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Panic Attacks

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By (user no longer on site) OP over a year ago

Does anyone else suffer with panic attacks & if so, how do you deal with them?

I have started getting them, and find it difficult to leave my home because of them.

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By *enithWoman over a year ago

closer than you think

what seems to set them off?

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By (user no longer on site) OP over a year ago

They come completely out of the blue. Can be set off just by looking at my front door sometimes.

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

I know exactly how you feel. Its like a vicious circle, you worry you might get one, so you stew about it and probably bring one on! I was diagnosed with post traumatic stress last year and started getting them while out in busy places. No warning, just suddenly felt dizzy, light headed and short of breath. Had some therapy for it which helps but still worry about going out sometimes. I think to myself what's the worst that will happen, nothing, just take a few deep breaths, get out of wherever I am and sit down for a bit.

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By *nnyMan over a year ago

Glasgow

Deep breaths to and from a paper bag seems to be a good remedy.

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By *ipswingCouple over a year ago

portrush

"Deep breaths to and from a paper bag seems to be a good remedy."

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By *abes in the woodWoman over a year ago

wales

i get them plus anxiety ones where i cannt move but force myself switch music on they awful but take deep breath mine comes from nowhere

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By (user no longer on site) OP over a year ago

"i get them plus anxiety ones where i cannt move but force myself switch music on they awful but take deep breath mine comes from nowhere"

They are horrible aren't they?

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

A breathing technique helps me. Hold the left nostril in and breathe in through the right,hold the right nostril in and breathe out through the left,then breathe back in through the left and out through the right. Repeat and take in deep breaths until your heart rate recovers and you feel calm.

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By *abes in the woodWoman over a year ago

wales

yes awful get them alot if i get anxiety i cannt move go dizzy shakes but they are frightening

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

"Does anyone else suffer with panic attacks & if so, how do you deal with them?

I have started getting them, and find it difficult to leave my home because of them.

I have had them a lot in the past,when I was drinking alcoholically,but,now not so much,but,I find taking deep breaths helps

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

I get them a lot if I'm stressed.

Had a few this week I find I can't control them so well of I'm on my own takes me longer to get myself calm again. With people around like my mum I recover much quicker.

I had them a few years ago when I split with my hubby and they have lingered around since things were so bad back then I used to lock myself in the house. If anyone came the door I would freak out and have them.

I had therapy at the time and the lady I saw taught me breathing techniques to help me, they do work however at times I just panic.

You need to get to the root cause of them and address that sadly for me I can't seem to get over my root cause of feeling worthless.

I feel for you I've had 2 today I'm trying to distract myself by gutting the house but can feel the heavy weight on my chest. Xxx

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By *lactontogMan over a year ago

Clacton on Sea

I don't like supermarkets/crowed places etc and have had panic attacks on various occasions because of this, breathing into a paper bag helps & a cold flannel if handy lol.

I was once at an industry do & couldn't go up on stage to collect my award but Kim went to my rescue, people are surprised how different i am to the image i portray & its self preservation that keeps me ticking.

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

Yes, ive been having them a lot recently as am suffering with anxiety through stress from work and I can't breathe a feel like my heart is going to explode...its awful x

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By *ost SockMan over a year ago

West Wales and Cardiff

Yes, I have them and have big problems with anxiety.

The strategy which has helped the most is to "accept" you are panicking or anxious. Our tendency is to "fight" it, but this places you under more stress and amplifies the problem.

Just accept it - I'm having a panic attack -it's ok, it will pass in time".

Acceptance is your friend.

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

There is a lot of support available to people who suffer with panic attacks. It might be a good idea to see your GP or do some online research.

I have found that breathing exercises help or even silly things to distract your mind such as thinking of a name, place, food etc for every letter of the alphabet. If you seek support I'm sure you will find other helpful things to help you get through them.

Good luck x

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

I get both panic attacks from anxiety and asthma attacks. Some of the best ways to deal with the physical symptoms there and then are that same things I can do to stop an asthma attack.

It's all about distracting yourself, and focusing on breathing. So count seconds for long slow breaths in and out.

Get some steaming water in a bowl and breath in the steam, this will relax your airways and help stop you hyperventilating.

If you have a paper bag, this helps slow breathing and helps you concentrate.

But if you get panic attacks a lot and it is stopping you doing things you want to or should do, then go to your doctor or a professional about it. It really can help.

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

I did stuff for a long time on and off.

Cognitive Behaviour Therapy helped a lot in my early 20s and pretty much stopped it.

As well as hypothesis audios. There are even apps for your phone. Recently I was getting some social anyxity. CBT didn't help but hypothesis did.

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By (user no longer on site) OP over a year ago

"Yes, I have them and have big problems with anxiety.

The strategy which has helped the most is to "accept" you are panicking or anxious. Our tendency is to "fight" it, but this places you under more stress and amplifies the problem.

Just accept it - I'm having a panic attack -it's ok, it will pass in time".

Acceptance is your friend."

Thanks, that's probably the best advice I've had. I do try & fight it which makes it worse.

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

"There is a lot of support available to people who suffer with panic attacks. It might be a good idea to see your GP or do some online research.

Good luck x"

My GP told me there were no such thing as panic attacks! I changed GP

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

I get them, they appeared out of the blue for me and really freaked me out.

I've got a few mental issues the important thing is to recognise them and accept them, even laugh at them, depression is one of them. Panic attacks are the same for me. Fortunately for me I tend to freeze rather than run around like headless chicken.

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By *ultry SuccubusTV/TS over a year ago

London

"Does anyone else suffer with panic attacks & if so, how do you deal with them?

I have started getting them, and find it difficult to leave my home because of them.

I used to get panic attacks to very loud noises (loud (revving) engine noises, screeching microphones etc) when i was in my early teens.

It started when i accidentally caused a large trophy cabinet to fall and crash at home (deafening sound) and got a beating from my dad.

I used to run away when i can but at times i can't (in the school hall etc).

So whenever im in that situation, i will re-focus to other sounds (sounds of traffic, people talking etc).

Not sure if im truly cured (still have the palpitations and slighlty sweaty palm), but at least, im not really bothered by it anymore and can even go to clubs.

If you're afraid of the outdoor, i suggest you FULLY focus on something small which doesnt intimidate you eg a pot of flower, your car etc. When you reach it, then focus on another spot and so on.

It's not really about being cured but more of regaining control of our life.

Keyword: regaining control.

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

"There is a lot of support available to people who suffer with panic attacks. It might be a good idea to see your GP or do some online research.

Good luck x

My GP told me there were no such thing as panic attacks! I changed GP

That's horrible! I'm glad you changed. My GP specialises in mental health and is really thoughtful so I guess I got lucky!

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

I got one on a meet, felt terrible but she soon got me relaxed and we had a great time after. It's just too much adrenaline flowing through your system

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By *ost SockMan over a year ago

West Wales and Cardiff

"Yes, I have them and have big problems with anxiety.

The strategy which has helped the most is to "accept" you are panicking or anxious. Our tendency is to "fight" it, but this places you under more stress and amplifies the problem.

Just accept it - I'm having a panic attack -it's ok, it will pass in time".

Acceptance is your friend.

Thanks, that's probably the best advice I've had. I do try & fight it which makes it worse."

Thank you - glad it might be of use to you.

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

I can get them... I prefer it when its a quiet one... Rather than when I end up all flappy as I call it.

.it's very hard to explain to someone.. And all the training I have had to deal with others having them does help a bit.

I can feel it when it feels like the world slows down around me and I find it then feels like I can't breathe.. my heart pounds so hard I feel it is going to explode or it gives me palpitations...

There is no set trigger either but it will normally be something that makes me feel threatened even if it shouldn't x

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

"Does anyone else suffer with panic attacks & if so, how do you deal with them?

I have started getting them, and find it difficult to leave my home because of them.

Thorazine, works makes you feel a bit zombieish but doesn't require every day use just as needed.

Olanzapine and the other aytypicals csn help but are needed every day will make you drowsy and you need to take extra special care of your diet or you'll pile weight on (get an epic sweet tooth too) again can make you feel zombie like.

Propranolol doesn't affect your mind but is a beta blocker so removes all the physical symptoms hand shakes, rapid heart rate sweating etc. Taken either every day or as needed. Helps if you take it about 30 mins before you expect something to make you anxious as because your body doesn't feel anxious your mind doesn't get anxious.

Diazepam a benzo gets rid of the anxiety you can't drive while on it you may act a little d*unk/ high. Highly addictive not for long term use but effective. But the down side is if you become dependant on it when your not taking it you will feel extreme anxiety as a with drawl effect.

Those are the basic medication options.

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

They are more common than you think. Mine started when I was 16. I used to be scared of going out of the house, being left on my own, getting on public transport etc etc. I got a book from the library when I was in my 20's (didn't have the internet then) :/ Basically it's learning about what sets them off and when you're in the middle of having one, learning to calm yourself. My fear was that I was going to die. Convincing myself that i wasn't going to die and it was just a panic attack helped me. Apparently it's the 'flight or fight' we all have. I still have the occasional one, usually when i'm under stress or anxious about something. Hope this helps, Good luck, it helps to know you're not the only one going through it. It really is a mind over matter thing.

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

I have suffered anxiety and panic attacks for 16 years now, I have tried all sorts of therapy and found that they work for a short time but not for long, I accepted the fact I have attacks years ago, I now have my own coping mechanisms, first I always carry a drink with me no matter where I am I have a drink within my reach , if I can catch the attack in the early stages I can control myself by having a drink and taking a few mins to breath, if that doesn't work I count, things like cats eyes if my hisband is driving or front doors of houses, usually by time I have got to fifty I have forgotten about the panic attack and feel less anxious too, I hope this helps

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By (user no longer on site) OP over a year ago

"Does anyone else suffer with panic attacks & if so, how do you deal with them?

I have started getting them, and find it difficult to leave my home because of them.

Thorazine, works makes you feel a bit zombieish but doesn't require every day use just as needed.

Those are the basic medication options."

I'm on 20mg of Citalopram per day. May need to up it to 40mg.

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

"Does anyone else suffer with panic attacks & if so, how do you deal with them?

I have started getting them, and find it difficult to leave my home because of them.

Thorazine, works makes you feel a bit zombieish but doesn't require every day use just as needed.

Those are the basic medication options.

I'm on 20mg of Citalopram per day. May need to up it to 40mg."

Citalopram is only off label for anxiety it's not a specific treatment for it. Also don't up the dose till you have spoken to your doctor citalopam can cause increase qt intervals at higher doses

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By (user no longer on site) OP over a year ago

"Does anyone else suffer with panic attacks & if so, how do you deal with them?

I have started getting them, and find it difficult to leave my home because of them.

Thorazine, works makes you feel a bit zombieish but doesn't require every day use just as needed.

Those are the basic medication options.

I'm on 20mg of Citalopram per day. May need to up it to 40mg.

Citalopram is only off label for anxiety it's not a specific treatment for it. Also don't up the dose till you have spoken to your doctor citalopam can cause increase qt intervals at higher doses"

I don't understand what you mean?

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By *xoticloverMan over a year ago

newcastle

Are you sure its panic attack? Better you visit your doc to confirm the diagnosis. CBT can help a lot if not medications,but i would advise to visit your doc and if confirmed ask for CBT. Sometimes distraction techniques help but depends how bad the symptoms are.

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By (user no longer on site) OP over a year ago

"Are you sure its panic attack? Better you visit your doc to confirm the diagnosis. CBT can help a lot if not medications,but i would advise to visit your doc and if confirmed ask for CBT. Sometimes distraction techniques help but depends how bad the symptoms are. "

I've been to the doctors xx

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

"Does anyone else suffer with panic attacks & if so, how do you deal with them?

I have started getting them, and find it difficult to leave my home because of them.

Thorazine, works makes you feel a bit zombieish but doesn't require every day use just as needed.

Those are the basic medication options.

I'm on 20mg of Citalopram per day. May need to up it to 40mg.

Citalopram is only off label for anxiety it's not a specific treatment for it. Also don't up the dose till you have spoken to your doctor citalopam can cause increase qt intervals at higher doses

I don't understand what you mean?"

Citalopam isn't designed or specified to work for anxiety but it kinda does but it's "off label" ie not a specific anti anxiety medication.

Qt rhythm is to do with your heart basically ask your doc before you up your dose. It's unlikely to be an issue but it's better to have them know what your doing.

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By (user no longer on site) OP over a year ago

"Does anyone else suffer with panic attacks & if so, how do you deal with them?

I have started getting them, and find it difficult to leave my home because of them.

Thorazine, works makes you feel a bit zombieish but doesn't require every day use just as needed.

Those are the basic medication options.

I'm on 20mg of Citalopram per day. May need to up it to 40mg.

Citalopram is only off label for anxiety it's not a specific treatment for it. Also don't up the dose till you have spoken to your doctor citalopam can cause increase qt intervals at higher doses

I don't understand what you mean?

Citalopam isn't designed or specified to work for anxiety but it kinda does but it's "off label" ie not a specific anti anxiety medication.

Qt rhythm is to do with your heart basically ask your doc before you up your dose. It's unlikely to be an issue but it's better to have them know what your doing.

I'd have to see my doc before upping the dose. Thanks for the info by the way xxxxx

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By *orkieLassCouple over a year ago

York

I wake in the middle of the night with panic attacks all the time. I can't get back to sleep after they subside. It's a truly terrifying experience

I have to take 600mg of quetiapine every day, and I wonder if this drug is what causes the panic attacks.

You have my full support OP, panic attacks are truly awful

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

"I wake in the middle of the night with panic attacks all the time. I can't get back to sleep after they subside. It's a truly terrifying experience

I have to take 600mg of quetiapine every day, and I wonder if this drug is what causes the panic attacks.

You have my full support OP, panic attacks are truly awful "

Jesus I couldn't even count to 3 on about half that dose just sat there and stared off into space.

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By (user no longer on site) OP over a year ago

"I wake in the middle of the night with panic attacks all the time. I can't get back to sleep after they subside. It's a truly terrifying experience

I have to take 600mg of quetiapine every day, and I wonder if this drug is what causes the panic attacks.

You have my full support OP, panic attacks are truly awful "

Thank you xx I hope you feel better soon. Maybe a trip to the docs might be a good thing xx

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By *orkieLassCouple over a year ago

York

I had a 'second opinion' last week. He refused to change the drug too. So I decided to take myself off it. I refuse to live like a cast member of the Walking Dead.

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

"I had a 'second opinion' last week. He refused to change the drug too. So I decided to take myself off it. I refuse to live like a cast member of the Walking Dead."

Taper the dose down sudden stopping can be risky.

Surprised they wouldn't change you to something like Olanzapine though.

What were you taking it for though depression or something else?

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By *0shadesofashWoman over a year ago

DUBLIN

I get these really bad sometimes I find if I go somewhere quite into a room by myself or something and just take big deep breaths try read a line even out of a book or somethin kinda calms me down a lot

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By *orkieLassCouple over a year ago

York

"I had a 'second opinion' last week. He refused to change the drug too. So I decided to take myself off it. I refuse to live like a cast member of the Walking Dead.

Taper the dose down sudden stopping can be risky.

Surprised they wouldn't change you to something like Olanzapine though.

What were you taking it for though depression or something else?

'Something else'

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

"I had a 'second opinion' last week. He refused to change the drug too. So I decided to take myself off it. I refuse to live like a cast member of the Walking Dead.

Taper the dose down sudden stopping can be risky.

Surprised they wouldn't change you to something like Olanzapine though.

What were you taking it for though depression or something else?

'Something else'"

Then becareful stopping the medication with nothing as a back up (even some Thorazine). A break could be very dangerous x

Go into the doctors and insist on a change of medication tell them. That if they don't change it your going to stop it.

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

"Does anyone else suffer with panic attacks & if so, how do you deal with them?

I have started getting them, and find it difficult to leave my home because of them.

Thorazine, works makes you feel a bit zombieish but doesn't require every day use just as needed.

Those are the basic medication options.

I'm on 20mg of Citalopram per day. May need to up it to 40mg.

Citalopram is only off label for anxiety it's not a specific treatment for it. Also don't up the dose till you have spoken to your doctor citalopam can cause increase qt intervals at higher doses

I don't understand what you mean?

Citalopam isn't designed or specified to work for anxiety but it kinda does but it's "off label" ie not a specific anti anxiety medication.

Qt rhythm is to do with your heart basically ask your doc before you up your dose. It's unlikely to be an issue but it's better to have them know what your doing.

Paroxetine/Seroxat works for me. I'm on a very low dose now and I take as I need. I started on 30mg after being on Lorazepam,Citalopram and Fluoxetine/Prozac. Only Paroxetine treated the panic,fear and paranoia,the others just treated the depression and nerve problems. Unfortunately it does cause tiredness,brain fog and other symptoms,but they are preferable to the severe panic that ruined my life. I hope you get yours under control.

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

"Deep breaths to and from a paper bag seems to be a good remedy."

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

I don't know if this helps but I used to be terrified of hights then I started climbing to get I've the fear a friend told me to lift up my toes and put my weight on the ball of my foot this is meant to slow your heart beat and reduce the fears. It worked for me may work for you

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By *nleashedin89Man over a year ago

south shields

Diazepam helped me through my panic attacks, but when you get the feeling of one starting try singing a song or think something different and sip water this helped me and gradually I managed to overcome them if I feel like ones coming on I tell myself in ok and they cant hurt me and it helps me deal with them in any situation .... Hope you get sorted because they're rotten!

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By (user no longer on site) over a year ago

"I don't like supermarkets/crowed places etc and have had panic attacks on various occasions because of this, breathing into a paper bag helps & a cold flannel if handy lol.

i'm very much the same as you

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