shortstuff
25-05-08, 16:02
Hi, I was guided here by another forum. Basically, although I used to have panic attacks some years ago, they always had a specific trigger (crowded places i.e. pubs and clubs). I have been panic free for some 15 years until recently.
I've been getting panic attacks loads lately. Sometimes it's two or less per week but other times it's two or more per day!!!!!! They are generally more severe than the ones I used to have. I seem to have a constant tightness in my chest in between attacks too, which only eases after a few days of no attacks. There is usually no particular trigger either but the last few serious ones have left me scared to go into busy places with more than a handful of people. I was at the doctor's two weeks ago for dizziness and stupidly, although I had been having a panic attacks for at least a month, they had not reached 'serious' level and I didn't think to mention it! I mentioned the chest pain as I was convinced it might be something else, but he said heart and lungs were both fine. He suggested it was stress / worry. Other than feeling totally barmy, I accepted the diagnosis and assumed that I would get better. The attacks have become more frequent and more severe.
My symptoms are: tight chest, very short of breath, dizziness, chills, disorientation, palpatations, fear, and sometimes a tingling / numb sensation in my right arm.
All in all, this has been going on for over a month now, and I'm constantly worried about having another 'do' in public. I now don't leave the house unless I absolutely must, refuse to shop in normal hours preferring pre 8am or after 9pm when it's quieter. I don't go out to pubs or the like any more either. It's driving me crazy, and although I know that each panic attack will pass and do me no harm, I am living in fear of the next one! I hope this makes sense.
What can I do to break the cycle? Any advice?
I've been getting panic attacks loads lately. Sometimes it's two or less per week but other times it's two or more per day!!!!!! They are generally more severe than the ones I used to have. I seem to have a constant tightness in my chest in between attacks too, which only eases after a few days of no attacks. There is usually no particular trigger either but the last few serious ones have left me scared to go into busy places with more than a handful of people. I was at the doctor's two weeks ago for dizziness and stupidly, although I had been having a panic attacks for at least a month, they had not reached 'serious' level and I didn't think to mention it! I mentioned the chest pain as I was convinced it might be something else, but he said heart and lungs were both fine. He suggested it was stress / worry. Other than feeling totally barmy, I accepted the diagnosis and assumed that I would get better. The attacks have become more frequent and more severe.
My symptoms are: tight chest, very short of breath, dizziness, chills, disorientation, palpatations, fear, and sometimes a tingling / numb sensation in my right arm.
All in all, this has been going on for over a month now, and I'm constantly worried about having another 'do' in public. I now don't leave the house unless I absolutely must, refuse to shop in normal hours preferring pre 8am or after 9pm when it's quieter. I don't go out to pubs or the like any more either. It's driving me crazy, and although I know that each panic attack will pass and do me no harm, I am living in fear of the next one! I hope this makes sense.
What can I do to break the cycle? Any advice?