Panic Attacks Options

[nicki_flute]

Thankfully, it only lasted a couple of minutes, and wasn't that bad. The first time it happened, I was performing on stage at Symphony Hall in Birmingham. Not good. Weirdly, I am fine before I perform, but I get anxious about anything really easily.

Regards Leicester, I will be there from very early on as I am 1/2 organising it. I am going to send you a PM (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

[fluteandbassoon]

Meerkat, I am interested in this PMR, as it sounds like it could help. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

[Sotto Voce]

I think i might have panic attacks. Sometimes my heart will start beating REALLY fast, way faster than it should even with nerves, I'll feel hot and flushed and my breathing becomes quick like I can't catch my breath. My throat also tightens up and sometimes I even have trouble swallowing. This happens a lot on its own without the other symptoms. It only lasts for a few seconds to a minute usually which is why I never really thought about it but after reading this it seems like I may be having mild panic attacks. Thoughts?

[nicki_flute]

I think i might have panic attacks. Sometimes my heart will start beating REALLY fast, way faster than it should even with nerves, I'll feel hot and flushed and my breathing becomes quick like I can't catch my breath. My throat also tightens up and sometimes I even have trouble swallowing. This happens a lot on its own without the other symptoms. It only lasts for a few seconds to a minute usually which is why I never really thought about it but after reading this it seems like I may be having mild panic attacks. Thoughts?

This is what happens to me...apart from last time it happened it was about 10 minutes. Sometimes it does happen for a few seconds though. Does it happen in similar situations?

[violinandpianogurl]

I have a friend who recently developed claustrophobia and she deals with being in small spaces (when she has to be in them) by doing deep breaths and talking to someone about something totally unrelated. she also carries a bottle of water and takes sips from it. maybe this would help with dealing with panic attacks.

[elmo]

I have a friend who recently developed claustrophobia and she deals with being in small spaces (when she has to be in them) by doing deep breaths and talking to someone about something totally unrelated. she also carries a bottle of water and takes sips from it. maybe this would help with dealing with panic attacks.

You're right it does work for small panic attacks, it's a distraction. Doesn't all together stop what's coming though. She also has an advantage in that she knows exactly what triggers things (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

[LadyMoonlight]

I've had panic attacks for a long time, although they are getting better and more controlled recently.

The symptoms with me are horrible. I feel really nauseous, Like I'm going to throw up, my hands shake, I feel hot and basically just need to get AWAY from wherever I am - and get to "safety" which usually means home.

Before my Grade 4 singing exam I felt so ill that I couldn't drive myself to the exam and asked my boyfriend to take me. Halfway there I felt so sick and ill I actually told him to turn round and take me home - he refused and I'm glad he did because I wouldn't have done my exam and would have felt so bad about that!

With me they are exacerbated by stress, tiredness, not having enough to eat etc - anything thats going to make me feel low.

The other thing I have to be really careful of is CAFFEINE!! Its brings on horrendous panick attacks for me! I'm not too bad with tea, or SMALL amounts of cola, but coffee is a total no-no. Even Frappucinos and things like that. Last time I had one of them I felt so ill I spent the afternoon in bed!!! If you drink a lot of caffeine, try to cut down on it. Caffeine speeds up your metabolism and heart rate, which is similar to what happens with a panic attacks so I guess the extra kick to your system can start the symptoms of panic.

Some GP's will prescribe medication such as Seroxat but be really careful - once you're taking it, its really hard to come off because of the withdrawal effects. If you can find your own way to cope with panic attacks, you'll be much better. I always find it helps to have someone with me when doing something that scares me - someone I can trust to "take control" when I get panicky and silly and start saying things like "I can't do my exam, take me home". I feel so helpless and out of control that it helps to have someone there to make sure I don't do something stupid (like miss my exam) which I would regret later!