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First panic attack in years--know thy enemy

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Posted 3/11/2016 8:03 PM (GMT 0)
Hi all!

I originally joined the HealingWell community when I was a teeny freshman back in 2011. This community helped me learn about my condition and reach out and get some professional (and excellent) help. I've kept things mostly under control through all of undergrad. No panic attacks, no spiraling anxiety, I kept good habits and continued to improve.

Fast forward to 2016 and I'm a grad student (neropharmacology with a thesis on neuropathic pain). I have a great job, I live at home with my parents for now while I save money, I don't have any financial problems anymore. Everything in my life is glorious change I've come to *welcome*, everything looking forward is nothing but challenge and boundless career options.

So why do I feel like I'm dying?

I'm in the throes of my first panic attack in almost five years. I thought I'd gotten this all under control with no medication and only lifestyle changes (cut refined sugars, more sleep, sunshine, and exercise). I'm not quite sure why my brain has decided to turn against me AGAIN out of the blue. I'm pretty sure it's mostly to do with worrying about friends still in undergrad and an upcoming presentation, but I can't make it go away. I can't find the cause in all of the panic like I usually can and I wondered if anyone had any tips or insight? The emotional aspect has mostly subsided, but my hands are shaking and my heart is still pounding after what feels like forever.

Thank you,

Hadricat
Posted 3/11/2016 8:47 PM (GMT 0)
Hu HC,

I am so sorry to hear about this recent challenge. Setbacks can be so disappointing and confusing.:/

I know exactly what you mean about attacks coming out of nowhere. This is one of the hardest aspects of anxiety...and part of what makes acceptance so difficult...since it often defies logic!

I have had times where I SHOULD feel anxious...and don't...and conversely, felt calm and experienced extreme panic!

That's why I do believe this is both a mental, AND psychological issue. When our neurotransmitters are out of balance...things aren't always going to be 'cause and effect' in terms of stress and how we feel.

The good news is that since you were previously in a good place...you can get back there again.

With coping skills, patience and a positive outlook, you will see this detour to feeling well pass.

I am sending encouragement your way. Keep posting and we'll keep you in support. :)

S.C.
Posted 3/13/2016 8:23 AM (GMT 0)
Hi

Welcome back to the forum.

It sounds like you have had a setback I know how frustrating these can be but stay positive and tell yourself you can get through it and double up on any coping skills you have. Mindfulness Meditation is worth looking into we have some links in our resources.

Hibee
Posted 3/13/2016 4:11 PM (GMT 0)
Good morning!

After a few days, I think I've leveled out. I feel much better than I did when I first posted. Kind of like my body did a hard-reset or some sort of weird system purge, just getting out as much panic as physically possible in an afternoon. Thank you for your support and kind words!

I will be doing more to keep up with mindfulness meditation in future. That really helps, as well as making a conscious effort to slow down. I have a tendency to get caught up in my own momentum and that has a habit of spiraling into mania (and anxiety, panic attacks, etc.). I'm so frightened of falling behind or wasting time that could be better used doing something productive that I end up stressed out and paralyzed by anxiety. Mindfulness.
Posted 3/13/2016 4:46 PM (GMT 0)
H.C.,

I am glad to hear that you're feeling better...great news!

...and the best part? You are now stronger than ever for getting past this challenge.:)

Best wishes with the coping skill regimen. Keep us posted.

Peace and progress!

S.C.
Posted 3/14/2016 1:22 AM (GMT 0)
Cat, i like what you are saying, its my philosophy also, Panic sux but once we can find a way to put it down then we always know that it's just a condition that thru some means we can put down again, Peace

Larry ***
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