Think i had my first anxiety attack?

My first time here, but anyway:

So today i took my dog for a walk in the sun, everything was fine. I got home and had a drink of water then walked up the stairs to my room. I tried to get my guitar out of it's case but couldn't get the key in the lock because i was shaking so much. Then all of a sudden, almost at the flick of a switch my heart started beating as if it wanted to break out through my rib cage. I stood up and my legs didn't even feel like they were there, just all numb. I decided i needed to lay down and pretty much just fell forward onto my bed and was layed on my chest. After that i couldn't really move or think, my vision was kind of distorted and everything just sounded so strange and surreal. At this point my heart was REALLY in overdrive mode, it was almost lifting me up and down.

My dad walked in my room and i couldn't reply to him, i don't know why, i couldn't even make a sound. General fear, maybe? He thought i was asleep while i was laying there now convinced i was dying and i couldn't get my mind else where.

All together, at its peak, it lasted around 20 minutes i'd say and even now my legs feel really weak, i can't think properly and i'm having waves of extreme shakes. I have a few pains coming and going in my chest too, along with my heart feeling like it's ready to stop any second.

It's strange how it happened on a day when i wasn't feeling very on edge. I've always feared what's around corners and feared being in public places when i see people that look sketchy. But i've never really had a moment like this.

I'm popping to the doctors tomorrow, but i have a feeling they will tell me to contact the mental health place i go for my bi-polar.

I'm just so confused right now, it's as if somebody has put my brain in a blender then poured it back into my skull.

Thanks in advance for any help, advice etc.

Thanks for the reply, Pushon!

I've never felt anything like it, i've panicked before and thought something bad was due to happen and my hearing went until there was almost no sound. I thought THAT was an attack as my heart was also beating fast.

But after today, i'm so scared i have another. I think i was lucky enough to be at home, if i was out and around in public i have no idea what would have happened since i normally don't feel safe in public anyway.

PLUR,

Welcome to HealingWell.  I am going to post a link to a quick quiz from the PsychCentral online site FYI only:

http://psychcentral.com/quizzes/anxiety.htm

Most people feel anxious at times and have their ups and downs. It is natural for a mood to change or anxiety level to rise when a stressful or difficult event occurs.

Many people with bipolar disorder will suffer from at least one anxiety disorder at some point in their lives.

The good news is that the disorders are treatable separately and together. From you description of your event it feels to me like you were having a anxiety attack. Making a diagnosis of an anxiety disorder plus bipolar disorder can be confusing, and it is best to seek help from a mental health professional. I am glad to read you are going to visit your mental health place.

To achieve wellness, it is essential that people receive treatment for a co-occurring anxiety disorder and bipolar disorder. Treatment for both, however, is more complex than treatment for one.

Carefully consider all treatment options with your doctor or mental health provider: medication, therapy, or a combination. With proper treatment, anxiety disorders and bipolar disorder can be overcome.

Are you on a mood stabilization medication ? I am sure your Psychiatrist is aware of the pit falls of using antianxiety medications with your bipolar meds, especially mood stabilization medications.

CBT therapy has an important role is treating anxiety.

I hope you have noted our bipolar forum too and that you have posted or considered posting in that forum as the members there know bi-polar well and are familiar with the medications for bi-polar.

Please be very mindful of Healing Well Guidelines in relation to what is posted here:

4. Use good judgment. NEVER rely on information or opinions exchanged to replace necessary, personal consultation(s) with qualified health or medical professionals to meet your individual health or medical needs. Remember that what's right or has worked for one person may not be what's right for you.

Again a warm welcome and keep on talking with us.

Kindly,

Kitt