why do panic attacks come just out of the blue?
824556
I used to have some really bad ones! 2 or 3 times a day! I really thought I was having a heart attack, it is really frightening!!! I had to take anxiety medication and now I only have them once in a while! You look like you might be having a depression, too much stress and maybe not enough sleep! Don't stay like that, you are not alone, seek help from your doctor!!
52501
I myself have panic disorder and have passed out from a panic attack- HOWEVER if you learn how to breath appropriately with your diapragam my therapist told me it is impossible to pass out- look into deep breathing/relaxation exersizes for more on that...\n\nPanic attacks can last anywhere from literally for a few seconds to a few minutes and maybe longer- if its too much longer though, its more likely just a state of severe anxiety instead of an "attack"\n\nWhat happens when you come out of the attack?  well, if you learn the appropriate tools and techniques to deal with a panic attack, you can slowly bring yourself out of it (again with relaxation, breathing, self-talk, etc)and begin to feel calm and eventually back to normal and your body will return to homeostasis
564635
Panic attacks have many causes and yes, phobias are one of them. In fact they're probably one of the biggest causes. I've had panic attacks for 7 years which were initially triggered by smoking marijuana and taking LSD. Stress can also be a factor.\n\nThe first panic attack I ever had was after smoking some pot. I suddenly felt like I couldn't breathe, my hands and feet went numb, and I thought I was going to die. I went to the ER and they just told me it was a gastrointestinal thing (WTF!) and gave me some antacids and sent me home. After visiting my regular doctor I found out the truth.\n\nI quit doing drugs, started going to therapy, and began taking Paxil. It worked great...for a while. I switched to Celexa, then Effexor, then Zoloft, and now Wellbutrin. Wellbutrin makes me feel better but recently my panic attacks have returned, so I also take Ativan or Xanax when they hit.\n\nIf you don't want to take any drugs, there are some breathing exercises you can do to help calm yourself down. You can find them on-line, but one that I use is you close your eyes and take slow deep breaths in through your nose and out through your mouth. I keep doing this until I feel that I can go back to being normal or until I fall asleep.\n\nIf you're taking any recreational drugs, you should stop because it may be contributing to the problem. I hope this helps you!
334720
Panic attacks occur as we become anxious and our adrenaline levels increase.  These adrenaline rushes were inbuilt into our subconscious minds in the days when man was still living in ancient times, and came in useful when danger was around for example, a wild beast threatening his survival.  This survival instinct meant that man had the option of fighting or fleeing from the danger and this is where adrenaline was needed to deal with it.  Panic attacks are often referred to as the 'fight or flight' response.  The trouble is that in todays society, we have little need for releasing adrenaline in this way, so tension and anxiety build up within the body and mind and are shown in symptoms of stress such as panic attacks.  The good news is that many people overcome these uncomfortable and often debilitating symptoms associated with panic attacks via the use of various therapies.  Very helpful therapies include learning the art of relaxation and i would highly recommend seeing a qualified hypnotherapist or a behavioural counsellor who specialises in this area.  I always say that knowlege is power and would suggest reading a self-help book - Self-Help for your Nerves by Claire Weekes is enlightening and can be found in most local libraries.
796804
Yeah i have gotten panic attacks before they are just weird because out of no where you get them. She should go see a therapist even though she dont want to but that will help a lot trust me. Maybe there is something in her that she needs to let out or something there has to be something causing those attacks.
40617
Lots of people with many responsibilites feel the way you do. It's normal to feel stressed out when you have so much going on, and untreated stress can escalate into panic attacks (sounds like that may be happened to you, since shortness of breath is one of the symptoms).\n\nNow is the time to take steps so your stress won't progress any further. If possible, talk to a therapist who can help you. At the very least, you need to list and sort the priorities in your life and make a sensible plan for carrying them out. You also need to schedule time for yourself; make an appointment for "you time," and KEEP IT!\n\nThere is no easy way out of your situation, but if you can prioritize your life and break down your tasks into managable chunks and work in some time for yourself, it should help tremendously.\n\nDr. Barb Nefer, http://www.bnlifeskills.com
453136
YES...I have full blown panic disorder.  It is caused by a chemical imbalance in your brain chemistry.  My doctor gave me birth control for it because most of my panic attacks are from my raging hormones.  It does happen to me.  I am a hypocondriac, I have a little O.C.D, and I have Panic Dissorder. And yes, I was diagnosed with them. Trust me...the best thing to do about it is to learn how to tell yourself that the things that are going on in your head are NOT true.  Your not going to die, your heart is NOT in your throat, and you are NOT crazy.  I have to tell myself that every single day.  I have them in the morning and at night.  I feel like im dreaming durring the day too. I have not felt normal since I was about 13 and I am now 18.  Please do whatever you can to contact a doctor and get it under control before it gets worse. Best of luck you you...seriously
222123
Panic attacks often mimic heart attacks. That's why they can be so darn scary. But it's better to go to the hospital just to be sure. They would rather see you there with a panic attack than to have you second-guess and be wrong. Are you male or female? Often doctors don't take female symptoms as seriously because they think only men get heart disease. If you wake up in the middle of the night trying to catch your breath, you may have sleep apnea. That's when you stop breathing for several seconds and up to a minute. This can cause heart problems. So talk to your doctor about testing at a sleep clinic. (Do you snore?? That often accompanies sleep apnea.) I know it's frustrating to go to the doctor so often and to find nothing wrong. To learn more about panic attacks, go to the link below. You can also do a search on sleep apnea. If you think it could be panic attacks, there are medications you can take to control them... the SSRI class of medications. Talk to your doctor, or better, to a psychiatrist. That's a medical doctor with special training in emotional issues. They can diagnose conditions and prescribe appropriate medications. Good luck. You will be fine.
306067
Considering most people who have seizures also black out, and have no knowledge of the incident.  I'd say it was a panic attack.  Are you on anti-anxiety meds?
919999
You may just be having a panic attack.  Have you been through stressful times recently?  Take big deep breaths, in through the nose and out through the mouth.  When you inhale, imagine inhaling calm.  When you exhale, imagine letting out stress.  Keep this up for a few minutes.  If it's just a panic attack, then it should go away.  If this doesn't make it go away, then you need to call for help.\n\nhttp://www.angelic1healing.com
624313
A panic attack is a period of intense fear or discomfort, typically with an abrupt onset and usually lasting no more than thirty minutes. Symptoms include trembling, shortness of breath, heart palpitations, sweating, nausea, dizziness, hyperventilation, paresthesias (tingling sensations), and sensations of choking or smothering. The disorder is strikingly different from other types of anxiety disorders in that panic attacks are very sudden, appear to be unprovoked, and are often disabling. An episode is often categorized as a vicious cycle where the mental symptoms increase the physical symptoms, and vice-versa.\n\nMost who have one attack will have others. People who have repeated attacks, or feel severe anxiety about having another attack, are said to have panic disorder.
1009160
Have you had any panic attacks? \n-Sweating\n-Shaking\n-Racing thoughts\n-Choking feeling\n-Trouble breathing\n-Racing heart beat\n\nYou might...talk to your doctor about it.  If you feel constantly in anxeity there could be a deeper root or you could be developing or have anxeity disorder.  Call your doctor and talk to him about it
21942
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.
981137
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 :) :) :)
361350
I've had panic attacks in the past...thankfully not recently. I guess you should just focus on becoming less stressed in general, through whatever method works for you. I've tried hypnosis, anxiety medication, meditation, etc. I wouldn't recommend medication because it's usually addictive and withdrawal symptoms are really bad. Meditating and hypnosis were the most useful tools for me. And don't be afraid to seek the support of others. More people than you think suffer from panic attacks.
838005
That sounds like agoraphobia.. its the phobia of going out of the home and dealing with people.   It is part of depression and a social anxiety order its actually both.    I use to suffer from the same thing if you see a psychologist they can help you over come that fear and anxiety, but you have to be willing for it to work.\n\nSymptoms of a panic attack may include:2\n\nRapid breathing (hyperventilation), shortness of breath, or feeling "smothered." \nA pounding or racing heart or an irregular heartbeat. \nChest pain. \nLightheadedness. \nSweating. \nA choking feeling. \nNausea or an upset stomach. \nDizziness, shaking, or trembling. \nNumbness or tingling. \nChills or hot flashes. \nFear that you are going to die, lose control, or "go crazy." \nFeelings of being detached from yourself or from reality
747234
Samya, I am really sorry you are feeling this way, but you are not having panic attacks. You are feeling overreactive to stimulation and you are probably dealing with a lot of stress. There is something called anxiety attacks which are smaller than panic attacks but they are very distressing none-the-less. Try counting to 10 before reacting to negative comments by someone and see if the immediate anger subsides a little. Good luck :)