Does panic make you cry?

[littleredhen]

I'm still struggling to come to terms with what i have thought was depression for over twenty years. I'm still very confused about symptoms and trying to think about what it is I am actually suffering.

This morning, I had a experience that I realised is quite common for me.

I was walking down the road on the way into work when I heard police sirens. This is common in London and doesn't usually affect me. But when I turned round, it was actually a police escort trying to wend their way through the traffic. There were two police cars in front and one officer had got out the car to see what was holding up the traffic in front. Then there was a police security van - the type that usually is used to transport prisoners and this was followed up by two more police cars. All blaring away with their sirens and horns. once it occured to me that they were probably escorting either a highly valuable prisoner or someone highly dangerous I just burst into tears and could hardly breathe.

I had to skulk in a doorway for a few minutes before I could compose myself to carry on.

It occured to me that although I am not bothered when I see just one police car or, say, ambulence, I often get this when I see a 'big drama' unfolding. It's like I just can't control my emotions.

[Tufty]

Panic can make you cry but crying is a good way of releasing and showing emotion. Don't beat yourself up about it. It sounds like you're a sensitive, feeling person that's all and that's something to be proud of, it makes you caring and kind. Maybe the crying isn't always appropriate but it's better than the alternatives of running away or storing the anxiety up - which will always come back and get you later!! Try to accept who you are, but if you have other feelings of anxiety/depression it may be a good time to seek help.
I hate confrontation, arguements, any conflict etc and will avoid them at almost any cost, I feel things deeply but am unable to cry - I'm a bottle-er:blush:. I feel like a good cry would do me good but I'm too controlled.

[Ayame]

99% of the time, I cry when I'm finished having an attack.

[katamari666]

You're not alone on this... and apparently neither am I.

I get the same emotions during moments of anxiety (sirens, sad movies, even emotional music at times) and the tears ALWAYS come out - either during or afterwards.

Kat.

[Michael45]

I also cry during attacks... sometimes I'll try hard to hold that in if I am not alone... but if it is a strong attack then all my control is gone and it just happens. All control is gone. Regards, Michael45

[MrRedShirt]

I have been known to cry as a period of panic subsides.. feels like relief or something similar.

More indirectly, having this condition in general gets me down to the point of tears too sometimes - when I think of the life I'm not living because of it, that kind of thing.

[Michael45]

MrRedShirt, Thats a great Jung quote.
With my anxiety is depression and I'm sure a big part of my tears during an anxiety attack are from the depression side of things in particular. Regards, Michael45

[Lilyblue]

When I panicked (wasn't a panic attack) was really anxious. I ended up breaking down crying, everyone saw, was embarrissing, but glad I cried as it took all my anxiety symptoms away. And I was calm soon after, this was as I was going doctors, but since that happened I couldnt leave house, but yes I get emotional and crying rrelievs symptoms

[littleredhen]

thanks for all these replies. yes I identify with everything said.

I really agree too, a heartwrenching loud crying session really helps me feel better. I actually quite enjoy it in a weird way, especially if I am alone in the car when noone can hear. Often when i am driving alone on a motorway i will even scream really loudly and rant and rave to myself.