I had a panic attack today

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nfpworks

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I had a panic attack today. Yesterday was very stressful and today isn’t so bad. But, I started to have symptoms and was able to work through it. I recognized what it was. . .which is a good thing.

I called my mom and she talked to me and distracted me.

Does anyone else deal with this? And, how do you do it?

I’m not asking for medical advice. . .I don’t take meds for it and don’t plan on doing so. Just wondering.
 
nfpworks said:
I had a panic attack today. Yesterday was very stressful and today isn’t so bad. But, I started to have symptoms and was able to work through it. I recognized what it was. . .which is a good thing.
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Recognizing a panic attack is a good first step.
nfpworks said:
I called my mom and she talked to me and distracted me.

Does anyone else deal with this? And, how do you do it?
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I used to have those. A combination of things worked for me.
nfpworks said:
I’m not asking for medical advice. . .I don’t take meds for it and don’t plan on doing so. Just wondering.
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In my case, I went to a licensed professional therapist to find out the source of the attacks–the triggers that push the alarm buttons. Once I dealt with my conflict with those ‘triggers’ the panic attacks stopped. I also came across a column from Ann Landers about how to stop a panic attack. One tip I will always remember is this: to date, no one has ever died from a panic attack. Tip number two: when a panic attack strikes, start counting down from ten at the onset, remember to breathe in through the nose and out through the mouth. With each exhalation, imagine the panic attack diminishing in intensity. By the time your countdown reaches zero, the anxiety will have subsided.

I am well aware you did not ask for medical advice but to be on the safe side, visit your doctor for an exam to rule out any physical causes of anxiety attacks.

Spiritually, I turned to prayer and the intercession of St. Dymphna for support.

Peace.

Joe:)
 
I have had only one true panic attack, and I called my doctor immediately, thinking I was about to black out (I was losing feeling in my extremities and becoming very dizzy). He told me to get up and walk briskly, swinging my arms, to restore circulation. It worked fairly quickly.

My mother has Generalized Anxiety Disorder and takes a tranquilizer when she starts into a panic attack. If her meds are not immediately available, however, her psychologist has instructed her to do deep breathing exercises, among other things.
 
Thanks so much.

A year ago, I had a panic attack and called 911. The paramedic was awesome in recognizing it as a panic attack.

I did go to the hospital that day and had an EKG done.

I also had been to the doctor’s, too.

What you told me was exactly what I was looking for. . .

Thanks
 
I have suffered from panic attacks for 18 years. I pray to St. Dymphna and that helps a great deal.
Also, I do the deep breathing in through the nose and then exhaling. Exercise is very helpful.
I have COPD-chronic obstructive pulmonary disease -which sometimes makes it hard to distinguish one from another esp. when I experience shortness of breath.
I will pray for you.

Ellen 18
 
Go see your family Doctor. The Doctor will want to rule out any physical causes and will discuss if you need any kind of treatment to get you well.
 
nfpworks said:
I had a panic attack today. Yesterday was very stressful and today isn’t so bad. But, I started to have symptoms and was able to work through it. I recognized what it was. . .which is a good thing.

I called my mom and she talked to me and distracted me.

Does anyone else deal with this? And, how do you do it?

I’m not asking for medical advice. . .I don’t take meds for it and don’t plan on doing so. Just wondering.
Click to expand...
I had them after losing my mom and dad. I couldn’t drive on the freeway. I had to take back roads etc… They are awful and you feel like you are going to have a stroke or heart attack. I couldn’t afford a therapist so it took about two years to get through it. It manifested itself again in the form of public speaking which is something I must do often. I would say lots of prayers and face the fear and don’t run from it. I will pray for you right now.:signofcross:
 
I know you said you don’t want to take anything for it, but in my experience, benzodiazepines (Valium, Klonopin, Xanax, etc – I take Xanax for general anxiety and panic attacks) work wonderfully. Do check it out with your doctor: panic attacks are a sign that something isn’t working right, and the doctor’s job is to fix that kind of problem. General practicioners can prescribe them just fine, you don’t have to shell out for a shrink.

I’ve had anxiety/panic problems for a long time, and before I started taking medication for it I’d get out a pencil and paper and draw. During many attacks, I’d ‘see’ things out of the corners of my eyes and try to get them down on paper. Personal demons are a lot less intimidating when they’re on 8.5x11 – although at least one person whose seen what I’ve drawn during attacks has said ‘if I saw those, I’d never open my eyes again’ 😉
 
The breathing techniques work, but you have to find out the triggers, that helps to control them better. I ussually write gratitude letters to God in my journal and that helps me a lot. Giving thanks for many other things, helps me forget what I was anxious about. Keep away from the daily news, they feed us too much fear and that is stressful. watch funny stuff or light stuff on tv.
 
I got these as a teenager. What worked for me was bundling myself up in a bunch of blankets and telling myself repeatedly that I was fine, everything was okay, my body was just having an overreaction and it would be over soon.
I haven’t had any in years, thank God, they are really scary!
 
I have dealt with anxiety issues and panic attacks for most of my life.

What I find helps, is to
  1. stay grounded with scripture (Psalm 139 is especially beautiful)and the sacraments.
  2. walk daily
  3. journal prayerfully.
  4. meds are helpful, and for myself and others, absolutely necessary.
  5. counseling to learn to deal with situations that trigger panic attacks.
  6. God can and will work and teach you, through even this. (Rom. 8:28)
You are not crazy. You are God’s precious child, and He will make something beautiful out of even this, in you.
I will pray for you…:gopray2:
 
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