Simply the worst panic

Hello,

 I am thankful for everyone here who understands how one feels with this anxiety.

 Yesterday I had the WORST panic of my life! I have had anxiety attacks for 20 yrs.

 My husband doesn't understand, but it supportive and loves me.

 I usually call my sister who does understand, but she was no where to be reached.

She comforts me, and I comfort her... when we have these attacks.

For a time I thought that I was maybe have a stroke or heart attack. Because this was the first time it was ever like this.

I was very close to getting my butt into the ER. I haven't done that for 20 plus yrs that's how bad it was.

 My anxiety got so bad the the whole room was spinning, and closing my eyes didn't make it any better.  It was so bad , I though perhaps I had vertigo... I didn't want to give into it , so I tried just plugging along at my housework.

The spinning wouldn't stop, and then I got sick to my stomoch, thought I was for sure going to passout . It was awful.

I had to take 3 times the medication I usually take (because I cut in half) to get me out of this ...... It was darn awful.... I am having antisipitory (sp?) today just thinking about yesterday am and afternoon.. I don't want to take my meds, but I wasted a day yesterday trying to get back to myself....

This anxiety sucks!

Thanks for reading everyone, and being here.

Panic queen

Hi Panic,

Seems as though sometimes the fear of the possibility of a panic attack is worse than the panic attack itself.  I'm so sorry you suffered so badly.  I've been there a few times and it's just awful.  I always just want to close my eyes and wait for it to disappear.  I agree that you should take your fast acting med just so you aren't sitting around waiting for it to happen.  I'll keep you in my prayers.

Mae

Actually, if you want to have more control over the anxiety attacks you need to start welcoming them in.  I mean that sincerely.  Just open your arms up and say: "You are welcome here.  Come do your worst.  I can handle you."You resisted so much yesterday that you made it difficult for it to pass.  Resistance makes the feelings stronger.  Today with your anticipatory anxiety, just say: "OK, it's certainly possible that I have another doozie of an attack, but I can handle it."  Then go about your day doing your best to stay in the present moment.  Stop fighting the attacks.  Allow them.  Allow the sensations to come and go.  Don't talk back to those what if thoughts.  Never answer a what if thought.  That's all future stuff.  Bring your attention to your breath.  Just breathe normally.  If you can do the hold 4 and release that's fine but if you can't just breathe and keep your attention on your breath.  It's called cortical shifting.   Getting your attention out of your head and onto something present. Practice for one minute a day.  Then go to five minutes a day.  Then longer and longer.  Practice relaxation methods daily - twice a day.  Two good sources to help you along are:  Freedom from Fear by Dr. Howard Liebgold and The Midwest Center for Stress and Anxiety program by Lucinda Bassett.  There is alot of help out there.  Be willing to do the work.  And, yes, fall back on your meds if you need to from time to time, but learn the tools that will be there for you over and over and over again, and will help to make you in charge of the attacks.  With practice they will diminish.  Come back less often and with less intensity.