new here and lost

iVillage Member
Registered: 05-12-2003
new here and lost
4
Mon, 05-16-2005 - 1:15am

Hi, I have recently started getting daily panic attacks after not getting them for over 3 years. this time around the attacks are manifesting themselves through difficulty breathing deep, all the time. I went to the doctor and they ran every possible test on me and couldn't find anything physically wrong to explain the breathing difficulties. i dont know what to do with my self...all i can think about is my brathing, which in turn leads to numerous panic attacks daily. I can't shake the feeling that this is something physically wrong with me, although I realize that this dreadful thinking is a symptom of an anxiety disorder. Most of all im frustrated, because I feel like in the past my panic attacks made me miss out on a lot, especially during college. Now im in graduate school trying to make up for lost time, and I dont want to mess this chance up by being scared. I am starting summer school tomorrow, and im too afraid to go because I don't want to get a panic attack during class and find myself trapped in a classroom.
Is it really possible to experience trouble breathing 24/7 due to anxiety? does anyone have any techniques that have worked espcially well? I guess most of all im just looking for some support...I live with my boyfriend, and we don't really have any other friends in the city, while my parents live across the country. he's supportive, but I dont want to unload all my emotional baggage on him, in fear of losing him.
anyway, thank you for letting me vent.

mia

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-11-2004
Mon, 05-16-2005 - 7:53am

Hi, Mia & welcome to our caring community. You are not alone. Many of us have the feeling that we can't breathe properly during panic attacks. Hyperventilation is common. Sometimes it results in tingling in the fingers & toes. If that is happening to you, have you tried breathing into a paper bag? The dread does follow us around. The fear that we are seriously ill but the tests aren't correct is common. The trick is to keep busy & keep your mind focused on other things. It is possible to refocus during the anxiety using another part of your brain. Counting, singing, naming the 50 states are some that have been mentioned here with success.


I guess my big question is what the dr. suggested to you, when he gave you the clean bill of health? Research has shown that a combination of meds & cognitive behavioral therapy are the most effective @ dealing with panic. We need support from others. If your bf cares for you, he surely is in the relationship for the long haul & will want to help you. Carrying this fear alone will make it an awfully heavy burden. I am thinking that school & the goals you have set for yourself are major stressors. Is there anything you can eliminate in your life? Are you eating well? How about sleeping, exercising & making time for yourself? To reduce anxiety, we have to get all areas balanced in our lives.


Please feel free to post anytime. Join us in chats. There are many ways to deal with this problem & many folks willing to share what has worked for them. Check in the *off topic* & *what's new on health* folders below. Meditation, yoga, accupuncture, hypnotherapy, massage may be the answer for you. Good luck & GBU! (((hugs))) jan



 

 


 



iVillage Member
Registered: 04-05-2005
Mon, 05-16-2005 - 10:05am
Hi Mia! Please do not let these panic attacks prevent you from living your life! If you made them go away for 3 years, you can do it again. I have started doing yoga, acupuncture and meditation. They are all great for helping anxiety. You have to exert control over your own mind. You can do it. When you go to class, if you start to panic, do deep breathing exercises. If you can't stop it, just leave the classroom and go to the bathroom, splash water on your face and calm down. People get up all the time and walk in and out. Good luck and keep us posted! M
iVillage Member
Registered: 01-17-2001
Mon, 05-16-2005 - 11:56am

Hi Mia,
It sounds as though you could use some meds, at least to help you through this initially. Did your Dr talk to you about that?

I just had my 1st panic attack 1 month ago today. I did go to my Dr and was put on lexapro, I have since gone to see a therapist and psychiatrist. I am on my way to getting better.

Is sounds as though your worst symptom is the hard to breathe sensation. For me I have the out of reality/ disconnected feeling.
No matter what they symptom is, it is so hard to tell yourself that your ok. I know that you just sit there and think that you are dying or that the Dr.'s are wrong.. Your mind knows it not true but you feel it.

Believe me I have and still am there. I am getting better (with the help of this board ) at calming myself and trusting in my Dr.'s and knowing that they are right. Easier said then done, I know.

You CAN'T let this effect your life in a negative way, don't let is overtake you. I have been fighting this since it started, at times I have been so scared to leave my house and thats when I at least had dh take me out for a ride.

I have in no way beat this, it is so new to me and I have some REALLY BAD days. I have just tried to accept it and know that it will pass. I am still trying to get regulated on meds and find what works for me.

Stick around this board, also come to chat. This board has been a lifesaver for me and I'm sure that you can find some comfort and peace here also.

P&PT
~Heather

iVillage Member
Registered: 05-12-2003
Mon, 05-16-2005 - 6:53pm

Hi, thanks for the encouragement! i went to class tonight and was fine. I actually didn't start feeling crappy until I left campus and started walking home. Im not sure why, but everytime I step outside or do something physical i find my self out of breath almost immediately. I usually go to the gym 5 times a week and walk to and from school (3mi) every day...now I feel like I cant do anything physical. I get too worked up everytime my heart rate increases just a bit, or i feel a little bit out of breath.
it definitely helps to vent about this, im glad this board exists.

Mia