Panic attack

[Dancer2020]

I think I'm having a mental breakdown. I can't stop shaking. Sweating and nashious. Meds aren't working. My dog is in the vet hospital. I'm scared. They don't know whats causing bruising. I feel so sick.

[BeachCamper]

Hang in there. I am so sorry. I wish we could take all our collective nervous energy and shoot it into the sun, or power a city with it, or something. I hope your doggy gets a diagnosis and a recovery. Wishing you peace. -BC

[Pugglesworth]

Panic attacks suck. A nervous breakdown is it's own animal and different from a panic attack. I've experienced both. The panic attack will work itself out; however, there are ways to help that process along: slow breathing, deep breaths, knowing you're breathing, knowing you're still alive, feeling your lungs and chest expand, feeling your back expand as you breathe (our lungs expand more in our back than chest surprisingly). The only med that helps me with a panic attack is Ativan as it's a fast-acting benzo; however, I haven't taken any for a couple of years now. I always have one with me in a pill bottle just in case.

I'm not a doctor; however I'll offer my definition of a breakdown: it is the collapse of all of our coping systems. It displays differently with people, but the outcome is the same: loss of control and the ability to function at our previous level. It's different than an anxiety attack or episodes that occur in people with anxiety disorders. It's different than a bout of depression. Not to minimize any of these. A breakdown is a crisis, in my experience, and one that can't be ignored. That's the point of it. It can't be snuffed out or put in the corner. It's the bodies wisdom in motion telling us these things (whatever things it brings to bear) must be addressed in a different fashion. What we've been doing will no longer work. It's a call for change in how we are in the world and how we process information. It's the bodies cry for a need to go in a new direction. It's messy, painful and takes time to move through. But you emerge a new person. A more legitimate self. Someone closer to your true self. It's a very odd place, but a place where we can learn and grow in directions that were not available to us before.

I would seek some help out if you can. Both panic attacks and a nervous breakdown can be managed with experienced mental health practitioners. There are resources for those on this site.

[Dancer2020 in reply to Pugglesworth]

Thanks for the info. I'll check out the resources.

[sleepless96 in reply to Pugglesworth]

For not being a doctor, your explanation of the differences between a panic attack and a nervous breakdown are spot on. And likely better than a doctor could offer. Reading your post was as if you were describing my experiences with both afflictions. I relived all the memories for my 2 breakdowns and how it affected me, and decades old questions were answered. Thank you so much for taking the time and compassion to shed some light on a period of manys lives that they had no answers for. A tip for panic attacks. Chew gum. Simple as that. For me it brings an immediate sense of more oxygen into your body, cutting an attack in half or less. If I'm having a particular stubborn one, I resort to Lorazapam. I haven't needed to take any for a long time. But like you, I've carried one with me in case of emergency.

[sleepless96 in reply to sleepless96]

I just realized that my response with the panic attacks tip minimized the agony they cause. That was not my intent. Having suffered with them for years, I know it isn't simple by any means to wield control over them. I was only trying to offer an easy to do method of possibly cutting down their duration. Everyone reacts differently. What works for one may not for another. It's something to try. Accept my apology please if I offended anyone.

[Pugglesworth in reply to sleepless96]

Experience is a great teacher.

You're most welcome for the commentary.

[NiBa5]

Hello

Please eat and drink if you can. Please don't drink any caffenated drink that might trigger panic attacks. If you're so shaky, please call your psychiatrist for help. I hope you'll be ok. Hugs

[Hidden]

I am so sorry you are struggling. Know that these feelings will pass. No emotion lasts forever. Pls take care of yourself the best you can. You deserve help and all the love in the world. We're here for you. ❤️

[Ninja150]

The most important thing you should try to do is be positive I know that is easier said than done but there’s always a silver lining to every cloud.

[Karole2021]

Hi

You will be fine .To have mental disorder which you can control and defeat is better than other illnesses like cancer, we should feel blessed . By the way i heard that some meds need around 2 weeks to kick in , just make sure you are taking the right drugs , therefore you need to discuss with you doctor .

[Dancer2020 in reply to Karole2021]

I talk to dr in a couple weeks. I sure hope we can get meds to work.

[Karole2021 in reply to Dancer2020]

For me it sometimes takes 5 days or more for some symptoms to be under control. I hope the best for you