I think i'm having an attack right now

I need some help please. I'm sitting at work feeling like I'm in the beginning stages of a panic/anxiety attack. Normally when I get these, it strikes me in my hands and feet first. I start feeling tingly and light headed and then the hyperventilating.

lately including now it's just an extreme amount of worry that pops up seemingly out of nowhere and i feel like i'm going to throw up and I feel like I'm going to cry...you know like one of those big cries where you can't stop. and I'm at work and I just cant deal with this. I'm trying the breathing but it's not working. I'm trying to think positive an it's not working. my hands are shaking while i type this and it's taken me about 20 minutes so far just to type this

i've been under a lot of stress lately and i have ptsd and anxiety and i think that a lot of the anxiety i've been feeling is because my 10yr reunion just passed. i didn't go because id didn't want to see some people who are still friends with the guys who raped me a few years ago so i didn't go because i wanted to avoid a trigger but they keep sending emails about it and it just passed and they sent out pictures from it and i saw the people who were friends with the guys in the pics but that was a couple of days ago and so i don't know why it's bothering me like this now if thats even what it is i don't know. today i get to leave work in about an hour and half thank god but till then i don't know what to do. my coworkers are not understanding and i'm on the phones and dealing with these people is heightening everything and i'm shaking like a leaf and rocking and i can't stop and can someone pleas help me and tell me what to do please

thank you

kathy

Kathy,

Those triggers - like the pictures - can definitely have a longer effect than just the few minute right when you see them. Accept that you are still shaken up by those memories and connections, but that you are safe now. As you practice breathing, try not so much to clear your mind, but to substitute good or safe thouhts for the negatives.

For example, the thought "they're friends with him" could be replaced by the thought, "I have good, caring friends" (not necessarily the same people). Let your negative thoughts point out a key word of idea that you can think of that's positive in your life.

percycat

Kathy,

Even though we're not physically there with you right now, you're not entirely alone. There are others on the forum right now who know what it feels like to experience what you're experiencing.

It's a lot harder for me to fight down a panic attack when I am physically alone as opposed to with my fiance or a trusted friend or my doctor. Sometimes, I'll come here online when I can't get myself back under control, and it always helps to soothe me. I really hope you're able to experience some of that soothing too.

Is there a close friend you can talk to when you're done with work? Someone who you can share with, and who will be there with you, and just listen?

percycat

Kathy, a few things. First of all, I'm concerned that you say, "I have no reason to feel this way." That's not true and therefore your body is responding. I was raped at 17. I can relate. Friends shoved me in a closet with a man and it all happened. They wanted to know if I was a virgin. Secondly, if these people are still friends with the guys responsible for your rape, you need to get rid of them. No more communication. Actually, this is what I did. Write a letter to the guys and the people still friends with them. You don't have to mail it. Include how you felt then and how you're feeling now. I mailed my letter. This letter writing works for all kinds of anxiety. Anger with a parent, an ex....etc. Acknowledge that you have anxiety. Take care of your body physically and mentally. Take care of the child within you....good luck!