I had the first panic attack for the first time in two months today.

At a family event, everyone was talking to me, asking me about school, friends, music. But their voices were so loud and I felt like I wanted to get out of there really fast, but I couldn't.

At first, I felt fear. Just a subtle, annoying buzzing in the back of my brain. Suddenly I couldn't focus on anything else. Why was I so afraid? Why was this happening to me? Then, the fear turned into a red-hot feeling, it burned, and it spread down my neck, around my neck, deep into my chest, just holding and squeezing me. It was hard to breathe. I was more afraid than I was a few moments ago. I couldn't catch my breath. I started to sweat. My vision got blurry.

I feel tired.

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4meAndyou · F

I used to get panic attacks all the time when I was married to the 3rd ex, but they stopped when I learned that they weren't going to kill me or hurt me.

When you experience a panic attack the absolute worst thing that will happen is that you will pass out...and THAT cures the panic attack. Your breathing will always return to normal when you are unconscious. Somehow, just knowing that I wasn't going to die always calmed me.

There are things that can CAUSE the attacks, and you should avoid them. Avoid tea, coffee, coca cola, pepsi, mountain dew, Dr. Pepper, chocolate, desserts containing chocolate , and sugar. You should check all the medications you take currently and see if panic attacks or anxiety are among the side effects. Be aware that decongestants and some cold medications and allergy medications that contain decongestants can also cause anxiety and panic attacks.

I was able to overcome the panic attacks and even able to function right through them by trying not to hyperventilate.

I could feel the attack starting in my chest, and if I became very still and quiet within myself, and closed my eyes, I could actually tamp that rising hyperventilation down, also. I actually took my son to the doctor WHILE I was having a panic attack. No one even noticed.

Manfredthemanic · 16-17, M

You are very brave. @4meAndyou

I don't know how to manage to keep so calm because I can't. But I do also get very quiet and don't move because I'm afraid I will cry. When they were really bad, my knees got shaky and I couldn't walk straight. Before, when I passed out, I thought I was just tired.

I hope I can be like you someday. I will try hard.

4meAndyou · F

@Manfredthemanic {{{{{{HUGS}}}}}}} It's not easy, is it. You will be fine. Remember...there is nothing to fear. You will not die...and you can ride it out.

Another thought that used to help me was thinking about all the people who like to get drunk or do drugs, and they actually PAY to feel like that...and I was getting that feeling for FREE!!! 🤣. That's what got me through my son's doctors appointment. 🤣

Manfredthemanic · 16-17, M

@4meAndyou If that's what alcohol feels like, I don't ever want to drink. :O

Manfredthemanic · 16-17, M

@4meAndyou And I know that nothing can hurt me, but it's still a bit scary. When I was little, my parents thought I was just throwing a tantrum. 🤣

4meAndyou · F

@Manfredthemanic Aww. It stinks when people are ill informed about what is going on with their family. I was the same, I'm afraid. When my mother had dementia I didn't have a clue what to expect or what was going on. I thought she was being perverted or cruel.

After she died, I felt so guilty about being angry with her that I got a job working with elderly Alzheimer's and Dementia patients, and took a lot of classes.

I am sure your parents love you very much, and it sounds like they have come a long way in understanding what is going on with you.

Manfredthemanic · 16-17, M

@4meAndyou I'm sorry about your mum. :( Dementia is sad because my Grandmother had it and she didn't know who I was, or my dad, but she could play board games with me.
I think my parents love me, but they don't know a lot about how I am. They want me to be a perfect little student, and I get good grades, but sometimes I get anxious and sad.

4meAndyou · F

@Manfredthemanic Make sure you print out whatever you can find on the internet about anxiety and panic attacks...and leave it lying around where they can see it. Coffee table? Dinner table? To understand and educate themselves is an act of love.

Manfredthemanic · 16-17, M

One time, my brother put on anxiety videos on repeat on our living room TV. He understands. @4meAndyou

4meAndyou · F

@Manfredthemanic I'm glad you have your brother.

Manfredthemanic · 16-17, M

@4meAndyou Me too. He's my best friend. 😊