HealingWell
Search Close Search
☰

New to Panic Attacks, please help me understand

Support Forums
>
Anxiety & Panic Disorders
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply
❬ ❬ Previous Thread |Next Thread ❭ ❭
Posted 4/5/2013 12:15 AM (GMT 0)
I am a 40 year old female and am suddenly having panic attacks. I think it all started when I became overstressed at work and suddenly couldn't breathe. I went to the doctors and they said I was fine (they checked electrolytes, lungs clear, heart rate a littlr high at 87 and blood pressure a little high ar 134/80). The doctor had me on an heart event monitor for a month, but it came back normal with the exception that one side beats more than the other at times, but he said that was okay unless continues to bother me. He said he could give me a beta blocker but I didn't want it yet if not life threatening. He also said that stress, anxiety, caffeine and alcohol can make my heart beat issue.

Now, I've tried Xanax, and it helped, but made my throat dry so I felt like I was choking on food, so I stopped it. My anxiety did get better, a little, but my work is still stressful, and I'm starting to get them again. I was just at the store when I suddenly felt faint and dizzy, so of course back to anxiety attack. I'm trying to breathe through it, but difficult. I checked my heart rate and it was 101, but within 15 min back to 75.

I should also tell you that I am a thyroid cancer survivor. In addition, I know have allergies that make me congested all the time, so I'm seeing my ENT dr tomorrow.

Any words of wisdom for how to deal with anxiety? I'm sorry for the long message😰
Posted 4/5/2013 3:50 PM (GMT 0)
Hello and welcome!

We are glad that you have found us...and don't apologize for a long post...it is really helpful to have the full picture, so that we can best advise you.;)

I am sorry to hear us your recent panic attacks. They are truly miserable to go through. Good job on seeing your doctor and getting an all clear from a medical standpoint...now you will want to focus on your recovery from the anxiety.

It sounds as it you have learned a good self-help technique already in the breathing. This is a very effective tool in battling the panic and its symptoms. We have other great ideas in our Resource Guide (main page, 1st post) The progressive muscle relaxation, meditation and breathing are all coping skills that should be a part of your daily routine...whether you are feeling anxious or not. Think of it as a lifestyle change, rather than a fix for when you are stressed.:)

If the self-help changes listed above, along with healthy diet, exercise, getting involved in enjoyable distractions such as hobbies and interests and being part of a support group aren't enough to banish the panic, then I recommend looking into therapy.

Therapy helped me get through the toughest time of my life (daily panic attacks) and get to a good place of recovery with my anxiety issues.

You can ask your doctor for a referral if you need a recommendation regarding who to see.

I hope that you will continue to post with us. We all share similar issues, and are here to care for and support each other!

Talk to you soon,

Scaredy Cat
Posted 4/5/2013 4:39 PM (GMT 0)

“Worry never robs tomorrow of its sorrow, it only saps today of its joy.”

― Leo Buscaglia

One of my favorite quotes. I understand what you are going through as I have 31 year history of anxiety and depression.  I managed to work 26 years in the dream job I always wanted but I eventually burned out from stress and took early retirement. 

I also started seeing a psychiatrist when I retired which has been a huge help to me as I have learned ways to deal with my anxiety.  One of the quickest ways for me to deal with high anxiety is to practice positive affirmations.  Here is a link to one of our threads right here on this page re positive affirmations:

https://www.healingwell.com/community/default.aspx?f=9&m=2683989&p=1

You mentioned your are a thyroid cancer survivor - how long since you were dx with cancer if I may ask ?  I am a colon cancer survivor; just dx in August of 2012; had surgery and completed chemo on February 25, 2013.  The first weeks when I completed treatment my anxiety was sky high which I did not expect.  I thought I would be so happy and excited  but with a lot of help, both profesional and from peers, I now understand that feeling alone and afraid after treatment is normal.  If worries of cancer are on your mind and you would like to, feel free to email me.

I hope you keep on talking with us as we are here for you.

Kindly,

Kitt

✚ New Topic ✚ Reply