Morning Panic Attack

[Jodz]

Has anyone woken in the morning and went straight into a panic attack ? If so , what where you symptoms please ?

[Mrun1]

Yes I have. For me my panic attack symptoms are, heart palpitations, nausea and sickness, numbing of my hands and arm, especially the left side and rapid breathing. In the past I've woken up and had all of these symptoms almost immediately after waking. I wouldn't wish i on anyone.

[DisneyMom3 in reply to Mrun1]

Have they ruled out any heart issues? Sleep apnea? I ask because my anxiety is related to my heart. I’m convinced I’m going to drop dead one day because of it.

[Mrun1 in reply to DisneyMom3]

When this first started happening to me I had my doctor come to my house (at great expense) and monitor my heart while I was having a panic attack. The heart trace was "textbook perfect" but my blood pressure was too high, this went down back to normal after I started to calm down. I had my doctor come out during 3 of my major panic attacks as I was convinced I was dying (one of those times was 2am, sorry doc haha) and each time he reassured me my heart was fine, and printed off my heart trace to prove it to me.

I appreciate not everyone can afford to have a doctor on call, but for me it offered a great deal of reassurance, and I'm hoping that my experience will make others feel reassured. A panic attack can often feel like the heart is giving out, but it's not. Many people go to hospital thinking they are suffering with heart a attack and it's just a panic attack.

Having said that, everyone is different so if you feel you need extra tests done then do go to your doctor. But from the sounds of it, it is just anxiety. I also feel utterly exhausted after a panic attack, it's boost of adrenaline that happens during panic attacks, when it's over it exhausts you.

Maybe read up about panic attacks and what's actually happening to your body during one and it might make you feel more reassured next time you have a anxiety/panic attack.

You'll be ok. Don't worry, there are things you can do to help prevent anxiety.

[Mrun1 in reply to Mrun1]

I should add that since I've dealt with my anxiety (it's not fully gone but so much better than it was) I no longer get this feeing when waking or during the day. It's been gone for over 2 years now and recent heart checks still coming back as perfect.

[DisneyMom3 in reply to Mrun1]

That’s great to hear! I’ve been avoiding starting meds again, but I’m at the point where I really need to.

[Mrun1 in reply to DisneyMom3]

I was really against taking meds, purely just because I felt like taking medication would make me panic more. "What am i putting in my body, is it poisoning me, what if it's destroying my liver" all the usual irrational thoughts that come with anxiety.

I don't take any meds. I learnt how to meditate (sounds silly but it's helped my anxiety tremendously) exercise and good diet. And therapy.

You'll be ok, you just need to find your way of coping. Try everything and see what works best for you!

[DisneyMom3]

Yes, almost everyday. My only symptom is an extremely fast heart rate. Like today it was in the 140s. Then after that spell I shake and feel so tired and spend the rest of my day on the couch wishes that these attacks would stop so I can enjoy life again!

[Jodz]

Thanx Mrun1 and DisneyMom3

I woke yesterday morning and I felt strange in the head and neaseaus and my HR was rising . I got up and it went mad , my legs and arms went to jelly amd I thought I was going to pass out , it felt like my chest was going to explode and I actually defecated myself ( how embarrassing ) . I got the BP monitor and my BP was 198/98 , my speech was slurry and I was disorientated also my whole face was tingly . I took a Xanax and a betta blocka and went and layed down . I was certain this was it , I’m dying . I was home alone . So so bloody scary and why oh why did this happen . I felt strange and just terrible for the rest of the day .

[Mrun1 in reply to Jodz]

Believe me I know how you feel. Reading what you wrote sounded exactly like I was. Those panic attacks would knock me for six and I would feel utterly exhausted after every single one. I didn't feel myself again for at least two day. Plus constantly on edge that it would happen again.

My face would tingle, mainly on the left side in the temple and cheek. Then it would travel down my arm and to the thigh. I was certain it was a heart attack or stroke. I had it several times and each time I had it confirmed by my doctor that it was all related to anxiety. He almost inssisted I went on medication, but I refused. I know how scary panic attacks are, and I know nothing I say will make you feel better...but please believe me there is hope. You can get through this.

Maybe monitoring your heart rate isn't so wise, maybe it contributes to your anxiety?

Also my doctor told me the worst that can happen is you'll pass out during a panic attack. But it's also in a way the best thing that can happen as its like a reset, and you'll come back feeling yourself. (I passed out before and felt tired after but I defiantly wasn't in in panic attack anymore)

[Jodz]

Mrun1 I’m just really over it . If it’s not one thing it’s another 😡🔫