Panic attacks

[massagegirl]

I've struggled with a variety of health issues for years. My main over riding symptom is dizziness/feeling faint. It's scary. It's only recently that I've worked out that it's anxiety related, it's such a physical reaction that I don't know how to control it. Having done a bit of research it seems this might be me having quite regular (several times a day) panic attacks. I always thought panic attacks involved fast breathing etc which I don't have but the dizziness, sweating etc makes me feel really panicked. It's like I'm having a realisation that this is what has been going on for years. It's affecting all elements of my life and I've really had enough. Has anyone had similar/ found anything that helps? Sorry, this is rambly, hope it makes sense!

[GirlWithTheLionHeart]

What are you thinking about/feeling before these dizzy spells?

[GirlWithTheLionHeart]

I've had panic attacks since I was a child but mine aren't typical heavy breathing etc either. Cbt did help me get them under control. Distraction methods and breathing techniques really helped me

[massagegirl]

They can come out of nowhere.
Or if I'm worried about something like work. Or just general low level anxiety in the background. Often feel overwhelmed by simple tasks like getting baby ready for childminder, then comes over me like a wave. Feel exhausted a lot. Nothing

[massagegirl]

Nothing physically 'wrong' had blood tests etc. just want to lead a normal life!

[GirlWithTheLionHeart]

Do you eat regularly? Could be blood sugar dropping?

I'd definitely recommend seeing your Gp about it and asking about either beta blockers and/or cbt therapy

[massagegirl]

Yes. I used to think blood sugar but it happens if I've eaten as well as not. I try to drink water regularly. Just fed up, feel like my life is restricted and I'm not being a very good mum/partner. Lost track of number of gps I've cried on over the years but I'm still struggling. Guess I'm only just realising it must be anxiety.

[fiestabelle1]

I used to suffer badly from panic attacks, and got into a real cycle of anxiety, which led to attacks, wjich led to more anxiety and so on it went. What worked for me was changing my thinking and accepting that it was part of my make up, so if I had a panic attack EVERY day, rather than stress about it, i just tried to go with it, so let it happen, sit quietly once it was over, dust myself down and move on. It took a number of years to get to that place, but now they are much less frequent.

[massagegirl]

I think now that I feel like I know what's happening I might be able to feel a bit more in control. Have been looking at breathing techniques and meditations online. I'd really like the frequency to lessen.

[tobiasfunke]

My panic attacks are characterised by extreme dizziness and feeling I'm going to faint. No hyperventilating although once I realised that's what they were I actually noticed my pulse was very fast.
Best thing to do is realise you're not actually likely to faint as your bp is higher rather than lower. I agree with fiestabelle1 you have to sort of go- oh it's a painic attack well it'll be over soon and carry on. Took me a few years as well and I don't get them much anymore when I was getting 4 or 5 a day at my worst. I found hypnosis very good- loads of apps out there and I actually went to a hypnotherapist for a while who was also quite good.
Can your GP put you on the waiting list for CBT?

[massagegirl]

Thanks tobias. I will ask. Have also emailed couple if local private CBT people. I feel more positive even having read your responses about how you've coped/improved.

[Ohbollocksandballs]

Yes, I suffered very badly at the beginning of last year, to the point where I couldn't leave my mums side (sad, I know) and didn't leave the house for well over 4 months.

Now I have my own place and a gorgeous 6mo DS, and were always out doing stuff together.

Go and see your GP, best thing I ever did. My doctor was amazing, he helped me get my life back. Sadly he was only a locum and has now left. I'd love to thank him and introduce him to DS.

[massagegirl]

Balls. What did he recommend which helped you? Congratulations on your baby!

[tobiasfunke]

The best thing is to know you are not alone. There are loads of people out there suffering panic attacks or know someone who is. Everytime you see an abandoned trolley in the supermarket or someone looking agitated in a queue- chances are they are having a panic attack and internalising it.

When I started getting them I went to my GP who was fecking useless, didn't even mention anxiety or panic attacks and gave me homeopathic pills. GP's now seem much more clued up so there are things they can do for you.
When I first had them the internet was just in it's infancy and I didn't know anyone else who had them. I thought I was going mad.
When I started talking about them I discovered loads of people who have had episodes of them or knew someone else who did. Some of my friends have been prescribed betablockers to help their anxiety and others antidepressants for short periods. People talk about it in a way they didn't use to. It's a proper thing you can help for.
If I had been offered betablockers then I might have tempted to try them because panic attacks are like a learned response so your body overreacts to minor issues. Breaking the cycle is the key.
I wish you lots of luck. They are shit but you can beat them.

[PennyPepper]

I used to suffer from low-level anxiety and occasional panic attacks when my DC were little.

I found a yoga class really helpful - just the breathing part if you're not bothered about being super-bendy. It teaches you how to breathe fully and properly right into your abdomen, which is really good for regaining control when you feel panic rising.

[massagegirl]

Thank you all. I'm really trying hard today to breathe, keep calm, almost tell myself I'm going to be fine, it will pass. I know it's only 11.00 but I feel a difference. Almost knowing what it is and that I can help myself. It's really good to hear other people of have been through and come out the other side. This has been so helpful. Thank you.

[Ohbollocksandballs]

massage so sorry I've only just seen your reply. I was referred for CBT and given Imipramine to take.

I was given citalopram first but if anything that made it worse. Hope you're feeling a little better.

[massagegirl]

No worries! I'm doing good this week :)

[Ohbollocksandballs]

Glad to hear :)

[Saltedcaramel2014]

I think if your gut feeling is that the symptoms may be linked to anxiety then it's worth investigating that - you mag well be right. I had a fortnight or so where I had ten or fifteen a day, I thought I was seriously ill, symptoms were tingling, rashes on my face and neck, metallic taste in my mouth etc took me a while to believe it could be panic attacks - never crossed my mind you could get those sort of symptoms. I went to a therapist a few times, recommended by GP (paid for by me but best £150 I've spent in my life) and it sorted it out, haven't had one since, two years now. I hope things improve for you soon, it sounds like you are in touch with your feelings and self which is the best start

[Chocolatemousegirl]

Panic attacks are very frightening and you are doing so well. CBT can be very helpful on overcoming them, you should be able to access this from IAPT via your GP; although sadly there may be a wait.
In the meantime no panic.org is a helpful website for advice and support.
Keep going and keep reminding yourself the symptoms however awful are just anxiety and will pass.

[massagegirl]

Thank you so much, since I've identified that for all these years the underlining cause has been anxiety there has been a major major improvement. This is only in the past week. Today for example I took baby on train to meet a friend, normally on the train I would feel exhausted, faint, hot, want to cancel plans because I'd feel so ill.Today I just recognised it, breathed and told myself it was anxiety, this meant it didn't get out of control. I think CBT would be good for some proper techniques though! Thank you all for your responses, it has honestly been a revelation that these had been panic attacks, I really hadn't associated the feelings and physical responses I have with panic attacks.