Posted by Krysti on December 2, 2002, at 10:28:42
In reply to Re: Anxiety/panic attacks - a different diagnosis?, posted by Mr Cushing on December 2, 2002, at 8:29:31
Hey Cush,
Actually I know the difference between anxiety and a panic attack, but I don't know the difference between an anxiety attack and a panic attack (if there is one). Actually, I think they are supposedly the same thing. When I had an "attack" though, my symptoms were different from what other people describe. My arm never went numb and I didn't feel like I was having a heart attack - I knew what it was.
For me, it was like having an inferiority complex, I felt like people could read my mind and see that I was crazy (because of the anxiety). When I would be talking to someone or when they were talking to me, I would be constantly thinking "I wonder what they are thinking I'm thinking". We could be talking about the weather and I'd be freaking out. It would be like I was way too aware of myself. My heart would race and I would feel the need to escape because I was afraid they could see me shaking (especially my mouth).
Mine started though after I worked for a boss who continually put his "digs" in me every day. It took it's toll after a while. It was a big blow to my self esteem and after a year and a half of it, I was close to a "nervous breakdown". It was a scary thing. I never ever thought someone could do that to me - always thought I was too "strong minded" for that. Eventually, I let him get to me though and unfortunately started doubting myself. That led to my 6 years of anxiety hell!
It would be interesting to hear other people explain their anxiety and what they think set it off. Maybe I'll start a new thread on it : )
Krysti
poster:Krysti
thread:130095
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20021127/msgs/130245.html