Posted by Mason on April 22, 2002, at 10:56:50
In reply to What Happens To You During A Panic Attack?, posted by MaKi on January 8, 2002, at 13:45:52
Hi,
I suffer from panic attacks and what I call anxiety attacks. They aren't as severe as a true panic attack, but last much longer, from a few hours to a day or so. Sometimes I do get nauseous, but I don't notice it much due to the other sensations bombarding me.
It feels like I'm frozen in time, that each secon is an eternity, and that there is no way to make it from one to the next. The idea of waiting it out for half an hour seems like years! As others have said, my mind realizes that it is not permanent, but it's almost a primal feeling that takes over, and no amount of rationalizing or positive thinking can help. I have a little mantra I used to recite, and play Christmas music (weird, I know, but it brings back fond memories, safety I guess) all of which don't help. Taking hot showers help somewhat if I catch these early enough; relaxes me somewhat. My problem and maybe others' as well, is that many times when I get an attack, I'm already relaxed! It's in bed, or sitting watching tv, so even physically relaxing myself doesn't quiet the feelings.
I've explained it to friends like this: imagine having 3 super large espressos, then getting wrapped from head to toe in a sleeping blanket, then throw in a hole. That's how it feels inside of me.
I take a small dose of Xanax daily, and up it when I have an attack (dissolving the pills under my tongue during an attack to get it into my system faster). I'm still trying to find a preventative med (have tried Zoloft, Paxil, Buspar, etc) without much luck.
Hope everyone finds ways of getting through these!
poster:Mason
thread:89326
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20020416/msgs/103804.html