JohnJ55
15-06-13, 09:19
Hi. I'm a 22-year-old male that recently graduated college. I suffered from panic attacks for about a year or two now, but never anything overly serious. I was a college football player at 280 pounds, so once my final season had ended, I chose to slim down quickly. I lost 60 pounds in about 3 months. I had high hopes of looking svelte on spring break and went on a crash diet a few days before hand (barely drank water the day of the trip to Mexico and night before) and worked out twice a day. I've always had a strong heart and have always worked out very regularly.
Once in Mexico, I immediately began binge drinking. I drank enough for a 280 pound man to "black out" while being 220 pounds. The first two nights were fine, and there was even some mild drug use (shamefully). The third night, however, was much worse. At dinner, I suffered from a very random, severe panic attack. I left my friends at the table and walked away, pacing in circles in an unknown area. I was sure I was going to die or pass out. Sweating, pale, and heart racing while in a foreign country. It wasn't a good experience. I took the next day off from partying, but drank the day after. On the last day, I had high anxiety the entire day. The plane ride was a living hell, and none of my friends were in the mood to believe what I was telling them about my condition. I felt so alone.
From what I understand, what I have listed is, very simply, anxiety. However, these attacks have remained with me until now - 2 months later. I do not see the world as I once did. Nothing is enjoyable and I continuously fear for my life. This may seem silly, but I have been experiencing issues with my heart. Since I was young, I would experience a rapid heart beat - very rapid - particularly doing sporting events, but I never told anyone. I believe it is tachycardia. These symptoms now arise when I drink alcohol. My heart beats rapidly, feeling out of my chest, and I begin to feel faint and panic.
The other day, I noticed that my heart was pausing and then having a double beat (ectopic heart beat?) which is terrifying. It lasted an entire day and came back today. Allthewhile, I have been experiencing subtle to severe anxiety. What makes it worse is that I have only told a few friends who laugh it off and tell me I'll be fine.
When my heart double beats, as it does often now, I'm concerned that I am going to enter into some stage of cardiac arrest. Furthermore, now I feel pain, almost like a pulled muscle, in the left side of my chest.
I know I should see a doctor about both the anxiety and the heart issues, but I'm afraid of hearing some very bad news. A younger brother of mine is suffering through post concussion syndrome and may potentially be mildly schizophrenic, and I'm not sure my parents can bare any more bad news.
I have always been the funny guy. The one that makes everyone laugh, lighten up, and have a good time. Everyone always commended me for how happy I always was and appreciated the effect that my personality had on then. So, for this to happen to me has begun to slowly ruin my life.
I don't really know what I'm asking - maybe for guidance or reassurance, or maybe just to tell someone what I am going through.
Thanks for your time.
Best,
Jack
Once in Mexico, I immediately began binge drinking. I drank enough for a 280 pound man to "black out" while being 220 pounds. The first two nights were fine, and there was even some mild drug use (shamefully). The third night, however, was much worse. At dinner, I suffered from a very random, severe panic attack. I left my friends at the table and walked away, pacing in circles in an unknown area. I was sure I was going to die or pass out. Sweating, pale, and heart racing while in a foreign country. It wasn't a good experience. I took the next day off from partying, but drank the day after. On the last day, I had high anxiety the entire day. The plane ride was a living hell, and none of my friends were in the mood to believe what I was telling them about my condition. I felt so alone.
From what I understand, what I have listed is, very simply, anxiety. However, these attacks have remained with me until now - 2 months later. I do not see the world as I once did. Nothing is enjoyable and I continuously fear for my life. This may seem silly, but I have been experiencing issues with my heart. Since I was young, I would experience a rapid heart beat - very rapid - particularly doing sporting events, but I never told anyone. I believe it is tachycardia. These symptoms now arise when I drink alcohol. My heart beats rapidly, feeling out of my chest, and I begin to feel faint and panic.
The other day, I noticed that my heart was pausing and then having a double beat (ectopic heart beat?) which is terrifying. It lasted an entire day and came back today. Allthewhile, I have been experiencing subtle to severe anxiety. What makes it worse is that I have only told a few friends who laugh it off and tell me I'll be fine.
When my heart double beats, as it does often now, I'm concerned that I am going to enter into some stage of cardiac arrest. Furthermore, now I feel pain, almost like a pulled muscle, in the left side of my chest.
I know I should see a doctor about both the anxiety and the heart issues, but I'm afraid of hearing some very bad news. A younger brother of mine is suffering through post concussion syndrome and may potentially be mildly schizophrenic, and I'm not sure my parents can bare any more bad news.
I have always been the funny guy. The one that makes everyone laugh, lighten up, and have a good time. Everyone always commended me for how happy I always was and appreciated the effect that my personality had on then. So, for this to happen to me has begun to slowly ruin my life.
I don't really know what I'm asking - maybe for guidance or reassurance, or maybe just to tell someone what I am going through.
Thanks for your time.
Best,
Jack