This is my story!

[Orangepastacat]

Hi everyone! I just wanted to share my story to see if anyone has experienced something similar. My therapist has suggested that I reach out to a support group so here I am 😊

When I was 18 years old, I developed a blood clot in my leg due to birth control use. That blood clot broke off and traveled to my heart and brain. I suffered a massive stroke and also was in cardiac arrest for 7 minutes. I was then put into a medically induced coma to preserve my body to help it heal. I ended up spending 2 weeks in the hospital. I am now 30 years old and I have had panic attacks since that experience. Now, anytime I feel any slight symptom, I almost instantly have a panic attack. I am trying medication for the first time and that’s very scary to me.

[HaBeBe7]

Thank you for sharing. That is A LOT to go through before 30 years old. I'm sorry to hear that you had such a negative and life threatening reaction to birth control. This experience alone would cause anyone to feel anxious. It's good to hear that you're giving medication a chance because it sounds like it could really help in your situation. I know it's probably difficult for you to take ANY medications after the horrific medical complications, but I hope you are able to find relief. I also suffer from panic attacks and medication can make a WORLD of difference. Wishing you the best!!! 🌼

[ASACS]

Hi there, welcome to the group!!

Have you tried breathing exercises or counting exercises?

Everytime I feel I'm about to have a panic attack I start doing breathing exercises or counting from 1 to 60, 100 or even 200 in order to calm myself.

I try to visualize the numbers on my head and I find that because my mind is focus on the numbers is no longer focus on the panic attack.

I hope this helps, stay strong!!!

[Catlexie]

I have had panic attacks since I was 30 years old. I have used Ativan and it really helps. I am so sorry that you go through these. I feel you. Also Paxil helped me for awhile. I will keep you in my prayers.