First time, not last time post - Physical symptoms

Hi everyone!

This is my first post on any kind of forum ever but it is extremely relieving to read so many similar stories with people going through what I am! I have had panic attacks on and off for about 5 years now with very minimal lingering side effects until now. Over the last several months I have had significantly more panic attacks and recently have been having physical symptoms and general nervousness almost all day every day. I was recently prescribed Ciraplex at 10mg to help me deal with these symptoms.

I had a quick question to through out to everyone. Does anyone ever feel like they are walking on air (for lack of a better description). What I mean by this is that recently when I'm walking, whether it's to get a coffee at work or at the mall, I get this sensation that I'm extremely lightheaded and feel like I'm walking weird. I don't think I am because I am usually with other people and no one has ever mentioned it. I starts to freak me out and intensify my anxiety and often leads to a panic attack. I always worry that I have something significantly wrong with me when I feel this way and am not sure if its the anxiety that makes me feel funny or the 'walking on air' sensation that triggers the panic.

Thanks for reading

I think its depersonalization. Basically, its the result of a hyperstimulated brain. Stress and anxiety cause your brain to go into a state of overdrive, which results in a temporary detachment from what is called the "human condition": the state in which your mind needs to be in order for you to perceive yourself as a normal, living entity. This state is similar to the result that most recreational drug users (alcohol, marihuana, etc.) aim to achieve. Only they choose willingly to do so and derive pleasure from it. In your case, it is the result of worry and stress, which results in what is known as a "bad trip".

It is your anxiety, long-term or short-term, which causes your hypothalamus (the little chemical factory of your brain) to create a cocktail of chemicals that creates this effect. The good news is that this means that although it's not under your direct control, or something you can just switch on or off, there are definitely things you can do to stop feeling like this.

The first step is realizing that this is a result of stress and anxiety, and that, given time and the absence of worry, your brain will always reset itself to a healthy, functional state. It is a remarkable organ and a true survivor when given the proper tools and opportunity.

This is where you come in. Take some time everyday, preferably just after you wake up and before you go to sleep, to just sit down somewhere without any distractions, and "come to yourself", or, as my father the buddhist would say, "calm the f down". Close your eyes, inhale deeply and just try to clear your mind. This is known as meditation, and I know it sounds silly. I don't recommend anything that i haven't tried myself. I can almost guarantee that, after a few days of practicing this, you'll feel much better.

Remember that meditation comes in many shapes and sizes. Anything that you can do that helps you relax or come to a better understanding of yourself can be seen as meditation. I find a good run or walk, reading a book or even playing a silly game can help considerably. Take a stroll outside, a long warm/cold shower, or just go lie flat on the grass somewhere and let go. Whatever suits you to help your mind reset itself.

Hope this helps, sincerely, Max

For more on this feeling, see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Depersonalization