panic attack?

so last week i was in my car and suddenly i felt a pain shoot up my left arm-i shrug it off and carry on -later on i was watching tv when it happened again, only it spread to my jaw, upper chest and down my back-oh c...-i called on my neighbour who took one look and i called the ambulance

i was rushed to hospital , had all the tests and it was diagnosed as severe panic attack-brought on by being out of work and all the stress that brings

anybody else had this and how to deal with it cos it scared me

dave

 

I used to get them too due to stress... that and shingles. Anyways, breathing exercises and muscle relaxation techniques worked best for me when I actually had an attack. If it was freak out bad then I'd take a benzo as well. However, what helped me the most to reduce their frequency was meditation.

 

Do Not became dependent on benzos to help this though, and definitly don't abuse them. If you do there is a good chance on getting hooked because they're really addicting. Also the more you take them the more nervous you will be when you don't have them. Be extremely careful with them and only take them when you absolutely need them.

Were you really nervous when this happened to you? If it was a panic attack them certainly you were, but sometimes diagnosts are off. I'm pretty sure what you described seems to fit the definition of a panic attack though.

I've been having them alot lately, and i've been real mentally unhealthy. I think it all has to do with stress and general anxiety. But it's gotten to the point where i can't take any drug besides benzos without getting sick. Every other drug has made me terrably sick, even sugar. My nerves are shgit right now and i really hate this. It's not easy to fix this problem from what i hear, but you just have to fight it and try not to worry about it at all. I've found that keeping your mind on something helps. Also i like to put a rubberband around my wrist and pop my wrist too cause some competitive inhibition. Thats the best way i've found to keep my mind off of it. I'm pretty much only panic prone when i'm around people. The bigger the crowd, the worse i am.

If panic attacks had balls i'd kick em square in them!

 

i have been prescribed with something called flouxetine-supposedy like prozac

i pretty much have highs and lows-the highs tend to be when i am out with my kids during the day and then i plummet early evening

when the kids are not there-i am divorced-i feel virtually suicidal

i had to attend court last week and because i knew i was innocent and had them over a barrel, i was let off and was not stressed at all

the day after i was shopping and had another attack in the queue

go figure

dave

 

jesus, i have random pain all the time. i thought it was normal... uhoh

 

What do you mean by pain. If you are refering to panic attacks i don't see where your pain is comming from. Though it might as well be pain because is really sucks!

 

It doesnt entirely sound like a Panic Attack but maybe some muscle strain that actually caused a panic attack to occur.
Does that make sense?

I dont think I can get through them all right here but a 'Panic Attack' is really just the most extreme end of the worry and anxiety spectrum.
I dont like the word 'attack' but basically here is whats happening:
- You body/physiology is reacting EXACTLY the way it should and does in the event a threat to your life comes upon you.
Some of the amazingly designed intended reflexes are:
- body dumps adrenalin into the bloodstream
- chest muscles constrict (sometimes feels like a 'band or rope' tightening)
- Oxygen INcreases (you dont need more btw)
- Eye muscles constrict giving more 'tunnel vision' effect.
- Limbs will become 'shaky'. 'Knees knocking' is the expression sometimes.
- Yes, alot of people get a very constricting back muscle to the neck

All this is perfectly designed to save your life and your families lives. Its the 'fight or flight' reaction.

One of the neat things about this is the phsyiological directive to 'flight'.
The legs are not weak btw.. they are actually so strong they are twitching and vibrating to RUN.
The tightening eye muscles give a more 'straight focus' effect and what happens is your brain LOOKS for
A way OUT.
An Escape.
The fastest and safest way to leave whats closing in on you.
Hence The Queue.
The Queue or 'Line Up' is exactly where people DO have Panic Attacks.
You probably noticed an overwhelming sensation that you 'gotta go.. come on.. move move' and the more people behind you and in front combined with 'no escape' was on your mind.
Its your fight or flight response looking for a way out.

Here is the problem of course.... you are NOT in danger and there is no wild cougar trying to corner you.
If you did ... you would do the following:
Burn off that oxygen ratio
burn off that adrenalin
use that quivering limb power up running and climbing
Instead, because you dont actually escape anything or run,
You feel like you are 'lightheaded'
you might 'pass out'
Your 'nerves are shot and shaking'

Its pretty good you got through the Court thing alright because that would really hit most people,
but,
dont be surprised it happens in queues because that is exactly where it would.

I personally cannot recommend taking Paxil/Prozacs at all.
I know they just LOVE giving those out like they are candies but please consider asking them to remove that from your script.

 

So by that logic could i just run off like i'm being chased to end a panic attack?

 

In the car is a very common place to initially have a panic attack, I don't doubt that's what happened...

they can mock heart attacks so much it's ridiculous.

Anyway to answer your question, I too have struggled with panic attacks, and if you have had one, chances are you will have more; because now that you're frightened your subconcious will associate places and experiences with that panic attack and it can ignite another one.

The best thing to do is to get some cognitive behavioral therapy [sp?] and learn to get to the bottom of what is causing the attacks, learn to avoid that, and the subconcious effort to be put on high alert when you are at places where you've previously had one, and to stop a panic attack that is erupting or already ocurring.

Initially the psychologist may suggest medication if they are really bad, but they have medications that you do not have to take unless you absolutely must...like if you're having an ongoing attack throughout the day that you can't seem to put an end to.

Sometimes, just the subconcious comfort/safety of having that medication available for when you need it, puts the panic attacks to a halt the way it is. It did for me...just knowing that I had some sort of safety net if I had one, helped me not to panic in my usual panicking situations. I kept them on me at all times, to enhance the safety effect.

Eventually, I went months without one, and got rid of my pills and now I don't get them, except on a rare occassion in which I can stop them.

You will probably learn breathing techniques and what not too.

What happens, when you get a panic attack is, something sets off your body that your're in danger and you get the same adrenaline rush that you would if your wife or husband were trapped under a car and you had to save them...trouble is, people with panic, get these reactions/brain signals at times where we do not need them, and sometimes these reactions last longer than they should... You have to train your body to recognize that these situations are not dangerous, basically.

If I were you, I wouldn't put off counseling for too long, because the longer you've had them, the more difficult it is to get past. Some people develop agoraphobia as a result of their panic attacks...and you just really don't want to get to that point.

If you have any questions PM me, I've been through it all!

 

Maybe I misunderstood, but I don't think that's what he meant...

Your body has the same reaction as it does in those fight or flight situations, but it doesn't mean that when you have a panic attack you can run it off... you can't because your body is mistaken the way it is... a person with panic attacks gets these false signals of dangerous situations at random times; so you can't just expect to run it off and be okay, because your body is mistaken the way it is, not to mention not all fight or flight situations involve running

The theory of acting on your fight or flight reflex isn't want makes it dissolve...it's a mind/body connection knowing that danger isn't present anymore. And when your brain is sending your body signals that you're in danger when you're not, the things that might make a REAL fight or flight situation dissolve will not work the same way...

I can't explain it properly, so I hope that made some sense. I'm having trouble with words today.

One more key point, when you get a panic attack, it makes you panic more a lot of times, because your body is on such high alert...many people begin to have running thoughts and fears that they are going crazy or about to die, so it keeps the panic attack going, instead of it fizzling out like it would in a fight or flight situation.

When youre scared, you don't think about your body's reactions as "I'm going to die" but when they occur out of nowhere, of course you're going ot wonder what the fuck is going on, and it only makes it worse. Sends out more adrenaline in means to protect you.

Your concious mind, and your chemically reactive brain are two separate things, so its a very difficult thing to understand and get control of.

 

I think you are doing a great job of explaining it A&O and better than I could - and if you want to get sciencey on what your describing its the:
Amygdala.
This is a pretty amazing little part of the brain that can actually 'shortcut' the steps between cognitive thinking and your bodies reactions.
Example: Crossing the street and you hear sound of a Bus hitting the brakes and your legs are INSTANTLY running like mad before you even process any thoughts at all.

The working theory is that people with panic attacks have gotten it to a point where their Amygdala is set too high.
Its basically worked into a state of threshhold and so it only takes the slightest increase of 'threat' (stuck in traffic) and the bugger will go off.

But hang on because it might sound like we are saying that its just a 'brain chemistry' problem here.
Well yes and no.
It is both but the reason the 'tripwire' is set so high is certainly because of the cognitive thinking we are doing during the day and weeks and months, hour after hour after hour.
Worry.
Fears.
Backwards/forwards thinking (yesterdays regrets, what about tomorrow)
Every minute we are thinking of 'threats' or pessimistic thoughts, our physiology is simply following.
Thats why 90% of the 'power' of a Panic Attack is actually 'Cognitive'.
Typical cycle goes like this:
- ok.. i gotta go to that supermarket later.. ok, i hope its not busy
- Ok.. please please dont let me have another attack in there... i cant take it anymore and I hate it.. please let me get through
-ok... just be calm and relax.. wait for a quiet time.. breath.. breath..
- oh shit.. im having a panic attack i think
- oh shit... not now.. fight it .. fight it..
- oh no.. what if I pass out here in line
- oh geez.. can everyone see this?
- oh God.. I think im going to go crazy... what if I go crazy...

In other words, our cognitive thinking is fueling the otherwise acceptable physiological sensations.
Which react accordingly.
Fueling the fuel with fuel and around and around and around.

But hey, let me say something to the question of 'running' to end a Panic Attack.
(A&O you already called this)
The worst thing you can do is accomodate panic attacks.
If you do decide to get up and run out the doors then you basically 'confirm' that the sensations were meaninful and should have been occuring.
Your well meaning Amygdala will be all too happy to 'help' you even better next time by dumping some more adrenalin in those legs hehe.
AHHHH
Having said that, I am repeatedly advised by the heath people that you really really really want to exercise AFTER panic attacks.
Why?
Because your body just dumped a whole bunch of Oxygen and Adrenalin into your bloodstream.
Lots of it!
because you were not in fact chased by a Cougar or did not actualy lift a car off your spouse - you need to burn that shit off.
Otherwise you might just feel very very lousy and probably 'exhausted' all the time too.
Wieghtlifting, swimming, jogging or whatever but burn it off later.

 

One thing that I do when I think I might have a panic attack is focus on breathing slowly. That helps out a lot, especially when I recongize that one might be coming on, like when I'm in small spaces or in a crowded room.

Peace and love

 

I'm glad you pointed out that last thing, because that's very important.

When it comes to mental health, you encounter a bit of irony...usually the points where you feel most "exhausted" are the very times you should be getting active...
Aside from panic attacks, it's the same theory with depression...you may feel tired and exhausted all the time, but the best thing you can do is get some activity going.

As corny as it sounds, sex helps lots of stress, anxieties, and depression too.

When I become less interested in sex, that's when I know it's time TO have sex, hahaha. I always end up feeling better.

 

Yeah i was in a hurry reading over their post and mis understood. I like the way you put it though.

 

Worry.
Fears.
Backwards/forwards thinking (yesterdays regrets, what about tomorrow)
Every minute we are thinking of 'threats' or pessimistic thoughts, our physiology is simply following.[/QUOTE]
After reading that part it made me think of something that happened to me today in class. I was thinking about last weekend. I went on a date with this girl for the first time and we went to go see a movie. I was planning on paying for her ticket of course, But when we got up there to pay a man distracted me and i completely forgot to do it. So that got me sort of down. Then after the movie we went to the mall and got something to eat. While we were waiting in line to take our orders i remember thinking to my self, "ok just pay for hers now." But instead i just set there like a fucking idiot while she payed for her own. I felt like a totle dick! It wasn't that i didn't want to pay. I'm not sure why i didn't. I guess i was just shy or something. So today when i was in class i started thinking about it, and it really started to get to me bad. I felt this overwelming amount of shame. And i realize that it wasn't even that big of a deal, but i made it one. I started to go into a panic attack, then i got really felt sick to my stomach. So for pretty much the rest of the day i've felt like an asshole. And it wasn't just because of that, it was also because i didn't have the balls to go for a kiss. The most i did was put my arm around her during the movie. That also has been getting to me. I just really hope she doesn't think anything of these things, but i can't help but think that she has. Also on top of that that was the first girl i've ever gone on a date with.

Having said that, I am repeatedly advised by the heath people that you really really really want to exercise AFTER panic attacks.
Why?
Because your body just dumped a whole bunch of Oxygen and Adrenalin into your bloodstream.
Lots of it!
because you were not in fact chased by a Cougar or did not actualy lift a car off your spouse - you need to burn that shit off.
Otherwise you might just feel very very lousy and probably 'exhausted' all the time too.
Wieghtlifting, swimming, jogging or whatever but burn it off later.[/QUOTE]
And this. I've always figured that would help but hadn't ever heard that it would. Thats probably one of the main things thats been stressing me so much lately. I'll bet it would also help clear my mind of some of this anxiety.

 

Yea, I was wondering a while back if I have some sort of inside the concious fear of cars or something. Over the summer everytime I was in a car I was having a panic attack. Over normal things, too, like going to see Pirates of the Caribbean 2, (which I had to suffer the whole movie an on-and-off panic attack.)

 

sunshinechild, lol, i had a panic attack in the theatre watching the 2nd pirates movie too; crazy.

I've heard many people say movie theatres and cars are common places to get them; I understand the car, but I don't understand why a movie theatre might trigger them, that seems odd to me...but it happens none the less.

I don't fucking blame anyone for having panic attacks in cars what with the way people drive around top speeds whilst talking on their cell phones. In this case, maybe our minds are trying to tell us something.

I hate cars, I hate driving period, and I honestly don't think it's something that any human is responsible enough for.

I'm guilty of turning the dial on the radio and looking down to do so... I'm guilty of not being alert when I really should be, and I don't think anyone can drive perfectly all the time; but that's a problem, because driving IS a dangerous situation...it needs your undivided attention.

But that's just my opinion.

Maybe I'm eccentric but I always wonder what the fucking animals think when they see our cars zooming around, or when we break really fast to avoid hitting them...they probably think we're dorks for driving around in these big hunks of metal.

haha.

 

I really do know what you are saying about the sex drive/lack of sex drive situation.
Of course, you got to weight that against the stressors of sexual relationships too.

One of the major drawbacks to some of the 'Paxils' out there is inability to orgasm.
Yikes.
As far as Im concerned that makes it an antiorgasm drug... with a side effect of having soem sort of antidepressant qualities heh.

 

see, I was on Paxil for a long time, until recently actually, and I had a more frequent sex drive than I do being off of it...

I think it affects everyone a little differently.

With me, it was like, I was feeling better, so I wanted to do it more often, where when I was off of it, before hand, I was just too depressed and down to want to do anything.

Now, I'm off of it but I still have the same sex drive; I'm living a lot better than before and don't need medication for happiness

 

For men, the inability to orgasm from Paxil is called (brace yourself) 'retarded orgasm' lol.
I dont know how that might affect women but you gals are a bit more mysterious in those ways heh.
For men, its a pretty common side effect and I know of several who actualy quit the Paxil (or others) for that specific reason alone.
Not even counting that 'zombie feeling' they complained about too.

But I just want to lay out a bunch of praise and credit towards you living better and you most definately do not need medication for happiness.
It cant deliver that anyways.
Thank God you discovered that this early in life!