Panic Attacks.

I have, and I have to say I can't even read this thread without getting symptoms. In my case, I went to my GP (thought I was having a heart attack), he put me on meds and recommended a psychologist. I carry beta blockers as well, but haven't had to use them.

The trick is, when it seems like it's going to start, don't dwell on it. Recognise what it is, and accept that it's not dangerous, and then think really hard about other things.
 
I had bad panic attacks a while ago.the main thing, like other people have said is to not be afraid of having one,the moment you start having a panic attack you get terrified because your having one and that's where it goes downhill.Don't be afraid of having them.best cure
 
My diagnosis for tachy heart is that the "extra pulse in between comes from a different location" This causes a doubling of the heart beat. Can't be reversed with Beta Bloka. Caused by stress.
A small op to sever this extra pulse is quite common. Tony Blaire had this done last year.
 
No. But I feel doom and gloom all the time making me antisocial and stuck in my house all the time.
 
Yeah, depersonalisation was always associated with my panic attacks. Even though I no longer have panic attacks I still sometimes have mild sensations of depersonalisation tho.
 
marco said:
My diagnosis for tachy heart is that the "extra pulse in between comes from a different location" This causes a doubling of the heart beat. Can't be reversed with Beta Bloka. Caused by stress.
A small op to sever this extra pulse is quite common. Tony Blaire had this done last year.
Click to expand...

I have the same. That's why I'm on sotacor. It's an anti-arrythmia/beta blocker. Seems to have helped with the extra spike. I had an EPS study that picked it up...worst medical procedure EVA!!
 
Freshy-ZN said:
Yeah, depersonalisation was always associated with my panic attacks. Even though I no longer have panic attacks I still sometimes have mild sensations of depersonalisation tho.
Click to expand...

im glad im not alone i had very bad experience with it, and i really dont like it :(
 
Its not pleasant at all I know. But with all these symptoms it helps to understand what they are which leads to less stress and therefore less panic.
 
Nice thread this guys!

It is great for anyone who may be suffering from these things to realise that they are not alone and most people have at some point experienced panic attacks.
 
Freshy-ZN said:
Boy did I used to suffer badly from these. They used to completely incapacitate me. Symptoms are usually an overwhelming fear of dread and panic that comes upon you for no reason. Sounds silly but basically what normally triggers panic is something real. Imagine the panic someone who realises he is drowning feels. Its extreme but it has a logical cause so it makes sense. Now imagine someone is going about their business and is suddenly engulfed by the same extreme panic. WTF is going on!??? Am I dying??? Because their is no logical explanation for this panic you panic more....and then some more.

It is a vicious circle but each episode eventually passes. But then you think that because it happened say in a cinema you better avoid cinemas. Then you get one in a shopping mall so avoid malls. Pretty soon you dont actually leave your bed if you can help it. You are so panicky about having a panic attack you go nowhere and do nothing. Again, fear and panic leads to more of the same.

Now Im not a Doctor or Shrink but what I do think is that most of them dont actually understand or know how to treat. You need a specialist in this field. Most will just give you some quick working tranquilizers. What you need is a combo of meds and therapy.

But the secret is as simple as it effective. You need to realise that a panic attack cant hurt you. Really. Again it sounds simple but its not because the sensations are so severe and real. But you have to become its master and take the wind out of its sails.Once you truly know this then you are well on your way to recovery.

I havent had one for many many years now but I remember the 3 or 4 years of absolute hell very well.

Good luck to you or whoever it is you are asking for. PM me for moral support if you want. I will understand exactly what you are talking about.
Click to expand...

This sounds absolutely terrible. my one friend seems to be avoiding places we go more and more and he tends to 'panic' abit when we go out.i always feel sad for him but im too scared to ask him or question him...but ive told him if he needs help he can talk to me.but the way you described it sounds similar to the way he just locks/freezes up,needs to sit for 10 minutes without talking and then he just leaves :confused: its wierd....
 
I've had them since I can remember, and now i'm 24 so needless to say I've had my fair share. I started taking meds in 2003 - paroxetine, and that seems to do the trick. Although I'd like to try rely less on them and improve other coping mechanisms.

When I do feel bad, I start thinking the most terrible things and begin to believe that they have actually happened, i.e.: family dying etc. I try compare the experience to what you feel when you suddenly have to do an emergency stop in a car, that instant of fright, but extend it to 30 minutes and remove any visible threat.
 
A lot of the cardiac symptoms correlate with magnesium deficiency (yes, it's possible, even in this day and age). Try some magnesium glycinate for a couple of weeks before bringing out the big pharmaceutical guns.

Also, get some heavy dosage B vitamins (B12 and cocktail injections, as well as tablets - you want 50mg+ for many in B group per day).

Get into a good fitness regime, particularly if you're overweight (btw, this could be a cause on its own...)

I don't get panic attacks, but I do down a few cups of green tea when I'm stressed - they do help, but are quite mild in effect.

Otherwise, docs will probably prescribe SSRI's (which can lead to problems with sex drive, suicidal thoughts, loss of will, depersonalisation, etc.) or benzodiazepines (which are the devil's spawn in most cases, particularly with regards to addiction and withdrawal symptoms).
 
If you get panic attacks, get to a psychiatrist. It's that simple. You are ill, so go to a doctor. If the side effects of the medication is a bother, go back to the psychiatrist and get him/her to adjust the medication.

People make a big thing out of something that is very treatable with minimal side effects. Panic attacks suck. Sometimes when I have one, I have no idea something is wrong untill I suddenly realize, hey! i'm breathing fast and shallow and I can't think straight and my heart is beating and I'm sweating and confused & angry & scared & weak & shaking and then hey presto! Cool down boy, have a seat, this too shall pass in 10 or so minutes.

So my specialist, read psychiatrist, gives me some pills, and I don't get panic attacks no more. easy stuff. Had to try a couple of different ones before I found something that worked for me and that didn't have bad side effects. But I did find the right ones. Now I just take some mood stabilizers
 
Don't discount the severe cases ..... where it's basically impossible to even go see a psych.
 
http://www.atclinic.co.za/

The above clinic is AWESOME. They don't believe in medication & they get to the "root" of the problem. If you are in JHB (Sandton) & you want help, call them.

Hanan Bushkin is the gents name.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top
Sign up to the MyBroadband newsletter
X