Hi my name’s McKayla. About a month ago I randomly got a tight chest, had difficulty swallowing, was dizzy and felt like I was dying. I wasn’t sure what was going on. I thought I might of ate something weird and was having an allergic reaction. I tried to calm down but i felt like I couldn’t breathe or swallow. I went to the ER. They did blood work, EKG, and chest x-ray. Everything came back normal. They said I might have been having a panic attack. I threw the idea out. I wasn’t stressed about anything at the time it occurred. Recently it has been happening more. The more I research my symptoms I think that I do have panic attacks. I’m trying my best to deal with them and accept that I have them. I currently feel like a stranger in my body and everyday I am scared that I am going to have another one. Can anyone help me out with accepting what happens and how to deal with this?
Thank you so much. I just want to feel normal and like myself again
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mckaylaa_marie
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Hi McKayla! Sounds about the same I've been through. My first panic attack was over a year ago. It triggered more following since I was confused at what had happened and scared the crap out of me. I've been to the ER like you and many specialist visits like the cardiologist. All tests were good and said I'm healthy. I've improved over time but to this day I still have symptoms I can't explain. One major one is rib pain. All around the heart area and in the back. Feels like a strong person is squeezing me from the inside. I take a B-stress complex vitamin to help my nerves. All I can say is time will help heal your mind. I also spoke to some therapists to help uncover what was going on in my brain. Panic attacks create negative associations to everyday events. I also had a hard time breathing and swallowing at first. Shaky legs and a little dizziness in the shower. That one moment is so traumatic for some reason. You will recover and improve. Just keep in mind the top doctors in the ER see people for those conditions everyday and said you're healthy. Use that as a positive memory and practice some breathing. Best wishes to your recovery!
I appreciate your response and support. Thank you. They’re so scary and come out of nowhere. But I’m hoping if I start to accept what’s going on that I will be able to stay more calm during my attacks. Maybe I should try that B-stress vitamin. Thank you again for your help!
So glad you have joined. You will find some of the kindest, most supportive people here!
Panic attacks are fascinating. The anxiety center in your mind gets stirred up for some reason or another. Often there is no specific trigger- it just happens. That is the first wave of adrenaline and it's exactly the same thing that people feel when they do something like go on a rollercoaster ride or go through the haunted house. But when you're not expecting that kind of scary feeling with shortness of breath, palpitations, dizziness, etc etc what happens is that a person naturally adds "second fear". Fear of the sensations. This tells the body to release more adrenaline, and the sensations intensify- tremendously. Then there's escalated fear, more adrenaline, and symptoms that bring people to their knees! Many people end up in the ER completely flabbergasted and convinced they must have had a heart attack, stroke, or some other serious event or that they are just suddenly dying.
Nothing of the sort is happening. In fact, the body is doing something completely normal. The symptoms that come with the first fear will melt away (just like after you've gone on a roller coaster ride) if you learn not to add second fear.
This can take a lot of practice. The goal is to get out there in the world and have panic attacks, and practice the correct reaction ("whatever") to them.
Thank you so much for your response and support. I’m hoping joining this will help me and see that what I’m going through is normal. I will have to check out those other resources you have linked. Thank you again
Hi! Just wanted to mention that the Anxiety and Depression board is more active than this board. If you are inclined to join that one you'll generally get more interaction over there
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