Panic Attack - Please Help!

[panicover]

Have NC so I don't out myself.

I was in a car crash a few weeks ago and thankfully walked away unhurt.

This evening, however, while driving back from relatives with a full car (dh and dc's) I had what I would describe as a full on panic attack. It was absolutely horrible and I was on the motorway while it all happened.

I am home and dry but still feel horrible. I feel jumpy, my legs are like jelly and I'm exhausted

If any of you have had panic attacks please can you advise on what I should do in the immediate aftermath? Should I try and calm down with a drink, go to bed, chat to dh about it (he gave me a big bear hug and a cup of tea) or what do you think? I have tramadol (codeine) for back pain, should I take some to see if it calms me down? I really feel yuk.

Thank you.

[Haggisfish]

Jog on the spot for a little while or go for walk to get rid of excess adrenaline. Listen to a calming meditation-www.meditainment.com gave a free one. Poss go to gp as it sounds a little bit like it may be PTSD.

[Curiouserandcuriouser30]

Ah you poor thing! Definitely try and calm down, sitting with a cup of tea might be nice, but do whatever you do normally to relax. Personally I wouldn't take the tramadol, I doubt it would help.

Be kind to yourself

[TurnOffTheTv]

I always walk about, even if it's pacing around the house for a while, it takes me a while to come down. Try not to dwell on it or you might start getting a bit antsy again. I'm always exhausted as well, but sometimes bed is too quiet and I get very aware of my heartbeat/breathing. So I listen to a podcast or audiobook

[panicover]

In bed now watching the lovely "Dectectorists". So gentle and calming.

I still feel odd and rattled though. I have to get my head around this though, I can not retire from driving as family life would come to a stop.

Thank you for your kind words and advice (even on Christmas Day ). Mumsnet is a special place.

[H3]

Just wanted to say that I didn't have a car crash but I did have a panic attack on a motorway once. Avoided motorways for ages after that or even roads where I could not stop (like a bypass). I had to slowly build up to driving on them again as I would feel the panic rising as I approached and often did a detour. Wanted to let you know that I am fine now but it did take a little while. Hope you're feeling better today.