Panic attacks

[perfucktion]

Is it normal to be unable to walk during one? How do I prevent these from happening again? How do you stop one once it has started?

Half the time it happens after I've had a bit to drink, but they happen when I am sober also. The usual symptoms I get are very loud and fast heartbeat, feeling like I might throw up, not realizing that I am just panicking at first (thinking I need an ambulance or something), feeling like the oxygen isn't going into my lungs, shaking, and just being very freaked out and unable to explain whats happening. The past two times my hands and arms were numb and tingly, and this last episode I couldn't walk unassisted and it lasted for well over half an hour. Each time it happens it seems to be stronger. I've heard holding ice cubes helps, but I can never remember the damn ice cubes until I am already starting to come out of it. Thinking about people and animals close to me dying has been the trigger everytime, but I wouldn't describe myself as fearing death. I really don't want this to morph into some sort of phobia where I panic every time I think about it. Any input, tips, or shared experiences are welcomed. Thanks in advance!

[citruses]

im so sorry youre going through something like this. your panic attacks sound especially bad compared to mine. haha i don't have much tips on how to prevent one, but do you know when it's gonna happen? if you do, once you feel it coming in, go out for a walk. that's what my doctor told me. and i heard holding ice works too, but like you, at the heat of the moment i cant remember to do something like that. maybe you should get some professional help (if you arent.) i hope youre doing better today. <3

[LadyFace]

I am also very sorry that you are going through this. Panic attacks and anxiety are one of the worst things I've ever had to deal with in my life, but I'm slowly getting a hold on the feelings, and not letting myself get so worked up.
The fact of the matter is most of the other symptoms that you are experiencing during your panic attack (tingly limbs) is because you are not breathing correctly. You panic more because you're not breathing correctly as well, so the first step is to look up breathing exercises, and practice them every day... so that you have it ingrained into your head for when the time comes when you need to use it. You cannot physically be in panic mode if you are breathing correctly... which in turn stops all the other symptoms from coming through and scaring you more.
I just recently got put on an anti anxiety medication and even though I'm still in the process of the trial, I feel as though I have found the right kind of medication for me right now. Maybe that is something you can look into as well.
There are a lot of great books out there that will help you gain a better out look on life, and understand that you need to have positive thinking in order to forget about the thoughts of things that you cannot control. I have a few books that I can give you the names of if you would like. They've helped me a lot over the past few weeks and my panic attacks have been few and far between since then! It's been great.
Please try to stay away from alcohol until you have worked out some of your issues with anxiety. It doesn't help you in the long run to be drinking a depressant, and messing up your body chemically. I have realized this, and I also have stopped having to drink even though I really did enjoy a cold beer every other day. lol

[Caitlin6]

I cant get up when I have my really bad panic attacks. As for preventing them... thats the magic question isnt it. There are pills your doctor can give you and so I know when mine start I'll take one so it doesnt alst forever or get as bad. Although there are some relaxations on youtube for helping (check out whispercrystal). Sorry if I didnt answer this right/all the way I dont have the energy or concentration to read it all.

[AnaCuppy]

Is it normal to be unable to walk during one? How do I prevent these from happening again? How do you stop one once it has started?

Half the time it happens after I've had a bit to drink, but they happen when I am sober also. The usual symptoms I get are very loud and fast heartbeat, feeling like I might throw up, not realizing that I am just panicking at first (thinking I need an ambulance or something), feeling like the oxygen isn't going into my lungs, shaking, and just being very freaked out and unable to explain whats happening. The past two times my hands and arms were numb and tingly, and this last episode I couldn't walk unassisted and it lasted for well over half an hour. Each time it happens it seems to be stronger. I've heard holding ice cubes helps, but I can never remember the damn ice cubes until I am already starting to come out of it. Thinking about people and animals close to me dying has been the trigger everytime, but I wouldn't describe myself as fearing death. I really don't want this to morph into some sort of phobia where I panic every time I think about it. Any input, tips, or shared experiences are welcomed. Thanks in advance!

Yours are just as bad as mine. I've noticed that I've been very uncoordinated and I feel like I'm gonna get dizzy and pass out at any minute. and I just have to keep reassuring myself that it's just my anxiety. Sometimes it helps a little. I've also had the numbness and tinglyness which is really annoying. I've also had the rapid heartbeat along with sweating and shaking sometimes. I also get bad chest pains that make me think I'm having a heart attack which sets my anxiety off even more. My anxiety lasted for DAYS! It was ridiculous. It comes and goes and when it comes, it stays for a while. I've also had episodes of depersonalization. Has anyone else had it? And honestly, I really don't know how to prevent them cause any little bit of fear can spark one up. And far as with stopping one, all I can say is have a little talk with yourself and keep reminding yourself that nothing's gonna happen and you CAN'T die from a panic/anxiety attack. I would also recommend going for a walk or jog. Exercise supposedly helps anxiety :)

[GreedvsNeed]

I can't even move a finger whilst having a panic attack because every single movements just makes everything worse.... And after almost every panic attack I throw up, doesn't matter if my stomach is empty or not... That is the most painful part of the whole thing but after that I feel much better and relieved... But yea all the symptoms you described I can describe with my panic attacks,too. But somehow not every panic attack is the same... Every single one is different... Mostly I have memory-flashbacks (often triggers for my ED) and there is no way for me to calm myself down... I just have to lie there and wait until it's over (mostly thinking I will die any moment)

But yes, drug influence can bring on panic attacks, so I stay away from them! Best way to cope with that somehow is to try and remind yourself of the good things you have in your life and that nothing will happen you are 'just' panicking...

[barely_there]

Your panic attacks are similar to mine. Once it's happening, I lose all of my fine motor control, to the point that I can't even open and close my fist. I usually collapse to the ground, and then can't stand up because I just become paralyzed. It scares the fucking shit out of me. I had one about ten days ago that was so severe I was genuinely convinced I was about to die (in hindsight, I think that I'm going to die every time I have a panic attack). I also vomit, hyperventilate, and lose my ability to "speak." I can talk, but my words sound similar to someone who has had a stroke. I lose my vision, see spots, and get huge pains in my body.

A precursor to my severe panic attacks is my armpits. Usually about 48 hours before one of my "extreme" attacks, my armpits become really really sore. Almost to the point that I can't lift my arms above my head. It's a catch-22, because in one way it forewarns me, but in another way, I just whip myself into a panicked frenzy thinking about having another panic attack.

I wouldn't say they're "normal" symptoms...panic attacks like that are considered severe.

Feel better!! You're not alone!

-l

[perfucktion]

Thank you all so much for your responses and advice. It makes me feel better to know that it really is just a panic attack and that I am not the only one here. I will definately try the breathing exercises, thanks!