Bhart2290
77260
1872
161
Mar 7, 2017 5:18 AM
Bhart2290
77260
1872
161
ConfusedAxis
During my panic attacks, I KNEW I was going to die. Not thought, knew. It's terrifying. Square breathing helped tremendously.
twoamartist
I didn't until I saw my son full on. God bless each and every one of you. I do, but I don't feel the pain. Love you all.
shitzeluchiha
The first one was the scariest experience of my life. Now, I'm able to accept it and let it pass and work on whatever might be causing it.
DerelictBuildings
Thanks man. I'm getting better at it.
Unverified
Just getting out of bed is a fucking battle for me. I don't get anything done, not because I'm lazy but because I'm always so anxious
TheSirLiftalot
It took months but I did it, I think.
iDigDinos
Thank you OP!
kungfucatattack
I always had these in stressful situations, like storms, since I was a kid. Never knew what it was until recently. Mom would call me names!
TheBurritoConfederacy
Thank you.
SwedenAndersson
So I'm wondering, what made you post this? What hell did you go through today? You strong sonovabitch :)
poinska
Thankfully I have minor panic attacks and it always happens at night time. It's scary as fuck.
Herbalcrayon86
I only recently realised my deja vu and sudden nausea were actually symptoms of a panic attack... I thought they were psychic episodes :/
D33RLORD
Use to do this daily, classrooms became a major trigger for me and 6 years later I've almost got my bachelor's degree :P
ProcrastinatingWork
Xanax
Andilee
If it's a bad panic attack I have to sleep to get rid of it, and even sometimes after it still lingers.
MuhammedLee
People who've had panic/anxiety attacks usually handle situations well when shit really goes down. They're used to keeping themselves 1/2
MuhammedLee
2/2 together in extreme situations because even a trip to a grocery store can be one.
MaybeTheDildoAteYourBaby
I got myself a weighted blanket and a satin eye mask sprayed with a good, nostalgic smell that reminds me of a happier time. It helps.
melodytofunkytown
Thank god for lorazapam
iBeChellbe
I do alprazolam..or whatever. Dont need something to keep me calm, just need one to bring me RIGHT DOWN if I have one.
gangstrocity0622
that stuff was wicked addictive for me
SirMcbacon
Do they cause anybody else to puke?
blitherypoop
I do sometimes. I heave more often than actually puking.
ladyatlas777
If they are bad enough yes. Sometimes they also cause intestinal distress. They're great. -.-
kungfucatattack
Extreme painful nausea... Then I'm not hungry for hours and hours. Too stressed to eat or drink.
redderevenant
As someone who both suffered from these and counsels people with severe anxiety.. I've found mindfulness to be the most effective way 1/3
redderevenant
To cope. Taking yourself out of your thoughts takes tons of practice but it's your thoughts and reactions to a situation that's causing 2/3
redderevenant
The panic. Focus on what you see, hear, feel, smell.. your mind will start to understand that you're safe. Hope this helps someone
redderevenant
Also, try to breathe deeply for the physiological symptoms, like shaking. In through your nose for 8 seconds, hold for 2 seconds, out for 6.
Sejanus1964
my mom tells me she doesn't have time for an anxiety attack, like it is something I choose to do when bored
SeriousPotato1
Tell her a random human on the Internet told her to get fucked.
jippsee
Socially awkward but want to comfort
Shaverer
Only one, but I was really scared due to unreasonable fear in my own mind. I was at work and kept my exterior cool. Don't wish it on anyone
ondrishko
My wife's the only one who can snap me out of mine. I'm hopeless without her.
TheStoneMask
I regularly help my girlfriend deal with hers. I get so proud if she manages to do it without me
forcella
how do you help her? my husband always tries to help and i'm forever grateful but 1/2 the time it actually makes my anxiety worse.
TheStoneMask
I just talk to her in a calm, nice voice about something, her day, some animals, memes, just anything. It usually works within 10 minutes
MyLuggageAteMyHomework
When I have one it helps just to have the weight of my fiancé hugging me tightly. Still feel scares, but it calms me down & stops the shakes
forcella
He tries then say something like "but everything is ok, you shouldn't feel this way" which makes me feel that my emotions aren't justified
forcella
It's a work in progress. . .
Gruffalo
Went through a period of time I was having them daily, if not more often. It completely grips you.
G91N
How did you manage to get out of that?
Gruffalo
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. No anxiety or depression drugs, pills scare me. I would just try to literally reason my way out of my fears
EncourageMint
It gets easier
BoopsNyne
Don't say that like you know. You don't know that it's going to get easier. It might get worse. It's nice that you're trying to give (1/2)
BoopsNyne
People a pep talk, but it's not fair to just say things are going to get easier, because it doesn't always. It's kinder to say what works (2
BoopsNyne
To make things better for you. (breathing exercises, meditation, seeing a therapist, etc.) (3/3)
EncourageMint
it gets easier to pull yourself out of one, or you just let it control you for the rest of your life
BoopsNyne
My point still stands that solutions work better than pep talks.
unappropriate
Thanks op
PrincessDonaldTrumpBANNED
What did you call the poster?
unappropriate
Original poster
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unappropriate
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ProfDrKoala
One was enough, thank you
DickMcStiffens
DOne anyone here get the ones that basically your heart rate sky rockets and that feeling alone insues panic?
pirre
That's how it started for me. I'd worry about the heart rate, which elevated it even more. Turns dark really quick.
elephantirrelevance
Yup.
DickMcStiffens
Thats pretty much all of mine. I've never counted my pulse but if I would guess it must reach about 160bpm.
elephantirrelevance
That's around what mine was when I was having them every day. If you jump in a cold shower right when your heart starts racing ...
elephantirrelevance
It stabilizes your heart rate and might help stop you from panicky. Thats how I started controlling my attacks. I still get palpitations tho
DickMcStiffens
I avoid taking the subway because of this. I can't even fathom getting on an airplane. I function fine on a daily basis but it does cripple
Drosophilamelanobastard
As someone who dealt with panic attacks when younger, you almost form an attachment to your own sense of helplessness.
BigDaddysMeatWagon
Right!? Whenever anyone asks how I learned to cope with panic attacks I just say "I made peace with death." and that's it.
ItJustD0esntMatter
This is so true! Whenever I'm about to come out of one of my depression episodes, I have this yearning for that reason to keep doing - 1/2
ItJustD0esntMatter
- nothing every day. Always confused the shit out of me because I don't understand how part of me wants to stay in it. This helps! 2/2
Drosophilamelanobastard
Thanks, Yeah I get depressed too and the feeling is similar to the panic attacks.
LonelyBrannigan
Well that was deep and depressing, deeply depressing?
Drosophilamelanobastard
Well it's partly out of your conscious control, In order to explain why you are doing it your brain goes "Oh I must like doing this!"
Drosophilamelanobastard
Then when you start to get control again that part of your brain goes "no wait I want to keep panicking"
seigeweapon
Its such a relief to hear that im not the only person to feel this way. Ive felt like i was insane for thinking like this.
Drosophilamelanobastard
Not insane, it's a natural and documented automatic psychological response that can be overcome by controlled processes.
ItJustD0esntMatter
Can you shed any more light on specific things someone could learn to stop those feelings/thoughts?
Drosophilamelanobastard
There are really well trained and caring people that want nothing more than to hep you help yourself.
Drosophilamelanobastard
Do you see a councilor/psychologist/psychiatrist? Because they could probably turn you on to the best techniques and resources :)
ItJustD0esntMatter
Oh, yes! I see my family doctor regularly and am on anti-depressants. I was just wondering how you battle this particular thought/feeling.
Drosophilamelanobastard
It's like getting a virus or a broken foot. You are not a bad person, you are just ill and should not be made to feel ashamed!
Drosophilamelanobastard
If you're not able to do anything, then you don't have to do anything. To wax poetic taking control means giving up that freedom of despair.
D33RLORD
I can relate. So hard.
Drosophilamelanobastard
Hang in there. Fight that feeling!
AppalachianBeard
What about those of us who never have anxiety or panic attacks?
Finduses
Im happy for you ;)
SeriousPotato1
You're lucky fuckers
ImOldGregMotherLicker
Enjoy it
vondruke
A panic attack isn't just shortness of breath and high blood pressure. It also includes bouts of rage and sudden crying or need to flee. 1/2
vondruke
2/2 Typically it's when your flight/fight response is triggered for non-threaning situations. It's possible that any1 could have experience
MuhammedLee
Never say never. Stressful events in your life for example can trigger one anytime :)
riffifi
Had my first anxiety attacks at 30. Never felt like this before. The first time I really thought I was going to die.
dasklaus
Then this post is not about you? Are we doing compassion envy again?
Schmedes
I feel like you've gotten upset on the internet too much when you know that term exists.
dasklaus
Seeing as I just coined it, the joke's on you.
Schmedes
Quite crafty you are
dasklaus
Thanks.
TooLazyToDoSomethingElse
Those who do will never know the strength it takes not to have them in the first place. Gratz on being stronger than them.
SeriousPotato1
It's happens when a biological process, known as the fight/flight system, kicks in when it doesn't need to, there is no control over it.
TooLazyToDoSomethingElse
It kicks in because you can't control yourself and keep calm.
SeriousPotato1
I'll say it again, It's not choice.
TooLazyToDoSomethingElse
Spoken like a child, "It's not my fault, I can't help it! Pat me on the back because i'm special!"
SeriousPotato1
It does, however, take strength to pull yourself out of one. I've had them where I think I'm going to die, you have no idea.
SeriousPotato1
It's not choice and it has nothing to with strength.
TooLazyToDoSomethingElse
You're an adult, act like it. Stop acting like a child and control your emotions and don't get so worked up.
SeriousPotato1
Holy shit, you're an arsehole.
TooLazyToDoSomethingElse
Everyone gets anxious, nervous, scared the difference is adults contain it and don't throw pissy fits. Grow the fuck up.
torimau5
The worst feeling is when you're in the middle of one and feel like it's never going to end. I have one at LEAST every month. Waiting now...
SallyBeescomb
I used to have one daily for about 3-4 months. If you can, try and find anything external that might be the cause.
TheFlyingSheep
When you feel the onset of one, start breathing slowly and count to 10. Inhale is 1 exhale is 2 etc and repeat as needed. Usually works
FrecklesIRL
Can I ask you a question? How long do yours normally last. I had my first one yesterday and it lasted about 30 hours. That seems oddly long.
torimau5
My longest one lasted about 12 hours; shortest 10 mins. It takes a lot of therapy and learning how to self-sooth to get them down.
StarkTangent
My girlfriend has them weekly... she had two the other day. And there was a stretch where she had one every day for 4-5 days :( im scared
torimau5
All we need to hear when one happens is "we'll both get through this together, I'm here for you." We just don't want to feel alone.
torimau5
But don't panic or add to the adrenaline. We have a surplus of it and need you to help us take the load off.
FrecklesIRL
Don't be scared, that will not help. Remain calm and assure her all will be ok. It will be, she needs to hear it.
StarkTangent
I usually don't have any problems helping her out of it. They've gone down from 20 minutes to about 5-10. She's passed out twice. I'm 1/2
StarkTangent
Just scared for her health. She feels terrible about then and constantly apologizes. I want to help her stop having them 2/2
FrecklesIRL
You likely can't prevent them, but I'm new at the whole thing so I don't know. But my bf constantly reassuring me things were ok got me thru
iBeChellbe
Mine is those small feelings you have when you know you could start having one. That's the worst for me, like..is it going to happen or not.
YooserNoom
That hot flash of adrenaline through your body. What really helps me is to tell someone around me, somehow I'm not alone any more then.
YooserNoom
I call it externalizing. It can be a barrier to cross but you gotta not lock yourself up inside yourself. Even just humming randomly helps
iBeChellbe
I do tell people and ask them to keep talking with me, and if alone i do hum as well. Glad to see it's not so unusual.
HostelRatintheBackWithaPint
And it can happen all day long. I would rather just have the attack.
iBeChellbe
Right. I feel so twitchy when it "might" happen. Like a tweaker twitchy but I'm just tryna calm myself.
HostelRatintheBackWithaPint
I get fidgety. I can feel it underneath my skin and it just keeps weighing me down.
iBeChellbe
Sad thing is we know we'll be ok but those feelings still happen. I know I won't stop breathing but I still feel like it. Blah.