panic attack at the gym

iVillage Member
Registered: 05-12-2003
panic attack at the gym
9
Fri, 04-14-2006 - 1:48pm
i was at the gym today like I am everyday, and on the way there I started feeling all jittery and sweaty...I didn't think anything of it, and started using the eliptical machine. right away i didn't feel right, i was really faint and felt weak and my heart rate was insanely fast. i didn't know what to do with my self so i just walked on the treadmill at a moderate pace for about 35 minutes, but my heart rate was still elevated almost the entire time. Also i felt like i couldn't breathe the entire time, like i couldn't take a deep breath. it has been so long since i've had a panic attack!! and i hope this is what it was, of course in my distorted mind I attribute it all to something medical, and i thought i was going to pass out or die right then and there (which of course I didn't).
Its so frustrating, i've had panic attacks for so many years and i feel like everytime they happen again i forget how to deal with them and calm my self down.
anyway, im still really scared about the way I felt. I didn't eat before i went, but then again, I normally don't eat before going...also im on my period, so i guess it could have been my hormones acting up or just loss of blood or something. i dont know. i just need someone to reassure me that it was just a panic attack and that im fine :(
thank god my bf answered his phone when i called, he really helped me calm down a lot!

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-15-2006
Fri, 04-14-2006 - 2:13pm

Hi Mia,

Don't you hate it when you think you're doing so well then panic/anxiety rears its ugly head? It can be such a downer. It sounds like you might have had physical issues that contributed to your attack - being on your period and not eating...were you dehydrated at all? Has work or life been more stressful than usual? One thing that can be really tricky about panic is the physical symptoms, such as elevated heartbeat and sweating. Once we become aware of them it seems like that's all we can concentrate on and the panic attack becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy.

I would encourage you to go to the gym on your normal schedule but do something easier. You sound like a regular exerciser, so don't let the panic make any decisions for you. Try to have some "down time" over the next couple of days and relax...and if you feel those physical symptoms in the gym use the positive self-talk, "of course I'm sweating, I always sweat when I work out and I'm doing something healthy for myself so I should be proud!" and maybe try to distract yourself by listening to music or a book on tape.

Sorry if I was long-winded, but I had the same thing happen while working out once and I was so worried about having another one that every time I started to "feel the burn" I thought I would have another attack. It took me a while to work through that but I eventually did. Good luck!

~Meghan

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-22-2003
Fri, 04-14-2006 - 2:21pm

(((Mia))) I bet it was a combination of not eating & having your period.

Sheri Ann

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-11-2004
Fri, 04-14-2006 - 3:09pm

Sounds like a rough one, Mia. I am sorry about that): You didn't allow it to get ahead of you & kept it sort of a controlled panic, which is the best way to go. We know you're healthy. You do, too, but this may keep you a bit off center for a couple of days. Don't allow it to get a grip & keep it's hold on you. Keep your regular routine & continue to move forward & past the incident.


I am glad you stopped into the board. It has been way too long, my friend. I hope everything else is going well in your life. We care about you * miss you when you're gone. Good luck! (((hugs))) jan


PS I vote for your period. That is a guarantee to set me off):

 

 


 



iVillage Member
Registered: 05-12-2003
Fri, 04-14-2006 - 4:47pm
lol you might be right, Sheriann, im experiencing a sugar low. anyway, i feel much better now. I actually had a meeting to go to which I almost didn't, but im glad i pushed my self and decided to go. i hate panic attacks :(

iVillage Member
Registered: 05-12-2003
Fri, 04-14-2006 - 4:48pm
Thanks for the reply, Megan. I think you're right, in that I just became hyper aware of the sweating and the heavy breathing. i've had panic attacks keep me away from the gym for months before, and im not going to allow my self to do that again. Im glad i stayed and just walked, Im going to try the eliptical again tomorrow morning andsee how it goes!

iVillage Member
Registered: 05-12-2003
Fri, 04-14-2006 - 4:50pm

Thanks, Jan. I think I know now that it was indeed panic, im feeling so much better now.

I know i've been away for a while, i've been working on my thesis a lot, trying to get it published and working part-time. by the time im done all i feel like doing is playing solitaire :)

iVillage Member
Registered: 05-29-2003
Fri, 04-14-2006 - 9:10pm

Hi Mia,

I hope you are feeling better. It sounds like it could have been a panic attack, however, most likely it was because you had your period and didn't eat. All that, plus exercise can cause you to feel weak. I assume that triggered you to start worrying and then it might have turned into a panic attack.

Either way, it is great that you were able to get intouch with your bf, and that you are feeling ok. It's also great that you came here to vent.

Love, Jolie

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-07-2003
Sat, 04-15-2006 - 12:58am
Lisa You did good!! I hate when it comes at you
out of no where---- sending us into a tail spin-
I agree that you should take it easy and remember
you had a panic attack BUT you controlled yourself and it!!
Good to hear from you!! Let us know how you are doing---
Take care!! Judy
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-13-2001
Sat, 04-15-2006 - 1:28pm
I am glad that you are feeling better today!

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