When I feel like I'm going to pass out what should I do?

Should I try to go about my day like normal? Or should I just sit on the couch and rest in case I DO pass out? I really don't know what to do. I have been feeling much more lightheaded this past week to the point where I've barely done anything because it's just so uncomfortable and I feel like I could pass out at any moment. My body doesn't feel weak or anything though. I just don't know what to do. I'm also shaking uncontrollably.

[Hidden]

Have you ever passed out?

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Nope. Well, once when I was a kid. But it didn't have anything to do with my anxiety. I just blew too hard trying to inflate a balloon lmao.

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Everyone is different but I’ve felt dizzy before like I’m gonna pass out but I never do and in the end it was just my anxiety kicking in. I was fine soon afterwards though.

[Clarrisa]

If you feel as if you are going to faint lie down right where you are & try to elevate your lower extremities to bring more blood to your head. That is why you want to lie down to bring more blood flow to your head.

Try to avoid wearing constricting or warm clothing. Drink as much plain water as you can. Cold compresses to your forehead & chest can also help. Do not try to get up too soon. Try only sitting up gradually taking fluids as you slowly sit up. Lie back down if still lightheaded, take more fluids. If you tolerate it try eating a little, some pretzels or something similar.

If you are on medications ask your pharmacist if any of them could have this side effect. With a few medications you need to “dangle” or get slowly from a lying position. “Orthostatic hypotension” can make people feel this way. That can be easily checked for by health providers by taking your vital signs lying down then having you sit up, wait 5 minutes & rechecking your vital signs sitting up.

Having a low blood sugar can make one feel dizzy. A glucose finger-stick or a “A1C” blood test may shed light on that. I am sure other posts can offer further ideas. If you need to travel anywhere have someone else drive you & walk with you until you get a handle on this.

Always follow your gut instincts. If it does not feel right seek professional help.

[sweetiepye]

Anxiety is so tricky. It can make us feel anything and believe it. If you have never actually passed out it's probably safe to assume it's anxiety. This was a symptom I used to get so I went to the drug store and asked a pharmacist for smelling salts. Remember back in the day ladies used them ? I've seen the movies. Well they still sell them and they work. You only need a whiff and it clears your head right up. If they don't carry them at your pharmacy they can make something up for you. Explain what and why so they don't think you're looking for a cheap high. The shaky legs are from the adrenalin surge you get when you're scared. Not to worry. Why Honey, you've just got the vapors. lol , Pam

[Indigojoe in reply to sweetiepye]

WELL said!

[Nora-B in reply to sweetiepye]

I used to carry smelling salts and I too have purchased some recently.....from Amazon. Yes, the vapours ..Lol.

[Indigojoe]

Learn about the nature and workins of anxiety. First, if you are anxious, you can't pass out because your PB Is up.

Secondly if you have been sick with loss of fluids and been in bed for days and you get up and feel light headed, use the muscle technique of the jet pilots .

Squeeze your glutes tight as hell 3-4times. That muscle group is big and Will move the blood up to your head.

[SarahLou30]

Have you seen a cardiologist? You may want to get tested for postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome. If you wear a Fitbit or some other kind of heart rate monitor, it may be informative to see what your heart rate is when sitting versus standing. If there’s a 30 + beat per minute difference, that is the diagnostic criteria for POTS.

[rebecca3455]

Anxiety causes shaking to the point I have seen others in a panic attack look like they are having a seizure. If you feel like you are going to pass out, stop what you are doing, lay or sit down, breathe in deep belly breathing for a count of 4, hold for 4 and exhale through your mouth for 4. Do this 10 times. Sometimes we hyperventilate and we don’t even know we are doing it. Also I agree if this happens when you get up from a sitting or lying position it may just be orthostatic hypotension. So get up slowly, hydrate and just know that these episodes are feelings not necessarily facts that anything is wrong. Feel better