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Weird panic attack or something else?

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Posted 10/15/2015 2:59 AM (GMT 0)
Most of the time my panic attacks are pretty standard. Racing heart, sweating, shaking, intesne fear and the desire to flee.. I've gotten pretty used to them over the years and they don't hit me as hard or last as long as they used to anymore.

But anyway, here's what happened. I was having lunch with a friend and we were talking. We had been done eating for a bit and at first I noticed that looking at him felt funny. I looked away a few times becuase of it. It was weird. The best way I can't think to explain it was like I was high and my brain was very focused on his face. Then I just felt physically off. I cut him off and said I don't feel right. I got a bit scared and sat next to him for a second, clearly confusing him. I just kept saying I dont feel right something is wrong. He said let's go walk and I said okay. Within a minute of walking the feeling had passed., but it was very intense and scary.

It was nothing like my normal episodes though. I didn't feel anxious, my heart was beating normally. I just felt high, and like something was very wrong.

Anyone else experience anything like this?

Post Edited (Cianna) : 10/14/2015 9:03:32 PM (GMT-6)

Posted 10/15/2015 3:41 AM (GMT 0)
The same exact thing happened when I was eating with my girlfriend a couple days ago. I was just eating casually and boom! That feeling of doom/dread just engulfed me. I had to stop eating and i sat spaced out thinking something was wrong for like 15 minutes. Well we're still here.. Panic comes in different forms. I guess this is just another one
Posted 10/15/2015 4:36 AM (GMT 0)
C.,

I always kind of say that I never had the same attack twice!

There are certainly similarities and some common symptoms in a panic attack...

...but I never had exactly what you would describe as a 'textbook' example, and they definitely would morph and change, just as I got used to them.;/ Mean trick!

Sounds to me like you have simply had a new experience for you in terms of panic...but that you handled it well, and that your friend was understanding.:)

Well wishes for feeling your best and panic free now,

S.C.
Posted 10/15/2015 4:54 AM (GMT 0)
I agree with S.C. We never really have the same attacks, just similar. Mine start the same, hot flashes and dread but they always change after that. Leg pain seems to be common with me but it will make me feel high or my mind will race so fast. Anxiety is a poot for changing it up on us every time. I don't like it but if you take a walk like you did and just get the feelings out they ease a lot. You know this and I am glad that you ce out of the attack quickly. Be strong and keep going.
Posted 10/15/2015 7:52 PM (GMT 0)
Hi

What you felt was very interesting since I only had the normal kinds of panic. It's probably as they say, just a different kind of panic or you just handled it pretty well that it actually never really aggravate to a full blown panic attack. I know that the things we don't know are the one's that are more scarier. Just continue with your treatments and someday you'll be Panic free.
Posted 10/16/2015 2:38 PM (GMT 0)
Walking was a good thing. I call your changing panic attacks "morphing". I won't tell you how many times my anxiety has morphed, but it seems like whenever I get a handle on one symptom it changes into something else. Claire Weekes helped me the most to get past most of it, but the stuff I deal with now is newer. I have faith that eventually I will also manage to get past this - hopefully I won't be 80 when it happens (LOL) Let's be happy and find something to be glad about.
Hugs, Reepin
Posted 10/16/2015 2:41 PM (GMT 0)
symptom shifting is common with panic attacks and anxiety
anxiety/panic in a way is your body trying to get your minds' attention
your body figures out that your mind is onto the tricks it plays to get its attention, so it comes up with new tricks..
its ridiculous and its kinda cruel but its true
Posted 10/16/2015 6:05 PM (GMT 0)
Your description made me think of an episode of dissociation which can happen (sometimes) with anxiety, panic attacks. It is usually short lived but yes, scary. And yes, I have experienced this.
Posted 10/16/2015 6:42 PM (GMT 0)
this may help explain

http://anxietynetwork.com/content/physical-somatic-symptom-shifting

Reason for edit: Made this an active link. TY for sharing M.E.!

Post Edited By Moderator (Scaredy Cat) : 10/16/2015 2:05:49 PM (GMT-6)

Posted 10/19/2015 12:10 AM (GMT 0)
Yes this is great I can't believe this when I read it it is so true because same with me I start off with one symptom and it goes away and I'm fine and then something else comes and I told my husband I just don't understand why does this happen and I'm reading this this is why this is great article
Posted 10/19/2015 2:25 AM (GMT 0)
Ive definitely had these experiences, especially out in public. Panic attacks manifest themselves in different ways unfortunately, and this one just tried to pull a fast on one you but I'm glad it was a fleeting feeling!
Posted 10/19/2015 2:59 PM (GMT 0)
It has happened to me and I wondered why and what?

Now I know it's panic and morphs.I did not know this.

I always worry what new form next.The dread is not good but in public places is more scary .

Dissociation,derealisation are all part of it.
Just be kind to yourself ....that's all we can do...we are many times harsh with our own selves.
Posted 10/19/2015 11:37 PM (GMT 0)
Been there done that! I'd say it's a cross between depersonalization & derealization- both associated w/anxiety. I bet people w/o anxiety disorders have even experienced it. It's kind of like how we can look at a word & think it's spelled wrong or doesn't make sense when we type it out.

Best thing you can do when it happens is exactly what you did. Go for a walk & take the focus off of it. You're normal :-)
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