I have suffered from panic attacks for almost 25 years. In the beginning, they got so bad that I had problems completing my weekly grocery shopping. I finally spoke to my doctor and got on some meds. They have been a LIFESAVER!

I still get mild to moderate panic attacks now and then, usually after I've had a couple bad nights of insomnia. I haven't had a severe "I know I'm gonna die" panic attack in more than five years.

But one thing that will instantly send me into an attack even with my meds is exercise.
I know it sounds weird. And I know it's not logical. But the increased heart rate and respiration from exercise mimics panicky feelings and sends me into a full-blown attack.

Because of this, I've been afraid to do anything that will increase my heart rate or cause me to breathe hard. And, as a result, I have become terribly out of shape. I NEED to exercise. (Strangely enough, just writing this has caused my chest to slightly tighten.)

Has anyone else had this problem? Have you found a way to get past it?