Uncontrollable Shaking with Panic Attack

[Worrywort626]

Anyone ever get shaky when having anxiety and/or panic attack? I don’t always but last night I woke up multiple times with panic attacks and then had uncontrollable shaking. I finally caved and took a Xanax which I never do. I’m so worried this will happen again and I am a SAHM to 2 young kids. I barely slept, either. I could use some reassurance and positive vibes, please. Thank you!

[fauxartist]

hey.... being a mom in the first place is a tough job as your always having to have an ear out for them....but don't beat yourself up for taking a Xanax.... that's what they are there for. Your okay to mind yourself and do what you need to. One thing you may want to try and think about though is... for just this very moment in time... just breath.... take a breath slowly.... and know that the only thing you realistically can do is today.... have you tried any mindfulness technique.... youtube has bunches of those videos...even if you can try and stop and take 5 mins....to do this... it stops the hamster wheel in your head and helps you focused on right now....Okay?....everyone here is right there with you... your never alone.... it's going to be okay.....

[Worrywort626 in reply to fauxartist]

Thank you for your response. It means a lot. I feel like I have the wait of the world on my shoulders right now. Yes, I’ve started to meditate with YouTube videos and a few apps. It’s hard to keep my mind quiet but I will keep trying.

[fauxartist in reply to Worrywort626]

I hear ya..... just keep trying.... it's all you can do honey.... I hope other here too will give you some tips and coping skills... hang on....

[Calm_mama]

Hi there fkruger,

Shaking is a normal component of panic- before, during after. Absolutely. You are not alone. I suggest accepting this and everything that anxiety and panic bring you. You will have new symptoms in the future. Practice acccepting them all - it's just a little adrenaline. As you practice this approach, you can learn to stop adding 2nd fear. 2nd fear is the real panic "attack". If we don't react to the first wave of a panic attack with 2nd fear (fear of all the symptoms, the feelings, the thoughts that come with panic), the whole thing is like a category 5 hurricane that actually becomes a tiny shower by the time it hits land (My analogy of the moment as I'm watching Hurricane Florence close in... )

As Dr. Weekes says re: Shaky legs, "Let them shake- They're still good legs to walk on! They'll get you there!" If you haven't ever listened to Dr. Claire Weekes I highly recommend! She's on the list of resources I have on my profile

[Worrywort626 in reply to Calm_mama]

Thank you SO much! I’ve had shaking before but that was 8 years ago. This time around seemed so much worse. I love you analogy of the category 5 hurricane. That’s exactly how it feels. These physical sensations make me feel even more anxious and then it just snowballs. I’m practicing meditation and hope that helps. I just can’t be this way around my kids or when I work at my son’s preschool. It’s debilitating. Love the resources! I’m bookmarking them now.

[Calm_mama in reply to Worrywort626]

Hi fkruger!

So good to hear back from you! My suggestion based on your response is to work on accepting these symptoms ESPECIALLY when you are around your kids or at work Just a little caution - what I hear you saying is one of the first things people say before they end up a little deeper in the hole- essentially wanting to "get this under control" before they head back out into the real world. The recovery way to go about this is to do the exact opposite of that. You'll understand so well if you read the awesome resources I have found over time and put into practice myself (as have so many other!) . And it works. In other words, go to work HOPING to have a panic attack, complete with shaky legs etc so you can practice utter and complete acceptance and indifference to this giant bluff that is our panic and anxiety. Changing the way you think about anxiety and panic is what brings around recovery My favorite of the resources is Claire Weekes' "Enlightenment" video (it's just audio though). But they are all good and essentially teach the same thing- accept, accept, utterly accept. Over time, anxiety learns. It stops its twitchiness. Then after some time, it returns. Just a little- but barely has time to get started because you just start practicing what you know again and poof- gone once more. Hugs and keep us posted!

[Hidden]

Yeeessss!!! Can barely even write!!!

[ebelljae13]

I wake up shaking with anxiety. Mornings are a nightmare for me so I know how you feel.

[MARYRD27]

You've received a lot of great advice from others, so I'm just adding a little more.

Raising children is stressful to begin with and when you are prone to anxiety disorder, it just makes it worse. I totally agree with taking Xanax, but take it sooner if you feel it's going to be a bad attack. When you are awake, you can work on the breathing and relaxation techniques, but when you wake up during the night in a panic, Xanax really helps because you are already so revved up. And get a The Anxiety and Phobia Workbook by Bourne. I found it to be a lifesaver.

[rachel913]

Oh gosh love, shaking is completely common. I get shaky everyday and it always worsens with anxiety/panic attacks. Stay strong, it is only a bodily reaction to our stressors!

[MomLeslieM]

Yes, as others have already replied, shaking is definitely something that can happen during panic attacks. I don't know if you have already talked to your doctor about something besides xanax but that may be an idea - to try to find something that can help control the anxiety so it doesn't become a panic attack. And the mindfulness videos are great When you're out and about or doing something with your kids and you can't do anything else during a panic attack this is also a great technique - Look around you. Find 5 things you can see, 4 things you can touch, 3 things you can hear, 2 things you can smell, and one thing you can taste. It helps to ground you and focus on something besides the panic. Saying a prayer for you as you battle this.

[gender]

Be kind to yourself. Do something that just says "I like me" and what I feel is natural