Endless Daily Panic Attacks

[wilftex1989]

Hello all,

I new to this group. Long story short, in the past 2 weeks I have been suffering with multiple daily panic attacks. Before the past 2 weeks I have had 2 panic attacks my whole life and now they are consuming me. I went to the hospital about a week ago convinced I was having a heart attack. They gave me an ECG, Chest X-ray and ran blood tests. All came back normal. I then went to my GP who has booked me in for some more tests as they want to rule everything out. In the meantime I have referred myself to a psychotherapist and will begin meeting with them next week.

I’m just really scared all the time of when my next attack will come. I struggle to tell myself it’s a panic attack and convince myself it’s a heart attack. Even now I’m still not sure I believe it’s not to do with my heart, but I know that’s just my mind playing tricks on me.

I’ve been very emotional, and crying daily which is not something I’m comfortable with and it’s the 1st time my gf of 4 years has seen me cry.

I just want it to stop and go back to normal. I feel bad for my gf as she doesn’t deserve this.

I just wanted to eat everything out there in the hope there are some people to talk to.

Thanks

Tom

[fauxartist]

what a terrible way to have to live, I'm sorry your going through this... and thankfully you are seeing a psychotherapist next week to try and start working on what sounds like panic attacks and possibly health anxiety... I found a great site you may be interested in for some info about this and how some cope with it: nomorepanic.co.uk/articles/...

[Calm_mama]

Hello Tom,

I feel for you, and also have good news- this is highly treatable. I recommend you take a look at the resources I have on my profile. Please listen to Dr. Weekes' video first. She covers panic in great detail. The key to overcoming panic is to practice leaning IN to the panic. You have the beginnings of the hang of it - you know it's just panic, not a heart attack. Panic- the same thing that happens to your body when you go on a scary ride at Disney, or watch a really good horror movie. Yes, it's the same thing. Harmless chemicals released into the blood stream. Practice acceptance of all the symptoms. As you get better and better at this, you can start to look for those panic triggers, and go towards all of them. It might sound out of reach right now, but eventually you TRY to have a panic attack- and you'll find that panic doesn't come. Because you've lost the fear of it. I think you will find some excellent information in the resources I like so much, and in others' recommendations of resources as well. All the best~

[Agora1]

Hi Tom, first of all, know that it's okay to cry. We all do at times, man or woman alike. The feeling is so overwhelming and deep that unless someone has experienced it themselves, they cannot possibly understand the emotional pain we feel.

Meeting with a psychotherapist next week will put you on the right track in addressing these deep seated issues. There are medications for a short term that your doctor can give you in allowing for you to proceed forward without fear.

The problem with panic attacks is that once they are over, the "what ifs" take over your rational thinking and you start to fear the next time it may happen. Before long you are not living but staying in a fearful situation. The therapy and meds if needed will give you that crutch you need right now.

We will be here to support and comfort you. Listen to the advice of those who have gone through this before you. Choose what may work for you. You are never alone Tom. x

[Jay0711]

Hey Wilftex,

I can definitely relate to what you are going through. The first time I went to the hospital for a panic attack the doctors did all the same tests you mentioned above which also came back normal. For me to help with my panic attack problem, I need meds. I've mentioned this in some of my past posts but without meds I can't go to work without having a panic attack everyday. Since I've started on meds for anxiety four years ago, I've been in some insanely stressful situatuons. Way worst then what initally sent me to the ER. In this four years on anxiety meds, I think I've had maybe one panic attack and a handful of times I felt one coming but I was able to fight it off.

About a month before I ever saw a doctor and even knew I had any mental health disorders, I was having almost daily panic attacks. I just didnt know what they were. What helped me the most (and still does) was going to a place I feel safe and just kicked my feet up and relaxed. I would watch a movie I really liked or I'm a gamer so I might play for a while. The most important part of this relaxtion period was that I ensured nothing else mattered but my relaxation and enjoyment. If I had a deadline at work, sorry boss its not getting done. My health is more important than your stupid deadline.

One more thing, it's ok to cry. I'm an adult male and I fully admit to having crying episodes. The issue is (and it frustrates me) crying is looked as a weakness to the outside world. But you know what? Mental health issues are sicknesses just like the flu. And crying sometimes to me is just a symptom just like if you had a fever with the flu. You have a ton of people on here that support you and don't mind or judge if you cry. We are all here for you!

That is my two cents. Good luck when you go see the doctor. I know this is something you can conquer!!!

[wilftex1989]

Thank you all so much and sorry for the lack of reply. It’s been a better week, except the trip to A and E on Friday after the worst panic attack of my life! I know I can beat this

[Jay0711 in reply to wilftex1989]

No worries about the late reply! I am very sorry about the awful panic attack. Whether its meds or therapy, there is a way you can do this. I am confident you have the stength to figure out how to control your panic attacks. You can do this!!!!!!!!!