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Posted 9/30/2011 12:02 AM (GMT 0)
I am wondering how long others deal with their anxiety/panic during an attacjk? I have been feeling it for about 2 hrs. anyone else have this occur. everything i red say they last 10 minutes...but i beg to differ!!!
Thanks in advance
Posted 9/30/2011 12:13 AM (GMT 0)
Hello Carly,

I believe that I had read that typically they peak in 10 minutes or so but the tapering off could last of several hours.

 

I know there are many factors and everyone is different, but in many cases it is the body that is tense in some way that triggers the mind that it's in danger and in return the brain continues to produce adrenaline.

 

For some, attacks maybe as short as 10 or 15 minutes and for others overall, much longer. Some even have multiple attacks over several hours. The key would be to relax in some way...if you go to the anxiety main page, third post down...you will find several techniques that may help shorten the time of the anxiety....good luck and best wishes....WM

Posted 9/30/2011 2:13 AM (GMT 0)
Hey CarlyBob. I'm sorry to hear that you're suffering with such a long panic attack. While many panic attacks can last for minutes, there are those that can last a good deal of time. Unfortunately, I too have had these "marathon" panic attacks that can last hours and even days at the extreme.

Is there anything you can do to distract yourself? Read a book? Watch some TV? Talk to somebody? It can also help to realize that your thinking really does cause these attacks. Just knowing that can sometimes help, but I know it's anything but easy.

Anyway, you're not alone in this.

Hope you relax
PresentTensed
Posted 9/30/2011 2:53 AM (GMT 0)
Great advice by WM and PT...just wanted to add that the 10 min thing that we all have read about is not textbook...in fact if you asked my system, it would say it's a bunch of 'hooey'!

I also experienced much longer (and sometimes shorter) pa's.

Hang in there, know that you are in good company, and keep working on your recovery:)
Posted 9/30/2011 3:31 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks everyone! I did read a book and watch tv to calm down. It is just all I can do when these are happening to not jump and go to the ER. I have been fortunate to not have had to go there for over a year because of this( knock on wood).
I have to find a new general dr today and am even going to call a mental health center. I know a lot of this right now is because if dealing with the diagnosis of MD and the great possibility that my 6 yr old has it. just awaiting the genetic testing bloodwork to come back on her.
I just have to convince myself it is not my heart since I recently had a 48 hr holter monitor and treadmill stress test and the Cardiologist said my heart is fine. He did prscribe me beta-blockers. But like with everything else, Im too scared to take them. I have heard of them being prescribed for anxiety. Has anyone here tried them? and did they help at all?
Posted 10/2/2011 11:42 PM (GMT 0)
My Panic Attacks can last from ten minutes to a whole day. I think the person is different, if you continue to think about it it will last longer, but the more you take your mind off of it the more your symptom will subside.
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