PLEASE help me! Please

Hello everyone!
well I had my first panic attack 3 weeks ago. It was the most horrible experience EVER I really thought I was about to die. My whole body went numb and my vision got blurry my sister called 911 and the ambulance arrived in what seemed forever. They got mad because they said I was exaggerating and that it was only a panic attack but how in the world was I supposed to know that!
Since then I constantly have panic attacks sometimes even 3 a day. I dont know what to do anymore it feels as if I have reached my limit. At first the attacks would only make my heart beat super fast and my blood pressure would rise. During the attacks my BP would get to 190/110 and my pulse to 120! Now the attacks have changed my BP still goes up and my heart beats quite fast but there is also numbness included. The back of my head goes numb and my face feels stiff. I have trouble speaking when im feeling like this it is really uncomfortable. Im only 19 years old but I had to drop out of college due to the fact that I cant be in one place for too long! I spend all day long walking around outside trying to relax. I dont eat with my family anymore and I dont really talk much either. I used to be the most talkative person in my family.
Speaking about family well they used to be very supportive but after they found out that it is a "mental"thing they get mad every time I get another one. I know I stress them out and it makes me sad because I really cant control this even though im supposed to be able to according to them. Last night the numbness lasted 8 hours until I knocked out at 3AM because I couldnt take it anymore.
I really want my life back, I want to be the happy me I used to be please help me I feel like im going crazy. Hearing about anyone's experience with these attacks will be of much help because I feel like im alone in this world. I will stop typing now because im getting teary eyes but I hope I can get some answers. Thank you so much!
oh by the way has anyone tried those programs such as Panic Away and Linden Method? I was thinking about buying one but im not sure if they are efficient.

I empathize first off. I suffered from multiple daily panic attacks.

They were on and off, months at a time and I have no idea what exactly starts them or what subdues them. I could be perfectly fine one moment then, out of nowhere, feel this overwhelming sensation like a light switch. I noticed that certain senses of association would increase the probability of a spike. Smelling certain things, certain times of the day, seasons, deep thoughts.

It lasted about 5 years for me, from 12 years old to 17. I've moved various times and it seems that new locations under less stress, all away from areas that remind you of the attacks certainly will help but is not a definite answer. I'm not sure what exactly ceased mine and I'm sorry I can't provide more help.

i was the exact same age and in the same circumstances you are when i had my first panic attack-away at college, used to be very talkative and outgoing, etc... i thought i was having a heart attack- same symptoms as you but my pulse and blood pressure were even higher- i thought i was gonna die for sure- the only thing that helps attacks that severe is benzodiazepines- but doctors are stingy when prescribing those so tread lightly- hope you get better!

Do you know what triggers them?
Do you think you are going crazy, dying?
Often after the first attack you will have a fear of having a panic attack again, and that then is the trigger.
The fear of fear.
It's a vicious circle.

Finding out what triggered them and then working on eliminating that kind of thinking is what helped me.

Hi INHP & Welcome!

Please read this thread, I replied there to someone else who suffered from panic attacks and he found it helpful. I am not an expert, so do continue to look for information, research things etc. http://www.socialphobiaworld.com/hi-spw-family-this-is-me-in-detail-28914/

Are you taking any vitamins/minerals? What is your nutrition like? Are you maybe vegetarian or vegan?

Walks are GREAT for RELAXATION!
Nutrition and other things are important too, and effective problem-solving, challenging of unhelpful thoughts like Paahi said etc. You may want to take working to improve communication with family as a goal too... (I know it can be hard, there may even be organisations and programs to help with that!)

Yup, it would be good to maybe start a food/mood/thought/activity journal if you haven't yet... When have these things happened? What were you doing/thinking etc? Any smells, noise, crowd, talk of unpleasant topics or other stimulus? (Like the person in that other thread only got it in the car)

Can you 'trigger' a panic attack on purpose? Some people say that they weren't able to do that...

I'd stay away from meds, especially benzos, if possible - they can be highly addictive... and can have side-effects or difficulty getting off them... So try natural methods first... Can you get any counselling or a support group or something like that? (Sometimes things may be available for free...)

There are books that can introduce CBT, ACT etc.
I'm not familiar with programs such as Panic Away and Linden Method, maybe you can Google for reviews?
I researched reviews a while ago a bit and thought they can maybe help, they seemed quite costly though... So I'm just reading books and such...
I guess it depends on your financial situation and ability to get help in other ways, via counselling or books or such...
If you do get them, do tell us your experience with them!

Are you under 'pressure' from different directions? (family, self, etc) Can you maybe identify those and find ways of dealing with things so you can RELAX regarding some of the stressors...

If you have any troubles/concerns you can post about them on the forum (maybe do a search first).
People vent about all sorts of things here, and sometimes it helps to have someone sympathetic to listen...

Take care & hope things get better!!

hey, i felt like crying when i read your post, i deal with panic attacks every week, sometimes like you 3 times a day, sometimes a couple of times in the week... It is the most awful feeling in the world, like you are going to die and you cannot escape from the panic and sometimes even get knock out..O_O or feel like you almost faint or get numb so much... I've ended up in hospitals too many times and the doctor just prescribed me ''oxazepam or another such of pam crap'' (ok it really helps, but i wish i could cure naturally) and i never got real threatment, still havent' find a way to cope iwth it.. my family also thinks im exaggerating.. but i'm soo not. I really wanna tell you you are not alone, and I know how it feels like.. to ''find a way to relax every moment of the day'' because my body is tensed every single moment.. I CANNOT RELAX. It's like I always need to fight to breathe, it's such a weird thing..

My advice is, relaxation exercises... trying to calm down.. relax your muscles in your body..

i wish that you would cope with it... Good luck and welcome here. enjoy your stay

you should try an herb called valerian root. it helps calm you down. my sister has panic attacks and it works for her.

I think your first port of call should be a doctor, for me therapies worked much better than medication for curing my Panic Disorder.

Thank you all SOOOO much for your replies I didnt expect many answers but im really glad =)

IGotSeoul- Yes mines are like that too, one moment im perfectly fine and then they suddenly start. That is what makes them so stressing since I dont know what I do to make them start in the first place. oh no you replying is of much help thanks you!

we_r_eternal- The thing is that im not away at college, im at home and was attending the local college. Im starting to think it might be staying at home that stresses me out so much. The doctor prescribed me Lorazepam and it was working fine until I started to get liver pain and now I cant drink it without being in TERRIBLE condition. Thank you for replying!

Paahi-Im not quite sure what triggers them and yesssssss I feel like im going crazy or dying I think it might be that too....always thinking "oh no what if i get another one" I will try that too thanks!

Feathers- Hello and thanks for the welcome! I am currently taking complex B which is said to be good for the brain. I am also taking another supplement that helps the brain. I am not a vegan but id rather not eat much meat.
Yes walking helps me a lot but I noticed that I get the panic attacks mainly when I am at home! why do you think this could be? I am going to start a "diary" because I can't tell my family what I feel without them stressing out so I will just write it down.
I stopped drinking the meds 2 weeks ago, besides hurting my liver, my stomach felt like it was on fire and I strangely felt like I needed them to survive. I was getting addicted so I forced myself to stop them.
True the programs are veryyyy costly that is why im thinking of whether to buy them or not because right now I have wasted all my money on vitamins to try to get myself better. I think I will go for books first
Now I am stressed because I can tell my mom is sooo tired of me I heard her complaining to my aunt and I really dont know how to get rid of these attacks so she can have peace again. It makes me very sad
Thanks so much I will post on here frequently and I can tell there are a lot of people willing to listen around here which I am extremely happy about

Saskia- Thank you so much for understanding too! Yes these attacks are terrible, before I would live my life and not think much of it but now I am so grateful for every day of life I get. I thank god for letting me live another day because honestly i have felt like im about to die every day. When the night comes im scared to shut my eyes because I dont know if I will wake up again. When i do wake up I cant stop smiling. My family is sick of me but it is okay I try to understand since I know they care about me even if they get annoyed. YESSS! I cant find enough things to do throughout the day just so I can stay relaxed. Thanks a lot I noticed im not the only one with this problem and I hope you get better too!

doubleM- I drink this natural supplement that includes valeriana but it doesnt seem to help much. I bought it in mexico since a lot of people recommended it

Remus- I am seeing my doctor for this problem but he has me waiting for an authorization to get a scan and to see a neurologist. I understand those are things that have to be done but I feel like ive been waiting an eternity. I just wish it could be done sooner. He said that once I get the exams done if they come back fine he will make me get a psychological evaluation but how long will that take another month? Im trying to be patient and thanks for replying

INeedHelpPlease said:

Remus- I am seeing my doctor for this problem but he has me waiting for an authorization to get a scan and to see a neurologist. I understand those are things that have to be done but I feel like ive been waiting an eternity. I just wish it could be done sooner. He said that once I get the exams done if they come back fine he will make me get a psychological evaluation but how long will that take another month? Im trying to be patient and thanks for replying

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A brain scan for panic attacks? The docs here in the UK don't usually do that but then again our healthcare isn't financially driven. If you went to the ER and had panic attacks, would they have not done a simple neuro test (i.e follow my finger with your eyes, touch your nose, stand on one leg sorta thing) ?

Not sure how it works over there but could you make your own appoinment with a shrink without GP refferal?

Coincidently, I had my 1st panic attack a few weeks ago too. I was just about to create a thread of how my panic disorder is affecting my life but then I stumbled upon this one. I'm deeply sorry you had to experience that attack--they're definitely not pleasant, comforting, and they're just full of emotional and physical suffering. I thought I had some kind of serious disease/sickness at first! If I could, I would give you a humongous hug. I very much sympathize with you!

As you already know, there are websites you can visit that suggest effective ways of relaxing yourself. Deep breathing, relaxing thoughts, comforting affirmations, meditation, yoga, and others. I'm trying to find ways to relax myself too. Do you have any suggestions?

I'm thinking about dropping my new class because there's a lot of participation/group discussions. I had to present today and I experienced: hot and cold flashes, rapid heart rate, sweating palms, face tingling, light-headedness, nausea, extreme worry of passing out, vomiting, or losting control... and I also felt very detached from reality. Soon I'll be going on a date with someone and going through a cave tour with a bunch of people--I'll probably cancel because if I have a panic attack, there would be NOWHERE to escape!

Just try your best to comfort yourself and relax. Assure yourself that everything is going to be fine and everything is not as bad as it seems. Thinking is very powerful. I wish you the best of luck. Make sure to avoid coffee, alcohol, and drugs. Look up other things that can trigger panic attacks. That will help.

Remus said:

A brain scan for panic attacks? The docs here in the UK don't usually do that but then again our healthcare isn't financially driven. If you went to the ER and had panic attacks, would they have not done a simple neuro test (i.e follow my finger with your eyes, touch your nose, stand on one leg sorta thing) ?

Not sure how it works over there but could you make your own appoinment with a shrink without GP refferal?

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The doctor said he wants to make sure there is no other cause for it so that is the reason he is doing the scan first. I need him to do the referral because if he doesnt the insurance wont pay for it and I dont have money to pay for those exams right now

Quiet Angel said:

Coincidently, I had my 1st panic attack a few weeks ago too. I was just about to create a thread of how my panic disorder is affecting my life but then I stumbled upon this one. I'm deeply sorry you had to experience that attack--they're definitely not pleasant, comforting, and they're just full of emotional and physical suffering. I thought I had some kind of serious disease/sickness at first! If I could, I would give you a humongous hug. I very much sympathize with you!

As you already know, there are websites you can visit that suggest effective ways of relaxing yourself. Deep breathing, relaxing thoughts, comforting affirmations, meditation, yoga, and others. I'm trying to find ways to relax myself too. Do you have any suggestions?

I'm thinking about dropping my new class because there's a lot of participation/group discussions. I had to present today and I experienced: hot and cold flashes, rapid heart rate, sweating palms, face tingling, light-headedness, nausea, extreme worry of passing out, vomiting, or losting control... and I also felt very detached from reality. Soon I'll be going on a date with someone and going through a cave tour with a bunch of people--I'll probably cancel because if I have a panic attack, there would be NOWHERE to escape!

Just try your best to comfort yourself and relax. Assure yourself that everything is going to be fine and everything is not as bad as it seems. Thinking is very powerful. I wish you the best of luck. Make sure to avoid coffee, alcohol, and drugs. Look up other things that can trigger panic attacks. That will help.

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I feel so bad for you! I know how bad those panic attacks get and I really wish no one had to go through them. Yes I thought I had some heart condition or worst and when the doctor's said oh it is just panic attacks you need to relax I was thinking they had to be crazy because there was no way all that was caused by my mind.

What I do now is workout for hours and that has helped me relax. My day was going fine until I got a panic attack, it brings your hopes down when you get another one, makes me feel like this will never end. But i suggest you walk and walk around while taking deep breaths and that should work. Some people suggest to lay down but honestly if I lay down my attack gets worst I have no clue why.

Yes for now you should quit things that make you get them, I avoid going to places where it is full of people. When there are many people around me I feel like there is no air. It doesnt mean you will never go again but for now you should try to relax as much as you can. Also dont give up completely on your life activities, I go out as much as I can just to not be at home because being at home gives me attacks too.

My neighbor had the attacks too and she said she would stay at home because she was scared of coming out and that can make it worst on you. Try to go out as much as you can take and when you start feeling bad dont worry you can always go back home or to an ER. That is what i think to stay relaxed. Maybe on the date you should cancel because I can imagine how bad it must be to think you could get a panic attack during it. And then if you think about it too much there is a bigger chance you will get one so I say stay positive and do as much as you can, dont force yourself.

Yeah I try my best to think good things and I do stay away from all those things even though i need the coffee. You take care too and I send you a humongous hug too! Stay strong

Aw I'm so sorry, what a nightmare.

For me the best thing is actually the simplest thing

Slow deep breaths. Telling myself 'I am having a panic attack' Saying it out loud to myself 'I know that my brain isn't about explode and I'm not going to have a heart attack.' ' That sensation of numbness is not my brain trying to climb out of my ear' And like that I stop thinking because thinking is not good during a panic attack. Now is not the time to question the diagnosis. And then I just focus on my slow in and out deep breaths. When I get back down a bit I usually try and see the funny side because laughter is actually the best medicine in my experience.

I had my first panic attack (not knowing what it was at the time) on an airplane flying from the US to Germany. It was the worst thing I've ever experienced in my life and completely ruined the trip! I thought I was going to die - literally! My symptoms were pounding heart, sweating, diarrhea, horrible heartburn, and general fear of being in enclosed places. The attacks began to happen more and more, at random times, which was negatively impacting my life. I was absolutely miserable and finally went to see my doctor, who diagnosed me as having panic disorder caused by anxiety and depression. I had gone through a difficult break-up and this was likely the stem of it all. My doctor put me on Paxil and the attacks eventually stopped! I was finally able to go off the Paxil without having regular attacks. I occasionally feel like I might have an attack when I'm in an enclosed place (such as an airplane), but I no longer have the random attacks I used to have and function pretty much normally now. If I need to fly somewhere, she will prescribe a mild sedative to get me through the flight. I hope you are able to find the cause of your panic disorder and get treatment because there is no need to suffer!

INeedHelpPlease said:

Hello everyone!
well I had my first panic attack 3 weeks ago. It was the most horrible experience EVER I really thought I was about to die. My whole body went numb and my vision got blurry my sister called 911 and the ambulance arrived in what seemed forever. They got mad because they said I was exaggerating and that it was only a panic attack but how in the world was I supposed to know that!
Since then I constantly have panic attacks sometimes even 3 a day. I dont know what to do anymore it feels as if I have reached my limit. At first the attacks would only make my heart beat super fast and my blood pressure would rise. During the attacks my BP would get to 190/110 and my pulse to 120! Now the attacks have changed my BP still goes up and my heart beats quite fast but there is also numbness included. The back of my head goes numb and my face feels stiff. I have trouble speaking when im feeling like this it is really uncomfortable. Im only 19 years old but I had to drop out of college due to the fact that I cant be in one place for too long! I spend all day long walking around outside trying to relax. I dont eat with my family anymore and I dont really talk much either. I used to be the most talkative person in my family.
Speaking about family well they used to be very supportive but after they found out that it is a "mental"thing they get mad every time I get another one. I know I stress them out and it makes me sad because I really cant control this even though im supposed to be able to according to them. Last night the numbness lasted 8 hours until I knocked out at 3AM because I couldnt take it anymore.
I really want my life back, I want to be the happy me I used to be please help me I feel like im going crazy. Hearing about anyone's experience with these attacks will be of much help because I feel like im alone in this world. I will stop typing now because im getting teary eyes but I hope I can get some answers. Thank you so much!
oh by the way has anyone tried those programs such as Panic Away and Linden Method? I was thinking about buying one but im not sure if they are efficient.

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I know what you're going through, I'm also 19 and just started having panic attacks nothing as bad as what your saying but still bad and they're awful! I'm finally going to be getting some help after looking for a therapist for the longest time that and I asked my doctor for something for the anxiety and he gave me something that seems to be working but I've only been on it for a while. I hate to say it but it will take some time before you get better but I suggest you get some help and maybe some medicine for the panic attacks if your okay with taking medicine that is but I definitely recommend a therapist. As for your family they're being *******s! Just because its a "mental" thing doesn't make it fake especially if your having panic attacks so screw them! If its still bothering you, you should sit them down and tell them that they're being like that is really hurting you and that you just wanna get better, that you don't mean to be like this that you're not just looking for attention or anything. Well hope everything goes well for you

INeedHelpPlease said:

Hello everyone!
well I had my first panic attack 3 weeks ago. It was the most horrible experience EVER I really thought I was about to die. My whole body went numb and my vision got blurry my sister called 911 and the ambulance arrived in what seemed forever. They got mad because they said I was exaggerating and that it was only a panic attack but how in the world was I supposed to know that!
Since then I constantly have panic attacks sometimes even 3 a day. I dont know what to do anymore it feels as if I have reached my limit. At first the attacks would only make my heart beat super fast and my blood pressure would rise. During the attacks my BP would get to 190/110 and my pulse to 120! Now the attacks have changed my BP still goes up and my heart beats quite fast but there is also numbness included. The back of my head goes numb and my face feels stiff. I have trouble speaking when im feeling like this it is really uncomfortable. Im only 19 years old but I had to drop out of college due to the fact that I cant be in one place for too long! I spend all day long walking around outside trying to relax. I dont eat with my family anymore and I dont really talk much either. I used to be the most talkative person in my family.
Speaking about family well they used to be very supportive but after they found out that it is a "mental"thing they get mad every time I get another one. I know I stress them out and it makes me sad because I really cant control this even though im supposed to be able to according to them. Last night the numbness lasted 8 hours until I knocked out at 3AM because I couldnt take it anymore.
I really want my life back, I want to be the happy me I used to be please help me I feel like im going crazy. Hearing about anyone's experience with these attacks will be of much help because I feel like im alone in this world. I will stop typing now because im getting teary eyes but I hope I can get some answers. Thank you so much!
oh by the way has anyone tried those programs such as Panic Away and Linden Method? I was thinking about buying one but im not sure if they are efficient.

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Hi,

I share the same horrible experience as you. However, I passed out each time I had a panic attack. The terrifying episode of blurry vision, numbness and I felt detached from myself. My parents gave up on me as they felt that I was weak mentally and thought I was finding excuses not to get better. My husband told me that he did not know if he can still be there for me. I was very upset and depressed.

I decided to pick myself up. I came to the stage where I had enough and fed up with my fear for panic attack. I couldn't keep living like that and waste my life away, letting my loved ones down. I chanced upon a blog and decided to try Panic Away as my medication didn't work and I wanted to get rid of my fear and panic attack. I got my life back and back to the happier me

Just to let you know that you are not alone and can beat the condition just as I did. No matter which treatment you eventually turn to, you must have a positive mindset. If you continue to have negative thoughts, it is hard to cure it.

Hope you will feel better soon. Best of luck!

Hi INeedHelpPlease,

I do understand where you're coming from. I had a panic attack not too long ago for the first time and I know what a horrible experience it is. I don't think you should let your family tell you that you should just be "able to control it" cause panic attacks are by far one of the worst things to deal with. Don't worry, you aren't crazy for having these. In fact, they are pretty common.
Instead of your family, you should confide in a close friend or anyone you think you can trust, because it is always better to open up and talk to somebody instead of keeping it all inside. The more you keep it inside, it'll make you think more and build up the anxiety that's already there.

Think of it in this way - the reason you get these panick attacks is because you are afraid...of being afraid. It's as straight forward as that. What is it that is causing this and making you so fearful? Is that fear justified? You get these attacks because you're afraid of getting them again and so it becomes a vicious cycle, a cycle you CAN escape from.
I think you should definitely go see your GP if you haven't already. There are some great meds out there that can possibly help you such as Prozac and your GP can also put you into contact with a therapist. CBT is one of the best forms of therapy that deals with a range of mental illnesses including Panic disorder and I believe you can definitely benefit from them.

Good luck.

INeedHelpPlease said:

Hello everyone!
well I had my first panic attack 3 weeks ago. It was the most horrible experience EVER I really thought I was about to die. My whole body went numb and my vision got blurry my sister called 911 and the ambulance arrived in what seemed forever. They got mad because they said I was exaggerating and that it was only a panic attack but how in the world was I supposed to know that!
Since then I constantly have panic attacks sometimes even 3 a day. I dont know what to do anymore it feels as if I have reached my limit. At first the attacks would only make my heart beat super fast and my blood pressure would rise. During the attacks my BP would get to 190/110 and my pulse to 120! Now the attacks have changed my BP still goes up and my heart beats quite fast but there is also numbness included. The back of my head goes numb and my face feels stiff. I have trouble speaking when im feeling like this it is really uncomfortable. Im only 19 years old but I had to drop out of college due to the fact that I cant be in one place for too long! I spend all day long walking around outside trying to relax. I dont eat with my family anymore and I dont really talk much either. I used to be the most talkative person in my family.
Speaking about family well they used to be very supportive but after they found out that it is a "mental"thing they get mad every time I get another one. I know I stress them out and it makes me sad because I really cant control this even though im supposed to be able to according to them. Last night the numbness lasted 8 hours until I knocked out at 3AM because I couldnt take it anymore.
I really want my life back, I want to be the happy me I used to be please help me I feel like im going crazy. Hearing about anyone's experience with these attacks will be of much help because I feel like im alone in this world. I will stop typing now because im getting teary eyes but I hope I can get some answers. Thank you so much!
oh by the way has anyone tried those programs such as Panic Away and Linden Method? I was thinking about buying one but im not sure if they are efficient.

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I am the same age as you and I dropped college last semester due to stress and being nervous at school was on one them. I use to find different bathrooms to hide in before classes started. It was a habit I had from highschool.
In highschool we had 30 mins to eat breakfast and hang out with friends before classes started. I use to go to the libary but even that made me nervous because many kids would be in there. So I sat in the bathrooms until the morning bell rung or waited until the class room door was open.
You are so not alone! When feel nervous my throat tighten, I can't breath, my heart race, my face feel so flushed, sometimes I shake and get twitches in my head in arms. Last semester I didnt have my medicine to calm me down. I wanted to beat my self in the head so It could stop. No matter how much I tried to firm myself up they wouldnt stop. Just me twitching. Then people would come up to me and ask..Are you okay? Like OMG I am showing it too..Shhhh____..get me out of here. I was so angry at myself because I could not control it so, I use to try to force myself to get it together.


No, no. You're not alone. My family in order to understand they had to sit down with my doctors and therapist because they were like Mehhh w/e 1 million people go through this and they have to deal with it suck that mess up, other people have it too, you're only acting crazy. Or the therapist/ hospital is for crazy folks. They got tired of me and booted me off to both.

The meds reduced some body symptoms. I still had some anxiety but I could control my body more and my body felt more relaxed. I am taking online classes now, you keep pushing and find help if your family does not want to listen. I know your feeling, I really hope you get the help you need. In the meanwhile try to focus on the little things in life that make you feel better. I hope you get better.