Advertisement
If you have a new account but are having problems posting or verifying your account, please email us on hello@boards.ie for help. Thanks :)
Hello all! Please ensure that you are posting a new thread or question in the appropriate forum. The Feedback forum is overwhelmed with questions that are having to be moved elsewhere. If you need help to verify your account contact hello@boards.ie
Hi there,
There is an issue with role permissions that is being worked on at the moment.
If you are having trouble with access or permissions on regional forums please post here to get access: https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058365403/you-do-not-have-permission-for-that#latest
There is an issue with role permissions that is being worked on at the moment.
If you are having trouble with access or permissions on regional forums please post here to get access: https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058365403/you-do-not-have-permission-for-that#latest
Panic Attacks
-
17-11-2009 12:49pm#1
Comments
-
-
-
-
-
I've only had one and it was a few months ago. I had chest pain, couldn't breathe at all my throat completely closed up (well it felt like it anyway), it was horrible i wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy. I havent had one since but i always fear another one (kind of ironic seeing as anxiety brings them on! :rolleyes:)
Hope you overcome them soon!
0 -
Advertisement
-
-
-
-
-
-
Advertisement
-
-
-
-
My original attacks were trigged when I would be standing in line at a post office/bank or on esculators, even walking in the street / shopping mall.
They have now progressed to when I am in the car (driving), when stopped at red lights or on a narrow street/road with opposite traffic also stopped.
The symptoms are dry mouth, tunnel vision, sweaty palms, heart palpitation, dizziness to the point of wanting to faint.
As a result, I have to plan my routes carefully and pace my approach to intersections so as not to be sitting at a red light for long.
I have the air vents set to cold with fan on, window open and radio/cd with fast tempo music playing. My fingers have indentations from deliberate pinching with long sharp thumb nails to distract myself. I went to my GP last December and he gave me a prescription,.....to get a library book called When Panic Attacks. I wiped my arse with his prescription note and suffer on. Having trawled the web ( like we all do searching for answers ), I discovered that my condition is best discribed as agoraphobia.
At least now I know how f**ked I am and there are many 'brothers & sisters' out there suffering the same ****
The weird thing I noticed recently is that the symptoms are least if at all in the late evening (after 9pm) when its dark and little traffic out?
Anywho,....big hugs out to everyone and if you see a male car driver stuck at traffic lights with Kings of Leon songs blasting, air vents on full blast blowing his hair wildly & screaming at the lights to change,....it might well be me !!
0 -
-
-
-
-
-
-
Advertisement
-
-
-
-
stay off de roads then yer gonna kill someone get professional helpPantisniffer wrote: »My original attacks were trigged when I would be standing in line at a post office/bank or on esculators, even walking in the street / shopping mall.
They have now progressed to when I am in the car (driving), when stopped at red lights or on a narrow street/road with opposite traffic also stopped.
The symptoms are dry mouth, tunnel vision, sweaty palms, heart palpitation, dizziness to the point of wanting to faint.
As a result, I have to plan my routes carefully and pace my approach to intersections so as not to be sitting at a red light for long.
I have the air vents set to cold with fan on, window open and radio/cd with fast tempo music playing. My fingers have indentations from deliberate pinching with long sharp thumb nails to distract myself. I went to my GP last December and he gave me a prescription,.....to get a library book called When Panic Attacks. I wiped my arse with his prescription note and suffer on. Having trawled the web ( like we all do searching for answers ), I discovered that my condition is best discribed as agoraphobia.
At least now I know how f**ked I am and there are many 'brothers & sisters' out there suffering the same ****
The weird thing I noticed recently is that the symptoms are least if at all in the late evening (after 9pm) when its dark and little traffic out?
Anywho,....big hugs out to everyone and if you see a male car driver stuck at traffic lights with Kings of Leon songs blasting, air vents on full blast blowing his hair wildly & screaming at the lights to change,....it might well be me !!
0 -
-
Pantisniffer wrote: »There's your culprit dude !,....heavy useage of blow causes anxiety attacks plus other side effects.
I find watching Prime Time's Miriam O'Callagahan with tv volume down low very, very relaxing!
Aye yeah - Haven't smoked in years. Haven't got them since. It's mind over matter!0 -
-
-
-
Advertisement
-
-
Just something to add, when I do have a panic attack things start to feel weird, like I'm in a dream or something, a kind of slow motion where I feel I'm in a different world to the one going on around me, and this feeling is, for me at least, so similar to how I feel before an epileptic seizure that it makes it especially scary.. I have to remind myself of where I am and what I'm doing to kinda try and bring myself back down to earth, so to speak.
The breathing exercises do help, but try to do them more regularly, not just when you're in a panic. Peace out
0 -
Hi
Up to a few years agom I was a very happy, healthy person. I drank regularly, smoked 20 cigarettes a day and generalyl loved life.
A few years ago, following the birth of my first child at nearly 30, I developed Post Natal Depression,(please note, this did not include anxiety or panic attacks) To cut a very long story short, I decided to smoke hash as a way of giving me a "lift". Please note that all through my teens and twenties I had never tried any form of a drug and didnt agree with drugs in any forms at all, including hash.
Anyway, I knew someone who smoked it dailly and I got some when I was at an all time low. I smoked it at weekends, (I was not a heavy user, only one joint). To be fair, I never had any problems whilst I smoked hash at all.
But then my husband and I were introduced to someting called "smoke" from the head shop, which apparently had the same affect as hash. The "benefits" were that it was "herbal", "legal" and therefore presumably a better bet than the hash. How very, very wrong we were and I wish to this day I had NEVER, EVER touched it.:(
The first couple of times I found that it was indeed a very similiar product to that of the hash. However, on this one night 2 years ago now, I found it had a very different side. In my head I could feel what what could only be described as "static" and "crackling" in my head and I was literally all over the place.
Shortly after that, I started to experience a "wave" sensation going through my entire body, quickly followed by by excessive heart rate, tunnell vision, numbing to my face, severe burning to my chest, shoulders and even my head. It as so intense that I was completely convinced that I was having a heart attack and insisted in going to hospital. I was absolutely terrified, which was intensified by the fear of never seeing my child or husband again. Following extensive tests, it was confirmed that I was completely healthy and what I had experienced was in fact a "PANIC ATTACK"!! I didn'tt even know what these were and it certainly frightened the life out of me I can tell you. :eek:
Following that night, I went into a terrible depression, having irrational and terrible thoughts, paranoia, stopped driving, cried the whole time and basically stopped having a life at all. I could not be left alone as I was petrified. I couldn't read any bad news in papers or watch any scary movies, (which at one toime used to be my favourite type of film). To top it off, our close friend died of cancer at just 35, which made everything worse.
On the plus side, from that night, I gave up smoking, (of everything, including the cigarettes) and I even stopped drinking, despite the fact that I really used to enjoy having a few drinks. My life went completely on hold for weeks on end. I had continuous panic attacks and was full of anxiety every hour of every day. I also became a complete hypochondriac!
I went to see countless doctors and I was eventually put on "lexapro" for a little while, to help me deal with things.
A year folllwing that night, I finally gained control of my life, (or rather, I learned to deal with the panic attacks and stop them before they got out of hand!). I had another baby last year and things really began to look up.
Out of the blue, a few weeks ago, the anxiety returned with a bang! Some of the symptons were siniliar to tat of the PND and having spoken to my doctor, I am back on Lexapro for a few months. I am only on them a week yet but last night, I had probably the worst case of anxiety / panic attack since my original experience. I woke up at 2am and it just came on and progressed to be worse and worse and worse! So bad, I yet again considered A&E! The burning in my chest and the numbness in body was unbearable. My husband was fantastic and I really don't know where I would have been without him.
Right now I don't know what to do. It took SO long to overcome this before. Even today now I am all "jittery" and I have hot and cold sensations coursing through my body. I have my self convinced that I have caused my self some serious brain damage or similiar since smoking "smoke". I have not been the same since but for the sake of my husband, my 2 young children and of course myself, I need to try.
Has anyone ever had any similiar experiences with "smoke"? I know not everyone is affected in the same way and our friends continue to smoke it without any problems. My husband didnt like the effect it had on him either but it never did that to him.
(I know you'd never think it from the length of this post but I have cut out so much from my story)! 0 -
Heya Bubbles, your panic attack sounds different from my experiences, some of the symptoms are there alright but then I don't get the burning feeling or numbness. Having said that, everyone who suffers from panic attacks seems to, apart from some common symptoms, have a different experience.
I used to smoke hash or weed fairly regularly years ago,( it's pretty much a national pastime where I'm from) but gave it up cause sometimes it made me feel a bit panicky, although I used to get the odd panic attack before I smoked, I just thought it didn't help, and giving it up didn't bother me.
These so-called legal high's though, I'm not sure about them. The problem with them is that just because they're legal, that doesn't mean there isn't all sorts of crap in them, I've heard stories. I don't think though that your problem was caused by it, though it's possible that you had some sort of adverse reaction to what they call 'smoke', it's very unlikely that it would still be affecting you now.
I think your problem is the extreme fright you had that first time, you're worried about it happening again, that makes you feel panicky and it just kinda becomes a vicious circle.
Got a question for you, what do you think caused all this? I'm asking cause you can kind of lose your own instinctive feel of it listening to other peoples explanations you know?
In the meantime, I think what helps is to do something that makes you feel in control of your own body, and feel healthier, something like yoga or pilates or something, yoga's good because the breathing exercises make you feel better and more in control, you can get a book from any bookshop or library, usually with an accompanying dvd so you can easily see how to do it right without having to go to lessons or something.
Even just getting into a routine of just doing some exercises will help, it's really just about making you feel in control of yourself, because the big fear is about losing control. Maybe you know what I mean already. Lots of luck to ya anyway 0 -
-
-
Advertisement
-
-
-
Heya Bubbles, your panic attack sounds different from my experiences, some of the symptoms are there alright but then I don't get the burning feeling or numbness. Having said that, everyone who suffers from panic attacks seems to, apart from some common symptoms, have a different experience.
I used to smoke hash or weed fairly regularly years ago,( it's pretty much a national pastime where I'm from) but gave it up cause sometimes it made me feel a bit panicky, although I used to get the odd panic attack before I smoked, I just thought it didn't help, and giving it up didn't bother me.
These so-called legal high's though, I'm not sure about them. The problem with them is that just because they're legal, that doesn't mean there isn't all sorts of crap in them, I've heard stories. I don't think though that your problem was caused by it, though it's possible that you had some sort of adverse reaction to what they call 'smoke', it's very unlikely that it would still be affecting you now.
I think your problem is the extreme fright you had that first time, you're worried about it happening again, that makes you feel panicky and it just kinda becomes a vicious circle.
Got a question for you, what do you think caused all this? I'm asking cause you can kind of lose your own instinctive feel of it listening to other peoples explanations you know?
In the meantime, I think what helps is to do something that makes you feel in control of your own body, and feel healthier, something like yoga or pilates or something, yoga's good because the breathing exercises make you feel better and more in control, you can get a book from any bookshop or library, usually with an accompanying dvd so you can easily see how to do it right without having to go to lessons or something.
Even just getting into a routine of just doing some exercises will help, it's really just about making you feel in control of yourself, because the big fear is about losing control. Maybe you know what I mean already. Lots of luck to ya anyway
Thank you SO much for your comments. The funny thing is I know everything you've said is right. I did get such a fright the first time and it really shook me up, (prior to that, you could have thrown anything at me that life produced and I'd just get on with it..........I was a VERY calm person) and yes, I am afraid of it happening again, (A family member seems to think that's part of my problem, the fact that I was so laid back in the past, this has REALLY hit me very hard). In fact, I find myself checking my pulse regularly, (stupid I know) and worrying now that any pain or ache is something far more serious, (agai, in the past I'd literally have to be on my deathbed before I'd consider seeing a doctor, now I have them plagued for nothing really I suppose ) Interestingly you've asked if I know what caused the first one? Well yes I do. My friend, (who I mentioned died from cancer) was in our house. He too smoked that stuff and he felt terrible after it, (he was a regular smoker of hash anyhow but decided to try this stuff with us). His cancer sometimes meant he suffered seizures and he felt as if he needed to go home and take his seizure medication after the smoke. Anyway, I got myself into an awful state thinking all sorts. Was he going to die in my living room? Would I be blamed as he smoked it in my house? Would I lose my child coz of it? Would I get into trouble. etc., etc., etc. This, I know, was the exact cause of the panic atack. As it turned out, my friend went home, slept it off and was grand the next day He was then worried about me as my husband was telling him about what had happened! He died later that month from terminal cancer, which shook me again. But apart from that, I kept reliving that first night and it freaks the **** out of me to put it bluntly. I still think about it and vividly remember it. I did however, learn to manage them and up until the other night, when I had a particularly bad panic attack, I have been ok. The anxiety seems to remain with me since that night and I keep thinking that something bad's going to happen to me and I'll never see my children again. It's very scary. As I'm speaking to you now, I still have that burning anxiety in my chest and left arm and, needless to say, I keep thinking it's heart problems. And as much as I try to put my fears aside, this keeps niggling in the background.
Anyway, after my long winded reply to you, I would like to thank you again for your help and advice. I will look in to the Yoga and maybe take up a bit of walking or something as well.
Have your panic attacks stoped now?? Or are you still battling them? Thanks again
0 -
-
Thank you SO much for your comments. The funny thing is I know everything you've said is right. I did get such a fright the first time and it really shook me up, (prior to that, you could have thrown anything at me that life produced and I'd just get on with it..........I was a VERY calm person) and yes, I am afraid of it happening again, (A family member seems to think that's part of my problem, the fact that I was so laid back in the past, this has REALLY hit me very hard). In fact, I find myself checking my pulse regularly, (stupid I know) and worrying now that any pain or ache is something far more serious, (agai, in the past I'd literally have to be on my deathbed before I'd consider seeing a doctor, now I have them plagued for nothing really I suppose ) Interestingly you've asked if I know what caused the first one? Well yes I do. My friend, (who I mentioned died from cancer) was in our house. He too smoked that stuff and he felt terrible after it, (he was a regular smoker of hash anyhow but decided to try this stuff with us). His cancer sometimes meant he suffered seizures and he felt as if he needed to go home and take his seizure medication after the smoke. Anyway, I got myself into an awful state thinking all sorts. Was he going to die in my living room? Would I be blamed as he smoked it in my house? Would I lose my child coz of it? Would I get into trouble. etc., etc., etc. This, I know, was the exact cause of the panic atack. As it turned out, my friend went home, slept it off and was grand the next day He was then worried about me as my husband was telling him about what had happened! He died later that month from terminal cancer, which shook me again. But apart from that, I kept reliving that first night and it freaks the **** out of me to put it bluntly. I still think about it and vividly remember it. I did however, learn to manage them and up until the other night, when I had a particularly bad panic attack, I have been ok. The anxiety seems to remain with me since that night and I keep thinking that something bad's going to happen to me and I'll never see my children again. It's very scary. As I'm speaking to you now, I still have that burning anxiety in my chest and left arm and, needless to say, I keep thinking it's heart problems. And as much as I try to put my fears aside, this keeps niggling in the background.
Anyway, after my long winded reply to you, I would like to thank you again for your help and advice. I will look in to the Yoga and maybe take up a bit of walking or something as well.
Have your panic attacks stoped now?? Or are you still battling them? Thanks again Ha. I did go through a period where I kept checking my pulse too, doesn't help much does it? If it's slow you think it's too slow and if it's fast you think it's too fast. Also the worrying about simple stuff like headaches, I seemed to think 'brain tumour' quicker than I would tiredness or like, maybe, having spent all day in the sun, or watching telly for hours.;) Sounds ridiculous when you really think about it doesn't it? I do still panic a bit sometimes but not so much now, I seem to be better able to calm myself down through the breathing techniques, also, I think you got to be able to smile at yourself a bit, and reminding yourself of what you're doing, like, I'm out buying a loaf of bread and a carton of milk, not standing on the edge of a cliff.
By the way, lots of people, when they think of yoga think they have to be contortionists, not like that at all. They all start out with very simple exercises that just get you to relax and breathe right, and that's the most important thing. Also it's just a bit of 'you' time, and that helps too. You don't have to spend hours at it either, ten minutes here or there or longer if you feel like it, easy really. Then before you know it, it becomes a routine thing like brushing your teeth and you'll be able to use that settling down routine when you feel panicky. The breathing exercises you can do while sitting on the sofa watching the box, what could be easier? Look into it, you got nothing to lose.;)
Don't forget, it always passes. You always remember the panic don't you? Not when it left you. Think about that. Laters0 -
Advertisement
-
-
-
-
I got my first panic attack over 12 years ago, I was on my way to visit my Mom in hospital and just felt like I was stuck to the ground and couldn't breath, un real experience. Kept it to myself for ages as like all of ye I thought I was going mad - I have a friend who is a psychiatric nurse so it was great to have her to confide in and reassure me I was not going mad! I never really had a full attack again,but it turned into having general anxiety - always afraid it would happen again. Doctor put me on anti depressants for one year (I dont even take paracetomal so hated being on them) I struggled on. I too like others in this forum went through phases of it being really bad, couldnt have anyone in the car with me for years if I was driving, as it always prompted an anxiuous feeling, but never had an issue being in someone elses car with a load of people. It did tend to be a lot worse if hung over, to the point the only thing that could cure it would be another drink (Changed from pints to bottles and this is now sorted, unless is an unreal session!)
There was a previous post about someone and their fear of holidays, this happened me for 4 years, had a kinda panic attack or else just a real anxious moment on a flight and that was the end of my flying days for 4 years. Even the sight of a plane in the sky or on telly freaked me out! I was afraid I would get a panic attack in another country and for some reason thought if I did I wouldnt be able to handle it over there! I broke up with my BF for a little while and developed anxiety with driving through tunnels or over bridges. To me it felt all about control, if I thought something could go wrong I would over analyse everything and drive myself mad.
So basically, last year I turned 30 and decided I wasnt putting up with it any more! I booked a holiday with my BF to Turkey for 2 weeks, flew to Dublin for a concert with the girls, flew to Amsterdam with my BF for a long week end and have just come back from Portugal this year. I will bring as many people i need to in my car, and drive over bridges and through tunnels. I didnt take any medication or read any books, I just changed my outlook and decided that I'm not letting things freak me out any longer.
Thankfully, I have only felt really anxious once in almost a year and a half and that was from a hangover following a wedding.
Most of my friends knew I feared flying but didnt know about the general anxiety I suffered from, they all laugh now at the fact I just started flying again, having had nitemares for years about it.
Sorry for the long post and its probably not even helpful to anyone, but I just wanted to share my story and how I overcame my anxiety. I do feel that Im very positive in general and I do exercise regularly and do a lot of running which really helps with the breathing.
Good luck to everyone
O.:)0 -
-
Heya, happened to me a few times too, just wanted to say that when it happens, try slowing down and don't feel like you gotta hurry to get away from it coz that only makes it worse, it's kinda like running away and that's no good. Slow down and try to relax a bit and pull over for a bit if you have to. Does listening to the radio help? If a bit of distraction helps, get yourself a relaxation CD or something and listen to that, maybe that'll work for you. Other than that I guess just look at what other people said on here, different things work for different people. I wonder why it only happens when you're driving on a motorway? Kinda weird.. Must be a reason. Good luck to ya anyway, and be safe;)Hi, the only time i tend to have panic attacks is when driving...especially on motorways. i feel like i have no control over the car, its a horrible feeling...does this happen to anyone else?0 -
-
-
-
-
Advertisement
Advertisement