DH - think he's had his first panic attack

[newbeliever]

I was out today when I received a phone call from an ambulance crew telling me not to worry but they were with my husband. They explained that he thought he was having a heart attack when in fact they believed it had been a panic attack. They took him down to the hospital to double check and have all the necessary tests, x-rays etc

Now my DH has been really unhappy at work and I have suspected for some time that he was a bit depressed. Over the last year, he has wanted to spend more + more time on his own (thought I was being helpful as he seemed so stressed about work, have noticed he gets agitated far more quickly than usual (especially when driving the car) and just a general distancing of himself. I have been worried about him and suggested that he sees a doctor but to date he just wouldn't go.

So, when I got to the hospital I could see he was very upset, as soon as I asked him what had happened he was crying and could barely talk. Eventually he explained that work had called him quite early this morning (he didn't get in from work until 3.30am this morning) asking his what time he was going back in and wanting an update on the job he had been working on the night before. My DH had only had about 3/4 hours sleep. It seems that it was this that caused the episode, he said he just felt he really didn't want to go into work today. He said his heart seemed to be beating very hard, his chest seemed to tighten, he was having trouble breathing and experincing pin + needles in his arm -hence why he called the ambulance.

The hospital discharged him this afternoon - they would only deal with the physical aspects + did not refer to any possible anxiety attack, stress or depression. Nor did they advise me.

I've booked a doctors appointment for tomorrow morning - I really think he needs to be signed off + not have to worry about work for the time being.

Not sure what my question is, just needed to talk about it + would welcome any advice/tips from fellow MNers.

I'm also a bit worried at the moment as he seemed quite agitated again at tea-time and said he needed to pop out for a walk. It's now dark and he still hasn't returned - although this is not a new thing, he has been doing this for 6 months or so now, but given what happened today I am starting to get a bit concerned.

Apologies for the grammer and spelling.

I can see why they did not take it further at A&E as although he is distressed he is not an emergency from that point of view. Lots of people have panick attacks (including me and dh so I'm not being callous here)

He needs to book a double appointment with his GP and explain it all.

Work is overstepping the mark considerably and may need pointing at the european working time directive. Or threatened with them making him ill (employment tribunals come down hard on that)

Get him to read up on what hapens during a panic attack so he loses the fear a bit - because usually it is the fear of panic attacks that lead to more panic attacks.

GP can refer him to appropriate mental health services if necessary.

Panic attacks often occur alongside depression.

Depending on what is available in your area the GP may refer him on to see Crisis Team or Psychiatrist or Anxiety Management.

As you know GP can sign him off. Afaik once he is off it would be harrassment if work continue to pursue him and make demands. (although it would perhaps be reasonable for him to tie up loose ends and verbally hand over or get someone else to on his behalf if he is having some time off)

Thanks for the replies - the doctor seems to think it is stress and has signed him off work for two weeks initially. He has been very teary today. The panic attack yesterday really scared him - he's never experienced anything like that before. I will definitely encourage him to read up a bit on panic attacks, for now, the doctor has suggested he doesn't think about work at all - remain active and take up some exercise and she will review again next week. It's so hard, because I just want to make him feel better + make it all ok for him.

this is an excellent site

Thanks scurryfunge - looking at the site now.