Please help feel like i'm dying.

[Ryujinjakka]

Lately i've been suffering from terrible panic attacks that took me to the ER several times, racing heart, dizziness when changing positions, chest pain and tightness, but the symptom that scares me the the most is the feeling of not being able to breathe. Out of nowhere i could be relaxed and feel like no air is getting throw and chest feels really tight, usually it last about 10 secs or so and then i start to hyperventilate. I'm sure its just anxiety since i've had many doctors listen to my heart, like 5 ECG'S, echochardiograms, x-rays, blood tests. My gp says its just panic attacks, psychiatrist gave me some meds said the same. I guess they also listened to my lungs but since i'm not sure it gives me anxiety. Any input would be greatly appreciated, thanks.

 

[Steven]

Hi there, as most could tell you here on an anxiety forum, anxiety does crazy things to our bodies. And it definitely affects people differently. If you’ve seen doctors about this, had blood works done, etc., and everything came back normal then I’m sure you’re okay. I would just try to remember that anxiety is the culprit behind a lot of these physical ailments we suffer from, and that you are healthy.

 

[Kaynil]

As far as I understand, one of the things that differentiate anxiety attacks from panic attacks is precisely that they can sneak up on you without any apparent trigger. You can be fine one minute and in a matter of seconds have an episode. The fact that we can't control them is what makes them terrifying. A had a friend that at times seemed like his only states were either having a panic attack or being unable to focus and dreading when the next one was going to hit him.

I have had strong anxiety attacks but I don't think I ever experienced one first hand so I am not sure how much I could help with that, I did my best to help my friend but I wasn't informed back then and just as scared. He has regained a lot of self-esteem and this has helped him to mitigate them a lot. I will try to give some advice based on my experiences with my friend and a bit I've read, however, take the doctors, professional and actual people with the disorder above my word if anything I said conflicts with that.

Right now it is best that you find coping mechanisms to help you before and during them. You also need to accept that you can't have control over when they appear. It is part of our lives to realise we don't really have as much control of things as we wish we did. It is that we try to assume control of things part of what stresses us, because if I was in control then that means I failed and that is not the case here. So you need to stop blaming you or trying hard to seize control of it. Accept it will come but know that it will pass. Even if it feels like dying it know that you are not doomed. That the moment will pass and you will survive it. It will pass. Hold onto that.

Once you accept it as part of your life you can shift your focus on how to mitigate the effects of one. For many people, the first thing is regaining control of your breathing before it becomes hyperventilation. By now, hopefully, you have a good idea when a panic attack is coming so you need to do your best not to let fear dictate your actions. Its normal to feel afraid but try your best to stay under control on the moments before the panic attack actually kicks in.

Okay so you know it is coming, go to your favourite room if you're home and put in a relaxed position and try your best, against your body impulse, to take deep long breaths. Breathe in, hold it a bit and then release. Repeat. Hopefully with this you can avoid hyperventilation and make it easier to stay calm during it.

Now just try anything that helps you remain calm, like closing your eyes, thinking of a place, memory or song you enjoy, anything that helps you while it is taking place.

I hope this can be of some help for you.

 

[janemariesayed]

Lately i've been suffering from terrible panic attacks that took me to the ER several times, racing heart, dizziness when changing positions, chest pain and tightness, but the symptom that scares me the the most is the feeling of not being able to breathe. Out of nowhere i could be relaxed and feel like no air is getting throw and chest feels really tight, usually it last about 10 secs or so and then i start to hyperventilate. I'm sure its just anxiety since i've had many doctors listen to my heart, like 5 ECG'S, echochardiograms, x-rays, blood tests. My gp says its just panic attacks, psychiatrist gave me some meds said the same. I guess they also listened to my lungs but since i'm not sure it gives me anxiety. Any input would be greatly appreciated, thanks.

I know it is really scary because when your chest tightens like that and you can't get air it kinda makes your life flash before you.
You may not think this will work but it does I promise. Keep trying it and eventually, you will be a dab hand at it and be able to deal with your attacks.

Take a deep breath. Purse your lips like you are going to kiss and suck in the air. Then hold in that air for as long as you can.

What starts the breathlessness and racing heart is this. A while before your attack you have been shallow breathing. Your heart then beats faster to get air around your body. The way to help it is to take in a deep breath and hold it in. I know it is hard but with practice, it gets easier.

The attacks wont stop, but when they happen, you will be able to get in air so they will last for less time. You will eventually be able to get your breath back before the attack gets hold.

Try forcing a cough. Try sucking in air through pursed lips, a straw or a paper bag. Slowly mowly but get that air in and hold it in. Focus on that and remember to practice it each time it happens. I promise it does work.

 

[Ryujinjakka]

thanks all all the replies I appreciate the help.