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Anxiety attack in public

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Anxiety & Panic Disorders
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Posted 1/30/2012 10:05 PM (GMT 0)
I am so embarrased, had to take my dog to the vet today and while I was waiting for the doctor the weird feelings started happening.  I was in a tiny room with the door closed and thank goodness my husband was with me.  I felt like I was losing it and told him that I had to get out of there.  I went to my car, sat with the door open so that the cold air could hit me.  I had felt these feeling coming on for weeks now but was able to talk myself out of going into a panic. Thank goodness I had some Xanax with me and was able to take half of one.  This was so humiliating to me, I was always alone when an attack happened.  I will not want to face these people again.  This is the first actual attack I have had for over a year.  I get the anxiety/stress feelings alot but have been able to fight it off.

Thanks for listening,

Annie

Posted 1/30/2012 10:24 PM (GMT 0)
Oh Annie, it's okay...I think that people understand! I have had two bad experiences at the vet, and these were before I had been officially dx as having anxiety...

One was when I was pregnant, my cat had to have an IV...long story, but between the smell of the place and the closed doors and the needle and the big hump the fluids were making under his skin...boom, I hit the floor in a dead faint. I woke up to the vet asking if I was okay. He then had to have an assistant come in and finish holding my cat for me. Now I always ask for an assistant!!!

The other was years ago...my roomate was out of town on a long holiday and her cat had to be put down. (she had been sick for awhile) Well guess who got to take her in? I promised her I would hold her cat while they administered the medication, but after they had shaved her, and got out the needle, I excused myself and ran out the door. I was afraid of a repeat performance. The worst part? I never told my roomate the awful truth...I said that her poor kitty passed away peacefully in my arms. How awful is that?

You have had a setback, and an understandable one...some people just can't do vet/medical office stuff without anxiety, I know I can't!

Keep up with your relaxation techniques, and know that you are not alone. Hopefully this is just a bump in the road, and you will not have any more for awhile.

Keep posting, we understand!

S.C.
Posted 1/31/2012 2:25 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Annie. I agree with Scaredy. You hit a speed bump is all. The mind is a wonderfully complex organ. Just when you think you've mastered something having to do with panic or any other psychological issue, the mind has a way of sneaking up on you, tapping you on the shoulder and saying, "Remember me? I'm you're old friend fear.....BOO!" Concentrate on the fact that you said you have gotten through situations without attacks for over a year. I'd say that's a pretty good success rate, one in over 365 days. Yes, by all means keep on focusing on the relaxation techniques. They really do work when you practice them so much that they become second nature.

One other thing. You may have felt humiliated, but I will be willing to bet that nobody in that office either noticed, nor did they care that you left. And even if they did notice, they likely felt that you were either not feeling well for another reason or, like Scaredy, wasn't comfortable with something in the office. We are always the hardest on ourselves.

So, celebrate the victories and learn from the setbacks. But, most importantly, keep up what seems to be really good work!
Posted 1/31/2012 3:27 AM (GMT 0)
Many years ago I once had an experience like this in a restaurant. It started in the car before we went in but after swallowing a couple of xannax, bathing my face with an ice cube and drinking ice cold water I thought I was alright. NOT. I was so sorry I went in there. At the table my legs began shaking like I was freezing cold and chattering. I had these spike high heels on and the floor was a high polish hardwood-and I just wanted to go to the ladies room to be alone and do some deep breathing but I feared I would slip and fall down. Some how I got to the ladies room and calmed down. That was a HORRIBLE experience but it has not repeated.
I wish you all the best!
Posted 1/31/2012 4:41 AM (GMT 0)
I also agree with the others. I had a horrible panic attack in the movie theater one time. I had to get up and leave. I stayed in the ladies room until the movie was almost over, and then I stood outside of the doors waiting for my hubby and friends to come out. I don't know what happened, but since then I have only been to a movie theater about 3 times. LOL!

But to be honest, they probably had no idea what you were going through. We tend to think people can see what's going on, when in all actuality, we look totally normal on the outside. Either that, or like BayAreaGuy said, they may have thought you just weren't feeling well, and had to get some fresh air. Don't sweat it hun, it happens to all of us. We just have to "pick ourselves up" and carry on....((hugs))

Fox
Posted 1/31/2012 1:02 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks for the encouragement. I get so depressed and upset with myself because I let these things happen to me. I am wondering if the Wellbutrin that I started taking about three weeks ago was the trigger. I told my doc that I could not take anti-depressants because they intensified anxiety. When I first started taking it I felt great, was relaxed and happy. As it built up in my system I could feel myself getting uptight but felt the doc knew what he was talking about and it would improve. I have decided that I will not take anymore anti-depressants. I was so pleased that I felt finally I had something that was going to work. No such luck.
Posted 1/31/2012 3:46 PM (GMT 0)
Hi annie,

I have suffered many times like this. I am in sales and how frustrating it must be for me to rush away from my potential customer in the middle of a sales talk. My personal recommendation ( others please dont get offended) is to stop taking medications for panic attacks. I can briefly share my history with panic attacks. I had an attack for the very first time in 2003 when I did over 50 kms in a bicycle. It took me a good 9-10 years to get over it. I still have GAD but its tolerable. I used to keep tablets with me but i never took them. Infact, I suggest you have a peppermint with you. The very fact that you have an anti-depressant with you itself can provide comfort to you. Eventually a day will come when you can step outside even without having them with you. If possible, carry a paper bag with you to stop hyper ventiliating. Please read, read and ready and buy as many books as possible on panic attacks. The more you read, the more your sub conscious mind will learn that there is really nothing to fear about. And a final tip. Drink plenty of water !
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