Panic Attacks Forum - Panic Attacks within late hours

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Q: Panic Attacks within late hours

asked by: zentin on June 29th, 2009

New User

Hello, Over the past 3 months or so I have been experianceing strange symptoms and basically wanted advice on how to go about this. Currently I have told no one, although I often go outside the A&E departments to feel safer (UK) its just across the road from me about a 1 minute walk. I will often be there for hours on end, Anyway here are the symptoms I receive.

Oddly these symptoms do not turn up during the day, Only when I lay down in my bed, the second I attempt to go to sleep they start, and I often cannot sleep untill I am physically exhausted at around Five am, just to get up for college and the like, and feel down all day, and I fear they are leading me into a state of depression due to these symptoms my ambitions are dieing and my willingness to do anything are suffering similar consequences.

Symptoms : -

1, I feel I cannot control my breathing even though I am breathing properly.
2, My throat dries up and fills with thick saliva.
3, I am almost always convinced I am going to die, and often work myself over it, its not like I think im going to die, its I know.. even though its not happening.
4, I get sick feelings inside my stomach which dont cease.
5, I overwhelm with paranoia and find myself running to windows, checking locks, making sure everything is in order, and then repeat the process untill it feels better, If I attempt to stop this process, I become angry, scared, frightened, small, insignificant, ill, As if I am going to die.
6, I will lay down and feel as if I'm falling and shoot up and my heart feels like its jumped out of my throat.
7, I shake often uncontrollably
8, I Often feel light headed.

All these symptoms will occur sometimes alone, other times mixed and matched, Generally I find that the falling comes after my 5 - 7 hour episode of the other symptoms, making it nigh on impossible to sleep.

My question is basically what is this, is it a mixture of things, is it not, should I tell someone or continue to keep it to myself (Mainly because I am to embarrassed to tell my family and even doctor) and generally what other advice can be offered?

Thank you in advance and sorry about the long winded explanation

Replies(8)

wendyrs

replied on June 29th, 2009

Supporter

Zentin,

It sounds like what you are experiencing is OCD, anxiety, and panic attacks at night. You shouldn't be embarrassed to share what you're going through with your family and a doctor. Seeking help from a psychiatrist would really benefit you and trust me, you are not alone. Many of us suffer from anxiety. It's difficult to function when you're not sleeping at night which is only going to make your situation worse. Be sure to talk to your family and make an appt. with a psychiatrist who will be able to prescribe something to help you relax.

Users who thank wendyrs for this post: zentin

zentin

replied on June 30th, 2009

New User

Thank you Wendyrs, Do you mind If I ask you a few point based questions regarding as you said, Ocd as I am not entirely sure about it, I am pretty sure that the disorder only makes you correct things you deem as wrong, which can range from your fridge to making sure your shoes are in the correct order down the hall, and continuously checking both, I am thinking that you mean this by my checking of the windows, and locks constantly, But is it Ocd , or just the Fear and initial panic causing me to do it.

With regards to Panic attacks, I already know now after 3 months there are certain situations, and I will be sat there, and Know a Panic Attack is imminent, but for the most part, Its every single night, and rarely if not less than once a week in the day ... and when it is it ends fast (During the day I mean, Night can last up to 6 hours). Why is it that the Panic Attacks are selecting the night?

Anxiety, I don't quite understand this health problem, Is it just like a tool panics attacks use to set themselves off?

Lastly I was just curious as to if there are treatments which can improve my performance, for now my sleeping through the day although rough, I am explaining away as dossing (Doing Nothing), but this is getting me continuously moaned at, which I fear is making it ever so slightly worse. I am seriously considering telling my mother, and then arranging to see my local doc.

Thanks again in advance ..... Christopher

wendyrs

replied on June 30th, 2009

Supporter

Hi Christopher,

I really suggest that you see a psychiatrist for your anxiety and panic. What has happened is that your fear has turned into an obsession to check the windows and doors like a ritual every night. There are really good medications that will help you relax and lead a normal life. I take Vistaril and without it I have horrible panic attacks all night long. Did you have some kind of trauma in your life that caused you to have to check the doors and windows like you do? I hope you get help and relief soon! Keep us posted.

Wendy

zentin

replied on June 30th, 2009

New User

Thank you Wendyrs in the past year I have been burgled three times, I dont know if this would cause such a problem, but it may well be the case. The past 4 - 5 years of my life have been very stress full and upsetting, some of it is personal, but the offences committed on me, was of a nasty nature, I can see this as being something that would cause such an issue.

I have recently found a chat room where people with this symptom go, and although it is very recent I have found it help with the panic, but I feel detached from myself when typing there, as if I am not real, Perhaps its the lack of sleep and the rest. I have arranged a doctors appointment and will keep you posted on the outcome.

Just out of curiosity Vistaril is it addictive, and what sort of side effects does it contain, I am very wary when it comes to taking meds, because the thought of death from them scares me.
I was just curious with one more thing, my throat often feels swelled and when it is, I experience an intense thirst. Lack of appetite has also recently hit me (Not sure if I already mentioned this)

Again thanks for your help, and also anyones and yours in the future!

wendyrs

replied on June 30th, 2009

Supporter

Christopher, What you have experienced being burglarized can certainly cause your anxiety. Many people develop anxiety or even Post Traumatic Stress Disorder after experiencing something like a burglary. I think it's great that you made an appt. with a doctor. Vistaril was given to me for anxiety after the doctor took me off Klonopin because the Klonopin is not only addictive but is bad for memory. Vistaril has very little side-effects, none that I've experienced and is not addictive. Everyone reacts differently to meds. but this one works for me. Xanax can be addictive but I take that at times to help me relax. Everyone has their opinions about meds. but you have to do what makes you feel better. People will come on here and suggest you take vitamins. Vitamins are great for some things but most of these people don't suffer or understand the level of stress, anxiety, and panic that we do. Are you seeing a psychiatrist or a psychologist?? Make sure the psychiatrist spends a good amount of time with you and listens to you on the first visit before he just prescribes something. They are really not there to counsel but prescribe meds. however on the first visit they should spend a good amount of time learning about you. If you are comfortable with this doctor ask them to suggest a good therapist/psychologist for you to talk to. Good luck and keep me posted.

zentin

replied on June 30th, 2009

New User

Currently I am not seeing either a Psychiatrist or a psychologist. I have no doubt my doctor will send me that way before long.

I am considering downloading a relaxation cd and useing it once a day so that whenever I feel anxious or that a panic attack is hitting, I will be able to just turn it on and the body naturally associate it with relaxation thus helping it further. (Over time)

Yes I will let you know the outcome of the Appt. although Im dreading it now.

Do you think teaching myself CBT at least untill the appointment will help?

wendyrs

replied on June 30th, 2009

Supporter

I think it's a great idea. I love those CDs. If you like to write you can even try journaling your thoughts down while listening to the CD. It helps when you begin therapy. I do yoga twice a week and that is very helpful too. It takes the mind to another place and you become more focused on your body giving your mind a break. It sounds like you're heading in the right direction.

gemini64

replied on July 3rd, 2009

New User

Yes i know exactly what you guys mean..in March 09 I started getting panic attacks, I literally thought I was a dying..this continued for weeks..I went to the hospital and had multiple tests..x-rays..scans..you name it..but the feeling of the tightness and lump in my throat the choking..coughing sweating..palpitations..needing to use the toilet and thinking i was going to vomit continued..I was due to ride on a motorbike with my husband touring all of Europe..this he had planned for months and with the doctors all telling me it was stress related I felt I would let him down if I didn't go...I lost 2 stone and couldn't sleep well...so..I had to convince myself totally that I in fact was NOT dying and in fact had NO serious medical problems..I had to take control and get my life back...so reluctantly I went on the tour..bit by bit started to get better..every time it started I told myself I was ok and I had nothing to worry about..I relaxed breathed in through my nose to the count of 7.. breathed out to the count of 9...and carried on with what i was doing..I'm back off my 6 wk tour now I rode 24.000km and i had one episode of an attack..the feelings are still there slightly, but i can control it..the feeling cant and will not hurt you..its a normal reaction to stress....by the way i didn't feel stressed and that is why it took alot to convince myself it was stress related..but I now know it was..please believe me when i tell you it will get better..good luck everyone..x

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