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Just a simple question.....

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Posted 7/20/2010 1:03 PM (GMT 0)
Yesterday I was looking for a shirt ... I couldnt find it , and I really needed that particular one for a job interview. My heart started pounding and I felt short of breath, but I was breathing way to much. I got dizzy and felt so exhausted I had to lie down on the bed.

Is that a panic attack?  It happens alot ... but I am not sure whats going on ....

Posted 7/20/2010 1:08 PM (GMT 0)

Hi Belle,

Sounds like a panic attack to me. But you should consult your doctor.

And I have actually had one in the same situation....

Hugs,

Mogs


Posted 7/20/2010 1:39 PM (GMT 0)
I will talk to the dr about it for sure.... Its strange , even as I sit here right now Im feeling nervous... anxious and my heart is racing ... I guess its possible to have panic/anxiety issues while doing absolutley nothing .... I am anxious an angry with myself bc Im still sitting here while I ned to be up getting dressed and out looking for a job ... I guess thats why Im feeling panicked at the moment. ...
Posted 7/20/2010 1:58 PM (GMT 0)

I am feeling those things right now as well. Panic attacks can happen when you can't pin point an exact cause. If you read about panic disorder online, it will give you a lot of information; and we have resources here on HW as well.

Drining ice cold water helps a lot.

Try to take some deep breaths. Beathe in through your nose, slowly (count to 5 or 10) and then hold it for a few seconds, and then slowly again counting to 5 or 10 as you exhale through your mouth. Deep breathing should come from your belly, not your chest. So you can try this laying down watching your tummy fill with air and then flatten again....

Grounding techniques are helpful too. Try sitting in a chair, couch....with your feet touching the floor. Focus that your feet are touching the floor, that you are sitting on something....Grounding techniques help a lot when you feel dizzy and weak.

I also had someone coach me through a panic attack once by them telling me to go wash my face with soap and warm water and then to call him back. I felt a lot better after washing my face....I still use that one. It doesn't always work, but it's worth a try.

I really sugggest the breathing and grouding.....I will try to look up more techniques online today...

Posted 7/20/2010 2:10 PM (GMT 0)

Sounds like an anxiety or panic attack.  My first panic attacks were where I was a kid over the same situation you describe.  It is a HUGE trigger for me, so I have to keep my laundry done and put away!

I completely agree with Mogli about drinking a glass of water (or liquid).  Especially when you first feel it coming on, drinking water helps you regulate your breathing and it gives you a little "time out" from the stressful situation.

Mindfulness works pretty well.  It is a lot like grounding and focusing on feeling something.  It works better for some people.  You simply make yourself aware of your environment, trying to incorporate all of your senses.

  • I am inside
  • I am in a room with white walls
  • The ceiling has popcorn texture
  • The carpet is off-white
  • The carpet has a dirty spot
  • The couch is green
  • The couch feels like corduroy texture
  • The couch smells like dog drool and febreeze

And you keep observing, being aware, until it passes.  I don't know why it works, and I thought my therapist was completely crazy when she told me about it.  She loaned me a book - I skimmed it and thought it was totally crazy and didn't read it.  Then one time I TRIED it - and it WORKED!

Posted 7/20/2010 4:29 PM (GMT 0)
awesome I will try that....

I have felt completley BLAH all day... I slept all night .. very well . But im just lethargic today... and feeling like a bum for still being at home sittin here . I have to get up and do somewthing! I kjust talked with BF and told him I think im in depression mode, bc im feeling so weak and having difficulty even finding strength to get up ff the couch. He told me to take it easy and do what I feel like doing and nothing more. Im not sad at all ... Just completley drained...

Im going to get up now.... here I go ..... ok seriously .. bye :)
Posted 7/21/2010 1:22 AM (GMT 0)
Mogli and Tortoise, your ideas about dealing with panic attacks were top notch! I am having a LOT of panic attacks lately--haven't had them in years--because of withdrawing from Lexapro--and these techniques are helping me immensely. Thank you for posting them. You're both gems!

Warmly,
Havana
Posted 7/21/2010 12:36 PM (GMT 0)

Hello gang,

Here are some more grounding techniques that I found....

  • Get ice or ice water
  • Breathe - slow and deep, like blowing up a balloon.
  • Take your shoes off and rub your feet on the ground.
  • open your eyes and look around. See you are in a different place than then.
  • Move around. Feel your body. Stretch out your arms, hands, fingers.
  • Peel an orange or a lemon. Notice the smell. Take a bite. Focus on the taste.
  • Pet your cat, dog or rabbit.
  • Spray yourself with favorite perfume.
  • Eat ice cream! Or any favorite food. Pay attention to the taste.
  • Hold a stuffie. Pay attention to the feel of it.
  • Repeat "this is now, not then"
  • Call a friend, or your T.
  • Take a shower.
  • Take a bath.
  • Go for a walk. Feel the sunshine (or rain, or snow!)
  • Count nice things.
  • Dig in the dirt in your garden.
  • Turn lights on.
  • Play your favorite music.
  • Hug a tree!
  • Touch things around you.

    • Hope this helps! And of course the wonderful members on our anxiety forum are always there to help as well.  It's tough; I hate panic attacks and I've been having a lot more of them lately as well.

    Hugs,

    Mogs

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