panicked

hello this is my first time here.. Im at my mother in laws for thanksgiving. Had dinner. everything great. then went upstairs to fast i guess.. it messed my breathing up. I hyperventilated I guess. then full blown panick attack. I thought it was under control.. upstairs being where my husband and i r sleeping while we are visiting. so anyway went back downstairs.. Still shaking bad and HOT!!! so text my husband, i didnt want his mom to know what was going on.. I had him help me back upstairs.. I had to go so slow cuz my breathing got off again. now an hour later i feel like such a fool almost. Im sitting upstairs afraid to go back down and join the family because Im still shaking.. wishing this would stop.. and hoping of course that this is just anxiety and nothing serious.. It has been an hour or more now since the attack and still shaky...

yes i think just getting out of breath from going upstairs.. after eating i was feeling bloated.. and then went upstairs.. which stairs are kind of one of my triggers as far as breathing goes i think. It just take so long for me to get back to normal again after a major attack it worries me..

my period is also starting so I think my hormones play a roll in my anxiety.. and then the hot flashes are the worst.. I held a cold can of diet coke on my neck coming up the stairs the 2nd time.. I dont know why but when im home ill grab an ice bag out of the freezer, even if im not hot, but having an attack and putting on my neck seems to help some.. maybe just gives me something else to focus on...

Hang in there and relax. I find that posting on this forum helps me get through rough times. I usually always have a low to mid level of anxiety however after an attack it can range from mid to high anxiety for a while. Are you in therapy or seeking any other types coping resources?

I sure do hope you are feeling better!

Stormlover - you sound so much like me that I think I could have written your post myself. I too get panicky when getting out of breath - and that just makes it worse of course. And I always try to hide my anxiety from my family. i hosted Thanksgiving this year so I was ok with the anxiety while I kept busy cooking, etc but as soon as everyone left, the anxiety hit and I had to talk to myself all night to keep from having a panic attack. When I woke up this morning (my worst time), I threw down my Xanax right away like I always do but I still had a bad attack when i took my doggies out for a walk at 5am....i felt so out of breathe from them pulling me around that I was sure I was going to collapse right out there in the yard and pictured someone finding me face down in the snow!!!! LOL. Once the Xanax kicked in a bit, my anxiety level calmed down somewhat but it's always a battle, isn't it. And i too have had anxiety for years, then had years anxiety free, and now it's been back for over three months. When I go through periods anxiety free, I can't imagine ever having anxiety again, then when it comes back I can't think of anything else. You'd think we'd be used to it by now but it's always just as debilitating every time it resurfaces. I hate having to depend on meds but I must admit that usually the small dose of Xanax does help, even if it's only for a few hours. takes the edge off I guess so you can prepare for the next attack! LOL

SL,

Here are some great self-help exercises that you should find beneficial in lessening your anxiety and symptoms/attacks. They are from the Resources that I mentioned above. Practicing them everday can really make a huge difference!

Self Help sites with breathing/relaxation exercises instructions

Panic attack relief exercises:

 

http://www.healthcentral.com/anxiety/c/73076/34334/breathing-lessons/

http://www.healthyplace.com/

http://www.stress-relief-exercises.com/

http://www.ehow.com/video_4405003_breathing-exercises-panic-attacks.html

http://www.psybersquare.com/anxiety/panic_relax_I

 
Keep posting!

S.C.