Back after a long break, panic attacks.

[Cs131193]

Hello everyone! It's been a long time, I hope you are all well, a lot has gone on since I last posted, I've had 2 beautiful daughters, a 2 year old and an 8 month old and I've experienced some losses mainly my grandfather last August and my auntie in December, and now it seems I'm back.I've been feeling chest twinges and lightheadedness since I had a big panic attack at 1am yesterday which lasted around an hour, I've been exhausted. My trigger was when I was lying in bed thinking about my dad whose currently in hospital after being fitted with a feeding tube after finishing Chemo and radiotherapy, he was diagnosed with esophageal/oesophageal cancer in October and I think it only hit me last night. I felt like I was having a heart attack and at one point told my partner to call an ambulance because I genuinely thought I was dying. It started off with crying, then dizziness and chest pain/heaviness followed by tingling in my limbs and needing to urinate frequently, shivering and hot and cold flushes, feeling nauseous and a sense of dread. It's been a while since I had a mild panic attack and this was my first big one. Any techniques that people have found useful for coping when they feel one approaching or are currently in the throws of an attack? I have some of my own but would appreciate any suggestions so I can utilize them next time I experience one.

Thank you!

[Thistooshallpass7]

I’m so sorry you’re going through that pain. *hugs* I also experienced a bad panic attack this week and I decided to try a psychiatrist for the first time ever. Maybe I can keep you posted on the results but have you ever considered it or tried it?

[Cs131193 in reply to Thistooshallpass7]

It's awful isn't it! Still feeling the effects of it today with a massive headache and slight light headed spells.Yes please! I would love to know how you find the psychiatrist, I hope it goes well for you.

I haven't, I'm doing some counselling with our local mental health team but they're not psychiatrists as such, may be worth me trying though.

[Thistooshallpass7 in reply to Cs131193]

Yes that’s a good start for sure! I will keep you posted . In the interim please stay strong and we are all here for you

[Agora1]

Hi Cs, it's good to see you back. I'd like to Congratulate you on your two

beautiful baby girls. I'm happy for you.

I am sorry to hear about the passing of both your grandfather and auntie. Please

accept my condolences on your losses.

I can understand how you went into a serious panic attack while thinking about

your father's illness. It's a frightening feeling knowing a parent is suffering and so

sick. Those thoughts you had opened the flood gates to adrenaline making your

body go haywire for an hour. Terrifying I know but too well.

Try not to anticipate this happening again. It may very well have been a one time thing.

To prevent another attack as well as lowering your anxious state, it is best to use

preventative measures keeping you in a more balanced state of mind and body.

When issues feel out of our control is when we can experience high levels of stress.

Using Meditation as well as regulating your Breathing can calm you down on a daily

basis. I use Meditation/Breathing 3 x a day, every day. Upon awakening, midafternoon

and before bed.

By doing this, when stress becomes overwhelming, you will be able to turn it off more

easily but turning to your breathing exercises. Belly Breathe in deeply and exhale long

and slow releasing the fear and stress. Practice makes perfect. You can do this, we are

here for you. My best to your father in what he is going through. xx