Is this for real?

[Donza7]

Ok, my theory is I'm either suffering from anxiety and panic attacks or I'm having a heart attack...
Is anxiety & panic attacks the same thing?
I've always been anxious, always worried about the worst things in the world but managed to suppress and control feelings, but this year has thrown some very hard & emotinal, stressful situations and over the past few weeks I've her experiencing pretty horrible symptons, I guess I just need to know, is this panic? Is this what people who suffer with this go through?
The last panic attack happened just an hour ago and I can no longer deal with this. It came on I think because I had heartburn and I started reading heart attack symptons, and before I know it, my heart is pounding, I feel dizzy, dry mouth, legs & Arms don't feel like mine, chest tightness, trouble catching a full breath, and a feeling of complete detachment - like someone is telling me to run, run away from this. I was a few beats away from ringing the hospital convinced I was having a heart attack.
Within 1/2 hr, I felt a little better, left with aching muscles, headache and a serious tiredness, oh and a bout of tears. I feel angry for getting in a state.
Please can someone help, is this panic? Anxiety? I feel like I'm losing my mind.
Thanks in advance x

[Sam123]

Hi,

Unfortunately suppressing or trying to control anxiety will only make it worse in the long run, have you ever been referred for therapy or spoke to your GB about your anxiety?

These links should answer your questions -

The symptoms of a Panic attack are very physical and real – they are not imagined in your mind.

BUT these symptoms are not life-threatening however much you may think they are; and you will not die or even be maimed from them – despite how awful you may feel at the time. They do pass. Keep reminding yourself of these facts as they will aid in your recovery.

I'll take the symptoms one at a time and you will learn and understand what happens throughout your body that causes you to feel the way you do during anxiety/panic attacks.

Read more >> http://www.nomorepanic.co.uk/articles/symptoms

http://www.nomorepanic.co.uk/articles/panicattack

[Donza7]

Hi,

Thanks for replying. Yes I've been to the Dr, and he's sending me for counselling, he can't as it stands prescribe me with any form of medication because we're currently going through IVF, another impending factor of my anxieties.

It does feel very real & I feel afraid. Very afraid to be honest. I'm normally in control (or so I think) but not with these sudden panics.:weep:

[Sam123]

You're not alone here so many people who have been or currently are going through the same thing as you. There are some very good threads around that may help, i've copied a few below they are very lengthy but you can make your way through them slowly, very informative.

Is it General anxiety/Social anxiety or Health anxiety?

http://www.nomorepanic.co.uk/forumdisplay.php?f=19

http://www.nomorepanic.co.uk/showthread.php?t=169503

http://www.nomorepanic.co.uk/showthread.php?t=168527

http://www.nomorepanic.co.uk/showthread.php?t=168981

[Davit]

Sam has given you everything you need so I'm only adding that they can be cured, I have no anxiety or panic attacks anymore. But if not for the panic attacks I would not have learned how to get rid of anxiety and still be living with it.