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Anxiety/Panic??

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Anxiety & Panic Disorders
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Posted 10/18/2009 6:15 PM (GMT 0)
I have not been diagnosed with anxiety. I've never had problems like this. But in the past two weeks, I've had two 'episodes' of something. Both happened in crowded places (Chuck E Cheese and Walmart) and both happened while my kids were, well, being kids (2 and 3 years old). I was stressed out, but then I broke out in a sweat, and felt like I HAD to get outside. I rushed them out (hubby was with me) and felt panicky. I was extremely irritable and got a headache. I just felt so...I don't know-it's hard to describe. But I knew I HAD to get some air, get outside, get away from all the people. It took about an hour each time to calm down. Does this sound like some kind of anxiety attack??
Posted 10/18/2009 6:56 PM (GMT 0)

Hello and welcome to HW.  It sounds like a panic attack. 

A panic attack is a sudden episode of intense fear that develops for no apparent reason and that triggers severe physical reactions. Panic attacks can be very frightening. When panic attacks occur, you might think you're losing control, having a heart attack or even dying.

I think your attacks warrant a visit to your family physician to talk over your attacks with him/her.

Also coming here and talking with us was a very brave thing to do so you are on the right track.

Hope you stick with us,

Kitt

Posted 10/18/2009 8:40 PM (GMT 0)
I see a psychologist twice a month-is this something she can help me with? Can it be controlled/fixed without meds?
Posted 10/19/2009 1:38 PM (GMT 0)
Hey chrisnsteph1022!! This Nanners from the CD forum. I developed anxiety related to my Crohns. I will get really anxious when I am stressed, over heated, or too far from a bathroom. I went to my family doctor and was prescribed Xanax to use on these anxious times. I only use it about 1-3 times a month, but it is a lifesaver when my anxiety gets out of control. Hope that helps.
Posted 10/19/2009 2:10 PM (GMT 0)
Panic attacks can develop for no apparent reason just like Kitt said. In fact I had one of those last night for the first time in a long time. More often (for me anyway) they are triggered by something, and for me that something can definitely be a crowded place with screaming kids.

Whether it can be fixed without meds I don't know. It can be controlled, though. It was probably six months between my diagnosis and the time I started taking medication, and during that period I had a four or five month run in which I did pretty well. I never saw a psychologist or anything. Just knowing what it was and reading about how to deal with it helped for a good long time.

It would be a good thing to talk to your psychologist about, especially since you're already seeing one. And since you've never had problems like this before I'd definitely try to work through it without medication first. That would seem logical.

I see in your signature that you're bipolar. It could be that this has something to do with that and it isn't Anxiety or Panic Disorder, per se. May never happen to you again...could be an isolated incident. But still talk to your psychologist about it.

Take care.
Posted 10/22/2009 1:40 AM (GMT 0)
Chris when i first started having panic attacks most of my attacks happened in crowded places.I would start feeling funny and like where ever i was i had to get out of there quickly and go outside! When i would finally go outside i would feel better instantly.I know from experience noisy places can definitely trigger panic attacks. Also like De was saying i think it could even be related to you being bi-polar. I dont know much about being bi-polar but i know it is some kind of chemical inbalance and i think all of these different inbalances are related somehow.
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