and controlled. You are not alone. I used to have panic attacks all the time. But, I would say that knowledge about them is very helpful. You can do the research yourself at your local library (look for the latest edition of the DSM). Probably the safest and easiest way to overcome this is to see a good psychologist. As I understand it, it usually only takes several sessions to get a grip on this.
My experience does not match your's, so please do not take my words as medical advice. I have to add that disclaimer. But, I have been there.
Member
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: Michigan
Posts: 16
Just my two cents but what helped me when I had them was knowing that they can't hurt you. Yeah the sensations suck but you're in no real physical danger.
Reminding myself of that in the midst of one helped me endure them more easily.
Reminding myself of that in the midst of one helped me endure them more easily.
Currently Active Users Viewing this Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
