Was that a panic attack or something?

[Lear]

I had a really strange and unpleasant experience this weekend. :-| I had a telephone conversation with my ex and it escalated and basically ended with her telling me to go and **** myself and then just hanging up on me. After this conversation I was completely overreacting, I was feeling like I couldn't breathe properly and I had to throw up multiple times. Two hours later I was still shaking. I have had arguments with peopleabefore, especially with my ex, but usually I just get upset and go for a walk or listen to very loud music and then I'm ok again. I have so completely overreacted and I still don't feel completely fine. I'm feeling kind of wired and breathing still feels a bit harder than usual. I don't know why this happened. Do you think it could have been something like a panic attack? I don't know if I should just forget about it or if it would help if I talked with someone about the argument.

[True Gent]

You have had a stress induced anxiaety attack. The main thing to understand is that it is just a natural reaction to a stressful situation of conflict. It's an adrenaline rush triggered by the 'flight or fight' instinct.

 

Excessive breathing, rapid heartbeat, nausea, lightheadedness, tingling etc and extreme feelings of dispare all go hand in hand with such an attack.

 

The main thing to do is relax and just let the feelings of discomfort run their course. You will not come to any harm even if it feels like you might. I've suffered many panic attacks triggered by different things and the symptoms feel like you're going to die sometimes. Once you understand what it is and don't dwell on it, the feelings pass.

 

Do not worry about it. You're currently over thinking it which makes it worse.

Edited January 13, 2015 by True Gent

[whichwayisup]

Yes, unfortunately that was a panic attack, brought on by emotions and pain. You physically reacted to an awful thing your ex told you to go do, that hurt and your body's reaction was shock, that sent you into an anxiety attack.

 

All you can do when you feel like that is breathe through it and keep telling yourself that you're gonna be okay. Panic attacks can be very scary. Sorry that you experienced one.

 

I think putting much emphasis on the actual panic attack might make it worse or make you worry it'll happen again though finding a trusted friend and open up will help you feel more calm. It's good to get stuff out of your head, relieves your emotions and having someone to open up to will help.

 

One thing that will help in case you feel anxious like that again is to stop and slow down your breathing. Focus on taking in deep breaths through your nostrils and exhale slowly through your mouth. Actually tell yourself "I'm fine, it's just anxiety, I'm going to be okay.." Understanding that anxiety (that fight or flight feeling, IS just a feeling) and not letting it take over or control you is very important.

[Lear]

Thank you for your replies! I'll keep your advice in mind, in case it happens again... which I don't hope.

[whichwayisup]

Your other thread, you say you do drugs once in a while, well take a break. Anxiety and pot/hash or whatever do NOT mix. It'll just enhance your anxiety or give you anxiety as time goes on.

[Lear]

I didn't take anything in approx. four months... so that's probably not the cause.

[amaysngrace]

Actually it could be the cause. The same neurotransmitters in your brain that are affected by the drugs you take are the same neurotransmitters involved with panic attacks.

 

You're frying your brain dude.

 

https://www.neurogistics.com/TheScience/WhatareNeurotransmi09CE.asp

[Lear]

But four months later...?

[Satu]

But four months later...?

 

The body has a very long memory.

 

Also, why did you let that call get so out of hand that she hung up on you?

 

Would it not be a good idea to just move on?

[Lear]

I don't know. I guess I wanted to defend/explain myself because I was convinced that she was exaggerating and wrongly offended by something I had said without the slightest intend to offend her. I realised that there was no point arguing but I was pissed off. We don't usually fight. It just escalated, I guess, maybe because I was sick of always caving in so she wouldn't get upset.

[Satu]

I don't know. I guess I wanted to defend/explain myself because I was convinced that she was exaggerating and wrongly offended by something I had said without the slightest intend to offend her. I realised that there was no point arguing but I was pissed off. We don't usually fight. It just escalated, I guess, maybe because I was sick of always caving in so she wouldn't get upset.

 

There is a thing called Internal Harmony. Thats when you feel peaceful inside, with nothing disturbed or conflicted. Thats your most valued posession.

 

Some 'vexatious' people upset that harmony, and you lose the feeling.

 

I do not allow any of those people near me.

 

They get ejected.

 

As a consequence, I get to spend my time only with people who make me happy.

 

Why bother with people who disturb your inner sweetness?

 

There's no point.

[Hope Shimmers]

Wow, I'm surprised by these responses. I didn't think we were supposed to "diagnose" here. I wasn't going to, after reading the OP (and I'm a physician).

 

I would not assume that this was a panic attack. It could have been, but it could also have been a cardiac event (same symptoms) which would potentially be much more serious. You need to go to your doc and get checked out to be sure.