[LindenTree]

Sometimes, for no good reason, I start to feel very anxious. My stomach twists up in knots, my chest and throat get tight and I feel like I'm going to cry, I start to breath faster (which makes me lightheaded) and I can't get enough air no matter how deeply I breathe.

I thought it was a panic attack but every description I've read talks about heart attaks and feeling like you're going to die... I don't feel like I'm going to die, just very, very anxious. My husband always asks me what I'm worried about and I can't answer because I'm not worried about anything in particular. It's like my body knows something awful that my brain doesn't. Does anyone else ever feel like that?

[lancetrot]

The symptoms you report sound normal to me (I've had anxiety attacks). Unless you go on medication to stop your panic attacks, there is nothing you are able to do about these symptoms.

If your attacks are frequent and disabling (like you describe), better see your therapist for a prescription for anti-anxiety medication.

The meds which arrest anxiety attacks work very well, and in comparatively short order, but there are fallouts which your therapist will/should talk to you about.
Good luck

[Rosie23]

Sounds like a panic attack to me. I have them all of the time. But I have PTSD and they are related that.

You should probably talk with your doctor. I have heard there are medical problems that can cause them.

[pbutton]

I have only had a handful where I thought I was going to die. Most of the time I just get the physical symptoms (can't breathe, face goes numb, heart pounding, feeling like I am no longer in my body) and a fear that I am going crazy.

I understand the pervasive feeling of worry for no particular reason. I get a fluttery feeling and I can't explain why.

I think therapy is helping me tremendously.

[Bill3]

DSM criteria for panic attacks (you need to have at least four):

http://www.biologicalunhappiness.com/DSMpanic.htm

[LindenTree]

Ah, thank you all very much for the feedback. I do have an appointment with Mental Health next week, but I didn't want to go in there and say I was having panic attacks if that wasn't what they were.

Now if I could just make them stop...