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Posted 1/18/2014 2:50 PM (GMT 0)
After I finish a Panic Attack, I will become very lethargic, tired, and go into a state of feeling generally very horrible; an almost depressed state where I don't care about anything, and just want to go home and sleep as soon as possible.

What is that? Could it be shock? Adrenaline shock?

I understand that all that adrenaline has just been released at once and now it has no where to go now that the panic has left, so have I gone into a state of shock because the leftover chemicals haven't dissipated? It usually lasts 4-12 hours after an attack; mostly ends up in my leaving school early and going straight to bed.

------------------------
Insight:

I am 18 years old. Have been suffering from GAD for 4 years ( possibly more)

CBT does NOT work on me. I have tried for 3 years " scientifically proven" says my psychiatrists " Well It doesn't work for me, so stop it" I say. I don't do the whole 'breathe and focus' thing. It doesn't work. I'm tired of it. It works for other people, but not me.

- Currently looking to see if I'm eligible for Disability Benefits since my disorder has once before lead me to become a Recluse, and may do so once again.

Post Edited (DivinePrince) : 1/18/2014 8:04:08 AM (GMT-7)

Posted 1/18/2014 4:41 PM (GMT 0)
I'm not a doctor, but my guess is that it is not "shock" as much as it is "exhaustion."

When we have panic attacks, or long stretches of anxiety, it's draining to our bodies and our minds. Everything about us is on high alert.

I think of it a bit like burning through all the fuel rapidly and when it's "done" there's nothing quite left to burn. So we need to recuperate.




M.
Posted 1/18/2014 8:32 PM (GMT 0)
It is common to feel physical exhaustion after a severe panic attack.  The fact that your feeling tired after the event may be 1. Your diagnosing - trying to figure out why your tired after the attack and  2. You are attaching danger to feeling tired.  You may have a vicious cycle going on.

No one likes to feel tired. Instead of being ( staying) concerned that you are tired, tell yourself that feeling tired is distressing and uncomfortable, not at all dangerous.

Feeling tired may not be a fact. One or two good nights of rest will rejuvenate your body, but if your mind is full of "I wonder what is causing this?" thoughts your not giving your mind a rest.

Sometimes we may feel tired just because we are discouraged. Wellness is a process; it doesn't happen overnight or even in a month or two.

Re your interest in Disability benefits, it is most difficult to obtain SSI benefits for a mental disorder.  If you are seriously considering this than you need to make sure that your doctors or psychiatrist is first going to state that your disabled.   If they wont there's no reason to file.   Also, there is a huge back log and it takes well over a year  and up to 3 years if you even get approved for benefits. All of the people I know hired attorneys.  So you have to ensure that you do have fall back funds for this whole time of being off work.  Here is SSDI's list from their website on impairments so you can do some research if you like.

http://www.ssa.gov/disability/professionals/bluebook/AdultListings.htm

I wish you well,

Kitt

Posted 1/19/2014 4:44 AM (GMT 0)
I thought it was just me!! I feel the same exact way after every panic attack I have. Ive come to the conclusion that its just mental exhaustion and your so hyped up and panicking and trying to calm down and for me it feels like im on speed or something im running around like crazy I cant think sometimes I black out I cant sit down my heart races it feels like I just ran a marathon afterwards, and it never fails I get completely exhausted! the breathing and stuff does not work for me either, this is very debilitating for myself as well so I can see why getting disability benefits would be an option you're looking into. this has caused me to miss/be late for school, work, caused my children to miss/be late for school, etc etc its HORRIBLE. its like my body is at an all time adrenaline rush and I do not know how to calm it EVER. it just does what it wants and I cannot control it one bit, which makes it 10x worse. im now 26 and ive had this since I was 15 years old. im fed up, ive had enough, im tired of trying to deal with it and "cope" because I cant...I feel like I need to live in a hospital to feel safe. ive been in and out of the ER many many many times and every time ive felt so safe and secure laying In that hospital bed as I felt if anything happened the drs would be right there to save me. this is a viscious condition and I feel as if ill never be normal again, I forget what its like to be "normal". I feel your pain so much! I worry that im putting all of this time and effort and paying all of this money into going to school for no reason because I can barely work at my job now, its horrible. I wish you the best and I hope that you feel better and soon..

Lacey
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