Posted by bookgurl99 on April 3, 2004, at 19:40:43
In reply to Had a panic attack, without the panic........, posted by Jaynee on April 3, 2004, at 6:39:03
I've had this several times, usually in response to a stimulant. I've noticed that caffeine and something high fat -- like, a snack of coffee and chocolate macadamia nut cookies -- will bring it on, for example.
What I've noticed at the time was an overwhelming _physical_ sensation of panic, and even some racing thoughts, and overall shakiness. But within me a calm, knowing that it was a 'panic attack,' and just waiting for my body to finish with it and ride it out.
Because my younger sister has panic attacks that terrify her -- she's convinced it's a heart attack every time -- I do think that this is a physical phenomenon that is translated by the mind. Because I have frequent migraines, I've wondered if there's a similar mechanism involved.
I think it's lucky that you can just ride this out. One word of advice -- if you can figure out what sets it off, try to avoid that thing when you know you will be driving. I had to do it once and sometimes I wonder how I made it home.
poster:bookgurl99
thread:332019
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20040402/msgs/332199.html