Float Posted November 1, 2007 Share Posted November 1, 2007 About an hour ago, I was sitting in my class parking lot looking over my notes for a quiz, when I suddenly became overcome with a feeling of dread. "I'm not ready, I can't do this." I thought to myself and I drove home. The whole way home, I was breathing heavy, my heart started racing, and I couldn't sit still. I didn't feel as though I were gonna pass out, but I didn't feel right at all. I put on some music to distract me and I calmed down a little bit. When I walked in the door about a half hour ago, I was suddenly overcome with the feeling of dread again, and ran upstairs to the bathroom where I started gagging, dry-heaving, and eventually vomiting. I'm not sick, my stomach didn't hurt, it just.. happened. Oh, and this has happened two other times this week and once about two weeks ago. That makes this #4. All have occured during extremely stressful situations that really shouldn't have been that stressful. My question is, do these sound like anxiety/panic attacks? I don't know too much about it, so if anybody does, that would be greatly appreciated. Link to post Share on other sites
melodymatters Posted November 1, 2007 Share Posted November 1, 2007 Yes, that sounds exactly like an anxiety or panic attack. Once you know what they are you can begin to fight them better. The first time i got one, I just thought I was dying or going crazy ! There are lots of drugs on the market that help quite a bit as well as behavioural therapy. Google the subject to learn all you can about it, and talk to a DR about possible courses of action. Good luck and know you are not alone. Link to post Share on other sites
Author Float Posted November 1, 2007 Author Share Posted November 1, 2007 Thank you, I figured that was the case, but I wasn't sure. I'm seeing a doctor Monday morning, so hopefully I'll get this all settled. It just feels like a never-ending tidal wife. Link to post Share on other sites
whichwayisup Posted November 1, 2007 Share Posted November 1, 2007 Yes, you had a panic attack and the physical symptoms (breathing faster, thumping heart, gagging, throwing up) took over. You did a good thing though! You distracted yourself by putting on music. The bad thing is, you gave into it and taught yourself it was okay to run. That's a behavioural habit that WILL get worse, so it's better to let the panic attack happen and try your best NOT to be scared of it. I know how awful those attacks can be, I am a fellow anxiety suffer, but I did get help and am much better now. Please talk to someone about your panic and anxiety attacks. They can be controlled, either by going on meds and seeking therapy. The kind of therapy I did is called Cognitive Behaviour Therapy. It works! I'm walking proof of this, and did it med free. Some need to go on an anti-anxiety medication, some don't. Anyway, you're not alone in this, many people suffer from anxiety. Feel free to ask me any questions, I'm an openbook when it comes to anxiety and panic attacks. Link to post Share on other sites
monkey00 Posted November 2, 2007 Share Posted November 2, 2007 Panic attacks are often a psychological problem. What tends to happen (if you suffer these symptoms) when your heart races, shortness of breath, cold/tingly hands & fingers is that there isn't enough CO2 in your body. You may think - wait, you mean O2 ..why would I need co2? Well it's a wrong misconception. When you suffer a panic attack you may not realize it but you're breathing very fast and your body loses too much CO2. The body needs to maintain an equilibrium of O2 and CO2 in order for it to function properly, that's why some people that suffer these attacks use a paper bag to breathe to recycle the co2 into their system. The best treatment a doctor can recommend to you is likely to see a therapist/shrink or take meds (which dulls your brain!). Link to post Share on other sites
coco_milkshake Posted November 2, 2007 Share Posted November 2, 2007 I have had panic attacks and that is clearly what you are suffering from. Please have a talk with your doctor to see what the best course of action would be. He would probably suggest a counsellor. Meds are often seen as a last resort, depending on how frequent and how severe the attacks are. Good luck. Link to post Share on other sites
sweetem Posted November 2, 2007 Share Posted November 2, 2007 About an hour ago, I was sitting in my class parking lot looking over my notes for a quiz, when I suddenly became overcome with a feeling of dread. "I'm not ready, I can't do this." I thought to myself and I drove home. The whole way home, I was breathing heavy, my heart started racing, and I couldn't sit still. I didn't feel as though I were gonna pass out, but I didn't feel right at all. I put on some music to distract me and I calmed down a little bit. When I walked in the door about a half hour ago, I was suddenly overcome with the feeling of dread again, and ran upstairs to the bathroom where I started gagging, dry-heaving, and eventually vomiting. I'm not sick, my stomach didn't hurt, it just.. happened. Oh, and this has happened two other times this week and once about two weeks ago. That makes this #4. All have occured during extremely stressful situations that really shouldn't have been that stressful. My question is, do these sound like anxiety/panic attacks? I don't know too much about it, so if anybody does, that would be greatly appreciated. I get anxiety attacks, and although personally I dont vomit or dry heave, I have known others that do. I would recommend contacting a psychiatrist. [not the same as a therapist or a psychologist.] A psychiatrist can prescribe medications to control this, even if it doesnt happen often. Link to post Share on other sites
kitesurfer Posted November 7, 2007 Share Posted November 7, 2007 i've had them too. first time was a few months after my divorce in '94. came out of nowhere! i started crying uncontrolably. i'm 54 years old now so i was no young stud at that time either. this happened to me several times and always just after lunch. the doc put me on paxil and it caused sexual disfunction. switched to zoloft and did the zombie bit for a good while. my last divorce last year (marriage only works for me 10 years or so before they split), i was determined not to go the antidepresant route. so the doc gave me atavan to take 'as needed'. i've probably only taken a dozen of them in the last year an a half. i mainly self medicated--some good herb. i have no idea how much i bought but it was $100 bag. I bought it in june of 06 and still have a film can left. so this was not a recreational use for me (as it was back in the day ) only as needed. Link to post Share on other sites
whichwayisup Posted November 7, 2007 Share Posted November 7, 2007 Most people who suffer anxiety shouldn't be smoking dope because it enhances those anxiety feelings. Try doing yoga, and learn as much as you can about anxiety if you want to stay med-free - Do the breathing exercises, buy books like "The Feeling Good Book" by Dr David Burns" and "Been there, Done That, Try This!" by Sam Obitz. Both are excellent and helpful books about fighting anxiety. Link to post Share on other sites
monkey5 Posted November 13, 2007 Share Posted November 13, 2007 I'm currently being treated for an anxiety disorder.I had similar symptoms (irregular heartbeat, sweating, trembling, shortness fo breath), however I never felt any dread or fear...it just happened. Everything started after I moved to a new state (so I guess it makes sense). I started seeing a doctor who prescribed me betablockers, which helped control the irregular heartbeats...but it took away all of my energy. Then I went off of those, and he prescribed me zoloft. It does help, however it blocks me from being emotional...which is good to deal with PMS, but it has dulled me & makes me really tired. Take my advice and see a counsellor or a therapist. Don't turn to drugs...I made that mistake...haha...say no to drugs. Link to post Share on other sites
chits_r Posted November 21, 2007 Share Posted November 21, 2007 Hello all, I am curently working on my anxiety disorder which came up almost more than 5 months ago! it's all about understanding, realising, accepting and facing it ( coping rather!). Recovery is an everyday job, so once we have patience, we can face the world! i had my first attack in a plane, where i thought i'd die, and then malls and all places where claustrophic ( initially i thought it cud be bcoz of cervical spondylosis, but later when things got more n more funny "weird" strange as many of you anxiety sufferers might put it, i realised something was amiss. By that time , i dreaded going out, felt unreal, disoriented and prepared to die almost! Homeopathy came to my rescue ( trust me it is better than allopathy which is only sedative and mood altering, so I would recommend homeopathy ANY DAY!) Spent some money with a shrink ( it doesnt work much , at least for me it only worked out my wallet and lost a lot of money) BUT - i discovered peace and a sense of hope only after i read Dr. Claire Weekes "Essential help for the nerves" This book is sooooooooooooo amazing, you will be elated on reading it as she truly describes comforts and gives a sure shot recovery plan for it. I am following it, its been 2 weeks and i feel great already! I am happy. So - fellow anxiety sufferers, PLEASE check out the book i mentioned as well as ' Self Help for the nerves' Life can change, it has to! After all we arent ill, and anxiety is just an exaggeration of what everybody feels! I feel much better now. Link to post Share on other sites
Uhriventis Posted November 21, 2007 Share Posted November 21, 2007 I've been living with anxiety and panic attacks for three years. Never seems to get better though. Link to post Share on other sites
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