anyone suffer from panic attacks?
410296
I do. They are horrible. My husband and I split up about a year ago, but we got back together shortly after that. Anyway, ever since, when he's just going to the gas station to get gas or cigarettes and it seems to me it's been to long, I start shaking, walking around the house, crying, calling him. It's awful. But I tried to solve the problem without medication and we're seing a counselor so it's getting better.
1008560
I used to have the same thing, so I can identify with you. All of a sudden and for no reason, I would get deathly afraid and begin to hyperventilate. If I went outside and got some fresh air, I would calm down quickly. However, these attacks continued for well over a year. My doctor said I was in a stress-filled job. He prescribed Prozac for me, and I immediately felt better and not so depressed. BUT, it wasn't until I left a high paying, stress-filled job that I got completely better, and I haven't had such an attack for well over 15 years. Check with your doctor and discuss with him/her your work situation as well as other stresses in your life. He will help you.\n\nGood luck!!
131611
It really depends on the person and why they are having them. I have a panic disorder and Post traumatic stress disorder so it is a serious medical condition for me. I need xanax to get through the day sometimes to keep me from having a panic attack like crazy. For that person they feel like they are going crazy and they are in constant pain. It makes me not be able to breathe and my heart races. I usually have to lie down and am afraid of everything. It is very serious for some. But some people have a better control over it.
197367
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.
176565
Depends.  If you have generalized anxiety...like just being worried all the time, therapy should help...and you won't need medication. \nIf you have what I have, which is anxiety disorder w/panic attacks...see a psyc who can give you meds in conjunction with therapy.  I've always been a worry wart...but over the past year I've had quite a few actual panic attacks...that are very scary when you first have them.  I can be sitting, doing absolutely nothing...not worrying about anything..and withing 5 mins be shaking, feel like I can't breath, lightheaded, dizzy, a absolutely terrified...for No reason.  That's a true panic attack.  Of course, stressful situations don't help...but usually I don't even have attacks in those situations.  At this point...I can feel when one is coming on, know I'm not dying, and pop 1/2 a xanax.  It's so helpful when you have the true attacks.  If I didn't have meds, I would sometimes pass out from the fear of the attack itself.  Get some help accordingly :)  Good luck!
541849
A panic attack is a discrete period of intense fear or discomfort, in which four (or more) of the following symptoms developed abruptly and reached a peak within 10 minutes: \n\nPalpitations, pounding heart, or accelerated heart rate \nSweating \nTrembling or shaking \nSensations of shortness of breath or smothering \nFeeling of choking \nChest pain or discomfort \nNausea or abdominal distress \nFeeling dizzy, unsteady, lightheaded, or faint \nDerealization (feelings of unreality) or depersonalization (being detached from oneself) \nFear of losing control or going crazy \nFear of dying \nParesthesias (numbness or tingling sensations) \nChills or hot flushes
1143921
If you know for sure they are panic attacks you must be seeing a psychologist?  Is it not helping?  The medication should help you!\n\nFor about a week just lay down, get comfortable and imagine yourself walking out of your house....walk down the street....stop and walk back.  After you get comfortable just imagining it, than actually do it.  First, walk outside to the sidewalk....if you start to feel uncomfortable then go back inside.  Do this everday until you can actually walk down the street comfortably.  Then, you're cured!
547602
Heart attack symptoms? hmm...rather vague here. but it could also be that the stresses in your life are making feel anxious? Anxiety and/or panic attacks frequently present as somewhat similar to having a heart attack. In fact, up to 30% of patients who complained of having heart attack symptoms actually suffer from anxiety disorders instead.\n\nTo have peace of mind, do consult your local doctor. He/she will be best positioned to advise you :)
202531
I used to have severe panic attacks. Along with the panic attacks was high blood pressure. I was in a stressful situation. My doctor put me on buspar (it only made me feel doped up and gain weight) for about 3 months. Once I got myself out of the stressful situation things slowly went back to normal. It was awful. I could be in the middle of my normal daily activities or in the middle of Wal-Mart and it would just hit me all of a sudden. I still have a panic attack occasionally, but nowhere near as bad as they used to be. If you haven't already, I would suggest you see your doctor.I don't think medication is right for everyone..depending on how severe it is for you. Sometimes a change in lifestyle is also helpful.
81707
I have had panic attacks since I was 17, I'm now 23. There is a book that helped me understand how to relax myself and deal with these attcks. Its called the Anxiety and Phobia workbook by Edmund J. Bourne. \n\nSomething I have noticed that has helped tremondously is to excercise. If your not a gym person, I recommend walking at least 30 mins a day.
62687
Yes!  Yes!  Yes!  I used to have DEBILITATING panic attacks and after 3 hypnosis sessions, I can now do things that used to have me hyperventilating and sobbing!
654292
I believe that to treat/ get over panic attacks, a holistic approach is best (Looking at the whole system rather than just concentrating on individual components).\n\nSome of the various approaches to helping sufferers of panic attacks include (but are not limited to):\n-counselling\n-support groups\n-stress management courses\n-medication (acute- valium, or chronic- antianxiety meds)\n-relaxation techniques courses\n-non-aerobic 'centering' exercise (yoga, stretching, pilates, tai chi)\n-massage\n-dietary counselling\n\nThe counselling is one of the most important ways to help panic attack sufferers. It can be very helpful in identifying the root cause of the attacks, in learning about relaxation/stress management techniques, in learning about the various pharmacological treatments available, and helping arrange the best treatment for YOU.\n\nI haven't really addressed specific ways to help yourself while you are IN a panic attack. However, I believe that what I have answered here is very helpful in reducing or eliminating your panic attacks.\n\nI hope that I have been helpful!\n:)
585369
I suffer with bad panic attacks that get that bad i have to cut myself to stop them.\nThe best way to cope with a panic attack is to try to breath it off the best u can, and try to reassure yourself that everything will be ok. If you feel ok to walk try to walk it off and shake ur hands till you feel better.\nif non of these work then try to find a paper bag and use that method. Remember you are not going to die, it is just your bodies reaction to the fight or flight situation.
810362
YES!! thank you...my best friend has panic/anxiety attacks..I dont know how to help her...she is afraid all the time...i want to be able to help  her, I want to know how to deal with her...I have taken her to the hospital countless numbers of times..just because she thinks something is truely wrong with her...she has been having feelings that death would be better than dealing with this problem....I need a support group and she does too!!!
193390
I suffer aswell..ive tried loads of things. I have refused to go on tablets because they only help the symptoms of the attacks, not the root cause of them.\nIts taken me five years to talk about it with someone. I have gone 3 times to a hypnotherapist / psychotherapist and it has really helped. Ive found out why I feel like this. Im learning what triggers the attacks and the hypnotherapy is helping me to change how i think about myself etc.\nExercise is vital really to managing them. Going for walks and all..it helps the anxiety to subside.\nIve cut out sugar and coffee in my diet aswell, these things kind of make anxiety worse. its true that food has an effect on your mind and body.\nAnyway....if you want to talk then you can pm me or mail me cos i know what youre going through.
463977
First and foremost pray and then start looking for information to help you with anxiety attacks because the Bible says Seek and you WILL (not may) find .Believe me, having been through anxiety attacks I know how motivated you are to get help. I believe you will get help and I am on your side in the battle.\n\nIt is very important to do this with the guidance of a trained Psychologist or Psychiatrist but there are ways to cope with this problem without medication in many instances.\n\nOften panic attacks are the result of some kind of psychological trauma. In my case I almost died from a heart problem. Most of my life I have not had them but when I did they were doozies. You must guard against incompetent Medical people. In my case the Dr. prescribed enough of a drug in the same class as Valium (can't remember the name now) to sedate a horse. These drugs do not address the underlying problem although in some severe cases may be necessary. The benzodiazapenes such as Valium and Xanax are addictive. The only drug I take now is a drug that regulates the heartbeat.\n\nBe particularly careful about the Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors such as Prozac, Zoloft and Paxil. Again in extreme cases they may be necessary and regardless always go with a Doctor's advice(just make sure they are competent). What I am stating is my own opinion derived from personal experience but it is well founded since I am well now and was at one point a basket case. I had a very bad experience with Zoloft, promptly quit and don't need it.\n\nHeres what I found:\n\nDon't laugh, but many times anxiety attacks are caused by hyperventilating. When you hyperventilate you are actually changing the chemical composition of the blood. It is a vicious spiral because the more you get anxious the more you hyperventilate which makes you more anxious ad infinitum. I am not talking about conciously hyperventilating but rather hyperventilation you are not necessarily aware of, basically improper and shallow breathing. A good site that explains it is http://www.healthyplace.com/Communities/anxiety/christine/treatment_breathing_techniques.htm\n\nSometimes if you will slow the rate at which you breathe and breathe from your diaphragm, you can mitigate your anxiety. Babies breathe from their bellies, adults and sometimes even children breathe in a shallow manner not extending their bellies out as they take in a breath.  Due to the excessive levels of stress all around us we become desensitized and don't even realize how much we have been affected. I remember going out into the country and for awhile the extreme quiet got on my nerves until I got used to it and then what an incredible good feeling came over me.\n\nThere is another technique for dealing with the acute portions of an anxiety attack. There is a book by Dr. Claire Weekes called Hope and Help for your Nerves. She talks about the 4 stages (1 Facing 2)Accepting 3) Floating \n4) Letting time pass . I highly recommend that you purchase her book . For me, the facing part is acknowledgeing that even though you feel as if you will die and it is extremely uncomfortable , you will not likely die. The accepting part is just acknowledging that since you will not likely die you can accept your condition. This becomes easier as the severity of the attacks begin to lessen. 3) Floating for me was a process of stepping outside of myself and observing objectively what was going on 4) Letting time pass is facilitated by realizing that the attack will diminish over time . This realization allows you to become occupied doing something else. I am by no means  a trained Psychologist but the techniques worked for me and I am definitely well now and I think it is possible you will be too. \n\nOh and be sure to get a complete medical workup. Sometimes anxiety attacks are realted to a thyroid condition or mitral valve prolapse.
1012067
All the time,  it's a normal thing with anxiety, are you on any medications for it?  if you need someone to talk to about this who has experienced exactly what your going through, please feel free to e-mail me at dahorndogD013@yahoo.com