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I think I had a panic attack please help

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Posted 11/9/2015 9:24 PM (GMT 0)
Yesterday afternoon I think I had my first panic attack. I have had anxiety attacks before and it was much different. My anxiety attacks usually come on when I and stressed and thinking about stressful things. Although I am stressed more so then I have ever been I was clam at the time of this attack. My boyfriend and I are having issues both in our relationship and personally and its really hard on us both. The attack started with distorted vision. Then I felt like I could not breath, then my hands and my feet felt tingly. After all that I felt like I was dying and started crying and could not stop. I took 1/4 of a Xanax and felt better with in about 30 min. I have read about all symptoms accept distorted vision. Is that normal with panic attracts? Also today I feel very weak, shaky, sleepy and light headed. Do you think I had a panic attack? What are the differences between a panic attack and and anxiety attack?

Thank you
Posted 11/9/2015 9:55 PM (GMT 0)
Hello and welcome!

I am sorry to hear of your attack yesterday. :( My first panic attack also came out of the blue, in a time of no apparent stress/threat. I was shocked...but learned that there was a lot of stress I was sure sing during that point in my life.

In answer to your question regarding vision issues...yes, these are very common with panic...and part of the flight or fight mechanism.

What if anything have you tried for managing your anxiety in the past? Therapy and or medication...as well as self help are the typically treatment options that you may want to consider if you've not done so already.

We have some great self help material in our Resources at the top of the main forum page. Check them out and see if anything looks helpful to you.

Keep posting with us as well. We understand, care and support is key!

Scaredy Cat
Posted 11/10/2015 8:46 AM (GMT 0)
Hi

Welcome to the forum I am pleased you have found us but sorry to hear you had a panic attack.

As SC mentioned vision problems are a common issue with panic disorder.

I would suggest you go and speak with your doctor and see what they suggest there is lots that can be done to help. Stay with us and keep posting we are here for you and understand what you are going through.

Hibee
Posted 11/11/2015 12:14 AM (GMT 0)
Helo and Welcome to the forum

I'm sorry to hear about your panic and anxiety issues. Also with the problems you are having with your relationship. Stress can really trigger anxiety and panic. Have you been diagnosed by a clinician?

Vision distortion is a common symptom of panic attack, I also suffered from it before. Regarding your question their is actually not much of a difference between the two. Anxiety is the overwhelming emotion of fear, worry, and uncertainty. Panic attack on the other hand is the bodies reaction to such emotions. Sometimes when our system fails to react we panic and we feel symptoms like shortness of breath, light-headedness, muscle tension, etc.

The best thing to do is to consult your doctor and tell him/her about your panic attack. You can also practice some breathing techniques and calming methods to immediately prevent your anxiety into becoming a full blown panic attack. I also think that you should consider therapy in order for you to cope up with the personal issues you are having. I do hope you get better and if you have any further questions, we are here for you.
Posted 11/11/2015 1:15 AM (GMT 0)
Thank you so much for all your help.
Posted 11/11/2015 4:36 AM (GMT 0)
You are welcome...post with us anytime for anxiety support! ;)

S.C.
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