I couldn't breathe,

[Iamnotaosureaboutthis123]

I really need someone to offer me some advice, or please just hold my hand, or let me know if there is anything herbal I can take to calm me.

I have suffered with mental health and panic attacks in the past, and had medication for it, but I regained control of it and I am now in a good place whereby I can manage any anxiety I get.

Last night however, was a completely different story. It crept up on me , and wouldn't leave me.

I have been relatively fine with my anxiety during the pandemic, but last night I genuinely thought I had covid and I was on my death bed.

It started around 11pm and went on until 3.30am, I couldn't breathe, my chest was tight, I felt like I had a huge lump in my chest, I felt tingly all over, every time I had a little bit of hope falling asleep , I would get so nervous and jolt myself awake again in pure fear, the only reason I didn't call 111 is because I knew it was anxiety and panic.

I just could not shake it off. I felt terrified in all honesty. I am now in a place where I am mentally and physically exhausted and so worried It will happen again tonight.

Someone please offer me some advice :(

It probably will happen tonight because you are already worrying that it will. It’s a vicious circle.
You need to ring your GP and tell them how you are feeling.
These things are always worse in the night, don’t suffer 💐

Panic attacks can and will come on out if the blue even when you're feeling absolutely fine mentally because it had happened to me, it's awful and terrifying and makes it worse that you don't have anything you can tell your brain that caused it such as "I know I'm feeling this way because XYZ happened", for me not having a reason to reassure myself over makes it harder to get rid of the panic. I would honestly suggest going on YouTube and typing in guided meditation there are some really good ones, just lie with your eyes closed and listen to the person talk you through what to do and see how you feel afterwards xx

You need to burn that nervous energy off. Honestly get out the house today and run or power walk it off. I have had anxiety with the same symptoms of yours. I put a exercise bike in my bed room and when I feel it creeping up I either go for a run with head phones in and burn myself out or get on the bike if it’s late. Honestly it really helps. Doing exercise when you feel like this is the LAST thing that you want to do but honestly it works.

That sounds really unpleasant OP. however it doesn't mean it'll necessarily keep happening. You could try planning a relaxing evening with exercise, bath, meditation and distractions.

Would you consider going back on medication again? Its probably worth calling your GP and talking it over.

Also, what's your general diet like? If it's poor, there is some evidence emerging around gut health affecting anxiety, so that would be good to look into.

Oh OP, it sucks doesn't it. I feel the same when I have a panic attack, and I find nighttime often worse. I would give the GP a call, as a PP has said, unfortunately now it's on your mind there's a chance as you are stressing over it. It won't work for everyone, but alongside medication, when I have a period of struggling overnight, I use my humidified with some lavender and it has a soft light on it that you can set to pulse- I find concentrating on that helps. Hope you find something that helps.

Sending you lots of love OP. I’ve been there. My anxiety always seems to hit in the same way and stop me sleeping.

I tend to find it doesn’t happen more than one night in a row for me. But I do find myself telling myself most night that if I can’t sleep, it’s ok because I can read a book / get up and watch friends (recommended by my therapist) and try again later. That’s usually enough to calm me down and I fall asleep without incident most nights. Maybe one in 20-30 that sucks.

Try some meditation today, talk to someone, get out for walk xx

For me it's rescue remedy (or a small Baileys) and using a mindfulness app like calm or headspace. They have guided breathing sessions. Calm have one specifically for panic when they just talk you through the breathing. I put a 20 minute one on and just follow the instructions exactly and find it helps, it distracts my brain slightly as I'm listening to the talking. And then as always with these attacks it does pass...

(((HUG)))

When my Dad died (several years ago now) I had some panic attacks. It was awful. Hadn't had them before, haven't had them for years until Feb last year! Some of the 'Covid TV' can start me off.

I find just opening the front door & standing in the doorway breathing fresh air helps.

I'm shattered as I'm not sleeping. Too much Covid on my mind.

💐hope you feel better today

Lots of exercise today and most days. Walk, dance, swim.
Do something constructive - make something, mend something.
Do something to help others - write a letter to your granny, drop something off for food banks, volunteer at a vaccination centre.
Learn something new.

Breathe slowly in and out of a brown paper bag if you feel a panic attack coming on.

Gosh it was absolutely awful and I’m glad I’m not alone in this. Although last night was so such a lonely and horrible place to be mentally. I do have a supportive DH and a 3 year old to focus on, although unfortunately my DH has never experienced panic or anxiety so it’s hard to project how I’m feeling to him as he just doesn’t understand how I’m feeling. I do body pump 2-3 times per week and also try and walk when I can, I do work from home so try and exercise on my lunch breaks . Thanks so much for the replies and the advice xx

The best advice I have ever had for panic attacks is from dr claire weekes "self help for your nerves" (book) she sets out a 4 step plan when you have an attack.
accept it. face it. float through it. Let time pass.
Please read her book...I cannot tell you how effective these simple steps are.