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NFT: Panic attacks...anyone suffer from them?

Just a few minutes ago, I was at the copier when some colleague said, in jest, 'Wasn't that supposed to be done yesterday?'.

Suddenly, I felt my chest tighten, my mind started racing, and swand hot. I had to sit down at my desk for a minute and drink a cup of water before I felt normal again.

I've had panic attacks since my early 20s and while they don't come too often, they're a bitch.

Anyone else suffer from them and what do you do when they come on?
everyone is going to laugh  
nygiants16 : 8:57 am : link
4 about 5 years ago i started getting them after i got engaged lasted for a long time then 2 and a half years ago my daughter was born and they all of sudden stopped, now i still get them every once in a while but not as bad..

i always found the best way for me to get rid of them was to talk to someone, it didnt even have to be someone who was talking to me to calm me down, just talking to someone calmed me down..

for me at night i was the calmest, i think that is why i workout at night now, i always felt "normal and relaxed" at night..
it works  
well...bye TC : 8:57 am : link
https://www.amazon.com/Mastery-Your-Anxiety-Panic-Treatments/dp/0195311353/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1490705821&sr=8-1&keywords=mastery+of+your+anxiety+and+panic
Focus on your breathing,  
barens : 8:59 am : link
I get them when flying, and as simple and maybe as ridiculous as that sounds, it works.
go to the gym, meditate, take some vitamins  
GMAN4LIFE : 8:59 am : link
and you will be fine.

i suffered from 2 of them and none since. you are better than the fear that brings on the attacks.

talk to someone and try to find the root cause.

you arent alone buddy.
Only had one, I think.  
At a time in my life when some bad shit was happening, and I was running out of ways to deal with it (it turned out OK, as it happens, due to pure dumb luck), I was walking my dog one morning, and started to grind in my mind about the issue, really worrying on it. Suddenly started feeling queasy, short of breath -- thought I was going to pass out for a second. I sat on the curb, and managed to collect myself. But it was scary.
It really is about mind over ... everything.  
Beezer : 9:16 am : link

I'm not belittling the "attacks" or anyone who has them. But instead of counseling or medication, I'd highly recommend reading books on Eastern philosophy.

This one specifically, is an amazing read, and may help with body/mind control. I've owned 2 copies of the book over many years, have read it 4-5 times ... always great reminders. Puts you in control with time-honored, proven approaches and philosophies.

The book:

"Autobiography of a Yogi" by Paramahansa Yogananda.

Laugh all you like. Just get the damn book for a few bucks online in paperback. Thannk me later.
Better yet,  
Beezer : 9:18 am : link
I found it online for free.
Here you go. - ( New Window )
Yup  
mattlawson : 9:19 am : link
Have had a few. Feels like a heart attack and is very concerning. Talking to someone does help
I've had them .. try to bear down  
ImThatGuy : 9:30 am : link
It doesn't stop them from happening but helps to control them in the moment.

Basically tighten up your stomach muscles and then bear down almost as if you are about to go #2. I know it sounds strange but it's a technique that has helped me to control it when the panic attack starts
I have had two major ones in the past 3 years.  
bigblue1124 : 9:58 am : link
The first scared the absolute crap out of me thought I was having a heart attack BP 160/100 light headed, mind going all over the place. I was stupid at the time and kept it to myself and moved through it later told my wife.

I have had a few times were I felt like one was coming on since then and agree fighting it has helped me at least. Not that it is the best thing to do but I have come to simply refuse the attack. It’s impossible to describe how other than saying NO this isn’t happening at least in my few times I have had.


Wish you luck man,
had my first one in 1999  
it is terrifying...went to a therapist for a few years and am on Lexapro because of anxiety. I have not had one in years thank goodness.
RE: I've had them .. try to bear down  
arcarsenal : 10:11 am : link
In comment 13408880 ImThatGuy said:
Quote:
It doesn't stop them from happening but helps to control them in the moment.

Basically tighten up your stomach muscles and then bear down almost as if you are about to go #2. I know it sounds strange but it's a technique that has helped me to control it when the panic attack starts


This is kind of the opposite of what you should do.

Tensing up and clenching your muscles only signals to your brain that you really are in some sort of danger and it fuels the fire.

When you feel anxious, the best thing you can do is loosen all of your muscles and kind of let your body limp. Don't clench or tense up. It's about accepting the way you feel and loosening up and just riding it.

Fighting against panic attacks are like going into the ocean and trying to swim into the waves with all your might. It's exhausting and the waves are going to just keep slamming you down onto the sand.

Go WITH the current and let it take you and you'll find that your sense of calm will return much faster.
But the bigger point is, I think,  
Beezer : 10:13 am : link
that no one is the same, and no two people weather situations like these the same way.
Yes, different things work for different people.  
arcarsenal : 10:16 am : link
But when your goal is to find calmness and peace... tensing, clenching, and grinding is signaling to your mind that you're preparing to fight against something or that you're in danger when in reality, you're not in any danger at all.

Anxiety is never permanent. Any method you choose to combat it is inevitably going to "work" at some point. But that doesn't mean the method you're using is as potentially effective as others.
Tell this story all the time to people  
yupbjac27 : 10:33 am : link
was moving to NYC and brining the now wife. Felt a ton of pressure to make sure everything worked out (originally from upstate, her parents wanted us married, etc.) Few months before had a real bad one at work where I thought for sure I was dying, then one in a movie theater (inception was the movie, im thinking it was more the movie now), and then about 2-3 weeks before the move I completely broke out in hives.

Went to my PCP, told him I was having anxiety attack - was taking meds for a little but they made me feel awful - and he said, guess what kid, before you know it you'll be 60 years old like me and wonder where it all went. Go out and live your life and have a blast. Took it to heart and haven't had a real bad one in a long time. Get some tremors of them sometimes but am able to control it.

I was surprised a) about getting them as I though of myself as "tough" and b) how debilitating they are. I'd suggest taking it seriously, go to a doctor/talk to someone or see if the meds work for you. Good luck
i used  
Les in TO : 10:53 am : link
to get them driving on the highway, but I've practiced relaxation techniques/meditation apps.
I used to get them pretty badly  
mstyles22.0 : 11:00 am : link
The first few years I lived in NYC. I'd get them on a crowded Subway and for awhile I thought I was claustrophobic (which I am to a degree) but then I'd get them in a meeting room at work. Then in the car. Basically anywhere that I couldn't just "get out" if I wanted to, at least without making a scene.

A lot of people who suffer from panic attacks complain of the same trajectory: At first you get them for one reason, then you start getting them because you're thinking about getting them. Finally, you start planning your life around avoiding situations where you might get one and your world closes on itself a bit.

After about a year of getting them, I'd had enough. My doctor gave me Xanax which worked, but also make me feel stoned all day which as much fun as it sounds, sucks. I also didn't want to be a pill popper the rest of my life. So I went to see a biofeedback specialist and it was the best decision I've ever made in my life.

The whole purpose of the biofeedback is to understand your body and why it's reacting the way it is. Understanding the scary "fight or flight" response and how to manage it. A few posters mentioned it; it's all about breathing. Focusing on your breaths, relaxing your muscles, jaw and anything in your body that might be tense. Then breathing slow and deep through your nose, all the way from your stomach...then out through pursed lips, typically double the inhale. For example, breathe in for 6 seconds, breathe out for 12. In for 5, out for 10.

10 years later, I'm 36 years old and haven't had anything that even approaches what I'd have when I was in my mid-20's. I did 75 flights last year including some crazy ones with no issues(something that would have been a major issue back then), I do speaking spots for work in front of 200+ people (again, would have been an issue), I kept it together when my first daughter was born and a lot of things were going wrong in the delivery room (everything turned out wonderful).

Long story short, I really do empathize with anyone that regularly suffers from panic attacks because I know how much it can shrink and effect what was once a "normal" life. Also, I know people who don't suffer through them can be reluctant to offer support. "Man up, bro" or "It's all in your head." Yeah, no shit it's in my head. But it's making my body react like I'm about to die. Scary stuff and I wish you the best of luck with it.
RE: Tell this story all the time to people  
Beezer : 11:06 am : link
In comment 13408973 yupbjac27 said:
Quote:
was moving to NYC and brining the now wife. Felt a ton of pressure to make sure everything worked out (originally from upstate, her parents wanted us married, etc.) Few months before had a real bad one at work where I thought for sure I was dying, then one in a movie theater (inception was the movie, im thinking it was more the movie now), and then about 2-3 weeks before the move I completely broke out in hives.

Went to my PCP, told him I was having anxiety attack - was taking meds for a little but they made me feel awful - and he said, guess what kid, before you know it you'll be 60 years old like me and wonder where it all went. Go out and live your life and have a blast. Took it to heart and haven't had a real bad one in a long time. Get some tremors of them sometimes but am able to control it.

I was surprised a) about getting them as I though of myself as "tough" and b) how debilitating they are. I'd suggest taking it seriously, go to a doctor/talk to someone or see if the meds work for you. Good luck


My initial point, exactly. A lot of the time these episodes are controllable if you know how to.

Some people DO need meds, in the cases of chemical imbalances, or physical maladies.

But again, save some money and time. Read the link I posted above. It's an easy read. Give it a chance.
RE: RE: I've had them .. try to bear down  
ImThatGuy : 11:09 am : link
In comment 13408932 arcarsenal said:
Quote:
In comment 13408880 ImThatGuy said:


Quote:


It doesn't stop them from happening but helps to control them in the moment.

Basically tighten up your stomach muscles and then bear down almost as if you are about to go #2. I know it sounds strange but it's a technique that has helped me to control it when the panic attack starts

This is kind of the opposite of what you should do.


I've spoken to many a cardiologist and primary care who recommend this technique and if you Google 'bear down panic attack' there are many MDs who also recommend this approach. Not sure of your profession but I'm trusting their advice and it has worked for me. This article also recommends the valsalva maneuver which I've never tried
Here - ( New Window )
Had one once  
But I was on ephedra before it was made illegal.

Been good ever since.
Everytime I've had an MRI (which is twice)  
Eli Wilson : 11:41 am : link
Last time I almost screamed out at the nice lady to get me out of there.

The only way I calmed myself down (last time anyways) was thinking about the NFL draft, which was less than a week away. I literally did an entire first round mock draft in my head, analyzing each pick. Not sure I follow the draft well enough now to do that again.

I think a lot of it is mind over matter, but it's tough to control the mind sometimes.
Yup  
Vin R : 11:51 am : link
Usually towards deadlines.. I have to find my comfort zone to relax my mind before doing anything
RE: RE: RE: I've had them .. try to bear down  
arcarsenal : 12:02 pm : link
In comment 13409029 ImThatGuy said:
Quote:
In comment 13408932 arcarsenal said:


Quote:


In comment 13408880 ImThatGuy said:


Quote:


It doesn't stop them from happening but helps to control them in the moment.

Basically tighten up your stomach muscles and then bear down almost as if you are about to go #2. I know it sounds strange but it's a technique that has helped me to control it when the panic attack starts

This is kind of the opposite of what you should do.




I've spoken to many a cardiologist and primary care who recommend this technique and if you Google 'bear down panic attack' there are many MDs who also recommend this approach. Not sure of your profession but I'm trusting their advice and it has worked for me. This article also recommends the valsalva maneuver which I've never tried Here - ( New Window )


Your linked article is about heart palpitations and how to treat them, not anxiety attacks.

Heart palpitations can be a symptom of anxiety but are generally not the root cause. You can have panic attacks that do not involve heart palpitations.

Have it all the time  
Anakim : 12:06 pm : link
Nothing to do besides just wait it out. At least that's what I do
Your gut instinct of sitting and drinking water  
bradshaw44 : 1:30 pm : link
was correct. I used to get them all the time in my early twenties. Me and my doctor figured out it was from dehydration (not even severe, just mild) and magnesium deficiency. I drink two 24 ounce glasses of water every morning when I wake up, and sometimes I will take a magnesium pill with breakfast and I've NEVER had another one. And when there has been any sort of thought of one, I immediately drink water and my mind just goes elsewhere.
I should clarify that what others have suggested  
bradshaw44 : 1:35 pm : link
Are not wrong. It's not always dehydration. But if you aren't prone to them it's a good chance that was the cause. And before I figured out my problem talking to others and being mentally strong was the best remedy (as others have suggested) until I figured out my issue.
I have experienced them periodically since I was divorced in the late  
RDJR : 4:56 pm : link
90's. I get severe pain that typically occurs first in my chest, makes its way to my back and eventually to my stomach. I have learned to lay flat and relax and at times vomiting will give me some temporary relief. I do not have them at work and have only experienced them at home on down time. Typically they occur on the weekend and are not triggered by any particular stimulus. I have to simply endure the pain, think positive thoughts and wait it out. After a number of hours I'm typically free of the symptoms. Ruminating on the thought of having one will only make it worse.
Used to have them back in the 90's.  
wgenesis123 : 6:22 pm : link
Did not know what they were and I honestly thought I was losing my mind. Finding out what they were helped a little. Finding out what was the cause of my problem ended the problem. Its good you started this thread, it shows you want help bad enough to talk about it. Talk to a pro and get some help. You deserve it.
Panic attacks? No. High anxiety, yes.  
giantgiantfan : 6:57 pm : link
I deal with a lot of anxiety and depression. Recently I started smoking weed high in CBD and low in THC to counteract this. I am able to smoke CBD only extract during work and continue to do my job. In the evenings I smoke a 23% CBD, 1% THC strain that gets me a little stoned, but not too much.

I am amazed at how well it works. In the past when I attempted smoking weed, it was high in THC and this lead to worse anxiety and paranoia. CBD is a god send. Not saying it will work for you, but if you live in a state where its legal its worth a shot.
RE: Everytime I've had an MRI (which is twice)  
mrvax : 3/29/2017 8:02 am : link
In comment 13409086 Eli Wilson said:
Quote:
Last time I almost screamed out at the nice lady to get me out of there.


The hospital will give you anti-anxiety medication prior to an MRI if you ask. It helps.

Hate to disclose this but for me, just 1-2 beers usually stops a panic attack. Can't do that at work though.

RE: RE: Everytime I've had an MRI (which is twice)  
bradshaw44 : 3/29/2017 8:13 am : link
In comment 13410246 mrvax said:
Quote:
In comment 13409086 Eli Wilson said:


Quote:


Last time I almost screamed out at the nice lady to get me out of there.



The hospital will give you anti-anxiety medication prior to an MRI if you ask. It helps.

Hate to disclose this but for me, just 1-2 beers usually stops a panic attack. Can't do that at work though.


I used that tactic for a while. The doc said that prolonged my problem because it contributed to my dehydration.
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