to ask you about panic attacks?

[TheOrchardKeeper]

Had an unexpected one (first one ever) at the beginning of the week.

There was no mistaking it even though I've never seen/had one. I was crying about something I was upset about (been quite stressed lately) and ended up hyperventilating, vomiting and couldn't stop my arms and legs shaking. Spent the rest of the night clasping my pillow and trying to sleep (took ages to wind down afterwards).

Has anyone else had similar and not gone on to have any/many more. (I had another one the next night and feel like I might again at least once a day since then). Should I go to the GPs? Or is it likely to pass?

Can you tell I'm a bit clueless?

It's ok to be weak.

(Did you see that word I just used there? )

People these days are so obsessed with 'strong' - have you noticed? People say 'be strong!' 'you're so strong - well done' (always a 'well done' on the end of that one). It's highly prized, this strong business.

But sometimes it's ok to be weak. It isn't a crime. It doesn't last long; and trying to be strong when you're weak is stupid - you can't do it (because you're weak LOL)

So I'll say 'be weak!' and 'you're so weak - well done!' just to even the balance

strong, weak - who gives a fuck tbf. We're all trying to get through - and some of us are pulling a ten-tonne truck so, frankly, it's no surprise we're weak sometimes.

Glad everything is sorted with your partner. I take it you don't live together?

We don't. And thank you. I know what you mean!

Am seriously effing pissed off because I pulled my knee doing nothing at home last night, woke up this morning and can barely effing walk

My GP is in town and we have barely any food in and I just keep crying because I can't face calling my mum/DP to help because they're already helping and I feel like such a PITA. Plus my leg hurts so bad when I walk on it that it's making me cry.

I will call though, as I have no other way of sorting it!

oh no! Like you need that now!

I hope you've got something sorted. I'm sure both your mum and your partner want to help - and it's not as if you're crying wolf, is it?

i'm wondering if you've got the hang of the weak thing... maybe it's the word? ok then, instead of weak, how about: beleaguered, overwhelmed, tired, weary? If you're any of those you just are. Nobody's fault, no reflection on you personally. Just one of those things (you will probably look back on this time and think 'no wonder'). You may as well beat yourself up for having flu... though, come to think of it, if you're feeling a PITA because of a pulled knee, I'm guessing you'd feel a PITA about having flu.... oh dear.

Can you let go and just let yourself be weak beleaguered, overwhelmed etc? I find that kicking against it, resisting it, makes it worse. Bit long in the tooth at looking after my MH and have learnt some strategies....

Have you got someone over to help out? When my kids were little I sprained my ankle so badly I was completely unable to walk for a good couple of weeks. People helped out - they liked and wanted to. Maybe you'll find the same?

Feeling much better today. Leg hurts a lot less and my mum said she was taking DS last night so I could sleep. It's made a difference already!

Will make sure I get out and about later and just try to enjoy the break as best I can

Glad to hear things have eased a bit with your knee and that your mum has stepped up (bless her). I hope you get some calm today my dear xx

Yes, I had one totally out of the blue one night watching Friday telly (having never had them before) about 4 months after leaving my husband. I couldn't fathom what was happening to me, thought maybe I was having a heart attack, convinced I would drop dead on the floor too be found by small DC the following morning. It was the most completely terrifying thing that had ever happened to me, and once I worked out what was going on I felt like my mind had let me down, I couldn't fathom as to why this had happened to capable, resourceful ME who previously thought anyone suffering anxiety was just "putting it on"

I spent the night petrified, but thankfully had arranged to go somewhere the following day with a good friend and her DC, when she turned up I just sort of fell at her gibbering on about it and she was amazing, talked through it with me and kept me occupied, and stayed on into the evening to make sure I would be ok. She even drove me to Boots with our collective 5 DC so I could buy Rescue Remedy and Kalms, I was desperate! On the Monday I went to the GP who prescribed me beta blockers, with instructions to take one if I felt the panic rising again. After I had those I relaxed a bit, because the logical part of my brain, knowing the tablets were there gave me reassurance, in the end I only had to take a couple, shortly afterwards when I felt the fear rising again.

It's dreadful, because you can't stop it, no matter how much you try and talk yourself down thinking "it's just a panic attack it will pass"... thats what makes them so bloody terrifying, that out of control feeling. And then once it's stopped you're terrified you might have another! It's a vicious circle

It helped me to understand that firstly it is ok not to always be strong, and that a panic attack wasn't going to kill me, and I always had tablets or a friend to call if I ever had one again. So far one year on, although I have felt occasionally like I might have one again, so far, touch wood, I have been able to nip it in the bud.

I do wish you all the best and hope that gives you a bit of reassurance, have one of these

Agree completely wilkos . I've even seen friends have a PA and never quite realized that you feel terrified. The last time I can remember being that scared was when DS was born (complications arose & I was high as a kite and convinced he was dead/dying).

It really is that scary.

I'm only 23 so don't think it's the menopause (Though I get hot/cold flushes). I've been on the same pill forever so pretty sure it's not hormonal.

I had a milder PA at DP's parents house but managed not to cry and managed to concentrate on my breathing a little better, so whilst I was really embarrassed I was weirdly proud of myself for not just thinking 'oh shit' and trying to regain some control...even if I kind of failed. I couldn't think straight during the last ones so I'm taking that as a good thing

I also learned I should avoid energy drinks
Duh...