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Anxiety & Panic Disorders
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Posted 6/6/2013 4:27 AM (GMT 0)
Today, while participating in a group training, my chest became so tight and I felt as though I couldn't get a deep breath. I was dizzy, having chest pain, and twitching tendencies in my left arm....it was awful. I had to get up and walk out once, but I had to return. I thought I was having a heart attack.....I also couldn't swallow. Does this sound like a panic attack? I've had similar experiences in the past, but not this severe. I also have difficulty sleeping because my body twitches. I know this sounds nuts, but so scary....input appreciated.
Posted 6/6/2013 4:36 AM (GMT 0)
I felt the exact same way today at my daughters Kindergarten graduation. I almost walked out, but remembered to just take deep slow breaths and it got better.

If you've been given the all clear by a Dr that nothing is physically wrong, you can bet your last buck that it's anxiety.

Try not to worry about it. It only makes it worse.
Posted 6/6/2013 4:48 AM (GMT 0)
I tried to take deep breaths, but I wasn't able to stop it. I don't think anyone noticed me or at least I hope not. I think it's worse when I'm forced to be in a large group of people. I'm very social and love to be around people, but only small groups. It's very frightening and I hate this about myself, but I had no control today. As soon as I got in my car to leave, I was fine. Very strange what the mind does to the body. Thanks for your response, it helps to know that I'm not alone.
Posted 6/6/2013 6:00 AM (GMT 0)
Joshua, sounds like an attack to me, but everyone is different. Hopefully you are able to work through the symptoms and be able to come out victorious.
Just before getting on the forum, I was sleeping. My new little baby started crying. I woke in a panicked state. Heart racing, shaking, feeling ill. I got up to get baby a bottle but still felt the same way. While getting things ready and during feeding, I counted. Started at 1 and then going up until I stopped or felt comfy. I started and stopped a few times. I'm currently still working through it but typing this helps :)
Good luck!!!
Posted 6/6/2013 6:15 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Aublan!

Welcome and yup you likely have experienced an anxiety attack/panic attack. Anxiety and panic can make out bodies have some physical symptoms and they can be confusing and might cause us to be alarmed. Please research into CBT, guided relaxations, breathing techniques and other self help things you can do today to help minimize the immediate effects of your anxiety and eork on long-term shutting it off.

It is a process to overcome and learn the coping skills and tools.change won't happen overnight. Managing anxiety takes some learning as well as lifestyle changes.

I wish you the best of luck!

Joshua
Posted 6/6/2013 6:45 AM (GMT 0)
Grief......now I just decided to get out of bed since as soon as I feel I'm falling off to sleep, I quickly "jerk" and can't get my breath....so here I am.....awake! I'm wondering if caffeine could be a contributing factor? I seriously drink about 4-5 12 oz. cans of "Coke" daily. Bad I know, but I'm so addicted.
Posted 6/6/2013 7:37 AM (GMT 0)
Well I tend to disagree with those that say caffeine can trigger anxiety. I had a 4 shot venti mocha this morning. It was delicious. If your body is used to the caffeine might not be an issue for you. I briefly quit coffee for a few weeks while I was at my most anxious state and perhaps it helped to quit it momentarily but I am back at it because I'm not going to let anxiety rob me of my coffee, ha.

Sounds like you are afraid of sleeping or being unconsious? If so u had this too and still do to some extent so I take two benadryls (sometime throw a melatonin on top). I only have to do this when my anxiety is high. Otherwise if I am at peace with myself i sleep like a baby.

Another time, as in when yoy are awake and your mind is functioning well, assess the stress in your life and write it down. Identifying the sources of my anxiety is helping me overcome it. I'm afraid of being less than perfect at work. I don't take criticism well and I easily think everybody else at work is stupid. So since I've realized this it helps me to put a lid in my anxiety and address my misinterpretations of others more realistically. Getting to the root cause really helps.

But no need to worry about that now, my friend, get some rest and think on it tomorrow.

Good night....

Joshua
Posted 6/6/2013 8:52 AM (GMT 0)
It's true how funny when we feel "fine" when we're about to escape or exit something we're not really used to (in your case large groups) and get ourselves someplace where we can feel comfortable. My current home or place where I live will always be my comfort zone. If I got out of the house I'll always feel sick on my stomach, feel nervous outside and mostly feel like I'm gonna take a dump. I find myself ashamed having this issue. I'm not really used to or feel comfortable to take a dump somewhere else except in our house that's what make me anxious whenever I'm far from home. Whenever I feel I have to do it outside leaves me panicking but not like these kind of panic attacks I'm having right now. I also remember how terrible I can feel when I'm going further away from home and how I feel great going back home. I have this ever since I was young. Schools and new people make me anxious like I'm in a state of danger. My panic attacks just started when I thought I have a serious health condition and developed health anxiety that was made worse by googling. What you experienced is a panic attack for sure. It can be relieved by taking deep breaths and doing some breathing exercises. Now I have this weird symptoms that makes me worry more and I'm having a hard time developing my coping skills because first I want to rule out any serious health condition causing these symptoms and just end up being frustrated because I'm not able to send myself to get those other check-ups or exams I needed to help me tell myself "don't worry about those things." I'm thankful and feel grateful for people telling me I'm fine and healthy that makes me feel great but I still feel the need to be told by doctors I'm fine by taking those expensive tests.

You're gonna be fine aublan since your anxiety are mostly not about your health. You're not going to die from panic attacks but being so stressed and worked up with these things are not healthy. You can hear other's coping skills here in HW and you can visit the resource page provided here by the moderators that helped a lot of people. Proper breathing is a must.

Post Edited (Jojanxiety) : 6/6/2013 2:58:04 AM (GMT-6)

Posted 6/6/2013 9:02 PM (GMT 0)
That does sound like a panic attack. Like someone else said, if you've been cleared by a doctor as healthy, I'd bet it was one.

The last attack I had before going to the doctor was so seriously intense. I really, truly thought I was having a heart attack. It happened at work. At first, I was dizzy and aware of my heart beating rapidly. My chest started hurting and I started pouring sweat and got nauseous. When I stood up, I felt like I couldn't balance and it was hard to control my legs. I ended up laying down in the break room and falling asleep. I felt like I might not wake up. I went to the doctor SURE I'd be diagnosed with heart failure or something... nope, panic attacks.
Posted 6/6/2013 10:04 PM (GMT 0)
Everything you are experiencing is PAD related, (none of it will hurt you) if you haven't been cleared by a Dr.
then I would do so, once that is done you will find many wonderful people and several self therapies that
will turn your life around. When you are concerned come here! someone will help You. Peace!

Larry ***
Posted 6/7/2013 3:26 AM (GMT 0)
Hey Aublan. Welcome to the group. I'm new here myself, but thought I'd jump in and reply to your post. I'd agree with the others; it does sound like a panic attack if you are otherwise healthy. I have trouble swallowing when I'm extremely anxious, though it is rare, thankfully! Everyone's range of symptoms is unique to the individual. Are you most afraid of having a heart attack? It would make sense, then, that those are the types of symptoms you experience. It's like having a terrorist in your own head. It's great that you returned to the situation. With more practice (lots more!) you'll be able to remain in the situation and get through the attack. I've been dealing with panic for over 15 years, so I've been able to ferret out what works and doesn't work for me, though it's a constant learning process. You'll find your own techniques.

As far as the sleeping, jerking awake when falling asleep is normal. Everyone twitches when they're falling asleep. You get that falling feeling, right? To me, that feeling is kind of cool, but I can definitely see how it can be scary! It's just your body working so no cause for alarm. By chance are you taking Ambien for sleep? I have a theory that that can cause extra-crazy twitching. My girlfriend told me I have some severe twitching going on in my sleep (I don't wake up, and if I do, I don't remember the next day), and I can only guess it's on the nights when I've taken the Ambien. Again, not harmful (at least to you - I almost kicked her one night!)
Posted 6/7/2013 8:58 AM (GMT 0)

HoldTheOnions said...
It's like having a terrorist in your own head....
a constant learning process. You'll find your own techniques.


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