I am a female aged almost 49 years on the change of life.  I have had a few panic attacks when my heart was pounding and I thought I was going to die.  I feel as though I am becoming neurotic, what can I do to alleviate this problem, also, will this go when i am past the change? Please help, sometimes i feel as though i am going off my head, i also occasionally get bad thoughts, they are only thoughts though, i would never do anything bad.  Any help would be MUCH appreciated, thanks in anticipation. x
210958
It really sounds like you are having panic attacks or problems with anxiety.  This can be brought on by "the change of life", However I would recommend you go see your family doctor or your OB.  It sounds like you may need a hormone replacement.
577520
Are you having a anxiety attack. I have had them over fear for my children several years back. Then again when I found out my Ex-Fiance was terminal. I totally freaked out. My skin was all prickly tingly numbness I couldn't  or had a hard time breathing. If you have ever done lamosse (sp) breathing it helped me allot. The Dr gave me a mild sedative but I don't like pills so I do the breathing. You need to relax, if it persists and is making you nervous push the issue with your Dr. change Dr's if you have to. But follow through and be persistent till you get the answer you need. Good luck
551224
Hi, I am sorry to hear this.  You didn't state if this has always happened to you or not?!  If it is something new you are experiencing then I would really speak to a Doc.  Sometimes a load of stress in other areas of your life can make you heart race and do funny things.  It isn't uncommon to have panic attacks when stressed or nervous.  There are probably a lot of options out there to help you with out taking meds. I would really talk to your family doctor as soon as you can, just to make sure there isn't something majorly wrong.  Take Care of yourself and remember you are the best judge of yourself and what you need.  Sending you lots of smiles :) :) :)
584665
Some questions to think about:\n\n    * Are you experiencing this just at bedtime?\n    * Are you sleeping too much?\n    * Are you trying to sleep to escape something in your life?\n    * Do you feel okay and settled in your daily life?\n    * Do you feel like you have a lot of things to worry about and think about?\n    * Is this the only symptom you are having?\n    * Are you feeling sad or suffer from mood swings?\n    * Do you cry often?\n    * Do you have periods of shakiness, sweating or shortness of breath?\n    * Do you have thoughts of hurting yourself or committing suicide?\n\nWith so little information, it is hard to tell what is going on. What you are feeling may be a sign that you need professional help in dealing with some of your worries. It may just be that you are going through a hard time in your life where you have a lot of stress and concerns. On the other hand, racing thoughts are a symptom of any number of different treatable conditions such as an anxiety disorder, panic attacks, attention deficit disorder, depression, mania or obsessive compulsive disorder. As you see, there are many possibilities and it is best to be evaluated by a professional.
629060
You obviously are feeling very out of control, for good reason.  You are avoiding having to take medications due to side effects and yet the side effects of not being on medications are becoming significant.\n\nI'm so sorry you are having this kind of pain and emptiness.  It is really such a difficult place to be.  Know that you are not the only one who has been there and others, who have come before you, have gotten better.\n\nThe fact is that you have to choose between two things you don't want:  medication side effects and suicidal depression and panic attacks.  Perhaps you can commit to trying medication for just a short time, say three months, and see if the side effects are better than how you feel now.  No one says your treatement will be forever.  With medication, you will perhaps be functional enough to learn new skills to deal with your panic, but when you are as deep down in a hole as you are now, doing behavioral therapy will seem impossible.\n\nTry the meds, and realize that nothing is forever except suicide.\n\nMy heart goes out for you my friend.  Treat yourself like you would treat your best friend.\n\nGood luck.
267878
What you're describing sounds so much like a panic attack!  I get those and they're soooo scary!  Talk to a doctor about an anti-anxiety medication, but be careful that you don't just jump into any dosage because you don't want to worsen the problem if the meds won't help.  Breathe deeply, in and out, and count slowly down from 100 when you feel it start in your chest.  Think about the opposite of what scares you, a happy memory, anything, and remove yourself from the situation.  Eventually, when you feel in control of the fear, the fear will diminish.  I've had this problem for a long time but I've learned to control it myself to the point where I was able to completely stop taking medication and haven't had a panic attack in two years.  Good luck!
104573
If you have Anxiety/Panic Disorder, yes this is normal....BUT you must see a Doctor/Psychiatrist (if you are not already) to get this under control.  I also have this problem but there are different levels of Anxiety Disorder.  You need to discuss this with your Doctor so he can determine treatment/medication for you.  I take medication which helps me tremendously.  You can also try meditating when you feel the anxiety coming on.  Good luck and God Bless!\n\nhttp://www.thehealthcenter.info/\nhttp://www.how-to-meditate.org/
386021
When I have an anxiety attack, I feel like my heart is going to pulse right out of my chest, I feel like I can't get enough air, I start to sweat, I can't focus on anything (like total meltdown), and I feel like I'm being closed in.  I feel like I'm going to puke, and I feel like my stomach is on fire.  That's what I feel.\n\nThe clinical definition of a panic attack is:\n\nA panic attack is a severe attack of anxiety and fear which occurs suddenly, often without warning, and for no apparent reason. Various other symptoms then occur during a panic attack. These include one or more of the following:\n\nPalpitations or a thumping heart. \nSweating and trembling. \nHot flushes or chills. \nFeeling short of breath, sometimes with choking sensations. \nChest pains. \nFeeling sick. \nFeeling dizzy, or faint. \nFear of dying or going crazy. \nNumbness, or pins and needles. \nFeelings of unreality, or being detached from yourself.\nThe physical symptoms that occur with panic attacks do not mean there is a physical problem with the heart, chest, etc. The symptoms mainly occur because of an 'overdrive' of nervous impulses from the brain to various parts of the body during a panic attack.\n\nDuring a panic attack you tend to over-breathe (hyperventilate). If you over-breathe you 'blow out' too much carbon dioxide which changes the acidity in the blood. This can then cause more symptoms such as confusion and cramps, and make palpitations, dizziness, and pins and needles worse. This can make the attack seem even more frightening, and make you over-breathe even more, and so on.\n\nA panic attack usually lasts 5-10 minutes, but sometimes they come in 'waves' for up to two hours.\n\nWho gets panic attacks? \nAt least 1 in 10 people have occasional panic attacks. The tend to occur most in young adults. Twice as many women than men have panic attacks. Anyone can have a panic attack, but they also tend to run in some families.\n\nWhat causes panic attacks? \nPanic attacks usually occur for no apparent reason. The cause is not clear. Stressful life events such as a bereavement may sometimes trigger a panic attack.\n\nDealing with a panic attack\n\nTo ease a panic attack, or to prevent one from getting worse:\n\nbreathe as slowly and as deeply as you can. Concentrate on breathing. \nbreathe into a paper bag. By doing this you re-breathe your own carbon dioxide. This helps to correct the blood acid level that had been upset by over-breathing which makes symptoms worse (described above).\nWhat is the treatment for a panic attack?\n\nNo regular treatment is needed if you have just an occasional panic attack. You may find it helpful to:\n\nunderstand about panic attacks, and the cause of the symptoms. \nknow that any physical symptoms which occur do not mean that you have a serious disease. For example, some people find it helpful to know that the palpitations or chest pains they had during a panic attack were not due to a heart or chest problem. \nknow how to deal with a panic attack (see above).\nIf you have frequent or recurring panic attacks, this is called panic disorder. Treatment to prevent panic attacks is an option if you develop panic disorder. See a separate leaflet called 'Panic Disorder'.
79292
Your symptoms and your prior diagnoses seem indicative of chronic panic attacks. Do you suddenly get nervous almost jumpy, begin sweating, have shortness of breath and what can only be described as chest pains when these attacks happen? If so, I would probably have to go with my first assessment. You may want to see your doctor and let him know of all of these symptoms (should they apply to you). He can then prescribe an anti-anxiety medication such as valium, xanax, buspar, etc. Do you have any idea what causes them? Have you suffered a traumatic experience in the past that could have been the basis for this? What generally trigger's this? Sometimes simple panic attacks happen as we remember or are exposed to a situation that is similar to a negative/traumatic experience in ones past. Also, panic attacks and some fears stem from the unknown. Have you heard of the phrase, "What you don't know won't hurt you?" This doesn't apply to people who suffer from panic attacks. The best way to combat this is to research what it is that scares you and trigger's these symptoms. To understand ones problem is to put oneself at ease. Try not to read too much into a situation as this will just increase your anxiety and make it worse. Have you heard of the K.I.S.S. Principle? It stands for Keep It Simple Stupid/Silly. The last "S" is part of the original phrase as Silly is a new variation. Don't take it personally. Anyways, life is already complicated enough without having our own fears and anxieties flare up and make life worse. Try to get to the bottom of this as it can be a learned behavior as a way to compensate for traumatic experiences in your past. I hope that I have been of some help to you in this endeavor. Good Luck to you!\n\nps: Anxiety will increase ones blood pressure and the lack of help and confusion will eventually fuel your anger making things worse. Keep calm as you don't want to give yourself a stroke as it could happen when left unchecked. \n\n\npps: That reminds me, also see your doctor about a blood pressure medication and to also recommend a good therapist as it will provide you with an outlet for your stress. Don't be worried about shame or stigma as over 50% of all Americans suffer from one kind of mental illness or another (no matter how mild of how bad it could be). You are in the majority in this respect. Remember, there is no shame in wanting to get better.\n\nppps: The stress that you are undergoing will lead to a build up of stomach acids which will create heartburn and if left unchecked GERD and/or esophageal varices (an ulcer in the esophagus where it meets your stomach opening), and eventually a gastric ulcer. Eat a lil something low in salt, sugar, fat and acid. This will allow the excess acids to work on the food and not your insides. BTW, sugary, salty and fatty foods will also elevate stomach acids. On a holistic note: I read that the drinking of certain types (not any and all) of vinegar will help to neutralize stomach acids. This makes sense as vinegar is an alkali and will neutralize acid. In any case, always consult your doctor before taking anything to help ease your problems as there may be an allergic or adverse reaction that you don't want to find out about the hard way.
621691
I hear ya!...I have these attacks sometimes too....but what I do is go out in the country....where no one is around & scream...it is great therapy....& I can just clear my head....after about 10 min's of this...I am good to go for another week or so...unless something really bad happens...lol....I know it is good therapy...I have been told by the Single Parent Groups I go to...that sometimes your brain just needs to let off some pressure...so scream until your heart is content....I used to go to the mountain & scream & have it echo back at me...that was amazing.....
8108
i personally have panic disorder. i've been told...get help from a mental health professional first and possibly medication. i've tried the medication, but i'm not one for pills. and honestly, talking to someone...doesn't make it go away! i've had to teach myself relaxation techniques. first and foremost, i repeat to myself over and over, "i'm okay, i'm fine, i'm not hurt, and this too shall pass". but it has affected me in everyday life, even when i'm not having an attack. truly it is all about your mind set. changing your way of thinking, and that can be the hardest part. i haven't found a concrete solution, i just take it day by day.
364197
When I was 15, my mom (god bless her) was brutally murdered. I was angry, suicidal, super emotional. So is suicide normal. . . All I can say is that the best advice I was given is this; the pain of the death of a loved one never goes away. It changes, you learn how to live with it. I never thought the post traumatic stress would end but it did. Please find someone you can trust and let it out. You can even e-mail me through Q&A. My heart really goes out to you. You are not alone!
429787
Yes, you want to pass out, the room starts spinning and you feel very dizzy. your heart races, chest hurts, cant focus, your nervous and feel like if you ran you would feel better and you feel scared for no apparent reason. these are just a few of the symptoms. Its called the flight or fight response feelings.\n I use to suffer from them to the point of having agoraphobia. I am happy to say that I no longer have them anymore. That is without any types of drugs too. If you need any help please email me at dientzy1@yahoo.com in the subject line put panic attack so I will know what it is. I have helped alot of people.\nFirst know that just being afraid of them, makes them worse. The chemical that goes through your body at the time you have these is called epinephrine. This  same chemical that is produced in the fear state is what triggers panic attacks. This is why they seem to get worse. When you you have a panic attack you become afraid, so you are adding "fuel to the fire" so to say. By adding more epinephrine to your body by being afraid along with  the epinephrine that is going on with your panic attack. Normally our body's only produce this during needed times. Its called the flight or fight response (sympathetic nervous reasons). This chemical helps us when we need to flee something as if in a dangerous situation. But some of us have this chemical appear out of the blue in all types of settings. Even waking up with them out of sleep. Then we start to associate that situation we are in to causing the panic attack which makes us want to avoid that type of situation. When this becomes repetitive we may tend to avoid those situations. This is what can lead to agoraphobia, where you are afraid to even leave the house. Panic attacks are very common to type A personality's. It is our bodies way of saying "okay you wont slow down well I'm going to make you". I am not a doctor, but just a person who went through this just like you. The first step is to educate yourself where you can become dominant over the panic attacks. By doing this you learn not to fear the panic attacks which reduces the "fuel" on the fire. By eliminating the extra epinephrine your adding to your body you minimize the panic attack. After being able to learn to conquer them you will become free of them. And I was taught by  taking the opposite of a sympathetic nervous response is a para sympathetic response to help cure my panic attacks. I know these are some strange words but email and I can elaborate But until then know you are NOT going to die from them, although you feel sure that you are when your having them. And do know that you can be cured. Its just a matter of knowing how they are caused and whats happening to you while your having them is the first step in becoming free of them. Relaxation music and muscle exercises help until you can reach this point. There is hope and I can tell you more if you need to get additional information I tried to be brief but with still enough information to try to help right now. Take care! Email me if you need to. It helps to talk to someone who has been there.
432634
I have an anxiety disorder, but its an everyday occurence rather than on just the monthly gift. Yes that is panic attack sympton, but there are many others as well. Such as heart pounding, dizzyness, cold sweat, the feeling like you going to pass out, buzzing in the head, etc.\n\nSo when you get these feeling an you begin to worry about when it going to happen next and then that can lead to an anxiety disorder. But my question is; where is this anxiety coming from?, is there a specific worry or thought that the attack is centered around. If it becomes to much to handle, or worse go talk to a doctor and see what happening. I wish I can help you more but that odd that it only happens when you get the ole mighty gift. I wish you luck hun.
504308
When you were a single parent and then lost your father, well, there went a huge part of your support system, didn't it? It's not surprising then that you would have a strong emotional reaction and hence feel very anxious and insecure. Hence the indecisiveness also.\n\nThat's all perfectly understandable, sweetie! \n\nSo my first suggestion is to accept that fact and by doing so, accept yourself. Don't beat yourself up about something normal. Spend some time meditating on this so it sinks in. And use affirmations as already suggested to reinforce it.\n\nThe second goal should be to get off the meds. These are brain altering chemicals as you're well aware. I think it's criminal that doctors prescribe them so readily without also laying out a plan to treat the cause. How can we return to a normal functioning state when we're messing with our brain chemistry in an unnatural way. \n\nThere are natural ways to elevate mood and reduce anxiety. The really good news is that they'll also help you achieve your weight loss goal! Isn't that great? Say, "heck ya!"  :)\n\nHere's what I would do:\n\n1. Make sure you get 8 hours of sleep per night. This means a dark room, quiet, NO TV and with a good sleep system for support and temperature control (but NOT via electric blankets).\n\n2. Drink enough water for your bodyweight every day. 8 glasses a day is a pretty good guideline.\n\n3. Breathe! Deep breathing is healthy and relaxing. If you have access to a forested area or a stream or waterfall, that's an excellent environment naturally loaded with negative ions in the air which have been proven to improve mood (by affecting serotonin... much like Prozac but totally natural and with no bad effects!). You can get air systems that produce negative ions but there's only one that I know of that doesn't produce harmful ozone as a by-product so buyer beware, k?\n\n4. Pray. God is the almighty Father! Go to church weekly at least and read daily from your Bible. Get to know the New Testament, especially the gospels and the Sermon on the Mount. There's great wisdom there. It's God's love letter to You.\n\n5. Exercise! Take a brisk walk everyday with a friend, your hubby, your kids. Get a dog if you need to (just make sure it's a low maintenance dog, not like a dalmation). This is great for reducing stress, improving mood, and increasing your self-esteem.\n\n6. A warm pet, especially if you're a cat or dog lover, can add joy to the house with their antics. I prefer cats because they're low maintenance, clean, and there's something very satisfying about petting a purring kitty.\n\n7. Eat right. Our diet has a huge effect on our energy levels which affects our mood. Get rid of sodas, sweets and white bread. Instead, focus on fresh fruit and vegetables. Avoid processed foods and go for the real stuff. Your body and brain don't function well if you're lacking vital nutrients. Investing in a GOOD whole foods-based supplement can be very helpful.\n\n8. Go after that job again or find some other activity to do outside the house. The change of scenery will do wonders for your outlook and keep you out of a rut. Do something you find rewarding like volunteering for a worthy organization.\n\n9. Realize that we are our own worst critics. The people around us are too busy with their own lives an worries to spend much time thinking about us. We'd do well to remember that. So give yourself a break. :)\n\nAll of this positive activity will help pull you out of your rut. You'll meet nice people, your clothes will start to feel looser, and you'll start to feel better about yourself.\n\nPrint this out and read it often. Maybe use it as your Bible bookmark so you see it at least once a day. :)\n\nAnd if you want any specific suggestions for supplements or the air system or how to get good sleep, you're welcome to contact me via e-mail.\n\nAll the best and God
134719
I died when I was 9, just for 2 minutes and then I came back. It was not scarey at all. Stop being so morbid and enjoy life while you have it. You are not feeling death, you are depressed or bi polar, you need to see a therapist.
397285
Christine, first you must know what is the root cause of your anxiety/panic attacks.   I agree with you that drugs will only mask the root cause and will not resolve the root cause that is still inside of you.    \n\nThere is what is know as "anticipatory", reaction to anxiety.   When you feel an anxiety attack coming on you must do everything in your power to not allow the cause of the anxiety to take over your entire body.  If this happens then you will have a full blown panic attack.   \n\nWhen you feel anxious or a panic attack coming on, your very first action is to try and think of someting beautlful, or do Yoga breathing exercise.. (Just breath through your nose, taking in as much air as you can hold).  Don't allow the the stomach muscles to force the air out.  You want to control the air by letting it out as slow as possible through your mouth.   \n\nPractice this Yoga breathing exercise at home, so that you will get in the habit of doing it right.  (Usualy two or three max., taking in all the air you can through your nose & letting it out very slow through your mouth will make you feel very relaxed.  \n\nI do it myself.  An it works 100%.    \n\nA phobia of any kind, requires behavior modification, reality therapy or hypnosis.  (If say you have been through therapy an it is obvious it did not work for you).   \n\nYou must be conditioning your mind, with your social phobia, becasue you say that is getting better.  (This means that you must be exposing yourself little by little with being around people.\n\nNow you will have to try and find out why your panic attacks are increasing.  As soon as you feel a panic attack coming on look around yourself, or think of what it is that is own your mind at that monent..  (Perhaps what is around you or what is on your mind at that given moment may be the cause of the panic attack).  \n\nThen if you find the cause, you will need to find an alternative solution to resolve the problem.  This is what I do for my patients.   I find out the root cause an I never tell them what they must do.  I provide them with many alternative solutions and they must pick which one is best for them.  If they ask me about the choice, I can tell them what is the light at the end of the tunnel.\n\nWish you all the best, as panic attacks are no fun.  Plus I am proud of you that you will not let any psychiatrist put you on a controlled substance like Aprazolam, Tafil or Xanax. (All the same drug).  Names depends on what country you reside in.\n\nClinical Psychiatrist, France\n\nExcuse my english