Are these panic attacks?

[forever_lost]

*could be triggering, I don't really know*


Sometimes I start hyperventilating and it gets out of control. Sometimes I start shaking too. Because of it I either don't get enough oxygen or too much and I start going numb. My hands and face usually. But last night when it happened my wrists went numb too. I remember being so scared because I could hardly move them or my hands and it hurt to try. I was pacing because I couldn't let myself sit down, I was getting dizzy and tripping and running into things. I was afraid it wouldn't stop. I managed to answer the phone for my boyfriend. He caught on to what was happening and tried to calm me down but I couldn't really talk. Finally I sat down, and slowly felt better.
Are these panic attacks?
and what can I do to help myself when it happens?

[live/love/die]

I've experienced the exact same thing on several occasions. I have no idea what it is. But it usually helps sitting down, closing your eyes and taking deep breathes. Just try to calm yourself. It usually helps me.

Sorry I can't really be more help than that =\

[Tuesday]

Sounds pretty similar to what happens to me when I have a panic attack.

[Sunshine]

They sound the same to my panick attacks what helps me is if i take deep breathes into my cupped hands to the oxygen gets recirclulated and it helps if there is someone there to reasure me that i will be ok

[plastic rose]

They definitely sound like panic attacks to me. You should discuss this with a doctor, because it could be a sign that you have an anxiety disorder which needs treatment. The good news is that panic disorder and other anxiety disorders are usually very successfully treated in a fairly short space of time with Cognitive Behaviour Therapy.

Panic attacks can be extremely scary and upsetting, but they can't hurt you. Trying to supress the anxiety usually makes things worse. The best thing to do is sit down, cup your hands over your nose and mouth and put your head between your legs, then try to slow your breathing down. Breathing very deeply can actually make you hyperventilate more. What you want is for your breaths to be slow. Then just let your emotions come. Remember that your body cannot usually maintain a state of panic for longer than about 15-45 minutes, and you just have to ride it out.

Talk to yourself either out loud or in your head if there are people around or you're embarrased. Repeat the words "I am safe. I am not in danger. Nothing bad is going to happen".