So i had a few panic attacks over the weekend. First one was in a night club. We'd had a few drinks and gone outside for a cigarette. Some guy was kicking off with the bouncers and it was really busy. I was really scared and asked Beckie if we could leave and we did. Which I feel bad for because we were having a good time. Then today in Tesco because it was so busy.
It's really weird because although I've had panic attacks and anxiety before its never been like this. And never to the point where I've been twitching and shaking hours after the initial event.
Beckie doesn't seem to think it is too much to worry about, though she does say that it may be worth mentioning to my doctor when I see her on Tuesday as it may be being caused as a side effect of the meds I'm on (fluoxetine).
~ SilentBoy
Some people just need a high-five. To the face. With a chair.
Hey! I do agree with your friend about mentioning your panic attacks to your doctor on Tuesday. It's better to know if the medication is actually causing it or something else. Plus, they could possibly give you some tips on how to deal with them.
Figured I should say I also had problems overnight while in bed. My chest felt really tight and I couldn't breath which was super scary as I wasn't sure what was going on and was getting really light headed as if I was about to pass out.
~ SilentBoy
Some people just need a high-five. To the face. With a chair.
I've been trying to use breathing techniques when I feel panicked or anxious. Taking long controlled breaths. It usually helps me to relax enough to function again.
~ SilentBoy
Some people just need a high-five. To the face. With a chair.
Panic attacks are really horrible. They can take control of you and you can feel so scared and as though you will never breathe again. They can seem to last for hours and hours, if you factor in the after-effects, and then you can end up worrying that you'll have them again. I think that mentioning them to your doctor on Tuesday is a good idea.
This is a good workbook I've read through to help me with panic attacks, if you're interested; Coping with panic attacks workbook and Five Ways to Calm Down can help you short-term in coping with your situation. I have had quite a few panic attacks in my time.
I found it helpful to take things that were close to me, such as a message from a friend or something sentimental that I could hold onto if I got panic attacks. I mean, I know it can sound stupid but sometimes having that can help you calm down. I also had water so that I could focus upon the feeling of that going through my system and mints because that clears the airways. I never did the whole paper bag malarky!
I think looking into those links and possibly finding ways to cope when you do get panic attacks are a good idea in the interim.
Take care.
She was really nice again, it's so weird, my old doctor never seemed to care, but this new one does.
She asked almost straight away how I was feeling, which at the time was fine albeit hot because the waiting room was boiling (to the point im sure they just want people to sweat their illness out!). She also asked about if I'd had any side effects so I said about the panic attacks, but also explained what happened on Friday afternoon and said that it's possible that may have contributed. She seemed to think I could be right, but told me it may just be coincidence. She asked if I wanted to stay on the fluoxetine so I said yes, its worked before and should work again, just haven't given it enough time to fully kick in.
So she did me a prescription again to collect. She also asked if I wanted to try CBT and have a referral to the CMHT, so I explained I hadn't been for CBT before, but I had seen the CMHT before and they rejected me back in May. She said it was worth a try, so I've agreed and she'll get a referral and a letter will be sent to me.
~ SilentBoy
Some people just need a high-five. To the face. With a chair.
