I think I am going to break down.

[Supa_gurl]

I find myself with these short spells of shortness of breath, heart palpatations and a general overwhelming feeling. So far I have been able to stave of any actual attack by calming myself, but I don't know how much more I can. I am alone tonight, what if something happens and I can't calm myself. What do I do?

[NewPhillyGuy]

I find myself with these short spells of shortness of breath, heart palpatations and a general overwhelming feeling. So far I have been able to stave of any actual attack by calming myself, but I don't know how much more I can. I am alone tonight, what if something happens and I can't calm myself. What do I do?

 

Hi, I know how you feel. I get panic attacks too sometimes, and they are the worst. I've been taught deep breathing exercises, but sometimes they don't work. What helps for me is calling up someone or just getting the feelings out otherwise through writing about it.

 

I hope you don't have one tonight, because I know how terrible it can feel.

[Anon333]

i have had this happen..It sounds like a panic attack, and I usually have them when I am going through stressful times....Also, dont drink too much coffee, as that seemed to add to it...It is all in your mind....You need to work yourself out of it when you start to feel that way. It is the worst feeling ever...It is horrible to feel it creeping up on you too, and then a cycle of panic sets in...You just need to relax, take deep breaths, keep your head low (ive passed out a few times from it)..also, maybe see a doctore to give you a prescription of xanax or adivan, and just have it on hand in case it gets completely out of control....Dont take those pills unless you really HAVE to, as they are addictive..But they can help when you are so panicky you cant breath.....Im sorry...I havent read any of your other posts, but you must be going through a tough time right now...

[leo73]

Those sound like anxiety attacks. I get them all the time. It is very common and usually manifests itself right about the age of 30. And No, you cannot die or otherwise be injured by these attacks. It's a short-circuit in our autonomic fight-or-flight mechanism.

 

Does this sound like what you are experiencing?

[Supa_gurl]

It does sound that way...

I am going through a divorce for those that don't know. Although we are friendly with each other, so many other things are stressing me out and I am finding it hard to deal.

[leo73]

This is exactly the same time mine started. Anon333 is right...it is often aggravated with stimulants like coffee and cigarettes (but who wants to give those up, right?). I've tried anti-depressants before and they did help for a short time but when major life changes have occurred they just come right back again.

 

Just remember to breath. Oh, and I found that exercise really helps.

[Lights]

I have a hard time dealing with anxiety, I think it's a genetic thing in my case...but when I get faced with a ton of stress I have hot flashes, dizziness, shortness of breath, horrible headaches and muscle aches. For me it's not so much "attacks"...they don't come on fast and end fast... I feel that way for days sometimes if I can't calm myself down.

 

Lately I've been putting all of my stressful thoughts on the back burner and that seems to help a lot with avoiding these feelings. It might help with getting your attacks out of the way if that's what's causing them. If you start to think of things that stress you out enough to cause an attack, just distract yourself and think of something else. It might calm you enough to avoid one or two.

 

Also, talk to a doctor just to make sure nothing is seriously wrong. Never hurts to check.

[Supa_gurl]

Seems my prayer was answered. Shortly after I wrote this my niece, whom I have seen in 6 months, called and asked if she could bring hubby and kids to visit. Sadly my kids won't be there to see thier cousin, but I won't be alone now.

[Loki71]

I am sorry your going through this. Your clearly not alone even I have been having this problem on a daily basis. I get the feeling that there is a huge weight on my chest and I lose all my breath and can;t get anymore. I have them several times a day. Not to mention the stress headaches and the severe pain in my head that makes me just wanna cry. I have no energy no deisre and no will to the point I am about to just passout at my desk and when I do get to where I am staying (currently at my folks since I can't afford my own place yet) I just go in to my room and lay on my air bed and pass out. This has become my daily routine except on weekends when my kids are with me all day and I have to muster up energy to play with them. Sorry for the long reply just wanted you to see your not the only one stressed out and having issues. Hang in there it will get better and be thankfuk you get visitors.

[15 Storeys High]

The worst that will happen during a panic attack is a faint. That happens because your body needs to correct the imbalance of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the body caused by hyperventilating.....so it makes you pass out. The symptoms of hyperventilation include chest pains, numbness/tingling/pins n needles in hands/feet/lips, palpitations, dizziness, nausea.....ect.

 

If you find you're having trouble focusing on slowing your breathing, drink a glass of water slowly.

[coolgirl]

Either I go for a walk to get some fresh air, or I take stress relief pills.