Panic attacks?
Ok, I have what my doctor has decided are panic attacks. However, after some research, I have noticed a difference between myself and most of the reports I read. Most people say they build over time, accompanied by thoughts that make things spiral downhill. Mine, on the other hand, happen rather explosively, and only when I am drifting off to sleep. One minute I’m falling asleep, the next I am, quite literally, thrown almost out of bed and having a panic attack, with no reason that I can figure out behind it.
So my question is, does anyone else have something like this going on, or has anyone heard of such a thing before? And if so, any suggestions?
As I said, I have been talking to my doctor, blood work is all fine. He doesn’t want to put me on medication, as I’m only 20. But it just seems different from everything else I read, so any thoughts are appreciated.
Sorry for the long winded post. Just had one and it was keeping my mind off of it.
Hi, sorry to hear you are feeling so bad. Yes, that is perfectly usual with panic attacks – bascially, they can be experienced in a variety of ways. The following steps should eliminate (or at least significantly reduce) your panic attacks:
1.Breathe properly – if you control your breathing, you control panic. As soon as you notice the signs of anxiety, check your breathing: breathe in slowly through your nose pushing your tummy out (to the count of 5 or so). Breathe out slowly and for a bit longer (to the count of 7 or so) through your mouth. Do not breathe rapidly or shallowly (in the chest area). This will soon restore the balance of oxygen and you will feel a lot better.
2. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy! CBT is proven to be the most effective thing for panic attacks, OCD and anxiety etc. It takes a bit of work, but it is super effective. (After 15 years of panic attacks, mine stopped completely). You can speak to your doctor about taking a course or you can take a course for free online at: http://www.livinglifetothefull.com
3. Try relaxation exercise tapes (progressive muscular relaxation). They really make a difference if you practise often enough (i.e. twice a day). They will also help you sleep better if done at bedtime. You can get free downloads online. E.g.: http://www.studentservices.utas.edu.au/counselling/audio_resources/index.html
With each step practise makes perfect. (i.e. practise the steps every day, not just when you are feeling bad). I hope you feel better soon. Best of luck!
p.s. sorry for the long-winded answer!
No, I used to have panic attacks much like yours, except mine always happened when I was driving my car.
Suddenly, out of the blue, I would feel like I was going to lose control of the car. It only lasted a few seconds.
In my case, I found out that smoking pot was causing mine, and when I stopped, the panic attacks stopped.
However, if your doctor is unwilling to prescribe medication for you, I would get another doctor because there are medications that will help this problem greatly.
Maybe you have to change specialst. I had similar problem and still have. I can mail you whats happening to me. My doctor give me some medications for sleeping wich balanced activity of brain durig sleep.
Google sleep paralysis or old hag syndrom. It happens to many ppl. You might have that. If no, dont worry. Even if it is a classic panick atack, you’ll be fine, it happens to many of us.
Hey Randy;
I am 48 years old and have had panic/anxiety attacks since I was 40 years old, my doctor put me on Cymbalta every day, but when I found out that it cost $95 a pop I decided not to take it any more. I dont think that it would hurt you, ask your doctor about this drug, it really helps, but I will tell you that the best thing that helped me was, I met the most wonderful man, it will be 2 years in October, we were recently married last December, and I can say that my lifestyle has changed so much, because this wonderful person came into my life when I thought I was getting ready to go under head first. It really helps if you are happy, love yourself,and have respect for yourself. Are you unhappy for some reason, or worried about anything? Think about how your life is right now, and if you need to change things, DO IT!!! I promise you I have NOT had an attack , going on 2 years now. And it is a wonderful feeling. Hope this is some good advice for you. I could not be happier now. Good Luck, And dont worry things will work out for you. They did for me.
Sounds to me like the age of a 20 year old brain that is in need of input for the energy it has. Seems as though that just when you get ready to doze off to sleep your brain is having other ideas of its own and wants you to act upon them. You are calling them panic attacks now that you have been informed of what to call them by your doctor. I think there isn’t anything wrong with your outbursts and you just need to follow your thoughts to the edge of where they take you and ponder with that until you are seriously ready to go to bed and get some sleep. Otherwise, watch your diet and exercise and try not to do it all at a young age too quick. You have plenty of time to succeed in whatever it is that you want. Don’t get impatient or eager and try to be friendly and helpful to and with others. Smile it could be worse if you really want it to be.
Yes I have heard of this because that very same thing is happening to me!! Though i have had panic attacks off and on for many years now. Sometimes i will go for years without them and then BAM, they will come back. Have you tried sleeping with the TV on low or maybe at radio set to a station that plays relaxing music?? I find that plus a small light makes me calmer and sleep better. I am going to see a councler to help me sort through what my problem is. I am sorry that you are suffering with this. I know how awful it is. Try to walk outside when you get the panic attack. It sort of helps.