Am I having panic attacks?

[BattyKoda]

About twice a day I have a few minutes, maybe longer, where I feel out of breath and my chest feels tight, yesterday I ended up in tears because, well, I was panicking.

The only thing I can liken the feeling to is a 'come down' from taking a pill (very very long time ago!!). A very sudden drop... I don't know.

Wanted to speak to someone who gets/has had a similar experience...

Sounds like a panic attack. I've been feeling a bit that way lately- espesh if i've had a drink the night before.

I feel like i'm going for an interview- but at least with an interview you know you'll be alright afterwards. when you feel panicky you dont know when it'll end so it makes you more anxious.

Anxiety can often feel like its for no apparent reason and that makes it feel worse. Its hard for people who dont suffer from it to understand.

Might be worth speaking to your gp to be on the safe side though. x

ArtJennie - thanks for replying. It does feel like that, like I'm really nervous about something. It happened last night when we were in the car, I've no idea what started it off, I felt like I could stop it if I wanted, but I couldn't, if that makes sense?!

I had a really bad ear infection last week, and I'm still slightly deaf... that might be contributing? Alot going on at the moment too.

I wouldn't know what to say to my GP, what can they do for it?

Sound like a bit of a panic attack to me too. If you go to your GP they might give you some information about relaxation techniques and breathing, which would probably be the best thing. They may offer you tranquillisers, but I would say that they are probably not the best thing for you at the moment, because you're not 'used to' panic attacks. If you fend them off with medication you won't be tackling the root cause, and you won't learn to deal with them by yourself. I have occasional panic attacks, big ones, usually in the middle of the night and I do take Diazepam for them, but that's because I've had them a very long time and I can deal with them by myself if I need to.

The thing to avoid is getting into a cycle where you become very nervous about having an attack, which in itself precipitates and attack. I had that for a while when I first started getting them. The important thing to remember is that panic attacks are always temporary, won't last more than 20 minutes-ish and they can't hurt you.

With you, both the things you mentioned - coming off the pill and the ear problem - could be contributing. Your hormones will be trying to start up again and your balance and hearing might be a little bit affected by the ear thing. I'm sure it's just a temporary thing, but don't be worried to go to the GP if it bothers you.

HTH

Oh wait, I've just seen you say it is LIKE 'coming down off a pill' not that you're coming off the pil - haha. Well I still think the ear thing could be contributing.

Thank you brahmsthirdracket!

I will perhaps take up yoga again...do you think that might help? Tranquillisers sound very scary! I haven't had one today (yet) but I've not been out or doing anything other than laze about.

I used to get panic attacks years and years ago, and I had anti depressants prescribed. They were completly different though, I'd start hyperventilating (sp) and felt like I was suffocating. This is more of a feeling in my chest, like when your tummy goes over, and I feel short of breath. It's exactly like a 'come down' from taking a pill (not the contraceptive type mind!)

Really don't like the idea of getting medication to help though, I'm tee total and don't like taking anything that alters my state of mind (unlike in my younger years!) I wish I could sense when it's coming... so I could try and calm myslef, but it just comes out of the blue, like a massive drop. We're going out for something to eat tonight, and I'm dreading it!

Don't dread it as that starts the viscous circle that comes with panic attacks. Believe me, I know

The more anxious you get, the more likely you are to have an attack and then next time, you get anxious again etc.

Please try not to worry......when you start feeling like that, look around you and take in what is going on....concentrate on other things.....breathe deeply. There are a few website that can help....have a look here and here

Enjoy your meal out.....you will be fine .

yoga and other relaxation techniques are a great idea as well

Thanks LittleMissNorty, I thinkit's because I've not had one today, I'm expecting it, it's silly!

I can remember last time, it was being in crowded places that set me off, this time it just seems to be random.

Thank you for the links

I agree with you about medication, not a good idea if you haven't tried sorting it in other ways. If you feel panicky, try breathing deeply from your stomach, not the top of your lungs. Quick, shallow breathing makes it worse. Starting yoga again is a good idea.

I know it sounds pointless, but try ignoring them or thinking about other things. There is no way they can possibly do you any physical damage, it's 'just' irrational fear. As LMN says, getting into that cycle is the worst thing - but try not to worry about it! It's all a bit of a paradox I know.

try and think yourself into a positive frame of mind. Ask yourself what you are worried about. Then if there is a way of dealing with the thing that is making you feel panicky try and think of ways of dealing with it and make lists if things are getting on top of you. Ask yourself if its a rational fear or an irratinal fear. You are allowed to feel nervous in stressful situations....so dont be too self critical about normal 'fight and flight 'reactions.

Yes, I get them and they are truly awful. Now I have learned to recognise the signs, I sometimes manage to distract myself and stop one in its tracks. Sometimes though, I worry about having a panick attach and it makes it worse.
I have bought some herbal calming tablets and just having them makes me feel a bit more in control. I worry less about having an attack because I know I have something to help me if it happened.
Last time I had one (only a couple of weeks ago unfortunately), I rang my friend, who knew what was going on, and she distracted me by talking to me about my DS and the troubles we have weaning ;)

Relaxation techniques and breathing exercises help. So does knowing that it is only temporary and will do you no physical harm.

Thank you everyone - I have booked an appointment with my GP for tomorrow. Have so much stuff getting on top of me, I just feel completley drained, I had one earlier, after a serious of phonecalls/events that sent me over the edge, I ended up in tears, which brought me out of it.