I had a severe panic attack yesterday, caused from stress I know. What is the best way to deal with this when it happens? My b/p went up and so did my heart rate. I take meds as you all know, but I can't grab a med bottle when this happens if I have already taken my meds. Von-1
What is the best think to do if you have a severe panic attack?
- Asked
- 22 Jul 2011 by Anonymous
- Updated
- 23 Jul 2011
- Topics
- panic disorder, heart
Responses (6)
I am so sorry Von, what I do when I am alone and have taken my meds is breath into a paper bag (not for too long though, I do not know if it is the best thing but it is the quickest)... it does work for me.
I know it feels like you are having a heart attack, in that case, just to be safe , have your husband take you to the Hospital or Call 911, safety always comes first in my books.
I, from experience, have ended in the Er, they are awful... I empathize with you my dear friend.-
Have a terrific weekend Von,
A.-
I think maso is right as far as safety, once you know it isn't a heart problem when I use to have them I had horrific panic episodes, I had thoughts run though my mind I would think for sure I was going to drop dead on the spot, or even back then just thought I would loose my mind, it was extremely having those in teen years where you would be embarrased to think of someone your age seeing such an episode.
billy, thank you. I'm like you about meds. I know they are there but will not take more than I'm suppose to no matter what I'm going thru. I try to just sit and calm myself and sometimes if I can be still or make myself be still I will lay down on the couch. That was the worst one I have had in a long time. But when my heart rate gets to 110 I panic even more and trying not to because I know it will not go down if I don't calm down. I had gotten so much better I thought until I had that attack, but it makes me tired and so today has not been to good. But its better thid afternoon. Thanks my friend, Vonnie
Slow, deep controlled breaths can help. Take a deep slow breath in through your nose and out through your mouth. Count 3-5 seconds for each inhale and exhale if you need to so you can control and not breathe too quickly. Remember that panic starts the fight or flight cycle so slowing your breathing will help you to ground yourself. Also remember progressive relaxation and guided imagery we were taught in school. I find that the breathing and progressive relaxation work best for me. At times I do use imagery and imagine myself on the beach or in a quiet forest and describe to myself all the sights, sounds and smells. This helps me to calm myself and also helps reduce my stress levels. I use these on nights I find it difficult to sleep too.
Dzoo, thanks thats a good idea. I want to thank all of you for being here for me, you guys mean alot to me. I will try the things yall have said and see if it will help.I'm willing to try about anything when it happens, because I swear I feel like I'm going to die. My heart has been checked and doc said its ok, but you never know at my age and my history. Anything could happen. Thanks, Von
hey Von-1, I have done the breathing in the bag trick and it usually works. maso gave you the first thing to do. I try to recognize the very first signs I am about to have 1 and start the slow steady breathing too. I get sort of a disconnnected from real life feeling. I can't remember if it was community member Psyched or jk13 who gave a very detailed account of what exactly happens with one, but it entailed how any sense can become stronger and your heart races, too much oxygen, extreme paranoia, sweaty palms, numbness, they all add up and make you feel that you are dying/or have died and just haven't fallen down yet. You could try pq'ing both of them to ask them if you would like the exact transcript. It was 1 of those 2 tho. Did you get your hormones checked, imbalanced hormone increase the severity and frequency of panic attacks. Be sure to sit or lie down when it first starts happening. Luv ya, pattishan
Patti, thanks, I will look that up. No I havent been back to doc yet go in Sept for blood work. And I know my hormones are crazy along with ME! I know what caused the panic attack, I just need to learn to control them, thats the first bad one I've had in along time. Thanks Patti, luv ya too. Von
Hi Von,
I have panic attacks anytime I have to leave the house. I just feel like I'm shaking from the inside out and it's visible which is embarassing. I start panicing 2 days prior to my appointments. I take my medication to help me with my nerves an hour before I leave just so I can put my make-up on and get dressed which was picked out 2 days earlier. If I have a strong attack I'll ask my husband to hold my hand and let me ramble on about anything though if I feel dizzy or I'm having trouble focusing, I'll let him walk me out to my car and let him finish shopping. I even go to grociery shopping on rare occasions at 4:00 am so I don't have all those people around me. Sometimes I'll go to the ladies room, check my face while I give myself a pep talk. You are just going to have to try different things to see if they work for you. My thoughts will be with you. Peggylee
Peggy thanks for the help. I have to do the same thing with my hubby. Most time out I can do pretty good if its a small store and not alot of people. But my hubby watches me and if I get dizzy or tired or feel like im going to panic he will take me to the car and finish. thanks Von
Awh hiya V,
My friend i'm so sorry you had an attack yesterday,i'm late with my replys tonight,i hope you are ok.
I know how rotten the panic attacks are,but just try to breath slowly,deep breathes in and out,and the paper bag works aswel,i know its easier said when you are not having one but do try hun,try not to get stressed,i know AGAIN its easier said but you need to take things easy!! Lots a hugs x
A, thank you my dear sweet friend, I will try it, hope I never have another one that bad!!! UGH, it was terrible, hugs to you to, V

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Maso, thank you. I will try that, Yes it does feel like you are having a heart attack, very scary. I try to stay away from stress and drama and do a pretty good job at it. But sometimes it rears its ugly head and you have no control over it.. You have good week end too. Von
Many thanks Von... take good care.
A.-