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Originally Posted by 1hopefulgal
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?
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I just recently start having panic attacks, although now I have not had a serious episode in about 4 months or so. My panic attacks started about 8 months ago after a 6 mile run. At that time, I thought I was having a heart attack. My arms were feeling numb, lightheaded and chest soreness. I had problem breathing as well. I was so scared, I went straight to the E.R. They told me I was severely dehydrated. In short, a series of tests were done on me and everything was normal or within normal range. I was not having a heart attack. I took 2 months off from running to recuperate. I started running again, however it was different, after a 1/4 mile I started to freak out. I was having numbness in my arms, difficulty breathing, tightness around my chest area. It was horrible. It got progressively worse, I could not go to the gym without feeling nervous. Just stepping into the gym made me feel woozy!
Good News:
Overtime, I was able to conquer my fear and anxiety of working out in the gym. I experience no anxiety at all working out in the gym. It takes a lot of hard work, but you can do it!! Take it easy at first, just do a *light* workout 15 mins or so then stop. Keep doing the *light* workout daily, and when you feel comfortable increase your time or intensity of your workouts.
Running, however, is more challenging. I can run up to 8-10 miles without freaking out, if I take it very slow (no 8:30 min/mile pace). After 10 miles I start having worrying thoughts about my body and then my anxiety returns.
Also, what helped me tremendously was/is getting tested (EKG, ECHO, blood work, etc), to rule out any physiological problems. I cannot stress this enough, see your doctor before doing any exercises. It will boost your self confidence knowing that physically you are OK to do the workout. Keeping repeating that (I am physically fine to do the exercises) to yourself during the exercises.
I hope this helps you!