Asking
Only logged in members can reply and interact with the post.
Join SimilarWorlds for FREE »

Have you ever had a temporary anxiety attack?

Feel free to expound.
This page is a permanent link to the reply below and its nested replies. See all post replies »
4meAndyou · F
I used to get them all the time when I was married to the ex, raising a teenage son and working as a retail manager. I used to drink a pot of coffee a day, or more, and I was able to control the attacks by cutting out ALL caffeine, sugar, chocolate, and decongestants.

I had them so often for a while I thought I would never be able to stop freaking out.

I learned the early signs and feelings of an attack, and learned to slow my breathing and calm myself.

I think what helped me the most was something my son's counselor told me. She said that the worst thing that could happen to me was that I might pass out. IF I passed out, my breathing would automatically regulate itself, and the attack would be over.

Once I realized that, I began to relax because I had finally learned that I wasn't going to die.

I was actually able to take my son for a medical appointment and DROVE while I was having an attack. THAT taught me that I could move and function and do what I needed to do...and that was also a calming realization.

As I sat there in the waiting room, the sense of unreality and tunnel vision I was experiencing made me feel as though I was on some kind of drug...and I DO have a sense of humor. I was able to realize that some people actually PAY to buy drugs that give them the same sort of experience.
ProfessorPlum77 · 70-79, MVIP
@4meAndyou Very enlightening.