Panic Attacks - broke the seal

[PanickingInSunshine]

Hey all,

So I had my first panic attack about a week ago and ended up in the hospital thinking I had a heart attack. Well this first time occurence has now manifested itself into a daily struggle. Being a newbie to this can you all provide some advice to get me through this transition state? I went to my doctor who prescribed Ativan but I am fairly certain that is causing me more issues then helping as it is making me light headed which gets my mind racing and the next thing you know I am standing in the middle of the sidewalk and trying to breathe my way through it before it gets to my chest again. I know find myself in a constant state of waiting for the shoe to drop and having another one. I am assuming this is the norm but frankly I'm just out in the wilderness at this point and would like to hear others who are surviving this. My wife doesn't understand, I'm embarrassed to talk to friends about it so I thought I'd reach out to this community.

Thanks

[goldengirl80401]

I'd venture to say that many here have ended up at the ER at one time or another thinking the same thing. Once it happens, it's hard to forget, but you can. If the Ativan is not helping, TELL your doctor. I hate taking meds, but finding the right one can make things sooo much better. It's hard for spouses to understand, but don't be embarrassed to talk about it.....especially here. Breathe and know that if you do have another attack, you WILL get through it. Scary? Hell yes. You are not alone! Please stay in touch here.

[jmgillette]

can totally relate to what you are saying, I find myself, at times , having anxiety about having anxiety...same thing happened to me twice at the ER . Now it has been a daily struggle. Just know that someone who has not experienced the horribleness of anxiety does not understand, nor could they. You are not alone!!!

[howard327]

I had panic disorder for several years and have subsequently been cured. At first, I was given Ativan to provide some relief which did help a bit. However, the way I ultimately got over it was by listening to my psychiatrist when he kept repeating to me over and over that my panic attacks can not harm me. They don't make you crazy, they can't give you a heart attack and so on.So let the panic attacks come since they are not dangerous. When I finally accepted this the panic attacks went away. This takes courage but it works! Good luck.

[carrieprice1998]

I have panic attacks all the time, some nearly so bad, I consider calling 911. No one will truly understand how terrifying this is until they have one. Its truly terrifying and Every time I'm certain I'm dying this time but never die. Usually, when I'm having one, I listen to some soft, calm music or watch asmr on youtube, that really helps. I know this is scary being new to it. I was once new to it and had no idea what to do, and was always terrified of having another one. I was on lexapro (escitalopram) for about 3 years and didn't have a single panic attack, the day after I started weaning off, I had one. It was terrifying! You are definitely not alone, but it's definitely the best feeling in the world when the panic attack eases up and goes away.