Anyone suffer from Panic Attacks?

[RandomR]

So I had my very first panic attack on Sunday and I am still freaking out about it. I am afraid it will happen during class one day or anytime in public. I usually can start to fell them coming on, I get really nervous and shaking and my breathing gets lighter, but heavier at the same time. I start to freak out even more when I can feel them coming. I have no clue what is causing them so its not like I can stop them from coming if I don't know the cause.

If you or anyone you know suffers from them how do they deal with them? Do I go to a psychiatrist to talk to someone about them? I am not for sure what to do in this situation can someone please help me!

[biologygirl]

I have panic disorder all of my life, in addition to generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). I wouldn't be surprised if you have that too. The most important thing to do is look for a good therapist--a psychiatrist more preferably--and you will probably be put on medication (if you feel it's severe enough to do so). If you aren't sure where to start, talk to your regular doctor about your panic attacks.

He or she may suggest a medication and/or refer you to a good psychologist/psychiatrist. SSRIs, like Zoloft and Paxil, are the most commonly prescribed medications for panic disorder. Benzodiazepines, like Xanax and Valium, come in second, as they can be abused through addiction (that hasn't happened to me, luckily). I don't think most people become addicted.

But read up on it (only if your doctor is considering putting you on one) and make the decision whether you want to take medications or just stick with therapy alone. I say, if it's really affecting your life negatively, then try both.

For me, therapy is very important. A therapist can help you cope with stress and learn to deal with it in a healthy way--one that makes you feel good about yourself.

I took Paxil for many years. But after an overdose, it kept giving me serotonin syndrome (which is potential fatal). Now, I take Gabapentin (an epilepsy medication that also works for anxiety) and Klonopin (a benzodiazepine). I feel this combination works best for me. However, I am not you. You may have a different reaction to any medications.

It may take a while to find the best combo. But know that you are not alone. Many people keep their panic attacks secret--and there's a lot of them. It's good you are addressing the problem. I have a good feeling you will get the help you need very soon.

Best of luck.

[RandomR]

Omg thank you so much this is very helpful :) you just the biggest smile on my face and in my heart :) I have thought about going to the school psychiatrist because it's free. So after reading this I will definitely call them tomorrow and see if I can an appointment as soon as I can :) thank you so much it was very helpful again :)

[Paris13]

I am familiar with Anxiety and depression, this runs in my family for years, RR... My sister has been on medicine for years with "Panic Attacks" and many times when they Do Come on, she feels like she is dying. She gets these from stress in her life and along with these, she is also on something for Depression for many times Anxiety and depression go hand in hand.
If these Scary attacks continue much longer and you feel like you are jumping out of your skin, make an appointment with a doctor who will help you follow through with some medicine that just may be what the doctor ordered
My sister is on Zanex for this and has been taking these meds for years. However, you may have to experiment on different ones to see what is best for you and your problem.
End the madness if you can't get any relief. I had these for one month one time when I found out my grandma was dying. I felt as though I was "Dying" right along side of her until the doctor gave me just a simple muscle relaxer because I only ended up with just tense muscles due to Fibromyalgia.
Good luck. xx

[RandomR]

Thank you so much! :)

[Paris13]

You are so welcome, help is on the way..:)) xx

[CommieKiller]

I suffered from them for about a year after a girl broke my heart. They are one of the most painful and traumatic experiences a person can go through. A lot of people who have had both heart attacks and panic attacks say panic attacks are more painful. They can't kill you or anything, but yeah, it really sucks. Mine were so bad the pain would cause me to black out sometimes.

[RandomR]

Yeah I remember now the beginning of it and calling my mom but that's about it. It was th scariest thing ever the only thing that hurt was chest and I had a headache afterwards but that's about it.

[ThePragmaticRomantic]

Yup. Had panic attacks and anxiety attacks in the past. And had friends with the same.

You probably dont need a psychiatrist so much as a councellor. Just talking through the issues will probably help a lot, at least in terms of recognising your triggers, and anablming you to better deal with the problem before it gets out of hand.

[RandomR]

Yeah I have no clue what the cause of them are. I just know that I have this feeling in my chest and can start to feel them coming on even once I wake up. Lol. Doesn't help that my alarm gives a heart attack every day lol.

[ThePragmaticRomantic]

If you are worried about having on ein class, talk to your teachers, or perhaps your tutor, about it.

When you feel them comming on, try to be calm, but dont make the mistake of stiffening up. Make yourself keep breathing and move as quickly and calmly as possible to a 'safe' location (toilets, student lounge, a quiet stair well). Always concentrate on the breathing.

If they are comming on, out of the blue, suddenly but frequently it may well be worth talking to your doctor, as certain conditions can cause panic attacks. In the long run though, just remember to breath, and remember "what's the worst that happens?" It sounds pat. But it really can help.

[RandomR]

Thank you so much. When igo see my doctor I'm going to talk to him about it. Thank you :)

[aamy811]

I have them a lot actually. My first one started in 9th grade. I worked really hard in school, but went to an advancement center so I did they a lot of recognition for it. But honestly there's nothing I really do. If I feel them I salt to go to the bathroom, and I have an attack in there. Or I try to steady me breathing and reassure myself.
But mainly I just run for cover. I don't really tell anyone about them, an I don't get any help with them. But my doctor has written me a note saying if I new to leave I can

[RandomR]

Yeah I do the breathing thing but it doesn't really help. It'll help for a few minutes but after a while it doesn't help lol. Even thinking about it, it freaks me out haha.

[Anonymous]

If you're afraid of panicking, that will make it worse. The thing i did to get over min was to stop being afraid, and actually want to have a panic attack. Like a challenge. it's weird, but the technique is described in more detail here curepanicattacksaway.blogspot.ca/.../...tacks.html

[RandomR]

Thank you!

[SimpleBelle]

Try not to worry about them too much because you'll just end up spending all of your time waiting for the next one to strike. I know they're really horrible but don't let the fear of them control your everyday life. Just try and get through your day normally and make the most of your life. I would recommend going to see a psychiatrist because they will offer you a peace of mind and will help you get to the root of the problem.

[RandomR]

Thank you love :)

[Mesonfielde]

Nope, never, I saw someone else have one and I still can't relate to the experience at all.

[RandomR]

Its the worst feeling in the world. IT felt like I was dying and I couldn't breathe and I was light headed and crying uncontrollably. Worst/scariest thing ever.

[Mesonfielde]

Considering I have no idea what triggers it, I can't really relate at all.

[RandomR]

Yeah I understand. Thanks for commenting though