Calling an ambulance when having a panic attack.

[EyelinerAndCigarettes]

So last night I possibly had the worst panic attack of my life, so far. I had been anxious all day, so by bed time I was on high alert & unable to sleep. I had been lying in bed for a while && got some chest pain, I flew out of bed, in a panic, thinking I was having a heart attack because of the chest pain & the numbness/pins & needles all in my right arm, I tired calling everyone, my Mum, my Nan, even my useless dad & no one was answering as it was 2am, which in turn fueled my panic further, anyway, I am so ashamed, but I ended up calling an ambulance out to me in sheer terror, so the ambulance came & did an ECG & what not, & really calmed me down && they were wonderful to me & really reassured my fear & told me if I ever need them, to give them a call. I kept apologizing because I felt so so ashamed that I had wasted their time. & even though they said I wasn't a time waster & didn't make any judgement of me, or make me feel guilty atall, today, I do feel awful & like I am a time waster & that the NHS probably spent about £300 coming out to me last night, over a stupid panic attack, & now I know I'm being catastrophic, but what if someone died because I called them out?!. I'm so ashamed of what I did last night, & I suppose I'm posting because I'm hoping I'm not alone in this?

[talaiporia]

I think, that given your various medical issues, and how ill you have been, that it was more than appropriate to call them, even if it turned out to be a panic attack, because you have been so unwell that if you're feeling that bad, it's important to get checked. In any case, even taking that aside, you didn't know it was a panic attack - you were struggling to breathe and you called an ambulance and that's okay.

[Unbreakable.]

You did the right thing, Helen.
Given your symptoms and your health issues calling the ambulance was the right move.
You didn't waste their time or resources. People get checked for things they don't have all the time. It's important that they could rule out any heart issues. You were genuinely needing their help and you did what you had to.

[Snow White.]

You really truly did the right thing. The actions of the staff show that - if they thought you were wasting their time they wouldn't have stayed and helped you, or told you that they were there for you. Remember, they said "if you ever need us, call us" and that is exactly what you did.

The paramedics said you did the right thing, and they know best.

I hope you can keep talking here if it helps, it sounds like such a frightening experience and I'm very proud of you for reaching out and getting the help you needed and deserve.

xox

[sherlock holmes]

I hope you're feeling better today Helen. You did the right thing, you were experiencing chest pain and pins and needles and as Sophia said given your medical issues you were perfectly okay in ringing 999.

If you struggle with the idea of ringing 999 in the future, you can always ring 111 and ask the advice of the operator. They can sent an ambulance if they think you need one. But if you believe it's an emergency then 999 is always the fastest route of getting help!

Are you getting any support for your panic attacks? Like CBT?

[EyelinerAndCigarettes]

Thank you all so much, I'm feeling a bit better about it, you're right, they were very understanding, & considering my health, I actually am glad I did it, its always better to be safe than sorry.

I'm having less frequent panic attacks now, but when I do have them they are more severe, I had one yesterday at my Nephew's 6year old birthday party & I think I really scared them & I'm afraid I ruined it. I'm having trauma therapy at the moment with a little CBT/DBT mixed in, but I'm seeing my CPN next week so am going to mention it to her.

[sherlock holmes]

I'm sorry to hear that. I doubt you ruined it though! Your family care about you and were probably concerned and just wanted you to be okay.

Having therapy, especially for trauma can bring stuff back to the surface which can trigger panic attacks. As you have more therapy that will settle down as you begin to deal with things.