[teresapooh98]

This past week I've started having panic attacks. About one each day. One trigger could be that my family is going to florida and I'll be home alone. Sometimes I have a panic attack for no reason. I was just wondering what your symptoms are and how you get thru it. I have talked to my therapist about it and have come up with a plan on how to relax while having it. One of my symptoms is that my head feels weird, full/pressure and lightheaded/dizziness. Other symptoms are just a whole body feeling off and having heartburn or a burning sensation like i was having heartburn. Just kindof wondering if that's a symptom of a panic attack. Any information would be helpful. thanks

[OrangeMoira]

I get detached/derealized/floaty and lightheaded. Plus sweating, heart pounding, throat closing, hand shaking, nausea. Heartburn makes sense; kinda like some people get nauseated. Maybe that's why some people worry they're having a heart attack.

I try to breathe slowly and just gently tell myself that it'll be okay and I'll get through it. Helps to remember it doesn't last too long on its own.

It's great that you're working with your therapist! I hope it helps soon.

[1hopefulgal]

My mild panic attacks include a rapid heartbeat and a mild lightheaded feeling.
I can easily get rid of them by concentrating on my breathing, slow, shallow breaths, in-out-in-out, nice and easy.

My moderate panic attacks include rapid heartbeat, dizziness, a tightening in my chest, feeling like I'm having an asthma attack, moderate hyperventilation, and sometimes a wave of prickly heat over my arms and/or a twinge of chest pain.

Severe panic attacks include all the symptoms of a moderate attack, only more severe and longer lasting, and accompanied by the feeling that I was going to die.

I used to get severe heartburn when I was stressed, but it did not accompany my panic attacks. Turns out that my years of heartburn were related to my gallbladder. I've not had any problems since having it removed.

[lusie]

I think its your daily routine responsible for all this problem.. I just want to suggest you that you must think to do regular exercise, meditation which will relive your stress and makes you feel comfortable. If this will not help you then you must think to use some good supplement like somulin which will surely help you.

Hi, sorry you are having so many unsettling symptoms. I can see how thinking about being home alone might cause you all these horrible panic attacks. I have experienced all of the things you experienced. Unless I'm too dizzy, what I try to do is move around and do something to get rid of the adrenaline faster. Practicing deep breathing everyday is supposed to help. You could also try to take a moment yourself each day and pamper yourself..aromatherapy, music therapy, meditation, hypnotherapy..anything that might make you feel more comfortable with yourself.

When I get panic attacks, I try to distract myself with art like writing, drawing, painting, etc. It usually helps.

[Rae Tanner]

Originally Posted by teresapooh98

This past week I've started having panic attacks. About one each day. One trigger could be that my family is going to florida and I'll be home alone. Sometimes I have a panic attack for no reason. I was just wondering what your symptoms are and how you get thru it. I have talked to my therapist about it and have come up with a plan on how to relax while having it. One of my symptoms is that my head feels weird, full/pressure and lightheaded/dizziness. Other symptoms are just a whole body feeling off and having heartburn or a burning sensation like i was having heartburn. Just kindof wondering if that's a symptom of a panic attack. Any information would be helpful. thanks

I have panic attacks all the time; I was diagnosed with a panic disorder. It's horribly frustrating to deal with and I'm really sorry you are feeling this way. I realize the holiday season is almost over and I hope I'm not too late in replying. Anxiety/panic attacks are triggered from intense fear and worry. Sounds like you are very worried. Try to find a way to reassure yourself that you'll be safe while you're alone. Contact a friend nearby to be a safety-net or ask your family if you can call and talk to them. Reassuring yourself that things will be okay is a big step in helping to calm down those anxious feelings. And if you do have an attack I find calling someone close to me and just blabbing, exercising, or distracting yourself with a difficult task like math or a crossword helps.

[geisha75]

Like Laura said, getting up and moving a little can definitely be helpful if you can do it. I have a hard time with it since I feel so unsteady, but I try. Mine can last for long periods of time, which is why I take Klonopin as needed, but if you can stay away from that sort of medication and resolve these on your own with other methods, it would be far better for you.

I have a couple of things that help me. Sorting and folding laundry is a very good way to get my mind on something else. Sometimes I'll turn the TV on and even just listen while I get everything done. There's something strangely zen about folding. Maybe I should try origami. :P

The second thing is video games. I love all kinds, but the exciting ones are not what works in this kind of situation. One game in particular called 4 Elements is soothing. I play it on my iPad but it may be available for phones too. I don't think it's a computer game, but I could be wrong about that. (ETA: I was wrong! The game can be played on your computer. If you Google it, you'll find it on Shockwave's website.)

I hope you feel better soon.

[nightstriker]

I had major issues with panic attacks about a year ago. Dizziness, Chest Pain, and shortness of breath were the major symptoms for me. The experience can be quite terrifying. For me personally one of the most helpful things was talking to my therapist about what actually is happening during the panic attack physically (fight-flight instinct). That helped me understand that they were not dangerous. I would definitely recommend researching that if you can.

Couple Things I found helpful:

• Deep Breathing Exercises
• Regular Physical Exercise
• Distraction like reading
• Journaling when the panic attacks happen and how severe they are