Panic attack? NBR

smilingeyes2308

So, I was on the couch playing with DD. I noticed my arm was hurting a bit (nothing unusual) but since I get paranoid and worked up over absolutely everything, my mind did a quick thought of "what if I'm having a heart attack? I've been eating horribly lately.." then it turned into "Okay, I think I'm having a heart attack" and I felt weak and started freaking out. So, I stood up, brought DD to the washroom and just splashed water and my face and tried to calm down.

I felt fine. I sat back down on the couch and in the back of my mind kept thinking about how I should eat healthier, I need to make sure I'm healthy to be there for DD, what if something ever happened to me, etc etc. Then, out of nowhere, I felt weak again, this time really weak. I got dizzy, I couldn't see straight, my back started hurting, my heart felt like it was going to beat out of my chest and was beating so fast. I felt like I was going to faint. I literally felt like I was losing control of my body and all I could think about was the fact that I am home alone with DD. I went outside to get some fresh air and still was feeling this way. I felt so disoriented and messed up. I was seriously about to call 911.

I sat down on my front steps with DD and just closed my eyes and took a deep breath. Then I googled what a panic attack feels like (while I still felt all messed up). The second I read all the symptoms, my body calmed down a bit, almost as if my mind just knew that's what was going on. So, I started taking deep breaths, telling myself to calm down and then I just held DD close to me and thought about how happy she makes me.

I was still shaken up and kind of disoriented afterwards but WTAF? I've never had a panic attack before so for those of you who have, PLEASE tell me what it feels like? I never thought panic attacks were so scary. I thought people just hyperventilated. I definitely do have anxiety and it has only worsened since having DD.

Sorry for the long post. I'm just a bit freaked out I guess. Now I see why people say they feel like they were going to die while having a panic attack. I seriously thought I was having a heart attack.  

For those of you who have had or do have anxiety, did you get help? Did it make a difference? I'd like to try to not go down the medicated treatment route. Did speaking with someone help you? After this, I'm seriously thinking  of getting help. My anxiety is through the roof lately.

Edited to add more because clearly my long post just wasn't long enough

Burrberrymum

That's how I feel while having an anxiety attack. I sometimes actually faint though. I haven't got any help for it mainly because I never knew it was anxiety. I kept seeing my Dr. Because of fainting spells and they always just sent me home and said nothing was wrong with me.

Deep breaths help a lot, and I find water is so comforting to me. I have to bring a water bottle with me anywhere I go because it tends to happen in public and as strange as it sounds knowing I have water to sit down and drink helps me like you wouldn't believe!

Sorry that happened today it sounds really scary, especially being alone.

CDMay2006

Since it is new, I'd say it's a good idea to talk to your Dr. It does sound like a pretty typical anxiety attack, though

Salemkitty13

What @allisonnn5‌ said. I'm not on klonopin right now though but when I was it really helped.

OP I'm sorry you went through that. I hope you are feeling better now.

smilingeyes2308

Thanks a lot ladies. I'm definitely feeling better and I talked with H last night and we agreed it is probably best if I get in to see someone. Growing up, I had to see different therapists (due to parents divorce) and it seriously never made a difference then. However, It would be helpful to have someone explain how to stop a panic attack or how to calm yourself down. I feel like my anxiety has sky rocketed since having DD.

smilingeyes2308

@zembits No problem in mentioning meds. I'm not against it, it's just not for me. However, like you said, if my attacks were to get more frequent then I would definitely consider it. I think my "fear of meds" stems from my Mom. She started off young on meds for Anxiety and now she's on a whole range of meds and if she doesn't take them twice a day, she's a whole different person. It's scary.

Salemkitty13

smilingeyes2308 said:

Thanks a lot ladies. I'm definitely feeling better and I talked with H last night and we agreed it is probably best if I get in to see someone. Growing up, I had to see different therapists (due to parents divorce) and it seriously never made a difference then. However, It would be helpful to have someone explain how to stop a panic attack or how to calm yourself down. I feel like my anxiety has sky rocketed since having DD.

Look into biofeedback. Those are the techniques I use to calm myself when I have an attack. I also repeat a mantra slowly over and over to help slow my breathing. This is a general article on biofeedback. https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/biofeedback-therapy-uses-benefits  

controlled breathing, mindful meditation and visual imaging have all been helpful to me. I have never done this with electrodes but I do have a little hand machine for monitoring. 

Also I have found practicing yoga helpful. It really helps with breathing. Good luck