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Not been the same since my first panic attack?

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Anxiety & Panic Disorders
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Posted 7/22/2017 2:09 PM (GMT 0)
Okay, I'll talk about my panic attack first... (Can skip this if you want) about 2 months ago I had my first panic attack, it was just a week before my GCSEs (Exams) but it came out of nowhere. I was in Maths and the heating or something made a noise, it was a normal noise, nothing that anyone noticed or pointed out but I suddenly felt myself beginning to get really warm. I don't know why but the first thing I thought was that "I'm being gassed". Weird I know but it was the first place my mind went too but then my heart beat began to speed up and I made it worse by panicking because I didn't know what it was. Nobody else in the room was bothered so I obviously wasn't being gassed, thankfully, so it must have been myself. That's when I realised I was having a panic attack. So I asked my teacher to go to the toilet and I let myself calm down there. I scrolled through my twitter for a few minutes before it calmed down. I told my mum when I got home and that was it.

However, ever since, I've noticed that I've been more scared easily of little things and noises especially. I get really nervous of planes flying overhead a lot and I don't know why. I also feel as though I've been a bit out of it? I haven't had anymore panic attacks since then which is good but they could happen at any moment.
Is it normal to feel like this after a panic attack?
I haven't been to a doctor or told anyone but I've been pretty sure that I have social anxiety (even before the panic attack) but I don't want to self diagnose... I just really struggle to talk to people and always have. Trust me I want to talk to someone about all of this and get help, I just don't have the guts to tell my mum, I don't even have a friend to talk too either. I'm just hoping someone will notice...
Posted 7/22/2017 2:21 PM (GMT 0)
Hello there,

You're not alone on this, just remember that. I tend to get scared of the little things as well. The other day I was driving on the main road and I drove right through a smoke of exhaustion from a car in front of me and the blackness of the smoke drove me into a minor panic attack thinking I've been infected with something. Silly things like that, really. I kept telling myself, look... You're being absurd. It's just smoke, you're in the car and your windows are closed. Get over yourself.

It's hard, but sometimes talking to myself does help a little. I'm always looking for an alternative way to overcome the panic attacks. I used to be worry-free and enjoyed the little things in my life, but now it's the complete opposite.

I'm with you on the social anxiety as well. My work is 5 minutes away, it's a big company, but I work with a very small group of people and it's easy for me to get by, but when it comes to a larger crowd, I freak the hell out.

I'm here if you'd like a friend, hopefully, we can put each other's mind at ease and see how it goes? I could use a friend to talk to about this. Everyone's constantly telling me I'll be fine, not to worry, it's no big deal when it really is a big deal to me.
Posted 7/22/2017 3:45 PM (GMT 0)
Hello to both of you and welcome!

It is great to see you join us...and to see you reaching out and supporting/encouraging already...that is what this place is all about!!

I am sorry to hear of your current challenges...but do have hope...there is recovery and management to be found!

At the top of the main forum page here you'll find our Resources for great self help material to work with. Check out the Stress Relieving Exercises and Meditation videos...as welk as the Therapy Worksheets to help combat the worrisome thoughts that have been intruding.

If you need further help...talking with your doctor about your treatment options will be your next step.

Keep talking with us and each other here as well! We understand, care and support is key!

Scaredy Cat
Posted 7/22/2017 4:31 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Scaredy Cat (love the name!),

Thank you for your kind welcome. I had a major breakdown earlier, turned to google and stumbled upon this forum. I'm glad I did, it's a simple website and I'm feeling better now that I'm here.

I will most certainly check out the resources. Thank you for pointing that out, I was not aware of it. smile

As for speaking with my doctor (family doctor), he said he could not give me a referral because I am neither suicidal nor depressed (which is clearly good, but I still would like to seek help or talk with someone.)

Going through a bunch of unnecessary tests and seeing different kinds of doctors to try and pinpoint the diagnose isn't worth the stress, he says. Of course, that did not help to put my mind at ease because I'm thinking, where the heck do I go from here? How am I supposed to... argh! I trust him and I have to believe that he means well.

I'd like to ask and see if you might have an idea to what kind of a psychologist therapist I should seek?

Scaredy Cat said...
Hello to both of you and welcome!

It is great to see you join us...and to see you reaching out and supporting/encouraging already...that is what this place is all about!!

I am sorry to hear of your current challenges...but do have hope...there is recovery and management to be found!

At the top of the main forum page here you'll find our Resources for great self help material to work with. Check out the Stress Relieving Exercises and Meditation videos...as welk as the Therapy Worksheets to help combat the worrisome thoughts that have been intruding.

If you need further help...talking with your doctor about your treatment options will be your next step.

Keep talking with us and each other here as well! We understand, care and support is key!

Scaredy Cat

idea idea idea idea idea eyes
Posted 7/22/2017 5:36 PM (GMT 0)
Absolutely! We are glad you've found us.😊

Hmmm...that is a strange response from your doctor, since anxiety can and should be treated with therapy...with great results!

You can certainly search for a licensed therapist, preferably one who is trained to take you through CBT. (good method for gaining recovery from panic)

...or if you think that a combination of therapy and medication is your best plan...then seeking a psychiatrist will be a good step.

Either option, you are on your way to a great start in management...

...keep up the good work, and posting!

S.C.
Posted 7/24/2017 7:09 AM (GMT 0)
Welcome. You are the C.E.O. of your health. Persist with your Doctor to get a referral to a Psychiatrist. Whatever health plan you are on cannot refuse you your benefits.
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