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Anxiety/panic attacks

13 replies

SkyBlue1987 · 29/06/2025 08:51

Hello, I’m posting this because I’m hoping that surely I can’t be the only one experiencing this. For at least five years (started before I had kids) I’ve had what I guess are mini panic attacks - but I like to call them overwhelm attacks because that is what they feel like to me.

They occur mostly in public places with a lot of input - malls, supermarkets, busy places etc. Sometimes when visiting people. I’ve never had one at my house. They happen out of no where and I feel a huge sense of overwhelm, lightheadedness and sensory overload and like I am literally going to pass out. I just want to lie down when they happen - it is very scary when I am out alone with my children. I manage to breathe my way through them and am usually ok after a few mins although sometimes I have a lingering woozy feeling afterwards.

They are becoming more common and I’m beginning to get scared of going out alone with my children so I think I finally need to do something about these and maybe look into medication. My children are also rambunctious and loud little boys so that doesn’t help. I already do some mediation most days. If anyone has had anything similar what have you found to help, did medication work, even at a low dose? I am going to see my doctor next week.

OP posts:
alexalisten · 29/06/2025 08:54

Medication specifically antidepressants work really well for this. I would avoid the more short term addictive benzos. They've helped me a lot will take a few weeks to work but will be worth it. It's not a cure but will significantly reduce them.

hannahbanana93 · 29/06/2025 08:59

I think the best thing to do is embrace it. Remind your body that this is a panic attack and nothing more than that. It isn't going to kill you. Don't let it overwhelm you. Deep breaths, telling yourself you are fine, it's going to pass soon.

Silentstarsgoby · 29/06/2025 09:03

hannahbanana93 · 29/06/2025 08:59

I think the best thing to do is embrace it. Remind your body that this is a panic attack and nothing more than that. It isn't going to kill you. Don't let it overwhelm you. Deep breaths, telling yourself you are fine, it's going to pass soon.

This. Try not to restrict what you're doing, because then you might need to restrict things even further. The Disordered podcast is a great listen about all things related to anxiety and panic attacks- the two hosts have both experienced anxiety and are now in recovery.

SkyBlue1987 · 29/06/2025 09:03

hannahbanana93 · 29/06/2025 08:59

I think the best thing to do is embrace it. Remind your body that this is a panic attack and nothing more than that. It isn't going to kill you. Don't let it overwhelm you. Deep breaths, telling yourself you are fine, it's going to pass soon.

Thanks I do try and do that and it is what helps me get through them. However, I guess I am scared that one day I will actually faint from them because I feel so close to fainting and that would be scary for my boys.

OP posts:
Iamtarticus · 29/06/2025 09:05

How old are you?

SkyBlue1987 · 29/06/2025 09:07

Iamtarticus · 29/06/2025 09:05

How old are you?

35

OP posts:
ReneesBigMole · 29/06/2025 09:09

Op, you can also self refer yourself on NHS online for CBT talking therapy for anxiety and panic attacks. They are videos you watch that help you to determine issues and help dealing with the anxiety and attacks. You can also follow on and talk to someone if needed.

Jigaliga · 29/06/2025 09:24

alexalisten · 29/06/2025 08:54

Medication specifically antidepressants work really well for this. I would avoid the more short term addictive benzos. They've helped me a lot will take a few weeks to work but will be worth it. It's not a cure but will significantly reduce them.

Antidepressants are not a solution for occasional panic attacks.

There are so many people in this country who have been bunged on ADs that go on to screw them up in some way, its appalling.

OP I had panic disorder and two GPs tried to force me onto ADs. Im glad I stuck to my guns. It took me two years to overcome it but I did it by going on a serious meditation journey (I followed Tergar's Joy of Life programme), taking up exercise, using the Finch app daily and most importantly: dealing with a life situation that was causing my body to react in panic mode. Is there something going on in your life that is causing you underlying fear in any way? The body often speaks before your mind cops on IME.

JurgenKloppsTeeth · 29/06/2025 09:35

I had them years ago during a particularly stressful time and I would echo @Jigaliga that there is something causing these and ADs, while useful in some circumstances, aren’t going to fix the underlying issue. Talking therapies and CBT like PPs have said are a better option.

That said, I was put on seroxat when my panic attacks got so bad that I couldn’t leave the house and it did help me get my head above water as it were, so I could then tackle what was causing them. It was awful to come off though, I’d not recommend it.

My main triggers were anywhere busy and noisy, anywhere crowded and hot, or anywhere where I couldn’t see an obvious way out. I even used to get them on the bus. Horrible and debilitating and you have my every sympathy.

alexalisten · 29/06/2025 13:30

Jigaliga · 29/06/2025 09:24

Antidepressants are not a solution for occasional panic attacks.

There are so many people in this country who have been bunged on ADs that go on to screw them up in some way, its appalling.

OP I had panic disorder and two GPs tried to force me onto ADs. Im glad I stuck to my guns. It took me two years to overcome it but I did it by going on a serious meditation journey (I followed Tergar's Joy of Life programme), taking up exercise, using the Finch app daily and most importantly: dealing with a life situation that was causing my body to react in panic mode. Is there something going on in your life that is causing you underlying fear in any way? The body often speaks before your mind cops on IME.

It doesnt sound like they are occasional if its getting to the point she doesnt want to go out with her kids. Why suffer through their is absolutely nothing wrong with antidepressants she doesn't need to be on them forever. They are literally life changing. If it carries on it will only get worse and she won't leave the house at all.

Jigaliga · 29/06/2025 13:39

alexalisten · 29/06/2025 13:30

It doesnt sound like they are occasional if its getting to the point she doesnt want to go out with her kids. Why suffer through their is absolutely nothing wrong with antidepressants she doesn't need to be on them forever. They are literally life changing. If it carries on it will only get worse and she won't leave the house at all.

Personally I have seen several friends deteriorate on ADs, which is why I was really against taking them.
Just offering a different option for the OP, as i know the NHS likes to dish them out like sweets.

Pinkrabitt · 30/06/2025 23:36

What do you mean by deteriorate @Jigaliga ?

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