Panic Attack Excessively Gone too far

There's an app you can put on your phone from the play store it's called let's meditate I find it very relaxing also that there is a breathing technique you breathe in to

To the count of four hold to the count of four blow out to the count of four then hold without breathing for the count of four and repeat over and over Navy seals do this to calm down it helps you breathe better

Hi, @abopp2022 - sounds as though you've been dealing with several health challenges with these panic attacks, dyspnea, dizzy spells and double ear infection. Loss of a job is also a high stressor.

@jimhd and @johnhans may have some input on managing the the panic attacks and fear, as well as have some input on whether they have had any dyspnea or dizzy spells with panic attacks.

You mentioned your doctor keeps tagging this as stress. Do you have other ideas in mind for a potential diagnosis beyond stress?

@abopp2022 yes you can get shortness of breath from panic attacks. You are under stress and that can lead to anxiety and panic attacks. However there are other things that can cause dyspnea. Your doctor probably knows your health history and believes you are most likely to be having stress related problems. You can always try another doctor for a second opinion.

@abopp2022

Most of my panic attacks hit during the night, as well. I don't have them often, thankfully.

Some of the things I've experienced during attacks:
Impending doom
Heart races
Can't breathe
Feeling smothered
Generalized fear and anxiety

There are a few things I do to combat the attacks:
Pray
Read the Bible, particularly the Psalms
Awaken my wife so she will touch me
Get up and drink water or milk
Move to the recliner for awhile
Read whatever book I've been reading - usually a murder mystery

I don't experience dizziness in connection with a panic attack, though I can imagine I would if I were to be walking. I often get dizzy when I stand up. I have sleep apnea and wear a mask at night. The one I'm using now only covers my nose, like a nasal cannula. In the past I've worn a full face mask, which could initiate claustrophobia. I have to take off my mask because of the feeling of being smothered.

These are things that are true for me, but each person responds to panic in their own way. Are you being treated by a therapist or other doctors who have experience in mental health? A therapist might use CBD therapy, something that has been a real help to me. Has a sleep study been suggested to you? There are many things that would generate the symptoms. I hope you find a doctor who can assess and diagnose what's going on and can treat any underlying mental or physical problem.

I wish you well.

Jim

I’ve not been truly diagnosed with anything. They keep saying it’s stress but I keep getting sick. It started wit my ear infections then led to low potassium and b12. And now everything else. I need a break. I can talk to my psychiatrist who has been trying to figure it out.

It’s not just the panic attacks that bother me. During the day I feel sick and dizzy and I’m never really hungry. I eat but not enough, I’m just not hungry. I drink a ton of water but still get dehydrated. I generally just don’t feel good. I don’t have the energy to do anything since I was last at the hospital. I’ve never had a sleep study suggested because I’ve never had this problem. I’m a runner and my biggest concern is my dyspnea. I just don’t know. With everything goin on

@abopp2022 as I said and others said a medical check up with another doctor is a good idea. You should not be excessively thirsty when you are drinking a lot. You should be getting a minimum of 40-50 ounces of water each day. Caffeine is a dehydrator so if you have that in your diet, you will need to drink about 70-80 ounces a day. If you are drinking these amounts and are still thirsty, please see a doctor about this.

No caffeine. I’ll go to a different doctor first thing Monday morning.

Vitamin/mineral deficiencies can cause horrible panic/anxiety!!! I am so sorry! Please be your own advocate and get blood tests run for vitamin/minerals. Viruses themselves can kick off a smoldering anxiety issue! Strep is known to trigger OCD, they are not 100% sure why that is, but it DOES happen! It is known as PANDAS. I am in no way suggesting that is what you are experiencing.
If all of that checks out, be at peace about that and move forward in your healing. Some viruses alter us a bit for a long time.
Rest, eat right, seek out supportive people, try breathing apps, exercise-if able, meditate, perhaps volunteer! It is in helping others that we heal❤️
Sending strength!