Panic attacks

[liver]

I really hope that more people become aware of them, because although I have met those people who panic at the idea of having one and just the one can certainly set you down the path to being frightened of more, they are so much easier to deal with when you can remember that this will pass.
I started having panic attacks at school, and though you could question the randomness of this, I particularly suffered in exams. I thought I was going to die - the sudden need to urinate with an unquenchable thirst, sweating, shaking, dizziness til I was sure I would fall off my chair and pass out and bursting into tears and they would strike at other points for no reason or worse, any stressful situation. It came to the point where a question I wasn't expecting, or a shop too hot or too full of people would trigger an attack and I always had to be sure I knew where the toilets or exits were I was terrified someone would do something to trigger an attack just by standing too close - I stopped going out, the idea of going out and losing control terrified me.
But..
Knowing that the symptoms fade, knowing that they are a physical response to stress, knowing that regulating my brathing helps - all of these made me aware that though they have never gone away I can hide them and control them it makes living with them easier.

Yes, somedays I'll sit safe in my own living room and my heart will start racing and I'll feel terrible but I can remember I'm having a panic attack and therefore be calmer about it and end it sooner.

[hubris]

I have panic attacks. I have seriously though I was having a heart attack at one point. Even though I consider my depression to be in remission, I still suffer these. I have learned however that they are pretty common. Many friends I have who don't suffer depression ect have panic attacks or at least high anxiety.

[BlueEyes]

panic attacks are evil and i wouldnt wish them on my worst enemy!!

i only wish that i knew what was going on at the time and knew what was happening to me so i could have gained a greater understanding of them rather than letting them domintae what i did... posts like these are so helpful in that respect

[BoBoGo]

I have had panic attacks and other "anxiety events" all my life. Creativity and deep breathing help. I stopped alcohol 5 years ago. My continuing search for God helps.
I still like coffee though i drink so much of it that my tolerance is very high and I am pretty immune to it. I definitely don't recommend coffee to anyone else with panic problems but I feel ia have to abuse something so coffee is it.
Knowing that ohers have this problem helps to.

[Glen]

I have them too, but i have found a way that sometimes helps me might help u too.

I take a deep breath hold it for 5 seconds and exhale and think in my mind stress less. i keep doing this until i feel better.

[Dragonfly]

I have them too, but i have found a way that sometimes helps me might help u too.

I take a deep breath hold it for 5 seconds and exhale and think in my mind stress less. i keep doing this until i feel better.

I agree with taking a deep breath and holding it for 5 seconds. That did help when I first tired it.

It took me years and years and years to control the "unpredicable Panic Attacks"!
It was really quite simply actually. But you truly have to believe. Panic Attacks no longer bother me because I am NOT AFRAID of them anymore. But in order for this to work, you have to truly not be afraid of them.
One day, I said Fuck it. I let it do (the panic attack) its worst on me. I didn't run or fidget or shake. I just stood there and said to myself. OKAY, do the worst that you can do to me. And I let it happen. Guess what.....I won, it went away. And has never poked its ugly head back in my life again. Now if I could just do the same with Agrophobia and Claustophobia I'd be set! Maybe I should try and learn how to not be afraid of being trapped or tiny creepy little spaces. lol

[Glen]

I am trying not to get trapped either hence why i am using the breathing exercises. When i was told about this i never used it. But on a recent business trip i was very agitated and worried. The deep breathing exercises helped me a lot!

[DAVE]

Panic attack is the official term used in the DSM-IV-TR to describe the extreme feelings experienced by people with panic disorder.

[sahlie]

Panic attacks are sudden surges of overwhelming fear that that comes without warning and without any obvious reason. It is far more intense than having anxiety or the feeling of being 'stressed out' that most people experience. One out of every 75 people worldwide will experience panic attacks at one time in their lives. Panic attacks are not dangerous, but they can be terrifying, largely because it feels 'crazy' and 'out of control.' Panic disorder is frightening because of the panic attacks associated with it, and also because it often leads to other complications such as phobias, depression, substance abuse, medical complications, even suicide.

[joewow]

Because panic attacks are an individual experience, treatment options also can depend on the individual person.I would suggest that you look into the "release-valve treatment," as it helped me a great deal with my anxiety. Thanks