Panic Attacks? Anyone else have them?

[Deleted]

I haven't, but I'm sorry to hear that you're going through this. Panic attacks sound really scary.

I would make an appointment with a psychiatrist to discuss benzodiazepines or other other meds to use when you feel a panic attack coming on. Your therapist can probably give you some mental exercises to help, but I wouldn't shy away from meds for a dire problem that is likely temporary.

[missajane]

I get situational panic attacks. I can't be in a large crowd with people touching me (think a mass exodus of people leaving an event) or I freak out. The more stressful my personal life is at the time the worse these attacks are. I have learned some coping techniques from counselors/therapists that work somewhat when I am thrown into these situations, but I try to keep some medication on hand that helps to calm me down.

I think once you work through the other stresses in your life these attacks should lessen. I am extremely sorry you are going through a separation and divorce.

If I remember correctly (from way long ago and not to sound stalkerish) your soon to be ex was in a bad mountain biking accident correct?

[troopersmom]

I've had some but most recently knowing my triggers has really helped. Mine are usually in my car so when I know everything is lined up for me to have one, I try and sing loudly roll down my window and after talking to my preacher recite a Bible verse. Anything to get my brain away from going to that panicked moment.

Hugs they aren't fun at all and are very scary.

[dcannie]

if i know i will be in a situation that will bring on a panic attack for me i will go ahead and take half a xanax to help calm my nerves. but they can't always be anticipated.
i can feel it coming on and if i can't quickly remove myself from the situation i block everything out and count my breathing. 1-2-3 in, 1-2-3 out, over and over and over until i can get away and be alone. once i'm by myself i just keep doing the breathing and counting until it's over. it's important for me to focus only on counting and breathing, not how hot i am, not how i'm sweating, not how i'm shaking, just breathing and counting.

[krystee]

I started having them after some marital problems, then they went away, and now they are back again (marriage is fine now). I think it is because we are moving, and there are a huge number of financial strains and uncertainties with that, work is super busy, and we are thinking about TTC in the next few months, which is also a big stressor.

They freaking terrify me and they've turned me into a hypochondriac because I'm convinced I'm dying when I have one. Half a low-dose xanax tends to fix it for me, but my prescription is three years old and I probably should not be taking them. I really should go to counseling.

[karinothing]

I had them after my mom died. I went to counseling and then basically forced myself to count and breathe through them. I haven't had one in years. Sorry they suck

[formerlyak]

I started having them when I went through my divorce almost 3 years ago. They freaked me out at first. I went to a counselor and my doc put me on celexa (anti-anxiety) that really helped.

I don't go regularly anymore and I am no longer on the celexa. I do still have them if I get really overwhelmed and worried about something. BF knows about them. The first time he saw me have one was about 4 month into our relationship when I had way too much on my plate and was a little scared of the fact that I had let my walls down and was falling for someone new. He's actually pretty good at talking me through them now. My issue is that I get overwhelmed and logic goes out the window. He knows this and after I start to talk down, he starts to "talk logic" and that really works for me.

The meds and regular counseling certainly helped me get over the initial crazy that is getting a divorce. Now they are few and far between and I can control them better on my own.

[btay]

I have no idea why, but I've always had great success with chewing on ice cubes to ward off a panic attack. I hope the counseling appt. goes well

[marshmallowevening]

Sorry you're dealing with this. I have had them when I was under a ton of stress like that. I always thought they were embellished til it happened to me, and then I was freaked out! I have to pay attention to my breathing. I've noticed when I'm really stressed out I kind of hold my breath, then I start getting symptoms, then I start freaking out... and it's a downward spiral. Mine passed once the stress passed. I never needed medication. Hugs!