Panic attacks and distressing flashbacks

[Tryingtostaystrong2023]

I'm going to make a GP appointment in the coming weeks, but I'm really struggling.

I'm 47, perimenopausal (hormones have gone crazy) and just feel completely out of my depth at the moment.
Panic attacks are happening almost daily.
Some I can breathe my way through and stay grounded, but others bring me to tears. They are often triggered by distressing flashbacks of the past (triggered by a similar situation in the present).

I find the physical symptoms distressing which makes me panic more. I get so dizzy. It's like my entire body is gripped by this intense fear. I feel so weak that I can't hold anything in my hand. My legs and hands start shaking uncontrollably.
I feel as though I am detached from my surroundings. Almost like I am looking down on myself from somewhere else. I can't really explain.
It's just so scary.

The GP hasn't been able to prescribe anything in the past that won't affect my asthma, but they have escalated since then.
I need to see the GP about my heavy periods as I don't think that is helping the situation either, combined with my current circumstances which are causing me a lot of sadness. I just feel so tearful and overwhelmed.

Back in prehistoric days, when we faced mortal danger daily, our bodies were designed to react immediately - the fight or flight response - as soon as the brain recognised a threat.

In modern times we never (or almost never) find ourselves in a life or death situation yet the brain still works on that primitive basis. So, when a distressing thought enters your mind, your body does everything it can to get away, because it has no way of distinguishing between a real or imaginary danger. It fires up adrenalin and sends massive energy to your limbs, neither of which have an outlet; hence all the physical symptoms.

Dealing with the past trauma through therapy will allow you to cope with the panic attacks which will then stop the physical reaction. These videos, on panic attacks and depersonalisation/derealisation will help you.

Hi OP, sounds very distressing! Like previous power I would definitely look at relaxation and some form of therapy. Also ask the Dr about hrt. Good luck, you will get through this!

I have them too. Its really hard. You feel like you're going to die. The fear just takes you over. It's like you can't process anything but fight or flight.

I once threw a first aid kid at my therapist. I didn't mean to. I was convinced he was going to hurt me. I didn't even recognise him. In my head he wasn't him anymore, he was someone from the past. He ended up hugging me on the floor afterwards, I think he was more upset than I was.

I had some success with Propranolol at stopping the adrenaline rush and it also stopped me from vomiting afterwards. It only works on the body though and I think asthma is a problem with it.

The psychological symptoms are still there. Therapy helps but it's a long game. Amitriptyline is good for the general anxiety but it isn't really a first line drug, it has side effects.

Have you tried any medication so far? Maybe HRT if it's to do with hormones?

Are you able to see a counsellor?

Try. "Self help for your nerves" dr Claire weekes...a lifesaver for me when I experienced panic attacks...easily available.