Get Rid of Panic Attacks
Since I suffer from panic attacks and make no attempt to hide the fact, a lot of people ask me: what are panic attacks and how do you get rid of a panic attack? how do you stop a panic attack? Well, first I’ll tell you that some people think a panic attack (also known as an anxiety attack) feels a lot like having a heart attack; all of the symptoms are there, but you’re not dying. I’d characterize it as this: what your reaction might be if you went skydiving and suddenly realized half-way through your descent that you forgot your parachute on your seat in the airplane. That is what a panic attack feels like.
There isn’t really a known cause for panic attacks, but basically it is your brain’s inability to turn off your instinctual fight-or-flight mechanism, that mechanism which controls adrenaline and other hormones that keep you alive in the middle of a crisis. This sends you into a hysterical state that keeps building because when people have panic attacks, and they don’t know what’s going one, they start freaking out about being freaked out. A panic attack or series of panic attacks can cripple a person–make them afraid to leave their home–and can sometimes lead to suicide. That’s how I felt until I sought counseling and learned how to cope with panic attacks. Don’t bother with sites like www.panic-anxiety.com, they’re just trying to sell you shit. These are the things you need to know and act on if you’re having panic attacks:
November 3rd, 2006 at 9:39 pm
Thank you so much for your advice. i don’t know why but I started having panic attacks recently. I tried to get support from my husband but he just makes fun of me or gets frustrated, so I have to keep it to myself, but sometimes it’s very scary. I went to the doctor to make sure it wasn’t physical. I got some lorazapan prescribed (though I don’t like it because it makes me sleepy).
I guess my next step, as you suggested, is to go see a psychotherapist.
It was so nice to read your information. It really comforted me. It’s what I needed. Thank you!
November 4th, 2006 at 2:51 pm
Dear Cara,
I’m glad I could help at least one fellow sufferer of panic attacks. Often times talking to the people around you or getting them to understand your problem isn’t easy. It will take time and perhaps it will take a professional sitting your husband down and explaining the illness to him. Yes, I would suggest seeing a therapist, psychiatrist, psychotherapist, whomever it is that makes you feel comfortable and understood.
Good Luck,
Jonathan
November 27th, 2006 at 2:49 pm
Hi Jonathan,
I just happened to come across your blog when I was searching about how to deal with Anxiety.
See, I was diagnosed back in 2003 with GAD. I’ve been on PAXIL CR, ZOLOFT, PROZAC, LUVOX, and in the past and recently LORAZEPAM. However; I weaned myself off of Lorazepam because I do not like the side effects, nor the addiction. Plus, I’m Wiccan, and I believe in taking things that are “natural”. So, needless to say I believe in Eastern Medicine, not Western
But, although I have been dealing with this for a long time (I had it since I was 16, but never knew what it was until 3 years ago) it’s still very hard to be “happy”. I mean, I know what happens when I have my attacks, and then I do the things I was told. I try to keep busy. But there are times still where I feel SO overwhelmed and cry.
I usually go through guided meditations. I was seeing a therapist, until recently when my insurance was cancelled
I was doing okay until my insurance was cancelled and now I’m panicking again because I know I can’t see her until I get new insurance. So, that bothers me.
Your blog really helped in the sense of knowing that I am not alone.
I know there are millions of others out there, like yourself, who go through this. And we are not alone 
But…I don’t know about you…but you mentioned that it helps to talk to your loved one or someone about it so they know what you are going through. I did this with my ex-husband, and he divorced me….I don’t do it as much with my current husband because I’m afraid that he’ll get fed up and do the same. He says he won’t but I feel like I can’t put him through this.
Anyways, I just wanted to say I loved your blogs and hope you are doing well
Love and Light,
~*~Chelbie~*~
December 1st, 2006 at 1:05 am
Chelbie,
Thank you for the kind words. I know what you’re going through, and it’s always tough, especially if your GAD starts to become panic attacks. I said you should talk to loved ones and friends because a lot of the time people don’t understand just what GAD and panic attacks are. And if you need to leave a social setting because of one, it’s best that they know why you’re leaving, rather than letting them assume one thing or another.
If your loved ones can’t deal with that, then perhaps you’ve found the wrong person to live your life with. I think Natasha is a very special person to me because she wanted to know all about my anxiety condition, and she has offered her patience and her help when I’m feeling anxious or panicked out. Honestly, if your mate can’t cope, then I think something’s wrong with them. I know it’s hard for them, but if they really love you, they will show their patience and attempt to help you through the tough parts.
A lot of people, I imagine, feel ashamed of their panic attacks and anxiety disorder because they’re in a relationship with someone who isn’t willing to accept you and your issues. As sad as that may seem.
On the upside, you have a friend here, and if you need to talk about it more, I’m sure the people who frequent this site would love to help you with your issues. To this end, I may be starting a forum for the site, so we can help each other.
-J
June 29th, 2008 at 9:06 pm
My husband dose’nt understand the panic attacks he tells me I’m freaking out which makes me feel like a freak hurts my feeling. I’m taking lorazapan and they gave me paxil in which I haven’t taken yet and my anxiety is getting really bad help