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Panic Attack? How to manage?
Hello,
I recently, last handful of months have not felt well on and off. Adrenaline burst, blood pressure sometimes going up, heart beating fast, feeling light headed.
Went to doctor. She checked my heart rate, blood pressure, listened to things, said they were all normal, then asked about stress.
I shared that I had some heavy stresses. She immediately wrote off my complaints telling me to make sure I am eating correctly, work on controlling your stress, no need to rerun tests.
I left feeling doubtful and still worried. I called back and asked if we could rerun tests from January for my peace of mind. The answer was no, see someone for your stress and maybe you aren't getting enough sleep, how about a referral to a sleep study?
Long story to ask my questions...does panic attacks just start out of the blue?
Is there recommendations from anyone on how to stop it immediately?
It hits and then it escalates as I start to worry am I having a medical emergency.
I have been trying to breathe deeply and focus on something else, but it isn't being very effective.
Suggestions would be welcomed.
I needed to sign out of work today because of it.
Thank you.
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@ ymca49
Wanted to add. I very seldom have to take the clonazepam…my doc said as long as you know you have it as a last resort…you won’t need it and she was so right! It’s just my security blanket but I can handle it on my own now thanks to D.A.R.E
@ymca49
What is D.A.R.E.? I 'm having break through symptoms (very unpleasant) and want t to get of .5 mg of clon after being on them for four months. I can't find any to give me a taper schedule that seems safe. I am 81. How did you do it?
First of all the clonazepam was given to me for emergency’s only so I didn’t have to taper off….knowing I had them made me work through it myself. So I would sometimes take 1/2 pill. But nothing on a daily basis at all. Google D.A.R.E with Barry Mcdonagh…….Barry suffered from anxiety for years…tried everything and finally came up with this program himself. I ordered lots of books off Amazon looking for help but nothing made a Difference until I found this one. There is a paperback inexpensive on amazon ….there is a free app that has lots of info and stories and affirmations…..I listen to it every night as I fall asleep…..I hope you will check it out and I hope you can find some peace……I will add the one line I read in the book that helped me the most was “the thought of a tiger…is NOT a tiger”. It’s just thoughts…nervous energy……..you are safe.
Hi @gunshy - very unpleasant breakthrough symptoms do not sound fun at all, nor does not feeling as though you have a safe taper schedule.
I've personally found the pharmacist who dispensed my antianxiety medication very helpful in not only knowing what to expect ramping up onto the medication (e.g., how long till it works, what side effects and for how long I might expect them to last) and for tapering off and what to expect. I'd suggest trying them.
Have you by chance asked the pharmacist? If so, what did they suggest?
Not yet, but I will do so.
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1 Reaction@ymca49 Thank you so much for this recommendation, I have downloaded it and started listening. I get so consumed by my anxiety and stuck in my own head & thoughts, I find it hard to even focus on every day things! Yet it all sits there waiting to be done! I am hoping this DARE approach will help.... thank you again
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1 ReactionStick with it. I read the book several times and highlighted things that were important to me and I listened to things on the app daily and it started to sink in and give me some relief … I hope it does for you as well. Keep me posted and if I can help I will.
To me, that also sounds like a shame spiral. Do you have a therapist or go to any groups? CoDA online is very helpful.
Thank you so much. Did you feel like you were saying 'so what I accept this feeling' all day at first??
I had been doing really well, and then the panic attack last week has set me off on a spiral of thoughts and symptoms 🙃😐 all I can think about is my anxiety!
@ymca49 Thank you. Sorry I did add another comment/question, but it didn't save under here.