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Posted 12/31/2014 7:37 AM (GMT 0)
Greetings to everyone within the community here!

I am a 20 year old male currently attending post-secondary education. I am back home for the Holidays and was experiencing a pleasant vacation until something fairly worrying occurred this past week.

On the 26th, I went to see a movie with some friends. I didn't get a very lengthy sleep the night before but I was feeling fine nevertheless. After around 40 minutes or so through the film, I began feeling uneasy. A sudden and strange feeling in the pit of my abdomen formed and I soon began to feel my heart starting to race. I left the theatre and returned home fairly panicked. After speaking with my Father about what had happened, he assured me that it was nothing serious and it was just a panic attack. He then expressed that he experiences the same symptoms several times throughout his life that he never told us about.

I felt better soon after but after effects still lingered. My chest felt weak and I generally felt quite tired. However, the symptoms have repressed each day since. With that said, I am finding that whenever I am occupied in a public setting, I feel completely fine, but when I am in bed and ready to sleep, I am scaring myself. I can't stop thinking about that one anxiety attack (that had initially lead me to believe that I was having a heart attack) and the thought of it is causing more pressure on my chest which is making it even worse.

Just typing all of this out has allowed me to take my focus away from how I'm feeling right now and I feel zero symptoms. My main question is to whether these feelings will go away in time? I'm horrified to think that I'm forever going to feel this way whenever I think about potentially having another attack.

Apologies for the rambling. Regards,

WorriedCanadian
Posted 12/31/2014 7:55 AM (GMT 0)
Welcome WorriedC!

You're in the right place! Many of us (if not all) know exactly what you're going through, so do not think you're alone in it! You'll find many resources (I'm sure someone will post all the links shortly) that can help you and calm you down.

When you say that you're scaring yourself, and that you can't stop thinking about the one anxiety attack...that coulda been me saying it. My anxiety issues seemed to trigger with a dream I had months ago in which I was having a heart attack. Shortly after, I began with chest pains and all the other good stuff. I constantly ask myself, if I never would have had that dream, would I be as worried as I am currently, or still blissfully in the dark about such things? I'll never know...but in the meantime, the wonderful community here will help you out! It sure sounds to me like you might be in the super scanner mode with your anxiety right now. It's always nice when you can actually focus on something else for a while and forget the fear, so try to keep focused on something else (I use reading and video games).

Have you thought about a doctor's visit to clear up things?
Posted 12/31/2014 8:06 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks for the quick response, Zax. The community here looks very helpful and I'm glad that there is another form of support and information here for me at this time.

It's amazing that you make reference to a dream you had about having a heart attack because I actually had the EXACT same experience in either October or November. I woke up and my heart was racing but I managed to fall back asleep and thought nothing of it until this past week.

I know that I should absolutely see a doctor as I have not had a check-up for quite a long time. I just get anxious thinking about it especially since this turn of events this past week. I definitely need to try and arrange for a check-up ASAP.

Hopefully in time I can sleep without these thoughts of anxiety taking control over me. My main concern is the severity of these thoughts right before bed but I have been listening to ASMR (autonomous sensory meridian response) and relaxation videos almost every night for many years so those help a bit.

Just kind of felt sharing my situation during a night where I'm having trouble sleeping. It makes me feel much better knowing that I'm not a black sheep of sorts and that there are many people going through the same things.
Posted 12/31/2014 11:29 AM (GMT 0)
Hi

Welcome to the forum I am pleased you have found us as I know you will get good support here.

Yes it does sound like you had a panic attack and a lot of us here have anxiety which makes it hard to get to sleep at night myself included. I am pleased that writing your thoughts down here has helped a little it really does help when you speak about it especially to people who can relate to what you are going through.

I would suggest you go and speak with your doctor about these symptoms you have been getting as there is a lot that can be done to help with anxiety such as taking medication or doing some talking therapy such as CBT which gets good results.

In the meantime check out our resources thread which is the first post on the main page for some links to coping strategies which you will find useful and keep posting here we are here to support you.

Hibee
Posted 12/31/2014 10:09 PM (GMT 0)
Hey Worried Canadian!

Thanks for sharing your story with us! Yep, I can totally relate to that! There are certain times that my anxious thoughts & physical symptoms come to visit me at bedtime. :D I usually do my best to not let them control me. I let them control my fear for a while, but now I will do one of two things:

a) ignore them and think happy thoughts.
or
b) take a warm bath with Epsom salts to relax my muscles, watch something cheery on youtube (such as a Ted Talk) and then pretend as though I am a sleeping happily on a fluffy cloud (I'm kind of like repeat on this, because I love my fluffy comforter!) :D

Anyway, try not to make a habit of allowing the fear consume you at night. Hope this helps! :D
Posted 1/1/2015 12:16 AM (GMT 0)
Welcome fellow Canadian! What you experienced was definitely a panic attack. I've had many of them in my lifetime and although they feel unpleasant, they will not kill you! What's tricky is not allowing them to scare you. The more you fear them, the harder it is to work with them. Also, when you attach a fear to the physical feelings, you tend to obsess over that fear. Try not to attach a fear to the panic attack and look at it for what it really is, which is totally physical to begin with. It is just your body's way of warning you to be better to yourself. When you break it down to the physical aspects of a panic attack, you can see that it's simply your body telling you something. We're you under any stress in the last year? Sometimes our body can handle a certain amount and anything beyond that can manifest as anxiety. Try and be good to yourself and don’t be afraid. The sooner you educate yourself, the better!! We all understand! ! Be well, Lisa
Posted 1/1/2015 1:16 AM (GMT 0)
Welcome! You're in the right place :) It definitely sounds like a panic attack. I'd see your doctor to just get some clarity on what's going on.
Posted 1/1/2015 1:18 AM (GMT 0)
Hi W.C. :)
You sound like a very nice young man and glad you posted...
It does indeed sound a panic attack, and there could have been something in the movie that maybe triggered some unpleasant memory (even though it was unconsciously brought about)
I think that you just need a little reassurance so that your mind can find some peace that you WILL be OK!
Maybe just speak with a dr if you think that can be arranged. Our minds are very powerful and can create just about anything! Sometimes it takes a lot of effort and self discipline to corral those 'bad' thoughts and just say "Toodeloo" to them... Just don't come down on yourself, however! Maybe even consider a couple of visits with a therapist. Sometimes we need a helping hand along the way...and that is JUST FINE!
You WILL be ok! :)
Happy New Year to you and take good care.
Bettsann
Posted 1/1/2015 3:05 AM (GMT 0)
I just wanted to thank all of you for the great advice and words of encouragement. It means a lot and has definitely given me a great outlook on things.

I have actually had very little stress within this past year. Studies have been good, my social life is great and my family life is also fine. I consider myself quite privileged and lucky which is why this panic attack was so strange.

Once I return to Sudbury for school, I plan on arranging for a check-up just to ensure that there are no greater underlying issues that may be related (just as a precaution as I have now come to grips that this is 99% a panic/anxiety attack issue). Ruling everything out would help ease my mind as well.

I continued to feel varying symptoms today when I would think about the anxiety attack and found myself feeling lightheaded but my chest tightness has disappeared entirely. Finally, I got to the point earlier this evening where I sat down and told myself straight up that I really don't have anything to worry about and focusing on the positives has completely diminished all of my related symptoms. I hope that this progress continues and I can avoid creating a panic attack disorder.

Thanks again, everyone. This forum is fantastic and I already feel much better about my situation.

- WC
Posted 1/1/2015 3:09 AM (GMT 0)
WorriedC,

Great! It sounds like you really have a handle on things. Please keep us updated; hearing about other people's progress is a beacon of hope for me (and I'm sure some others too)!
Posted 1/1/2015 5:38 PM (GMT 0)
Hi WorriedC,

Welcome! Great support so far...

...so I will just say glad you joined us, post anytime for support...

...and here are some great self help coping skills for lowering anxeity and the possibility of having another panic episode.

Self Help sites with breathing/relaxation exercises instructions

Panic attack relief exercises:

 

http://www.healthcentral.com/anxiety/c/73076/34334/breathing-lessons/

http://www.healthyplace.com/

http://www.stress-relief-exercises.com/

http://www.ehow.com/video_4405003_breathing-exercises-panic-attacks.html

http://www.psybersquare.com/anxiety/panic_relax_I

 

Practicing these daily can really make a difference!

Scaredy Cat

Posted 1/2/2015 7:38 AM (GMT 0)
Just a quick update:

I'm already feeling 95% better. For the majority of my day I experienced zero symptoms and each time the thought of the panic attack came up I was able to suppress the potential symptoms. Only a few instances of feeling lightheaded or chest tightness.

I plan on visiting the doctor's within the next week.
Posted 1/2/2015 5:51 PM (GMT 0)
Worried,

Great news.:) May you continue to feel your best! I also hope that you get the answers that you need at your appointment, get a clean bill of health, and possibly put this anxious period behind you!

S.C.
Posted 1/3/2015 10:01 AM (GMT 0)
Hello again all!

As you can likely tell from the time stamp on this post, I am having some issues sleeping tonight. I have suddenly, for no apparent reason again, began feeling sudden bursts of panic tonight. It's nowhere near the level of my initial attack but it's startling still.

It's kind of amazing how powerful the human mind is. I was gaming for several hours tonight and felt perfectly fine but now that I'm thinking about this, I'm feeling awful. Continuing to tell myself that this is all mental and not a physical threat is my number one move right now and it's doing a bit of help.

I hope everyone else is having a much easier and restful night.
Posted 1/4/2015 11:34 PM (GMT 0)
Hi WorriedC,

Sometimes stimulating activities, especially those with back lighting, can de-rail sleep attempts, and give panic a foot-in-the-door.

Hopefully last night was better for you...and in the future, you may need to 'power down' earlier to prevent future issues of this sort.

Well wishes!

S.C.
Posted 1/10/2015 7:46 PM (GMT 0)
Another update:

I had an episode last night after being on my feet most of the day and feeling zero symptoms. Once I finished my day and sat down for a bit, I felt my heart start going again. It lasted for an hour or two and I continued to feel chest tightness for majority of the night. I woke up this morning and took my heart rate and was back at around 70 bpm. But once I began walking around a bit, I noticed my heart rate increase to around 100 and immediately began thinking about the worst case again so my day hasn't been very good today either.

I decided to finally go to the clinic today and got my blood pressure taken (which she indicated no abnormalities) and said that it was likely just anxiety but to get some blood work done just in case. So, I plan on going into a lab sometime this week. She wants me to get an EKG and TSH among a few other things checked off that I don't know what they're about.

Still feeling pretty anxious. I'm still so very concerned that this might be something serious. It's so much easier giving advice than taking it and acting on it.

I hope you all are having a much better day than I.

- WC
Posted 1/11/2015 12:37 AM (GMT 0)
WC,

I am really confident that your tests are going to return really good results regarding your health.

Not to discount your physical symptoms...but I have read so many posts similar to yours...and every member was just fine.

Try to focus on your coping skills until you go in for your appointment.;)

Keep talking with us as well...we walk along beside you in this!

S.C.
Posted 1/11/2015 2:48 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks for the kind words of encouragement SC.

I began feeling better earlier today and I'm actually having a "social gathering" at my house tonight. My heart rate has elevated to around 120 after a few drinks and I don't know if this is normal or if I should be worried.

I'm honestly worried I'm watching my life end right before my eyes. At least socially.
Posted 1/12/2015 12:50 AM (GMT 0)
Worried,

Is your heart rate back down to normal ranges now? I would imaging the combination of having company and the alcohol worked together to elevate it last night.

Hopefully things are back to normal today?

Keep up the good work and let us know how you are doing soon!

S.C.
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