Is it a panic attack if it lasts all day?

[Theseus]

Ever since I woke up this morning I have had a sort of butterflyish feeling in my belly and chest and a sort of slightly panicky need-the-loo type feeling, and intermittently it has been rising up into almost hyperventilating.

Is it a panic attack? I thought they were shorter than this? Will it have gone by the morning? (please)

I would say this is an anxiety attack, or a very mild panic attack. Panic attacks are usually very intense and are associated with a feeling of imminent death or thread, but they can last for a while. Are you stressed or anxious atm?

yes

I keep thinking I might faint

Sounds like your anxiety is on a low simmer... It can be stress, it can be a response to something physical. I sometimes get this when I have a cold on the way.

Either way the message is the same - take a little bit better care of yourself.

Stress would make sense. But why does it make me feel faint and panicky when people are kind to me IRL? Is odd?

Sorry that wasn't clear. Someone was v nice to me when I got in a state today and said kind concerned things, and it made me feel quite peculiar.

The best thing to remember about an anxiety attack (and yes, they can simmer away for ages) is that although it is an unpleasant feeling, it doesn't do you any physical harm. It's your body saying "okay, enough!"

thank you. I am not worried about it for that reason, just it's a bit hard functioning like this.

well that's a toughie on a forum, but it's possible that you associate kind words/concern with being unsafe.

I keep repeating myself to people because I've forgotten what I've said. It's embarrassing.

Anxiety sucks.. beta blockers take all that feeling away If it gets to be a problem.

I'm trying to understand that DevonCiderPunk. How do you mean?

What I mean is, it's interesting that someone being kind/concerned made you feel "peculiar." And maybe it gives you some clues about your anxiety triggers, which is great as it gives you more control.

I tell myself 'this will pass' on much repeat, distract myself with something low brow like an app game or a easy read book.

if there is some activity you do, do more of it. I sued to find swimming helped me zone out.

Thank you

Oh bollocks it's still here. Grr.

I also see it as an unwelcome visitor - its not part of me or gong to define who I am - its not the core essence of me. I say this as it can be limiting at times. I guess its a way of hanging on if that makes sense.