I had a panic attack this morning and it was really awful. I don't know how many of you are familiar with panic attacks, but you literally feel like you are going to die. This one came out of nowhere. My heart started beating very fast and furiously, I started sweating, shaking, my hands tingled, I felt like I was going to faint, and I couldn't think clearly. It only lasted a couple of minutes and then it went away. About 15 minutes later it started again, lasted a couple of minutes and then went away. I went through about 6 cycles of this, until I finally took one of my Dad's ativans. Then it stopped and I felt better. I haven't had a panic attack in years!
I've been very stressed from losing my job, and just before my attack today I was watching the news and they were talking about the DOW dropping below 7,000 points and I started thinking about how much worse things may get.
But I really thought I was dying. It was awful! I hope it doesn't happen again for a long time.
Oh I am so sorry for you. I had my first panicattacks in my teens and to be hoest for the past 20 years have been pretty panicfree. Mine started about a month ago ands are every bit as bad as I remembered.If it happens at the till, it is awful, I sweat, feel sick/faint/confused and terrified and I just want to get them through so I can get oustside for some air.
I know it is all the stress, and know realistically I will not die, but they are hellish.I find the paper bag helps. No not the one over my head.!!
The physical symptoms of the panics are in part caused by hyperventillating, which reduces CO2 levels and also excess adrenalin and cortisol, 2 stres hormones., you can increase CO2 levels very quickly by breathing into a bag then breathing back in the exhaled CO2.
If at all possible once you have done that, then do something active which will help mop up the excess adrenalin and cortisol.The reason it is so horrible, is that you should only pump out excess stress hormones if you are in a fight or flight situation.If you are not, the blood becomes saturated with them and as there is no fight or flight situation they make you feel so hyper.Physical activity will help mop up the excess and reduce symptoms.
I hope they settle for you soon as they really are very, very scary.