panic attack and trying to cope by myself help.

Hi Krooz and welcome!

First off...please drop your burden of guilt, and let's move on from that place of blaming yourself.

There are many reasons why the anxiety switch can be flipped. It can be anything from a traumatic event, a physical issue...or yes, using a drug.

However, you might be suprised to hear that the one of the drugs that is commonly responsible for anxiety attacks is caffeine. Yep, also nicotine and alcohol.

So, while recreational drug use does carry a stigma (and of course is not safe) there is little difference between what you experienced...and what the average person consumes everyday...sometimes with similar anxiety resulting.

I am not trying to lessen the dangers of using, but rather trying to lessen your guilt, so that you can productively move past the negative feelings you have...and start on a postive note for your recovery.:)

Congratulations on getting clean...as that is obviously step one, so well done!

Now, you may want to look into getting help for the panic issue. No one but you and your doctor need know the catalyst for your issue...that is behind you now, and all your family needs to know is that you would like support and help.

You can start by checking out our Resources here on our main page, 1st post. There are great self-help ideas, information, book recommendations, and lots of great coping skills to check out, learn and practice.

If you find that you still want/need more assistance, then you can check with your doctor regarding medication and/or therapy. These treatments options are very helpful for many people dealing with similar challenges.

Keep talking with us as well. We understand, care and are here to support anytime.:)

Scaredy Cat

Thank you guys.I have been reading your post and I feel better knowing I'm not alone in this. My first panic attack was 3 and a half weeks ago. I woke up with my heart racing I tried calming myself down but my heart wouldn't stop pounding in my chest so I told my wife what was going on and why. I told her I did drugs the day before. at this point I was afraid for my life .I went to the er told the doctor I was having a heart attack I told the doc why I felt that way because of the drug abuse I felt honesty was the best answer. They ran tests on me I believe it was called an egr or egk I don't remember. he took an xray of my heart ran blood tests pumped some medicine in my blood too help flush out the drugs and. And they kept an eye on me at the end he told me that I was lucky that my heart was good no heart attack nothing .after that I left the hospital I was to embarrassed and ashamed I didn't ask the doctor why I felt like I was having heart attack like symptoms. So I went home and did some research why I felt the way I did and I found a thread on panic attacks and symptoms.and I believe that's what was happening with me it was a panic attack brought on by the drug abuse. And then maybe four or six hours later I started feeling like I was having a panic attack again .i believe the trigger this time was the fact that I was scared.I was consumed by the thought that it could happen again and it did.I wanted to go to the hospital again but wife was telling me just to calm down and thanks to you guys and many people out there who posted about panic attacks and how to cope I remebered a post and what it said about controlling your breathing so I started doing the breath exercise and it helped a little.I tried to go to sleep I couldn't I would calm down for a little while and panic again calm down and panic again for what seemed like forever I was so scared but I didn't want to go back to the er somehow I managed to go to sleep. I woke up feeling so tired and scared still I. It seemed like everywhere I went caused a panick attack had to leave get out of the place I was.I was scared but thanks to you guys and all your posts.I learned if I didn't manage to get a hold of the panic attacks it would take over my life. So I finally got the courage to go somewhere and not run back out in panic.and it worked I was scared but I did my breathing exercise and kept telling myself everything was going to be OK .I practically had to this little exercise for everywhere I went and I was doing good I was feeling better. But I could never get the feeling of being scared to completely go away .the reason why I'm posting this because I had another panic attack yesterday heart pounding and after almost a week with no incident. I still have those thoughts in the back of my head since my first panic attack 3 and a half weeks ago I've had between 4 or five full blown episodes. Managed to cope.and was good for almost a week and then out of no where it cones back.I feel tired. I'm starting to think that this could be my life now random panic attacks out of nowhere.also a month before my panic attack I broke my ankle and I haven't been working or active at all I'm still recovering from my ankle.maybe that has something to do with it also.I was so happy and proud because I thought I had it under control and then it just blindsided me.but one thing is for sure I wasn't by myself thanks to people like you guys and your posts thanks to you I made it through the toughest of times. I still have those thoughts in the back of my head is this how its going to be for me from now on random attacks.also ive started working out.I can't do much because of bad ankle but I believe something is better than nothing.will I be able to completely rid myself of panic attacks? Should I go see a doctor again? sorry for any spelling or grammar I typed this reply fast I don't want my wife finding out.

Thank you for the advice. I will go see a doctor soon. My wife is very very stressed out at the moment physically and mentally her mother was in intensive care she had a stroke and with issues with her family . I believe that telling her this will stress her out even more. But you guys don't know it but you are my source of comfort everytime I have had a panic attack. I log on to the forums and read what people have been through and how to manage and advice. thanks to everyone I'm doing better. But like I said yesterday I had another panic attack out of nowhere and I thought it wouldn't hurt to ask for some help and it feels good to talk to someone or In my case post to you guys and get feedback. I honestly don't know where I would be if it weren't for people like u. Is it normal for people to have panic attacks the rest of their lives? Maybe when I am able to work I'll have more of a distraction.

K.,

I am really glad that you are finding it comforting to be here, and a help to you and your current situation.:)

To answer your question "Are panic attacks something that I will be dealing with randomly for the rest of my life?"

I can't give you a definitive answer of course, but I can tell you that there is certainly hope for recovery.

I myself sought therapy (CBT) did lots of self-help material and practices, and with the support of this place, I can say that I am, for now, free of the panic attacks that I used to suffer daily.

I still deal with, and have to manage my anxiety, but I have comes light years from where I once was.:)

So, no, you do not need to anticipate that this is just something that will always be your reality from now on...there is hope.

Keep posting, and check out these Resources! https://www.healingwell.com/community/default.aspx?f=9&m=104206

S.C.